General Hints

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GENERAL HINTS FOR THE USE OF FIREARMS

Before using any firearm, muzzleloading or cartridge guns, we ask you to read carefully this

booklet, and to get thoroughly familiar with the operation of the specific gun.

GENERAL HINTS

A firearm is a sport and law enforcement tool capable of injuring and killing. It is a precision

instrument designed to function reliably with proper care and knowledgeable use. If you do not

have full knowledge of the power and function of firearms, we recommend that you seek proper

training. Careless and improper handling of guns could result in unintended discharge causing

injury, death or property damage.

Safety must be the first and constant consideration when

handling a firearm and ammunition.

Various safety features have been incorporated into each

firearm but relying on mechanical features alone is, at most, only half safe. Mechanical safety

devices are not failsafe, but more importantly the safe use of any mechanical instrument is

dependent upon intelligent use.

Accidents do not “just happen” but occur as the result of human behavior, thoughtless acts

jeopardize the wellbeing of the user and those around him or her.

Insure the safe use of firearms by following these guidelines.

OTE: SAFETY DEVICES ON GUNS ARE EXTRAS AND ARE NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER AND SAFE

HANDLING PRACTICES

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Davide Pedersoli Co. shall not be responsible for product malfunction or for physical injury, death,

or property damage from the gun’s intentional or accidental discharge, its criminal or negligent use,

improper or careless handling, unauthorized modifications or alterations, corrosion or other failure

to maintain, use of defective, improper, hand-loaded or reloaded ammunition, or other then

original, good condition, high quality, commercially manufactured ammunition, from its use for

purposes or subjection to treatment for which it was not designed. Davide Pedersoli Co. will not

honor claims made by second or subsequent owner of the firearm.

While this firearm was tested, carefully inspected, and packaged before it left the factory, Davide

Pedersoli Co. cannot thereafter control product handling. Please be sure to examine this firearm

carefully when purchase to ensure it is unloaded and undamaged. Your gun dealer will assist you

in making this examination and answer any further questions in this regard.

PROOF HOUSE TEST

According to the Italian Law ruling production and sale of arms, all muzzle loading and breech

loading firearms must be submitted to forced firing tests at the National Proof House in Gardone

Val Trompia, Brescia (C.I.P. rules).

Proper marks stating the tests are stamped both on the barrels and on the frame.

PRECAUTIONS

• Before shooting, learn this gun’s mechanical and handling characteristics, and read and be

thoroughly familiar with these safety instructions. If you do not fully understand any of the

instructions in this manual, consult a competent firearms instructor through your local gun club

or you can contact Davide Pedersoli Co. directly.

• Always point the gun in a safe direction, and handle it as though it were loaded. This is

especially important when loading and unloading the gun, and when handing it to someone

else. Never take someone’s word it is unloaded, but always check it yourself with your fingers

off the trigger and the gun pointed in a safe direction.

• If your firearm is shipped disassembled, read instructions and totally understand proper

assembly before proceeding.

• Place your finger inside the trigger guard only when you are ready to fire.

• Do not make any modifications or adjustments to your firearm, which will affect the safe and

normal function of the gun.

• When purchasing accessories such as leather or when adding accessories such as grips or

sights, be sure they are compatible with the firearm and do not interfere with safe operation.

Summary of content (45 pages)

