Cylinder Timing On Single Action Colt...

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

Is there any way/method to check the cylinder timing on a single action Colt 45 Army at home or is this strictly a gun smith type of project? Once I get my Great Grandfathers 1902 build eventually cleaned up and put back together I'd like to try the pistol out with some light loads but since I have no idea when it was last used I am a bit leary of just lighting it off. To those that may have been following my other thread about getting the very stuck base pin out I was able to use a punch today after liberal applications of PB Blaster and tap the pin out. I then polished it up, then slightly oiled, and it still dragged a lot when trying to insert the pin through the cylinder. I finally layed the pin on a flat metal lathe table top, placed a flashlight behind the pin, and slowly rolled it along the table top. I observed some light shining between the pin and the metal surface and now know the pin is slightly bend causing it to bind inside the cylinder bushing. Upon removal I also noted that the pin is silvery in color which does not match the blue/black color of the rest of the pistol so there is no telling when someone installed this pin years back. Thanks...

[HayesGreener]

There are lots of knowledgeable folks here who know a lot more than me and can give you good advice about the mechanical condition but if it were me with an old family heirloom like that I would send it to the Colt factory for a good inspection and repairs or alternatively to a competent Colt SAA specialist gunsmith to have it thoroughly checked out before shooting it.

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

Yes, Might be a great idea to send the pistol in as I may be getting in over my head. Upon taking every piece out the only part I find internally that is really worn is this "button/stud" on the side of the trigger. It is worn at a steep angle. Does anyone know its function? It is facing up towards the camera.
Trigger.jpg

[Kid Sopris]

Colt won't touch it...Send it to Peacemaker Specialist: Colt Single Action Army Revolver- Edward Janis, colt single action, peacemaker, single action army, colt, colt single action, colt pistol, colt revolver, colt gun You will be very happy upon it's return.

[Frank V]

Kid is right send it to Eddie. I know him & used to shoot with him before he bought the business & moved away. He's a great guy & there isn't much about a Colt SAA Eddie doesn't know. He can make just like new. He is very ethical & won't refinish a gun that hasn't been refinished before with the possible exception of a parts gun.
Frank

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

I will certainly keep Eddie in mind if I cannot find someone reputable a bit closer that I may be able to take the pistol to directly. I am hoping that with 7 million folks in the Houston, Texas area there might be a Colt specialist here I can drive to if possible and see in person. Anyone in Houston have any contacts?
PS- This is a great group and I am glad I found this forum.

[Boge]

It's called a "cam". It is replaceable as they are press fitted. Colt can do this, however there is an excellent revolver 'smith in Houston: Alan Harton. He worked on a gun for me once. Just in case you don't think he knows what he's doing here's a little write up with his contact info:

The Guns of Alan Harton's Single Action Service


Also, one of the posters here on the Colt Forum "jplower" can do it as well. Here's his website:

Home


It's not hard to do, however a new cam must be fitted and that is where you need someone who knows what they are doing. A local "Gomer" gunsith can't do this.

[coltsixguns]

I just thought of another name of a guy who did single action work in the Houston area by the name of Chris Hirsch (going from memory on the last name).

[Coltlover]

Has anyone ever used this guy?

James & Guns - Gunsmithing Services for your Single Action Revolver

[Kid Sopris]

Yeah I have used Bob on numerous occasions. He is also known as Arizona Thumber. He works out of Legendary Guns in Phoenix, He will use the Second style Main Spring as shown in my other thread title Colt SAA Springs. He's good and I have never had to take anything back to him...BUT Eddie Janis is an artist !

Bob is a three digit SASS member and Fast Draw Champion...He knows the inner workings very well.