1917 Colt: Cylinder Release Wiggle

[Fortibus55]

Picked up this 1917 as a possible candidate for a BBBG. Exellent bore/chambers. Seems to lock up appropriately. One thing of concern. The cylinder release works, but seems real loose and has alot of wiggle. Thoughts as to cause? Remedy?

[rhmc24]

I have a couple 1917s & they have a certain amount of play or 'wiggle'. A 1917 in hand right now has about 1/32" side by side movement of the upper and lower points when I move the thumb piece up and down.

[Fortibus55]

I have a couple 1917s & they have a certain amount of play or 'wiggle'. A 1917 in hand right now has about 1/32" side by side movement of the upper and lower points when I move the thumb piece up and down.

Thanks for the quick response,. Would be happy with just 1/32" of play (have 2 others with none). I'd have to measure but know it has way more than that. Have been wondering if a piece has broken within. May just have to open up my first Colt and take a peek.

[rhmc24]

I checked another well worn 1917 pretty much the same, maybe a little less play. Checked New Service from 1906 in real nice condition and it is quite a bit tighter.

[dfariswheel]

Colt cylinder release fit is determined by the fit of the release to the slot on the side plate.
I suspect there was at least some slight fitting being done at Colt back then.

A replacement is going to be a used, worn part, and the side plate will be worn also.
Loose latch slot guide ribs can be peened to tighten the fit, but getting the latch braced somehow to allow peening without deforming or battering the latch is a interesting proposition.

You DON'T work on the side plate. Latches can be found. Side plates fitted to THAT frame and with the serial number matching can't be found.