[lambchop]

Hi, this is my first post here, last night I got a CVA 1860 army modelwith a brass frame. I have been into guns all of my life but this is my first blackpowder firearm, this thing is cool! On to my question, when I pull the hammer back it wont stay. It will stay at half cock without a problem and will come all the way back also, but it will not stay. Any reason why? I know the gun is old but it was my grandfathers so I would like to keep and shoot it. I would be greatfull for any help, thanks.

[model 649]

Sounds like not enough sear engagement. A good job for a qualified individual to straighten out. You could take a look at it to see if there is anything easy to fix, like maybe its just crudded up?
Josh

[4v50 Gary]

Agree. Since the half-cock works, it isn't likely that the problem is with the sear. So, the full cock notch of the hammer isn't engaging and is probably worn/damaged/defective and should be replaced.

[lambchop]

I took it apart ot make sure it wasnt dirty, and to make sure it wasnt something stupid like a missing spring. It was very clean and everything seems to be in order, the weird thing is if the barrel is off the hammer will stay back. As soon as I attach the barrel assembly the hammer will no longer stay back. Time for a gunsmith?

[Cap n Ball]

'Time for a gunsmith?'

Yep. It's probably an adjustment thing but have someone who knows do it and show you what they did.

[lambchop]

Does anyone know of any decent gunsmiths in the california bay area, or could you recomend one to send the gun to?

[Chawbaccer]

Drive a nail in the wall and hang the gun on it, put a sign under it letting folks know its grandpa's gun. Chances are that putting the barrel on is stretching the brass frame and possibley it already has damage. If you actually found a gunsmith to work on it it would probably cost far more than just going out and buying a new brass frame revolver.