Lock replacement

[Rabbitz]

I'm having trouble identifying this lock. It is stamped with Russ on the inside of the lock, I am assuming it is a Russ Hamm? Is there any drop in replacement locks such as a Siler lock available that anyone knows of or will it need inleted?

[rich pierce]

What’s wrong with this one?  I know of no drop in replacement locks, especially left handed.

[M. E. Pering]

As Mr. Pierce queried... What is wrong with it that you would wish to replace it?  Though the mainspring looks a bit on the thin side, it looks perfectly serviceable to me, and if it has a problem, it can surely be repaired, I would think.

Matt

[Rabbitz]

Where the hammer strikes the lock plate is worn so bad that it's causing the hammer to roll off and not stop consistently. I'm not sure how to repair something like that. Basically the hammer goes farther than it should.

[Lucky R A]

   The top of the lock plate can be welded up and re-hardened.  The hammer stop on the hammer appears in the photo to be ok, so I assume it the lock plate that has battered down.  Just for the heck of it, check the length of your rear lock bolt.  If it is overly long (extending beyond the lock plate outer surface)  it could be pushing you hammer out and contributing to your problem, and of course interfering with hammer force when it drops...You likely do not need a new lock, just some TLC. 

Ron

[Rabbitz]

Thanks Lucky! The screw does exdrude out about 1/16" or more and very well could have led to this problem. I bought the rifle used and noticed this right away. It does appear to be striking just the edge of the lock plate even with the screw removed so I'm not sure with out giving the hammer a little tweak how to get it back in line but I'll check it out. Any recommendations on who would re weld / harden a lock? I know a few welders in life but I'm not sure about the hardening part.

[Flint62Smoothie]

The Emigs (sp?) at Cabin Creek Muzzleloading in PA does great lock repairs.

[Rabbitz]

I'll give them a try that's perfect seeing how I live in Pa

[David Price]

Check and make sure  the cock is pressed onto the tumbler all the way.  If the lock bolt is sticking out and not touching there cock, that could indicate the cock is not close enough to the lock plate.  If so make it closer to the lock plate so it won't happen again.

David Price

[Rabbitz]

I'll have to take a look thanks for the advice.

[Eric Krewson]

I bought a new L&R lock that the hammer stop just grazed the corner of the lock plate. I sent it back and they cut a deeper square on the tumbler shaft so the hammer would seat deeper on the shaft.  This is probably what you need to do.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I agree with the last couple of diagnosi (sp?)  When you look down on the lock plate on edge, there should be just enough space between the cock and plate that the cock just passes without rubbing - no more.  If that gap is excessive, the square on the hammer can be cut closer to the plate, allowing the cock to be squeezed onto the square just a bit further.  Having done that, be sure the square is not too long, preventing the hammer screw from bottoming against the cock.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I like the smell of Rapid Tap, and it is no where near as strong as it used to be.  Smells like gunsmithing to me.

[Daryl]

Check and make sure  the cock is pressed onto the tumbler all the way.  If the lock bolt is sticking out and not touching there cock, that could indicate the cock is not close enough to the lock plate.  If so make it closer to the lock plate so it won't happen again.

David Price

Ditto