Springfield Musket Tumbler

[RebelRaider5]

I have a Navy Arms Springfield Model 1863 Type II. The tumbler on it is bad [It fires in half cock]. The only tumbler for a Springfield I found was for a Model 1861 Springfield. Would a 1861 Tumbler fit, and function properly on a Model 1863. To my knowledge the difference between the Model 1863 and Model 1861 were just cosmetic.

[Bang]

http://springfieldresearchservice.com/

Might be able to help you.

Whoa... Navy Arms? Is this a replica?

[RebelRaider5]

http://springfieldresearchservice.com/

Might be able to help you.

Whoa... Navy Arms? Is this a replica?

Yes, I do CW reenacting, plus and real one is out of my price range.

[Bang]

I'd suggest asking the question of Navy Arms...if the two years have the same part number, you're golden. Or contact Numrich.

[heatheroo]

if it's only the half cock notch that is bad, you could probably just file it deeper.

[RebelRaider5]

if it's only the half cock notch that is bad, you could probably just file it deeper.

File down the half cock notch on the tumbler?

[heatheroo]

File down the half cock notch on the tumbler?

sure. Filing the full cock notch can introduce problems but the half cock is just a pseudo safety so filing it deeper so that the sear engages it better shouldn't be a problem.

I've got an old Belgian Dixie lock on my flintlock. You can't get parts anymore so I have had to do mods on it over the years to keep it functioning.

Bear in mind that filing the notch deeper will result in the sear bar dropping lower when it is in the half cock notch. You may have to make some adjustments to the trigger to compensate.

I've got a Navy Zouave that I had to go the opposite route: The trigger pull was horrendously heavy so I made the full cock notch shallower. You have to make this mod in small steps in order to avoid ending up with a lock that will release accidentally.

Either way, after you are done, I recommend you polish the tumbler, then heat it red hot and drop in some used motor oil to harden it. That will smooth out the action.

If you bugger things up completely, I am sure you can find a replacement tumbler at Numrich or Dixie....or just take a drive to Dixons in Kempton.

[RebelRaider5]

sure. Filing the full cock notch can introduce problems but the half cock is just a pseudo safety so filing it deeper so that the sear engages it better shouldn't be a problem.

I've got an old Belgian Dixie lock on my flintlock. You can't get parts anymore so I have had to do mods on it over the years to keep it functioning.

Bear in mind that filing the notch deeper will result in the sear bar dropping lower when it is in the half cock notch. You may have to make some adjustments to the trigger to compensate.

I've got a Navy Zouave that I had to go the opposite route: The trigger pull was horrendously heavy so I made the full cock notch shallower. You have to make this mod in small steps in order to avoid ending up with a lock that will release accidentally.

Either way, after you are done, I recommend you polish the tumbler, then heat it red hot and drop in some used motor oil to harden it. That will smooth out the action.

If you bugger things up completely, I am sure you can find a replacement tumbler at Numrich or Dixie....or just take a drive to Dixons in Kempton.

That's the thing, I can't find a tumbler for the 1863 Springfield. I found a Euroarms tumbler for an 1861 Springfield but I'm not sure if it will work. Do the 1863 Springfield & 1861 Springfield have the same lock parts?

[762xIan]

I don't know if you are a member of this forum, but someone may be able to help out over there:

Link to CW Reenactor forum: http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/forum.php

I have seen some gun discussion going on there from time to time.

If Dixie or Numrich don't have what you need you could always check out Dixons shop up in Kempton.

They are the guys that do the gunmakers fair and pretty good folks.

Link to Dixons...http://www.dixonmuzzleloading.com/in...p&link=contact

At least give them a call, they can probably help.

[Gunsnwater]

Dixons in kempton will fix you right up. Suprised you don't know chuck, being a reenactment guy. Good people.