Model Vehicle User Manual

attempts, it is imperative that the following procedures be used to clear the weapon.

Elevate the muzzle as nearly vertical as possible before opening the breech. With

the breech open, use a cleaning rod introduced through the muzzle to drive out the

cartridge. Insert a new round and close the breech. Only then can the muzzle be

lowered. If the breech must be opened with the gun held level, remove the

breechblock and clear any accumulated powder from the recesses at the front of the

frame before reloading. When the arm is to be loaded after being cleaned, it must

first be cleared by firing at least two caps. The vent channel in the breech block is

rather long and tends to accumulate oil when properly cleaned, which can lead to

misfires. A large quantity of smoke should be visible in the barrel on opening the

breech, if the breech block’s vent is clear. Reports have also noted that excessive

friction may develop in the breech after several rounds have been fired. This is due

to an accumulation of fouling within the frame. The breech joint is as perfect as can

be made by modern science, but it does still leak. This causes fouling to deposit

between the breech block and frame. When the lever becomes excessively tight,

spitting on the inside of the frame with the breech open will moisten this fouling and

usually relieve the problem. Do not hesitate to take this action; it will not injure the

mechanism. If the lever is bent in forcing the breech closed, the weapon may no

longer fire as the block will not be restored to its proper position.

Cleaning

Most of the problems experienced with the Sharps pattern guns are the result

of incomplete cleaning. Unlike the musketoons, which can be cleaned with

little effort, the new carbines require complete disassembly of the breech

mechanism to be cleaned properly. There are many small parts which become

clogged and jammed with accumulated fouling. These require careful

attention. If not maintained, the joint at the breech will become excessively

tight and leak gas, rendering the weapon unserviceable.

To clean the Sharps, the breech mechanism must be disassembled. To accomplish

this, first open the breech. Next, the lever pivot pin must be withdrawn. Depress the

catch ahead of the pivot pin arm and rotating the arm one quarter turn away from the

frame. Next, gently rotate the pin back and forth while pulling it out of the frame. DO

NOT STRIKE the pin or its arm. If the gun is very foul, the pin may be quite tight.

Moisten the joint between the levers and frame to loosen the pin. With the lever

pivot pin removed, the breech block may be withdrawn. This is done by gently

tapping the block out the bottom of the frame with a wooden dowel or the handle of a

small hammer. In order to free the lever from the breechblock, remove the screw in

the right side of the block. Soak the block in HOT soapy water. While the block is

soaking, clean the barrel and frame in the usual manner. Original Sharps, and some

reproductions, have a sealing sleeve in the breech, which should be removed to be

cleaned and oiled separately. Once the barrel and frame are clean and dry, they

must be thoroughly oiled before being set aside. With the barrel clean, return to the

breechblock. The gas check plate must be removed and cleaned separately. This is

done by gently prying up the sides of the plate with a knife blade. Finally, hold the

breechblock cone under a stream of running water and check that water runs out of