San Marco Walker replica stuck in half cock

[Rogerbutthead]

I got my used San Marco Walker today - in three major pieces - so I put it together - and I think I screwed up.

The cylinder didn't seem to fit all the way back with the hammer down - like the way it was sent to me - so I pulled it to what I think is half cock.

Now when the pistol is together - the hammer is stuck in half cock - pulling the trigger won't budge the trigger position and I can't seem to move the hammer.

I don't want to force anything - yet. The cylinder rotates but the hammer and trigger are stuck fast as shown in the picture.

What do I do to make it work right?

I did try taking it apart to the three major pieces and then tried to move the hammer - but it seemed stuck to me.

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

I'd guess that the bolt is stuck. You can't disassemble it at all? You should be able to get the barrel off at the very least, even if you have to use a bit of force.

[warbird]

there should be blueprints on the internet for this revolver. They are not that hard to take down and put back together even when replacing springs. The barrel has nothing to do with what you are describing unless the barrel has been screwed on so tight it interfers with the rotation of the cylinder. you could have a foreign object in the internal spring area or a broken spring. Find a diagram and break it down further.

[Rogerbutthead]

It does come apart in the three main pieces. However, I am now thinking that the screws need a soaking as I can't seem to budge some of them.

Will soak in some oil overnight.

[Springfield45]

I suggest you loosen the hammer screw and carefully try to get it to move. If that does not work try disassembling it completely. Go slow and don't force anything to move that dose not want to.

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

It does come apart in the three main pieces. However, I am now thinking that the screws need a soaking as I can't seem to budge some of them.

Will soak in some oil overnight.

Reassemble it without the cylinder and see what it's doing when you half cock and cock the hammer.

[Rogerbutthead]

Hammer won't move with the cylinder removed.

[russ13]

Hammer won't move with the cylinder removed.

[kendog4570]

Remove the backstrap (start with the trigger guard/butt screw, then the two screws at the hammer slot), stocks, unload force on the hammer by removing the main spring screw. Then the trigger guard screws to have a look inside. In that order.
Now you can pull the hammer, trigger and bolt pivot screws without them being under spring tension.
Sounds like the hand is jammed in its mortise in the frame. Possibly a loose/broken hand spring? Hand stud worn or broken? Trigger nose broke off and jammed it? Hammer cam fallen out? Have seen all these things happen on single actions. No telling til you get it apart.
VTI has parts for those guns. If the hand, bolt, or trigger is jacked, the new parts will need to be fit by someone that knows what they are doing.

[Rogerbutthead]

This will be the last used black powder pistol I will buy - the first and the last.

[warbird]

don't give up on it as it can be a nice piece when you clean it up. imagine trying to fix it back in old days out on horseback. And by the time you work your way through this one any others will not seem so frightening. You have gotten some good advice so use it and be careful when taking the tension of the springs. I got lazy this year and used Bruce over at Sleepy's gunsmithing in Citrus Heights and you should have seen a couple of garbage pieces I took over to him that went beyond my amateur abilities. You will do just fine and you will have a lot of pride in it once your finished because it did not beat you.

[darkwater]

I just ran across World of Guns, a software app that you can buy on Steam that shows how various guns are assembled/disassembled and function. A few people have made Youtube videos of the Colt Walker.

Check this one out for disassembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URSrYUFx5XA

And this one for how the internals function: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKTlx6v7rMM

[Rogerbutthead]

I need to get some penetrating oil as the screws don't seem to want to move.

What penetrating oil that does not discolor the blue/wood - would you recommend?

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

I need to get some penetrating oil as the screws don't seem to want to move.

What penetrating oil that does not discolor the blue/wood - would you recommend?

I'd recommend Kroil or Ballistol.

[kendog4570]

I need to get some penetrating oil as the screws don't seem to want to move.

What penetrating oil that does not discolor the blue/wood - would you recommend?

Which screws are you having trouble with?