Cocking mechanism for a muzzle loading firearm

摘要

A muzzle loading firearm having a tubular receiver for retaining an axially movable hammer and a cocking handle assembly for moving the hammer to a cocked position. The hammer has a first body portion having a laterally extending slot and an engagement portion for receiving and engaging the sear. The cocking handle assembly is comprised of a cocking handle block disposed in the hammer slot and a cocking handle. A cocking handle return spring biases the cocking handle assembly towards a forward position. A hammer spring biases the hammer towards the percussion cap. The hammer is cocked by moving the cocking handle assembly to a rear position against the force of the cocking handle return spring. The rear surface of the cocking handle block engages the rear surface of the hammer slot, moving the hammer to the limit of rearward travel and allowing the sear to be received by the hammer engagement portion. The cocking handle return spring and the hammer spring urge the cocking handle assembly into the forward position and the hammer into engagement with the sear upon release of the cocking handle. Upon firing, the sear releases the hammer and the hammer spring urges the hammer into engagement with the percussion cap.