Winchester Repeating Arms 1885 Rimfire - Manual (Page 8)

from the thumb while the rifle is being cocked
(Figure 5). The half cock hammer position should be
used for handling and storage — any time that the
rifle is not actually being fired. It is important to
note that the Model 1885 has an inertia sear which
prevents the hammer from going to the dropped
position unless the trigger is pulled with the hammer
in the fully cocked position.
D ROPPED OR FIRED POSITION —
The dropped hammer position is the position of the
hammer after a round is fired (Figure 6). The dropped
position should not be used as a safety position of the
hammer. Whenever the hammer has fallen to the
dropped position (after firing, for example) it should be
immediately moved to the half cock position.
L OWERING THE HAMMER TO HALF COCK —
Always make certain when lowering the hammer
from full cock to the half cock position that your
thumb is securely and squarely on the hammer and
that the rifle is pointed in a safe direction.
A wise practice to follow is to place your thumb,
extended, over the hammer with the point of your
thumb just over the “V” between the hammer and
the firing pin so that your thumb can act as a cushion
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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 you to
become adept at using your 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.
When shooting at ranges, and many other times, the
action should be opened unless shooting is imminent.
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F I G U R E 5
Half cock (safe)
position of the
hammer
This is the correct position
for handling and storage
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