Winchester Repeating Arms 1885 Centerfire - Manual (Page 15)

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the firing pin so that your thumb can act as a cushion
against accidental hammer fall, and at the same time,
ease the hammer into the half cock notch. A little
practice with an empty rifle will enable a person to
become adept at using the thumb in this manner.
To lower the hammer to half cock:
1. Pull the hammer slightly rearward with your
thumb still controlling the hammer.
2. Squeeze the trigger and allow the hammer to
slowly begin forward travel under the control of
your thumb.
3. When the hammer has passed the full cock
position, immediately remove your finger from the
trigger.
4. Carefully lower the hammer until it catches on
the half cock position.
It is possible to move the hammer from the dropped
to the half cock position by partially opening the
lever.
L EVER O PEN P OSITION —
Whenever possible, the lever should be lowered down
and fully forward to open the action and lower the
breech block. This is the safest status for your rifle.
F I G U R E 6
This is the position
of the hammer after the
trigger has been pulled
from full cock
Dropped position
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