If your rifle or carbine fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, CONTINUE TO POINT THE GUN IN A SAFE DIRECTION FOR AT LEAST TWO MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO UNLOAD IT.
After waiting at least two minutes, with the barrel pointing in a s afe direction, carefully remove the musket cap.
Next, with the muzzle pointed at the ground, tap the side of the gun a few times to settle any loose powder away from the breech block. Lower the trigger guard, lever to open the breech and expose the powder charge.
You should next carefully rotate the gun to place the top of the receiver toward the ground, while continuing to keep the muzzle pointed at the ground. This will ensure that any loos e powder will fall directly to the ground and not collect inside the lever spring mortise.
Next, raise the muzzle, allowing ALL powder in the chamber to fall to the ground. Once the powder is removed, you may use a cleaning rod or dowel to push the bullet from the chamber.
Disassembly and Cleaning
Before attempting to disassemble your rifle or carbine, you must make sure it is UNLOADED!
FIELD STRIPPING:
With the action closed, pull the hammer rearward to the Safe position.
Locate the lever hinge pin (Part # 02) on the right side of the receiver near the rear of the forearm. Next to the lever hinge pin is a small plunger pin that acts as a lock to prevent the lever from rotating accidentally.
Depress the small plunger pin which will allow the lever hinge pin to be rotated approximately 180 degrees. With the rifle turned upside down, rotate the lever hinge pin forward and backward slightly while pulling outward to remove it.
Slide the trigger guard/lever and breech block out of the rifle. This completes the field stripping process.
Further disassembly of your Sharps rifle or carbine should only be attempted by a competent gunsmith.
Reassembly is accomplished in reverse order.
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