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GENERAL HINTS FOR THE USE OF FIREARMS Before using any firearm, muzzleloading or cartridge guns, we ask you to read carefully this booklet, and to get thoroughly familiar with the operation of the specific gun. GENERAL HINTS A firearm is a sport and law enforcement tool capable of injuring and killing. It is a precision instrument designed to function reliably with proper care and knowledgeable use.
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• While at a shooting range, always carry the gun unloaded and open until preparing to shoot. Keep it pointing towards the backstop when loading, shooting and unloading. • If you must carry a loaded gun, always carry it with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction and with the safety in the “safe” position. But remember that no mechanical safety is failsafe. • Never carry firearms with an exposed hammer with the hammer cocked. In auto loading or hand repeating guns, do not chamber a round.
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• Always be aware of other people around you. Keep spectators or others to your rear. Keep hands and face clear and keep others clear of the ejection port as ejected spent cartridges can cause injury. To prevent burns or injury from the slide moving forward, make sure your hand and fingers do not touch or obstruct the ejection port.
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GENERAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS DOUBLE & SINGLE SET TRIGGER ADJUSTMENT - SAFETY Your gun can be provided with set trigger as: • double triggers: the rear trigger is the set trigger while the front one is the firing trigger. • single set trigger (also called French set trigger): move the trigger forwards in order to set the trigger pull, just a light touch on the trigger will then be needed to fire.
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This situation can be extremely dangerous, as shot may occur. Therefore after you make an adjustment, please make the following safety tests: • with a muzzle loading gun: 1) Make certain the gun is unloaded, unprimed or uncapped and no powder charge in the chamber. 2) Full cock the hammer. 3) Press the trigger blade forward, or set the rear trigger by pressing it back until you hear a click sound indicating the action has been “set”.
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shooting to the left, move your front sight left; if it shoots right, move the front sight right. For short range elevation adjustments, it may be necessary to file the front sight blade down a little. For the models provided with adjustable rear sight, its regulation can be done in combination with the front sight. The elevation adjustment will be obtained moving the sliding aiming notch to the opposite shooting position.
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IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING 1) Use Black Powder or equivalent propellent (Pyrodex) only to load your muzzle loading firearm. WARNING: The use of smokeless powder, or a mixture of smokeless and Black Powder (duplex loads) or the wrong type or granulation of Black Powder or Pyrodex or overloading may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.
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) BLACK POWDER LEAVES HEAVY RESIDUES, after firing a prompt and through bore and all metal parts cleaning is an absolute necessity to black powder shooters. 9) Use only non-synthetic cloth patching. 10) PROTECT YOUR EYES from sparks, lead fragments, pieces of caps or flints, by wearing shatterproof shooting glasses. 11) It is advisable to protect your ears by using ear-plugs or muff, when firing your muzzleloader. 12) Never fire at water, flat or hard surfaces.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SINGLE SHOT MUZZLE LOADING GUNS WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. On all the arms provided with set triggers you could regulate the release hardness, by acting on the screw situated behind the front trigger. To adjust the set trigger, see section “GENERAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS” in this booklet. PERCUSSION FIREARMS 1) Place the hammer at half cock position.
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FLINTLOCK FIREARMS 1) Percussion muzzleloader loading instructions also apply to flintlock but no percussion caps are needed to fire. (See points 1b, 2b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b). 2) Insert the flint in the hammer between two pieces of thin lead and tighten the hammer screw to hold the flint firmly in place. 3) Point the gun in a safe direction, prime the pan with a small amount of fine black powder using a “pan primer” (item USA 085), and pull the frizzen down to cover powder in flash pan. NOW THE GUN IS LOADED.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SINGLE SHOT MUZZLE LOADING GUNS WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. HOW TO REMOVE THE BARREL FROM STOCK Our line of muzzleloader is devided in two groups of weapons: the first ones which barrel ends with a breech plug into the stock. The second ones with a hook breech tang and plug.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISASSEMBLING AND ASSEMBLING MUZZLE LOADING ROLLING BLOCK WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. See figures and exploded view at pages 1a, 2a, 3a of this booklet. DISASSEMBLING THE FRAME Tools required: • Medium and small screwdrivers • Hammer • 1 • 1 /4” brass punch /16” steel punch ***(N/E)=NOT ESSENTIAL*** 1) (N/E) – Undo the screw at the top rear of the tang (part. # 37) and pull the butt off, (part.
