American Bulldog Lightning Express 6" Barrel .44 Russian - Need Help

[poodude999]

I got my first antique handgun today, the trigger is strong, cylinder is good and tight, and everything seems good except half and full #### don't hold. Double action works though. I am a bit concerned as to what this may require to fix.

If I end up needing a new sear or something instead of gunsmith doing a fixing not requiring parts, can I get them from other Bulldogs or does it have to be the 6" barrel versions? They are considerably rarer and I am really hoping I didn't get myself into a situation. I looked at Numrich and they didn't have much of anything for mine. It's in .44 Russian.

 

[KotKotofeich]

In order of likelihood

The sear notches on the hammer are worn.
The trigger
Everything is just too filthy
Springs are weakened

All of this can be fixed without parts.

You can maybe fix it yourself if you know how to disassemble properly without messing up the screws and how to stone (not file!) the sear.

If the surfaces are too worn to restore with stoning then you need someone to weld on additional metal then file and stone to proper shape.

The more important point is you got sold a broken gun. If this wasn't disclosed then you have some issues to raise with the seller.

 

[poodude999]

In order of likelihood

The sear notches on the hammer are worn.
The trigger
Everything is just too filthy
Springs are weakened

All of this can be fixed without parts.

You can maybe fix it yourself if you know how to disassemble properly without messing up the screws and how to stone (not file!) the sear.

If the surfaces are too worn to restore with stoning then you need someone to weld on additional metal then file and stone to proper shape.

The more important point is you got sold a broken gun. If this wasn't disclosed then you have some issues to raise with the seller.

Have a lot of experienced gunsmiths around where I'm at, I hope you're right that I won't need parts or I might be looking around for quite a while. Would the sear and springs from any American Bulldog work if re-shaped?

 

[tokguy]

A lot if different folks made guns along these lines.
Whom is the manufacturer and what are the proof marks?
But I'd guess that if it's the same model ( just a different barrel length), it should fit?
Seems like a silly question, but it is an Iver Johnson?
Lots of lil Belgian shops produced knock offs. That can complicate things.

 

[poodude999]

A lot if different folks made guns along these lines.
Whom is the manufacturer and what are the proof marks?
But I'd guess that if it's the same model ( just a different barrel length), it should fit?
Seems like a silly question, but it is an Iver Johnson?
Lots of lil Belgian shops produced knock offs. That can complicate things.

It's Iver Johnson. I managed to find a sear and sear spring online, if they can't fix the original assuming that is the issue hopefully this will work.

 

[KotKotofeich]

It's Iver Johnson. I managed to find a sear and sear spring online, if they can't fix the original assuming that is the issue hopefully this will work.

These were all hand fitted, any parts are unlikely to just drop in, but at least if stoning doesn't work on the first try you get to try again before needing to weld.

This is 1800s tech, it's not rocket science (which is, what, 1100s? )

 

[poodude999]

These were all hand fitted, any parts are unlikely to just drop in, but at least if stoning doesn't work on the first try you get to try again before needing to weld.

This is 1800s tech, it's not rocket science (which is, what, 1100s? )

Yep that's what I figured, having the parts available might make something work if another doesn't.

 

[fritzhanzel]

As mentioned, they have to be hand fitted. It is not very difficult to disassemble and put together again if you are mechanically inclined but many people are not. So be careful when you pull it apart as to how it goes together again.

 

[tokguy]

It's Iver Johnson. I managed to find a sear and sear spring online, if they can't fix the original assuming that is the issue hopefully this will work.

Don't be too scared of tackling it. You have a spare.
I hand fitted an '89 Colt. It worked fine.
Most of fitting is just logic. If you can understand how it works... you are gtg.
It'll be obvious why something doesn't work. Fix it.
The local bargain store can outfit you for 75-100 $. A small vice, set of diemaker files and a caliper.
I've built hands and springs before. Some worked better than others.
Make sure it works right before shooting it. They are not that complicated.
Be safe. This is internet advice... so what's it worth?

 

[Old Guns Canada]

The problem with these cheap guns is that few parts are made from properly heat treated carbon steel. Many are not hardened at all, and prone to wear. Even if fixed, be very careful when c*ing the hammer. It may slip off the sear and set off the cartridge. Make sure a qualified gunsmith inspects it first.