Shiloh Rifle Forums

Common sense in firearm handling. You don't manually, fully cock any weapon, when loading.
You only cock it when on target
Gary

I didn't insult anyone. I merely pointed out that the OP is ignorant when it comes to running a Sharps rifle safely. Run properly, the rifle does not constitute a safety hazard. Improper gun handling leads to most firearms "accidents". Are you saying that you handled the gun properly? rdnck.

Although everyone is correct in how the rifle should be operated, it should not drop the hammer from the full cock position by closing the lever. Check it out while empty. Make sure you are not inadvertently touching the trigger while closing the lever. Try closing it slowly and then smartly to see if there is a difference. If it drops the hammer and you made sure you did not touch the trigger it should be checked out.

Have you pulled the lock to see if the fly is hanging up on dust and crud build up?

Chances are when the breach was closed one of the fingers came in contact with the trigger. A sharps lever is not like a S lever on a high wall or a Stevens were you can hook a finger on the lever closing it. On the Sharps your fingers are over the lever and possibly on it's side hanging on the lever keeping it from slamming up this is why that rifle should always be at 1/2 cock. In my case when mine let go the breach was closed the hammer on 1/2 cock When I set the trigger the let off was to light and with cold fingers I bumped the side of the trigger dropping the hammer before I wanted.
I have single trigger Shiloh's and they have a 3# let off and that hammer will not fall even if I gave someone a horizontal butt stroke in the kisser that hammer will not drop unless my finger or fingers makes contact with the trigger.
You learned a lesson not to load the rifle at full cock. I hope you wont forget it.

John Bly wrote:Although everyone is correct in how the rifle should be operated, it should not drop the hammer from the full cock position by closing the lever. Check it out while empty. Make sure you are not inadvertently touching the trigger while closing the lever. Try closing it slowly and then smartly to see if there is a difference. If it drops the hammer and you made sure you did not touch the trigger it should be checked out.

Sounds like someone tried to do a trigger job on this rifle. A rounded or improperly stoned sear angle could cause a cocked hammer to fall when the lever is snapped up.
Dennis

An improperly adjusted set trigger could create the same situation.

Orville wrote:An improperly adjusted set trigger could create the same situation.

The OP said this was a single trigger action, so my guess someone wanted a lighter than 3# pound pull. I'm confident Shiloh would never let a unsafe trigger leave their shop.
Dennis

I would like to thank the OP for sharing his experience, in full detail. We will never know if a terrible tragedy was prevented in the future because someone new to firearms might read about his experience. It would be great if everyone had a experienced mentor to show them how to do everything perfectly right from the start. I would also like to thank everyone that took the time to make an intelligent response and try to do online mentoring. My point is it might encourage others come forward and share their problems and experiences leading to a safer and more enjoyable hobby for all.


PS
It seems like there is always a all knowing blow hard on most forums.

Thanks to the OP for asking about this condition. I agree with the posts so far. STOP shooting the rifle, take it to a competent gunsmith for a thorough check. Make sure your fingers inadvertently touching the trigger aren't the problem. A few months ago I had bought my wife an original Stevens 44 1/2 .22 for BPCR matches. It too went off when we closed the breech. We STOPPED shooting it immediately and took it to the gunsmith. He discovered a botched trigger job to lighten the trigger pull had ruined a couple of parts inside allowing the gun to malfunction. He fixed it and we have had no further problems. It is now SAFE to have on the range. From the replies in this thread so far, you now know enough to take it to your gunsmith and have this rifle fully checked over. Please do not sell it to some other unsuspecting shooter - get it fixed first!
Thank you

Lumpy Grits wrote:Common sense in firearm handling. You don't manually, fully cock any weapon, when loading.
You only cock it when on target
Gary

Some are made that way. Rolling blocks for example and the Martini is ready to fire when the lever is closed.
When I try out a rifle these things are checked first ensuring it does not slam fire when the breech is closed.

A call to ..following by a trip to Shiloh will likely have this fixed in short order. Well worth the two hour drive through some beautiful country to a great establishment with staff and owners that stand by their product. Without looking at it ..its impossible to tell the problem but I suspect someone has 'had a go' at making things lighter and gone too far. My sons single trigger Creedmoor has the smallest gap on half cock but holds soundly on full cock with a 2.5 -3lb pull. It only takes a burr in the wrong place or over zealous taking out metal for it to go pear shaped. Get it sorted by them that made it and get back to shooting safely

J.B.

I sent you a P.M.
Call me

Hmmm,, still waiting for a call???