T/C percussion cap 50 cal. Hammer won't ####

cath8r

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Hello. A buddy has an older Thompson center percussion cap in the 'old style'. I know nothing about these things, it has 2 triggers.
He pulled it out of storage and the hammer goes back but doesnt ####. Just wants to fall forward.
Any idea what it could be?
Also approximate value?
Octagon barrel, no rust, everything looks fairly tip top.
 
Make sure he is cocking the front trigger. the front trigger is the firing trigger, the rear is the set trigger. #### the front one for regular heavy trigger pull or #### the front then the rear for a hair trigger ON THE FRONT one. The front trigger is the only one that releases the hammer.
 
Ok. Thanks guys. So this mechanism comes apart.
I'll have another look tonight.

Also, how do you clean these?

I really have nooooo clue...lol.
 
Remove the ram rod. Remove the barrel wedges. Carefully lift the barrel up and out of the stock. (it hinges a little) Remove the lock screw on the left side of the gun. Pull the hammer back out of the way and wiggle the lock out of its mortice. You should then be able to see what the issue is. These directions are from memory so proceed slow and remember to control the barrel after the wedges are removed.

Darryl
 
Thank you!

Googling, I saw where someone wrote how leaving the barrel dirty for even a few days without cleaning can ruin the barrel. I bet this guy didn't clean fck all nothing.
Could the barrel be ruined? I haven't looked yet.
 
Could also be the trigger spring. No tension to set the trigger in the sear. Hopefully the barrel is not rusted or pitted. With the barrel out of the stock give a good wash inside with soapy warm water. It helps to have the cleaning rod (ram rod) and a 50 calibre jag and appropriately sized patches. To correct my take down post move the hammer back when removing the barrel not the lock. My bad.

Darryl
 
Hey guys.
I took the side plate that contains the hammer mechanism off.
I can get the hammer to #### if I pull it back and push down on a lever. I'm assuming there should be a spring there to push this lever down when the hammer is cooked.
I'm no smith but have an idea how things should work.
Does this sound right?
No springs came out of the trigger group when I tipped it over on its side.
 
There should be a spring that pushes the sear against the tumbler.
Is the sear free moving? It should move freely with spring tension on it.
 
Yup it moves freely.
With the side plate out, I can #### the hammer and push down and set the trigger and it stays cocked. A spring pushing down would definitely be what's missing.
I took a pic but no clue how to post
 
There was nothing there and nothing in the action rattling around. The gun had definitely been apart before, but I agree, looks pretty clean I side.
The guy said he shot it couple times and fired it in the safe. He bought it new and had me look at it. I think he tinkered with it.
Where would I get parts?
 
There should be a little plunger along with a very small captive spring inside. Does not give much pressure - just enough. In a pinch I have used a spring from a cheap ball point pen cut to the right length and it will work fine.
 
Screenshot_20220209-201442_Chrome.jpg
I'm thinking I need 52 and 52A.
52 has 16 in stock. 52a isn't listed.
 

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