Marlin 1894 halfcock question

[Flinch Morningwood]

I just picked up a Marlin carbine 1894 in 38-40 made in 1899.

This is my first Marlin.

When I put the rifle hammer in half cock, if I pull the trigger, the hammer falls.  It backs off a bit and then falls...like its working its way around the detent.

Should it be like that in Marlins or has 115 years of service worn it down a bit?  It doesn't seem correct but I have been wrong before.

If this is incorrect, where might I source replacement parts?

Thanks in advance.

Also...do modern 1894 parts from say, Brownells, fit the "much" older original versions?

Thanks!

[Pettifogger]

Sounds like the half-cock notch is broken.  There is no "detent" there is a deep notch and you should not be able to pull the trigger.  The front of the notch is a small finger of steel and they frequently break.  They made quite a few original 94s (new hammers are coil spring, your original is a leaf spring so they are not interchangeable) so you might find a used one at one of the used parts houses.  You best bet is to remove the hammer and have a GOOD smith tig weld it up and recut the notch.  The tip of the trigger could also be broken off and is not fitting into the half-cock notch.  Take it apart, the damage should be obvious.