Bisley hammer drop problems

[DFM]

My first day on the forum First, I am not a gunsmith, but "mechanically savy" . I love to read books on gunsmithing old guns, and when I retire, may actually try to fix some!! Looking to by a pre-1898 Bisley (refinish). It has problems, and I am wondering what it sounds like to you folks; ie. fixable by a rookie, or major problems requiring outlay of big $$. Here is how the seller describes it:

"Indexing of the cylinder works just fine, so looks like the hand and bolt
work fine. However, the hammer will fall if the trigger is pulled even in
the first or second clicks, and does not seem to engage properly on the
third, so it is either the notoriously weak hammer notches, or perhaps the
tip of the trigger that is messed up, not the notches (or both?)."

Of course, an internet deal, so I do not have the gun in hand to do further examination. The only other thing I notice is that some tapered "lead-in's" to the locking notches are over-buffed and kind of rounded out, not sharp and distinct edges like my original Bisley.

What say you experts?

Thanks much, DFM

[Kid Sopris]

Hammer notches may be worn or a broken and worn sear on the trigger. Since both these parts are hardened, and critical in the alignment , coupled with also being fragile I would recommend someone like Peacemaker Specialists to do the work. The hammer may need to be built up and notches re-cut. as well as the trigger. Check Eddies Site: Colt Single Action Army Revolver- Edward Janis, colt single action, peacemaker, single action army, colt, colt single action, colt pistol, colt revolver, colt gun regarding pricing. Deduct that amount from what the seller is asking, make sure you take into account shipping to Eddie. You are looking at about $300.00 + using your existing hammer.

[DFM]

Thanks for the info. I guess it looks like more is involved than I thought. Correct Bisley hammers without the need for expensive rework I suppose are basically not available either. I would probably be capable of just "fitting", but certainly not building one up and starting over Checking the website, he charges even more for a Bisley due to more hand fitting. $350. Looks like this $775 revolver could turn into a $1150 revolver pretty quick. And still a refinished one, not original.

I will give it a little more thought.

Thanks,
DFM

[rhmc24]

If the cock points are in approx the right place, seems to exonerate the trigger. It also indicates the possibility of just sharpening/deepening the notches. That could make the gun functional altho not to original specs. Won't really know till you try. Doesn't take real gunsmith skills but a bit beyond the kitchen table.

[DFM]

If the cock points are in approx the right place, seems to exonerate the trigger. It also indicates the possibility of just sharpening/deepening the notches. That could make the gun functional altho not to original specs. Won't really know till you try. Doesn't take real gunsmith skills but a bit beyond the kitchen table.

I appreciate the info., and understand that this would maybe "get the job done" for occassional shooting. However, problem is I really won't know until I actually commit to buy the gun and get it in hand and take it apart. If it turns out that the hammer really does need rebuild, it will raise the whole price beyond the "great deal" I was seeing.

(As it happens, I see they just put the gun on "Hold" for someone else. End of story).

I can see that in future, if this was a straight SAA, and not a Bisley, it changes everything, as the replacement parts are available and affordable.


Thanks for you folks helping. I value the education. Maybe on a future "deal" it will pan out.

DFM

[swamprat]

Bob James will rebuild SA or Bisley hammer notches for $125 and has fast turnaround.

James & Guns - Hammer Notches Repaired

You can buy a Bisley hammer from Cimarron Firearms for $90 that will work in a Bisley Colt. I have used one to replace a hammer in a Bisley and you couldn't tell it from a Colt hammer, it is even casehardened.
Bisley Parts

[DFM]

swamprat:

Thanks for the info. I will keep it for future reference. As I said, while I was making up my mind, somebody else grabbed the Bisley; it is good to know that there is another couple sources for Bisley parts and work. I will keep the references. I really prefer the Bisley to the regular SAA for my hands.


DFM

[Roninrlm]

Here I have seen exelent Bisleys for $1200 to $1600 with nothing needed to be worked on. Last Gun Show I went I saw 4 Bisleys forsale. One was a 7 1/2 .41 $1800 (I bought that one), a Bisley with a wrong barrel $600, A 38/40 Bisley good condition $1500, and lastly a .45cal nickle Bisley $30,000 that belonged to Doc Holliday or so the dealer said.

Ronin

[Roninrlm]

OH !!! I have a nice original .45 Bisley that I would gladly trade for a 1 st gen. SA

Ronin