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I am looking for a firing pin for a 1885 hi-wall. I do not have the serial number right now but it was built about 1914.
Any thought on where I can get parts for this rifle?
Thanks
Ed,
What cartridge is your high-wall chambered for? Is the breech block drilled for a large diameter (black powder) firing pin, of the small diameter Smokeless powder firing pin? Not all high-walls were created equally!
I have extra firing pins in my parts drawer, but won’t be able to check until I get back home from my current trip.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Clarence, I sent the link to the smith that is working on my rifle!
Bert, the rifle is a 32-40. I do not have the rifle here. I probably would not know the difference between the two anyway!
It is away being lined and the smith noticed the end of the firing pin was broken so I asked him to replace it. It was firing but I did notice a drag mark on the base of the fired shells. It is the first 32-40 I bought and not all original so I wanted to make a shooter out of it.
Thanks for the help!
Ed
Edward Kitner said I probably would not know the difference between the two anyway!
Smokeless pin is about half the dia. of the BP pin, which is the one you need, & also the most common. If Bert has spares, I’d prefer an original part over a repro.
However, since you’re rebuilding the gun anyway, by welding up the firing-pin hole in the breech-block, then redrilling it for the smaller smokeless pin, you could load cartridges to higher pressures than would be advisable with the original pin.
TJ.s liners have the best reputation, if you don’t know.
If it is truly a 1914 production high-wall, the odds are better than 50/50 that it has a Smokeless powder breech block & firing pin. You really need to have the breech block checked to determine which firing pin you actually need. If the breech block was made for the older style black powder, it would not be a bad idea to drill it out and install a bushing made for the smaller diameter smokeless firing pin.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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