I have an original Winchester hi wall with I think a single set trigger. I think it's a set trigger because of the screw behind it. I can't seem to get it to adjust very well at all. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Original Winchester 1885 Hiwall
- Thread starter Black Vic
- Start date
They have a pretty short adjustment range. Basically turning the screw in will decrease the trigger pull. If it's too far in, then it won't set when you push it forward.
First I'd remove the buttstock to make sure it's not full of crud.
Then a good place to start is to turn it in until it won't click when you try to set it. Then adjust 1/2 turn outward until it stays set. That'll be as far inward as you probably want to go. There isn't generally a very wide range of adjustment that you'll get though.
Chris.
First I'd remove the buttstock to make sure it's not full of crud.
Then a good place to start is to turn it in until it won't click when you try to set it. Then adjust 1/2 turn outward until it stays set. That'll be as far inward as you probably want to go. There isn't generally a very wide range of adjustment that you'll get though.
Chris.
A decent diagram here. https://americansocietyofarmscollec...7-Variations-of-the-Model-1885-Winchester.pdf
Are you comfortable pulling the action apart to inspect the mechanism of the trigger? Cleaning and re-oiling as required? It may be as simple as a bit of dirt or dried oil, keeping it from working.
The basic operating principle, is that you push the trigger forward with your thumb, to preload the fly/hammer (may not be using the correct name) against the secondary spring in the trigger mechanism. The 'set sear' engages the fly/hammer at full travel (more or less) forward. When the trigger is pulled, it releases the fly/hammer against the sear. The screw varies the engagement of the 'set sear' on the fly/hammer.
If it bothers you and you become frustrated with it, PM me, and I will send you a mailing address where you can be sure of it being safely disposed of!
In all seriousness, it is most liable to be a simple problem of needing a decent clean and lube, though, in more or less a century, it could have suffered unkind treatment along the way, or, simply, worn, and need some attention.
Someone else may be able to chime in as to whether the set mechanism will operate as designed, if the hammer is not at full #### first.
Are you comfortable pulling the action apart to inspect the mechanism of the trigger? Cleaning and re-oiling as required? It may be as simple as a bit of dirt or dried oil, keeping it from working.
The basic operating principle, is that you push the trigger forward with your thumb, to preload the fly/hammer (may not be using the correct name) against the secondary spring in the trigger mechanism. The 'set sear' engages the fly/hammer at full travel (more or less) forward. When the trigger is pulled, it releases the fly/hammer against the sear. The screw varies the engagement of the 'set sear' on the fly/hammer.
If it bothers you and you become frustrated with it, PM me, and I will send you a mailing address where you can be sure of it being safely disposed of!
In all seriousness, it is most liable to be a simple problem of needing a decent clean and lube, though, in more or less a century, it could have suffered unkind treatment along the way, or, simply, worn, and need some attention.
Someone else may be able to chime in as to whether the set mechanism will operate as designed, if the hammer is not at full #### first.
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Yeah the set trigger will work fine with the hammer down. At least it will if it's working properly
Chris.
Thanks for that, Chris. Appreciate the confirmation!
Oh, and if you can't get it solved, I recommend signing up on the ASSRA forums ( American Single Shot Rifle Association ). There are a good number of people there that know most classical single shot actions inside and out. Some of the top tier American single shot gunsmiths post there like Curt Hardcastle and Steven Durren.
Chris.
Chris.
Y'know, there is a LOT more information readily available these InterWebs days, that simply was not easily available in prior times.
If you are willing to take some time to do some research, and esp., to take the time to NOT do further damage, in the end, these firearms are relatively simple mechanisms and should be well within any guy's capability. Look, try to understand how the thing works, and don't apply a lot of force to anything that looks like it was not built to take it, and you can get a LOT done on your own!
Well I took it apart & put it back together & the trigger seems to work fine now but, it is not a single set trigger even though it has a screw. The screw seems to only adjust the pull weight & dose not set when I push it forward. That's fine with me as I can get a decent trigger pull now. Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated!