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2) Withdraw the breech block (part. # 28). 3) With the nipple and breech plug wrench (part. # 46) it is possible to get between the breech block and the barrel (part. # 1) to unscrew the nipple (part. # 4) and/or the breech plug (part. # 12). DISASSEMBLING THE BARREL FROM THE FRAME 1) Unscrew and remove the forend screw (part. # 10). 2) Loosen, without removing, the screw (part. # 49) which is inside the hole previously closed by the screw (part. # 10) using the proper hexagonal wrench (part. # 51).
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• breech plug (part. # 12); • nipple (part. # 4).
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUNS SMOOTH BORE WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. ASSEMBLING 1) Do not force barrel into stock. 2) Hook the barrel breech plug into the tang make sure the barrel fits properly to the tang.
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LOADING MISTAKE If you have accidentally reloaded the same barrel (you will notice this after having checked the reference marks on your ramrod), UNLOAD THE GUN COMPLETELY, by using a patch-puller (item USA 555), MAKE SURE YOU HAVE NOT ANY CAP ON THE NIPPLE. In this case, screw the patch-puller to the ramrod, insert it into the barrel reaching the over shot wad and pull it out. Repeat the same thing for the felt wad.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIDE BY SIDE MUZZLE LOADING RIFLED BARREL GUNS KODIAK & SAFARI EXPRESS WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. ASSEMBLING 1) Do not force barrel into stock. 2) Hook the barrel breech plug into the tang make sure the barrel fits properly into the tang.
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Attention: the breech plug cannot be removed. SIGHTING Your Kodiak & Safari Express rifles have been regulated to group at 50 meters within a diameter of about 15 centimeters, using the suggested loads in the chart. The rear sight is adjustable in elevation and windage. The blade front sight is interchangeable. For sighting adjustment, see section “GENERAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS” in this booklet.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRISTLEN A MORGES RIFLE Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. 1) The Minié bullet .447 (item USA 523) you can make with our bullet mould block (item USA 304-447) must be sized into the proper sizing device USA 515-445 (11,30 mm or 11,28 mm / .445 or .444) and greased with soft grease (item USA 488).
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WAADTLÄNDER RIFLE Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. 1) The maxi bullet .454/250 grs. (item USA 522) you can make with our bullet mould block (item USA 308-454), must be greased with soft grease (item USA 488). 2) Pour the proper black powder charge into the barrel using a brass long funnel (item. USA 346).
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRYON CREEDMOOR & MORTIMER WHITWORTH RIFLES Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. 1) The long bullet .451/485 grs (item USA 521) you can make with our bullet mould block (item USA 318-451) and the Minié bullet .
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRYON MATCH RIFLE Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. 1) The Minié bullet .450 (item USA 523) you can make with our bullet mould block (item USA 309-450) must be sized into the proper sizing device USA 515-450 (11,43 mm or 11,41 mm / .450 or .449) and greased with soft grease (item USA 488).
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIBBS RIFLE .40 and .45 calibers Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. .40 CALIBER 1) The Minié bullet .400/316 grs. (item USA 523), you can make with our bullet mould block (item USA 304-400), sized through the sizing device USA 515-400 (10,16 mm or 10,14 mm / .400 or .399) and greased with soft grease (item USA 488). or The long bullet .400/310 grs.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WÜRTTEMBERGISCHEN/MAUSER RIFLE Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. 1) The Minié bullet .547 (item USA 523), you can make with our bullet mould block (item USA 302-547), must be sized into the proper sizing device USA 515-547 (13,90 mm or 13,88 mm / .547 or .546) and greased with soft grease (item USA 488).
