Northeaster,
We would all like to see photos of the rifle, if you can manage it. The first thing that came to mind was the possibility that it was improperly assembled with the hammer rotated too far forward. If removing the hammer and reinstalling it rotated a quarter circle backward doesn't work, I suggest you entrust it to Larry Schuknecht at Dutchman Wood Works, or New England Custom Guns for adjustment/repair.
Mike