When you are installing the trigger and cylinder bolt, put the trigger in first then the bolt. Take care that the trigger spring makes contact on top of the small shelf on the muzzle end of the trigger before you tighten it down. If the trigger is all the way back, the spring will slip down the front side and keep the trigger from engaging the hammer notches. Once you get the hang of it the lock work is really pretty simple. I spray mine with Balistol and let it dry some before reassembling. I don't totally break my Cap & ball revolvers down at every shooting but every 4th or 5th time.