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DERRINGER LIEGI & POCKET PISTOLS Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. See exploded view at page 6a of this booklet. 1) Unscrew the barrel (part. # 3) using the wrench (part. # 17) and check to make sure there is nothing obstructing the inside of the barrel. DO NOT attempt to fire with any type of barrel obstruction.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DERRINGER RIDER PISTOL Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “GENERAL HINTS FOR THE USE OF FIREARMS” in this booklet. This gun is to use only caps ( rws 1075 type) to shoot the pellet. We strongly recommend not to use any kind of black powder, nor any smokeless powder. See exploded view at page 7a of this booklet. 1) Cock the hammer (part. # 7). 2) Extract the special nipple (part. # 8) turning it counterclockwise.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ZIMMER & SALOON PISTOLS 4,5 mm caliber Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “GENERAL HINTS FOR THE USE OF FIREARMS” in this booklet. This gun is to use only musket caps four wings ( rws 1081 type) to shoot the pellet. We strongly recommend not to use any kind of black powder, nor any smokeless powder. 1) With the hammer placed at a rest position (down) insert into the barrel a lead pellet of the proper caliber size.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR REVOLVERS Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet. 1) Keep the revolver’s barrel upward, hammer in the safety position (1st. cock) to rotate the cylinder for loading. Prepare the black powder charge, as suggested in the corresponding chart, using a powder measure (item USA 192). Pour the load into one chamber.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING THE RIFLE KIT WARNING: These instructions sheets are only a general guide. Please check the correct part number of your gun on specific spare parts list. Our compliments on your choice! A scrupulous selection of the materials and the accurate working techniques make your new gun a product, which is synonymous of prestige and quality. The kit that you are going to finish has been pre-assembled; all the metal parts have fit to the stock and you have only to polish and finish them.
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• use the top of the barrel to locate the depth for drilling stock through the barrel lugs. Get measurement from barrel, then re-install barrel into stock. Clamp barrel and stock together. Mark spot to drill on stock and DRILL STOCK AND BARREL TOGETHER. 6) INSTALLATION OF THIMBLES (See fig. 7) - Install and drill as with barrel pins. 7) INSTALLATION OF CAP BOX OR PATCH BOX (See fig. 11) - Install into pre-contoured recess on butt stock.
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INSTRUCTION FOR ASSEMBLING THE PISTOL KIT See figures and exploded view at pages 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a of this booklet. 1) (See fig. 1) - Start by installing the barrel into the barrel channel of the pre-carved stock. Carefully remove any excess wood beneath and around the barrel tang. File the tang down until it is flush with stock wrist. File from metal to wood, not the reverse. This prevents chipping or splintering of the wood. 2) INSTALLATION OF TRIGGER (See fig.
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Thimble (part. # 38) should be left installed as it will be flush with the finished stock. Use a smooth file to bring stock and metal parts down to each other. These file marks must be removed by using consecutively finer and finer grades of sandpaper. Care should be taken around the lock recess. DO NOT SAND TOO MUCH WOOD OFF. By doing the sanding in this manner, it will assure that metal and wood surfaces are flush. The metal parts can now be taken off the stock. Stain can be applied.
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SPECIAL AND GENERAL CAUTIONS FOR SHOOTING WITH BREECH LOADING GUNS WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. Before proceeding, please make sure to CAREFULLY read the warning seen in the section “GENERAL HINTS FOR THE USE OF FIREARMS” in this booklet. • Using a quality gun solvent, remove all excess factory lubricant.
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produced to commercial standards. Some of the more common types of malfunctions which may occur are as follows: • MISFIRE: a failure of the cartridge to ignite when the hammer falls. CAUTION: if this occurs, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, wait 20 seconds, remove the cartridge from the chamber and dispose of it properly. CAUSE: The most common cause of misfire is fautly ammunition. • FAILURE TO EXTRACT OR EJECT: a fired case is not fully extracted from the chamber or ejected from the gun.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR 1859 & 1863 SHARPS RIFLES WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. See exploded view at page 17a, 18a of this booklet. The exploded view drawing shows the SHARPS SPORTING model, but the suggestions apply for all 1859 & 1863 Sharps rifles. FIELD STRIPPING 1) With the action (part. # 37) OPEN, place the hammer (part. # 4) in the half-cock position. You will notice a tiny plunger pin (part.
