Shiloh Rifle Forums

Hi, does anyone have a diagram and describtion of an originnal 1863 cnversion action. I want to know what the slot is for under the nipple area and what is the strip of metal under the hammer section is? (looks like a spring?) Thanks! Major

Not sure what slot you're speaking of, but the "spring" is actually the top of the Lawrence priming system. As built, the hammer has a stud that runs down that opening; the stud impacts a wafer type primer held in a spring loaded magazine and accelerates the wafer forward, where the hammer catches it on the nipple in mid air. I believe most soldiers just used regular musket caps, though the automatic priming system did work. When doing the 50-70 conversions, there was really no way nor reason to get rid of the priming system, so it was left intact. The block, barrel and hammer were replaced and an extractor cut added to the action to accommodate the cartridge rim.

Thank you, that was driving me nuts. There is a slot running up and down in front of the hammer, that may have been an indicator of how many primers in the self loading part of the system there was. Just guessing there. You explained it well! Thanks! Major