Manual

27
Understanding The
Fire Hawk
™
Trigger, Striker and Safety
Mechanism
The Fire Hawk
™
muzzleloading firearm is a modern cap lock rifle that
combines both the functional aspects of an old-time cap lock with the looks
of a modern bolt-action rifle. The Fire Hawk
™
has several design features
which are different than traditional muzzleloading firearms, and must be
understood before you attempt to use and fire your Fire Hawk
™
. See the
illustrations on page 28.
The striker mechanism consists of several parts which reside within the
receiver. When the safety is in the “Fire” position, the striker is released
when the trigger is pulled. allowing the striker to move forward quickly
under spring tension and strike the percussion cap that was placed on the
nipple by the shooter.
The “Thumb Safety” lever has two positions, all the way rearward where
it is lined up with the green dot on the stock and all the way forward where
it is lined up with the red dot on the stock.
The “Thumb Safety” in the rearward position is the condition that the
Fire Hawk must be carried in, with no cap on the nipple.
While the striker handle is in the “Cocked” position and the thumb
safety is in the “Safe” (rearward) position, a percussion cap can be placed
on the nipple immediately prior to firing the Fire Hawk.
Pushing the thumb safety forward brings the mechanism to the “Fire”
position, Pulling the trigger at this point will cause the striker to fall forward
and strike the cap on the nipple - thereby igniting the powder charge and
firing the gun.
Never prime your Fire Hawk™ until you are ready to fire it. Your muz-
zleloading rifle should remain unprimed until the instant before firing.
After you prime your Fire Hawk™ , your full concentration should be on
the target and the act of firing. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS RULE
CAN RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE WHICH CAN CAUSE
INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.