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GAS CHECK MOVING TOOL - ITEM USA 500 This new tool has been made to ease the partial removal of the gas check placed inside the chamber of 1859 SHARPS. As we always recommended the gas check must be kept clean and oiled for its contact into the chamber. However a complete removal is possible only disassembling the barrel, which must be done by a gunsmith.
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4) In the event the rifle does not fire, continue pointing the rifle downrange in a SAFE DIRECTION for a period of at least ONE MINUTES, or until you are sure that the CHARGE IS “DEAD” and the chance of a hangfire has passed. After placing the rifle on safe, remove the musket cap and verify that the powder fills all the space in the chamber and repeat the shot. If the rifle continues to misfire, unloading may be necessary. See “UNLOADING PROCEDURE” below.
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sometimes produces better accuracy so full loads may not always be required or desirable. Try various powder brands and loads to determine what your rifle likes best. 2) To prevent powder grains falling through the flash hole of the case, place a small piece of "cigarette" paper inside the case and covering the flash hole.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR 1874 SHARPS WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. See exploded view at page 19a, 20a of this booklet. The exploded view drawing shows the SHARPS SPORTING model, but the suggestions apply for all 1874 Sharps rifles. FIELD STRIPPING 1) With the action (part. # 46) OPEN, place the hammer in the half-cock position. You will notice a tiny plunger pin (part. # 42) located on the right side of the frame.
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To adjust and use the set trigger and for sighting adjustment, see section “GENERAL TECHNICAL in this booklet. INSTRUCTIONS” BLACK POWDER RELOADING FOR SHARPS RIFLES .40-65 / .45-90 / .45-110 / .45-120 / .50-70 / .50-90 CALIBERS AND OTHERS Sharps rifles .40-65, .45-90, .45-110, .45-120, .50-70 or .
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LOADING AND SHOOTING ISTRUCTIONS FOR ROLLING BLOCK RIFLES WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. See exploded view at pages 3a, 23a, 24a of this booklet. The exploded view drawing shows the ROLLING BLOCK L.R. CREEDMOOR RIFLE, but the suggestions apply for all our Rolling Block models. CAUTION • We strongly recommend you to practise the procedure of placing the rifle on safe BEFORE attempting to load and fire the rifle.
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2) Looking at the left side of the receiver (part. # 1) you will see the hammer and breech block axis pins (part. # 11+12); in-between is a locking plate (fig. 2a). Remove the screw (part. # 31) that secures it and take the plate off (part. # 30). Note both pins have flat faces that engage with the sides of the plate to stop them rotating. These face inwards (fig. 2b). 3) Cock the hammer (part. # 10) and drive or push out the forward (breech block) anteriore axis pin to the left with the brass punch.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR 1873/1875 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. See exploded view at page 21a, 22a of this booklet. The exploded view drawing shows SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR OFFICER RIFLE, but the suggestions apply for all Trapdoor models. CAUTION • We strongly recommend you to practise the procedure of placing the rifle on safe BEFORE attempting to load and fire the rifle.
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LOADING AND SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR KODIAK MK IV WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. See exploded view at page 25a, 26a of this booklet. This is an “Express Rifle” with external hammers, which characteristics do not include a specific safety blocking the triggers and/or hammers. It is a rifle with the “REBOUNDING HAMMERS SAFETY”, which automatically returns the hammer to a safe position after firing.
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5) Clean with care all external surfaces of the gun to remove any traces of dirt, sweat or fingerprints. Apply a thin film of gun oil (item USA 489) with a flannel patch. ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY 1) Remove the fore-end (part. # 48) from the barrels by pulling the fore-end catch lever (part. # 52) down. Be sure that the hammers are in the “rest” position. 2) Inserts the barrels inside the action so that the hinge pin of the action fits into the slot in the mono-block. 3) Move the top lever (part.