Jack I have two straight grip DST lower tangs like that.  I'm not sure if it's normal or not.  I also have have two pistol grip DST rifles that you can remove the breach block without removing the lower tangs.

Chris.

Nothing that I could see easily.  It won't come out far enough to remove the extractor.  Next time I will try a gentle tap on the top of the block.  The hammer might just be hanging up on the lower tang. 

Jack

Greetings,

What is an 1885 DST?

More specifically, the "DST" part.

Eager to improve my knowledge.

Cheers,

Dave

Dave, there are triggers, single set triggers (SST), double set triggers (DST), and close coupled double set triggers (CCDST) or I suppose some might call it a close coupled single set (CCST) since the setting occurs by pushing the rear half forward like a single set instead of pulling the rear half back like a double set. Trigger, you just pull to shoot; single set trigger, you push forward to set and touch to shoot; double set triggers, you pull the rear one to set and touch the front one to shoot; close coupled double set triggers (or close coupled single set, if you will) you push the back half of the trigger to set and touch the front half to shoot. Someone will have pictures, I'm sure.

When I have had this problem with 1885's, it is in the hammer retraction feature of the link/firing pin.   

The firing pin has a nib on it that push back the firing pin, and consequently, the hammer to have it clear the primer so as not to break the firing pin tip as the block is lowered.  When you remove the block, you have to manipulate the lever such that the firing pin reseats fully, and lets the hammer go forward to clear the lower tang.  it's only 1/16" or so, but it is critical.  More critical on some rifles than on others.

Here are the 4 different triggers.

I put my rifle with the barrel pointing left and the receiver lying flat in my padded vice. I grab the lever with my left hand with my middle finger through it and my thumb opposed on the outside. As I pull down on the lever, I also pull the lever hard left and as it comes out of the receiver the link clears something and you'll feel the lever move slightly left. This releases the hammer so you can push it forward all the way to the back face of the breach block. Slowly continue to slide the breech block out a little more and you'll feel something bump or kind of hang up. Now slide the breech block back in just a smidge and pull the front trigger and begin sliding it back out. You might have to try that a couple times to get clear whatever it hangs up on. Make sure you're pushing the hammer all the way against the breech block with your right thumb at the same time, keeping it tight against the breech block.  Keep pulling left on the lever while doing all this. Good luck. Hard to explain but I'll comes with a touch and a little luck.