Huntsman Repair

[wolverine_1]

I have an old H&R Huntsman (AJ26XXXX) with a screw in breach plug, Cal .45.  The hammer rebounds, but will still push forward to the firing pin without pulling the trigger.  That, of course, is unsafe, especially in a field situation.  Any one know how to repair it?  Thanks much.  gene

[OldSchoolRanger]

I have an old H&R Huntsman (AJ26XXXX) with a screw in breach plug, Cal .45.  The hammer rebounds, but will still push forward to the firing pin without pulling the trigger.  That, of course, is unsafe, especially in a field situation.  Any one know how to repair it?  Thanks much.  gene

I'm not quite sure what problem your trying to describe.  What exactly is happening when you write: "The hammer rebounds, but will still push forward to the firing pin without pulling the trigger." , Are you saying that the hammer locks back, but slips forward to the firing pin? 

I'm sure someone here can help, but I think most of us are a little confused by what your trying to describe.

[wolverine_1]

Ok, let me try again.  On a rebounding hammer shotgun or similar gun, when you pull the trigger after having cocked it, the hammer falls and strikes the firing pin.  Then it rebounds to a position where it doesn't rest against the firing pin.  If you then push it forward (without pulling the trigger), it won't go forward enough to hit the firing pin even if it was in the full back position.  On this Huntsman, you can push the hammer forward (without pulling the trigger) and the hammer will go completly forward and push the firing pin all the way in so it will set off the cap/primer.  This gun wasn't designed to have a transfer bar (or if it was, a thought that just crossed my mind, it has had the hammer replaced). However, of my five Huntsman, all either have a transfer bar, or opperate in a normal rebounding hammer manner except this one.  I think I have read that these old ones with the screw in breach plug were the first design, so I assume they were rebounding hammer not transfer bar design.  I don't want to try to tear it apart until I have some idea what I'm trying to fix.  Thanks for the help.  gene

[WV SCROUNGER]

I have an old 45 with serial AJ XXXX and the hammer will not push forward unless the trigger is depressed...sounds to me that the hammer has a notch
for the rebound position....sounds like your notch isnt there anymore,,,perhaps you could regrind a notch or possibly replace the hammer.

[zookiezoom]

 Is the firing pin return spring good? Does it return the firing pin to it's recessed position if you manually move the hammer back or does it protrude into the breech? Also if you pull the hammer back halfway, does it lock in half cock or go all the way to the full cocked position?

[wolverine_1]

"Is the firing pin return spring good? Does it return the firing pin to it's recessed position if you manually move the hammer back or does it protrude into the breech? Also if you pull the hammer back halfway, does it lock in half cock or go all the way to the full cocked position?"
Firing pin spring returns the firing pin as it should. If you pull the hammer halfway back, it has no half cock. It apparently has only one locked position, full cock.  gene

[zookiezoom]

Replace hammer, trigger or both. A cheap enough remedy in the intrest of safety.

[quickdtoo]

Numrich may have the parts, Perklo's instructions are for modern frames, but should show you enough to get the parts replaced, difference is the hammer and spring and the vintage Huntsman has no transfer bar(lifter striker).

Tim

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/HarringtonRichardson-33274/Rifles-36450/156Huntsman-38731.htm

www.perkloafm.com

[wolverine_1]

Thanks guys, I think the hammer must have been modified/broken since pushing the trigger forward when drawing it back, I can feel what must be the remains of the "half cock" notch.  I'll have to start looking for a new hammer.  gene