Received a Manton bore rifle today. I was surprised to learn that the right lock must be cock at least once before the left lock can be cocked. When the right hammer is cocked, the rear trigger is "set" (moves forward) and allows the left hammer to engage. Without this, the left hammer can be thumbed back but no full or half cock can be felt. The right lock can be left cocked or at half cock or lowered backed down and the left hammer will engage. Obviously designed this way. I first thought "Cool". Then thought, something else to break and what that might cost to fix. Anyone else hear of a set up like this? The locks have stalking safeties. Thanks in advance.

The locks should work independent of one another. It sounds like maybe some wood shrinkage has occurred. Have it looked over by a qualified doublegun smith. It should be a relatively easy fix for a guy who knows his way around a hammer gun.
Steve

I'm afraid I have no input to help, but would really like to see it & what size Bore Rifle is it ?

quote:

Originally posted by Kynoch:
Received a Manton bore rifle today. I was surprised to learn that the right lock must be cock at least once before the left lock can be cocked. When the right hammer is cocked, the rear trigger is "set" (moves forward) and allows the left hammer to engage. Without this, the left hammer can be thumbed back but no full or half cock can be felt. The right lock can be left cocked or at half cock or lowered backed down and the left hammer will engage. Obviously designed this way. I first thought "Cool". Then thought, something else to break and what that might cost to fix. Anyone else hear of a set up like this? The locks have stalking safeties. Thanks in advance.

This may be done with the common idea that the right barrel should be fired first to assure proper regulation.

I too would love to see this rifle, and good close pictures of the internals when the double smith exposes them.

This is the first time I've heard of this design, if in fact, that is by design rather than malfunction.
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sounds like a wear or dirt issue, and not a factory or preferred setting.. it could be several things, other than badly designed ...

PM Cal, he'd probably know.

Thanks for the comments and sorry for the delayed response.

About the rifle. It is a Manton 12 bore. Damascus barrels, under lever, fixed sight with three folding (150, 200 and 500yds). Slow twist, 10.5 lbs. Watertable is marked "Joseph Brazier". Locks engraved with tigers and include stalking safeties.

If it's malfunctioning (which it very well may be), it is awfully repeatable. Very distinct "snick" when the right hammer is cocked and the rear trigger "sets" forward about 1/4".

Heading to Tulsa this weekend and will bring the rifle along for some of the resident experts give it a look. PM me if you'll also be there. Happy to show it to you. Thanks for all.

(PS will get a photo bucket account and post some pics when I return.)

I've pondered this and don't have an answer. I've forwarded the info to a friend who does not go on AR but he's an absolute encyclopedia of double rifle knowledge. When he replies, I will post here.
Cal

SKB nailed it. It was a problem and not by design. I took the rifle to Tulsa last weekend. Kirk Merrington was kind enough to take a look at it for me. With the locks off you could see that the tips of the sears were touching due to wood shrinkage. Backing off the lock screw a quarter turn and the locks work perfectly and exactly one would expect. Thanks for the comments everyone.