Author Topic: optimum sear length  (Read 1553 times)

Offline RMann

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 98
optimum sear length
« on: January 07, 2021, 08:23:06 PM »
Just starting to inlet the internals of a lock, for the first time.  I read that the sear may need to be shortened to not much more than the centerline of the stock, the trigger centerline essentially.  In my case the C/L is 5/8", so I figure I'll trim to 13/16".  That is an extra 3/16" for safety, but maybe 1/8" beyond the C/L is plenty.  I couldn't find an answer on a basic search here, so please advise.  Also, what is the best method to cut the hardened sear.  I figured I'd just use a razor wheel on my 4" grinder, using an iced rag to keep the sear reasonably cool.  But I'm just guessing....  Thanks in advance, you guys are such a help to my challenging but fun flintlock building endeavors!  R Mann

Offline smylee grouch

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7906
Re: optimum sear length
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2021, 09:19:12 PM »
When I shorten a sear I use the bench grinder SLOLY. The amount yoo take off is small so it doesn't get that hot for me.

Offline moleeyes36

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1443
Re: optimum sear length
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2021, 11:19:45 PM »
I've used a cutting wheel on a Dremel tool for that with good results.

Don Richards
Don Richards
NMLRA Field Rep, Instructor, Field Range Officer
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer

Offline Mike Brooks

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13415
    • Mike Brooks Gunmaker
Re: optimum sear length
« Reply #3 on: January 08, 2021, 05:31:49 PM »
Odd, I have never felt the urge to shorten a sear. I just drill the sear hole deep enough and move on....close to the edge and razor's edge and all that.
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Offline RMann

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 98
Re: optimum sear length
« Reply #4 on: January 08, 2021, 10:19:49 PM »
Well, I ended up cutting it 3/16" beyond C/L , as I wanted to minimize that 5/16" hole's depth.  I just used a 4" "razor wheel", with a few dips in water, to keep the sear reasonably cool.  It just took a few minutes, and with an A wt. barrel in a slim stock, it makes sense to minimize the sear hole depth.

Offline FALout

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 875
Re: optimum sear length
« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2021, 12:31:37 AM »
I’ll admit that it makes sense to shorten the sear, but I never have. Like Mike, I just drill the hole deep enough.  My luck, I’d shorten it too much.  In the few stocks that I’ve seen broken, it was never right where the hole is, usually back some.
Bob
Bob