Question for the locksmiths

[J.D.]

I have encountered a situation where the frizzen spring actually holds the frizzen off of the pan. The frizzen will rotate down onto the pan, but raises up under spring pressure, far enough to lose priming unless the shooter is very careful.

I have never seen that and can't figure out what is causing the problem, unless the foot of the frizzen is too long. A more likely scenario is the configuration of the spring, but I don't understand how that would cause that problem.

Any help or advice is sincerely appreciated.

God bless,
J.D.

[E.vonAschwege]

J.D., I've encountered similar situations, and in my experience it's either the frizzen pivot screw is a sloppy fit, or the thing was drilled at the wrong angle.  If it's a new lock, send it back for a replacement.  If it has developed this problem over time, then try making a new pivot screw that fits tighter.  The spring could be super strong and it still shouldn't push the frizzen "up" off the pan. 

The base of the frizzen or the top of the pan can also be carefully filed so it lays flat once again, but check the screw first.  Hope this helps,
-Eric

[Sam Everly]

It could be a couple of things but as said in the other posts, it is most likely the screw is smaller than the hole or the hole is oversize. That is if it is the front of the pan with the gap (towards the frizzen screw). If it is the rear (towards the cock) you can file the pan. 

[Dphariss]

Screw hole is too large, drilled "off".
If its new its faulty.
If its old either make a different screw or plug and redrill the frizzen in the proper place.
Frizzen spring can't do this if everything is right.
Dan

[doug]

     I think you need to look at where the frizzen bears on the frizzen spring.  The location of the bearing point relative to the pivot point governs how the frizzen sits at rest.  A loose screw or one drilled at an angle can shift that relationship but it still comes back to whether the contact point is behind, below, or in front of the pivot point

cheers Doug

[J.D.]

I appreciate everyone's help.

This is a new, or near new, Austin and Halleck lock. 

The clearance between the screw hole and screw is only .004 and the screw hole appears to be drilled correctly.

In this case, I think Doug has the answer, but I gotta figure out how to apply what I have just learned.

Working on these cheap locks can be a real PITA, but I'm learning allot about lock geometry and function.

This is a great forum, or what?  I don't now of any other forum where so many knowledgeable people so freely share their hard earned knowledge.

Thanks again, and God bless.