Where can I educate myself on firearms restoration?

2017-04-09T14:09:06-04:00

A friend of mine has asked for help repairing a 1968 Buffalo Scout that used to belong to his father. It's not worth much, but it's sentimental.

After cocking the hammer the trigger will not engage.

I'm currently cleaning it, but I have little knowledge on repair and am seeking suggestions on where I could educate myself on the subject.

Response by Alan K. made Apr 9 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-04-09T14:12:50-04:00

I would bet there is a manual online for it....I found one for my 1967 Sako Forrester online....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-04-09T14:12:58-04:00

If you insist on doing it yourself, with little knowledge of the weapon, start with Google and YouTube....both will have a wealth of information to get you started.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 9 at 2017 2:58 PM

2017-04-09T14:58:13-04:00

I'm a big believer in DIY

But understand your working on a firearm
A firearm that has limited to no parts availability should a mistake in repair happen
A firearm action is finiky and requires only specific and correct craftsmanship work be done if you want it to be safe and reliable post repair.
DYI refinish sure
DYI restock why not
DYI install replacement sights of course
DYI a known action component and or assyembly that was design, supported as a self install with common hand tools and great instructions ... sure
But inspect, repair an antique firearm action with no prior exsperance in general nor specific knoldge of the firearm in question
I'd suggest not, unless it is intended to be a non firing display piece only

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Apr 9 at 2017 5:27 PM

2017-04-09T17:27:45-04:00

If this firearm is what I think it is; what you are dealing with is a 22LR Single Action Revolver. I have a similar revolver that had a problem like you describe. The problem was with the bolt/cylinder latch. The latch is made out of stamped metal and is easily bent.
What I would do is to go to the following web page and drill down to the firearm that you are looking for - https://www.gunpartscorp.com/ This is Numrich's website and is quite comprehensive and I have used it before and highly recommend checking them first.
Though with the description that you gave you could go ahead and skip ahead to the following webpage and check out the line drawing there. It can be used for disassembly, reassembly and parts verification. I would suggest printing it. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/FIE-33236/Revolvers-36171/E15-38043.htm?page=3
If my guess is correct you want drawing ID number 29 - part # 79120C - part name Bolt (a/k/a Cylinder Latch)
This is a simple swap out repair IF their is nothing else wrong with the firearm. You will want to look for excessive wear on the various parts and if there is any replace if possible. DO check the entire firearm before purchasing any part that is needed, because a part may not be available and then any other part that was purchased would not be worth the money or effort.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 9 at 2017 8:37 PM

2017-04-09T20:37:32-04:00

I've been into shooting and low level action jobs since I was 16. It sounds like failure in the trigger/latch area. Fortunately, you may be in luck. First, start out with a good action cleaning. I use an ultrasonic but before then, solvent and spray with a can of computer duster. If that doesn't do the trick, I'd suspect an issue between the trigger, cylinder latch, and Hand & Spring. A practiced eye can use a magnifier and feel of what's going on with the action. You didn't mention if the hammer actually locks and stays there. Nor, is the trigger free swinging. Regardless, if the main spring is OK, then there's likely a geometric problem with the varied linking components. That gets beyond me and into gunsmith time. You'd have to have a lot of sentiment to go that route given the very low value of the piece itself. I put a link to Numrich which you can peruse the diagram. A lot of components are no longer available as there's no sense to produce stuff that nobody will spend the money on to have a gunsmith do the final fitting. However, it appears they still sell the likely culprit.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/FIE-33236/Revolvers-36171/E15-38043.htm?page=3

E15-38043.htm

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2017 3:15 AM

2017-04-10T03:15:29-04:00

Here are some pictures I have of it.

Buffalo Scout Model E15
Single Action Army style revolver
.22LR
Made in Germany, Proofed in Munich, 1968
Imported by EIG
Estimated Condition - 60% or Less.

Response by SPC Les Darbison made Apr 10 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-04-10T09:44:07-04:00

U tube has helped me with repairs on firearms and builds . Give it a try look at more the one posting before you decide to start your repair.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2017 2:39 PM

2017-04-10T14:39:59-04:00

Reading your response to Captain Ball, you say the weapon will cock, the trigger will pull but the hammer won't fall, and the trigger will reset? Is there spring tension on the hammer when you cock it or does it just pull back and lock?

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Apr 10 at 2017 9:16 PM

2017-04-10T21:16:23-04:00

Take some actual gunsmithing classes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 9:31 AM

2017-09-12T09:31:45-04:00

Alot of time you can use youtube to educate yourself, with little to no cost to you.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 15 at 2017 8:43 AM

2017-09-15T08:43:40-04:00

I would go to a gunsmith and ask the question but more importantly ask him or her if you might stick around while they check the firearm out and if they can explain what the disconnect is between the trigger and the hammer. This sounds like a potentially dangerous mechanical failure and you should bring it to an expert instead of trying to fix it yourself.