Gunsmithing - How to Repair the Tumbler and Sear on an Axtell 1877 Sharps Rifle

Published on November 6, 2013
Duration: 8:09

This video details the complex gunsmithing process required to repair a broken tumbler and sear on an Axtell 1877 Sharps rifle. Due to the rarity of the firearm and unavailability of parts, custom fabrication and repair techniques are necessary. The tutorial covers lock removal, component identification, disassembly, fabricating a new sear from mild steel, repairing the tumbler via TIG welding, case hardening, and final reassembly and testing.

Quick Summary

Repairing a broken tumbler and sear on an Axtell 1877 Sharps rifle involves custom fabrication and advanced gunsmithing. Techniques include TIG welding to rebuild the tumbler's half-cock notch, milling a new sear from mild steel, and case hardening the new part for durability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Axtell 1877 Sharps Rifle
  2. 00:56Diagnosing Hammer Engagement Issues
  3. 01:10Removing the Lock Mechanism
  4. 01:44Identifying Broken Sear & Tumbler
  5. 02:07Disassembling the Lock
  6. 03:31Fabricating a New Sear
  7. 04:37Repairing the Tumbler with TIG Welding
  8. 05:14Filing & Shaping the Tumbler
  9. 06:21Fitting the New Sear
  10. 07:03Case Hardening the Sear
  11. 07:34Reassembly & Final Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common failure points in the Axtell 1877 Sharps rifle's lock mechanism?

The most common failure points identified in this Axtell 1877 Sharps rifle were the breakage of the sear nose and the half-cock notch on the tumbler. These issues prevent the hammer from engaging properly, often occurring due to insufficient clearance when the firearm is fired.

How can a broken sear be repaired or replaced on a rare firearm like the Axtell 1877 Sharps?

When original parts are unavailable, a new sear can be fabricated from mild steel using a milling machine. The process involves shaping the part, drilling a pivot hole, and ensuring correct angles and thickness before case hardening for durability.

What techniques are used to repair a damaged tumbler on a vintage rifle?

Repairing a damaged tumbler, specifically the half-cock notch, can be achieved using TIG welding to build up the broken area. Afterward, a diamond file is used to restore the contour, and a small screw slot file recuts the notch to the correct depth.

What is the process for case hardening a newly fabricated firearm component?

Case hardening involves heating the mild steel part to a red-hot temperature, dipping it in a case-hardening compound like 'Cherry Red', reheating to infuse carbon, and then quenching it in water. This process hardens the surface while keeping the core relatively soft.

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