H&A Falling Block Shotgun

[Simple Simon]

I bought a Hopkins and Allen falling block single shot 12 ga at an auction. When I got it I discovered that the block would not "fall". The hammer cocks, and it drops at a touch of the trigger, but the block, she's a no move! I'd like some advice before I bust this thing open and discover that I can't get it back together. Incidentially, besides the barrel marking "H&A Company", the only other marking appears to be a serial Nr (7888 or 7000) on the receiver face just beneath the barrel & under the forend wood.

Simple Simon
US Army ret

[Alpo]

This may be a stupid question, but you are attempting to lower the trigger guard, right?

I just had a visual pop into my head of someone that did not know how falling blocks worked, cocking the hammer and then pushing down on the top of the block, wondering why it would not go down.

[Simple Simon]

Lever? What Lever? Just kidding. Yes, I tried to operate the lever. I tried it hammer cocked and hammer down. I applied a little pressure and force, but was afraid I'd break something, so I decided to see if anyone has taken one of these beasts apart and actually put it back together. I can't imagine that there is much inside in the way of springs, etc., but something is not allowing it to drop, er, fall as it were.

[Simple Simon]

Remember, when the enemy is within range....so are you.

[hrf]

These were pretty simple guns, might be some foreign object inside jamming the block or lever. I'd try disassembling it, and if it's the takedown model try it with barrel removed, although I doubt that could make a difference unless there's a swollen shell in the chamber. You should not need to cock the hammer to open the breech.

Let us know what you find.

[Simple Simon]

Okay. Took it apart as far as I could. I found the problem. Apparently the block and lever is installed as an 'assembly' which has another part attached by a screw. This screw has "backed out" over the years to the point that it now prevents the block or lever from moving. I.E. it extends out over the channel that the block is suppose to fall through. The only fix I see is to locate and drill through so that one can turn the screw back in until the block can fall. There is no way to get anything into the screw's slot. Maybe reverse "vibration" might cause it to back it's way in? Dunno. BTW, SN is 7988

[Simple Simon]

For any interested, I did drill an access hole in the right side of the receiver and was able to retighten the screw which holds the "link" to the lever. Subsequently, I discovered that the action has to be opened, that link screw removed, whereupon the block can be removed through the top of the receiver. I found an old screw which will nicely fill the "access hole" I made, and most observers will never suspect the repairs which were done. I now discovered that the firing pin was completely missing and the firing pin spring was too weak to be effective. I fashioned a temporary firing pin from a steel Pop-Rivet by sizing to length, and filing off part of the 'rim" of the pop-rivet so it fit the block. The remainder of the rim acts as a "stop" to keep the pin from falling out. I am now in search of a very small coiled spring to finish the repairs to this old shotgun. I have no idea what size it is, but can say that it is slightly smaller than the plunger spring from the disconnector assembly of a G.I. Carbine. I plan to refinish the stock, brass plate the receiver, and cold blue the balance of the metal. It should make a nice, functional wall hanger.