[Michael_Zeleny]

Has anyone seen the SAA screwless frame? How is it constructed?

 

[lonewolf]

Michael,this is just a "guess" based upon a custom,"screwless" revolver,the maker of which I forget. I think it was based upon an "old Model" Ruger Super Blackhawk frame.

Instead of the large diameter hammer screw,and the 2 smaller for trigger and bolt,there were headless tapered pins(can only be inserted from one side,removed from the other. Pins are very tight fitting,and off course are inserted/removed with an exact size punch and skilled hammer strikes. They are polished smooth with the sides of the frame-and are nearly impossible to see.

Try and "find" the pin or rivet that holds in the firing pin in the hammer of Double Action Colts,so equipped. The sides are polished smooth and left as bare metal. Post war Smith and Wessons,with target sights often had the front side(and/or ramp for it) pinned with tiny pins that are nearly impossible to see,unless you know where they are.

Again,only a guess,but thats the way that "custom" .44 Mag trail gun I looked at a decade ago had been done.

Keep in mind too,that the trigger guard and backstrap can be removed for the insertion/withdrawal of parts also,unlike most double action revolvers.

Bud

 

[Michael_Zeleny]

Thanks for your answer, Bud. Your guess makes a lot of sense to me, though I would have preferred to imagine a more exotic assembly method.

 

[dfariswheel]

Re: SAA Screw-less Frame

I think the Colt Screw-less SAA really is rather exotic.

It's been years since I saw one, but as I recall the hammer and trigger assembly are installed from the BOTTOM of the frame.
There are slots in the inside of the frame for the hammer and trigger pivot pins.

Instead of screws passing through the frame, there are short pivot pins inserted in the hammer and trigger.

The parts with the pivot pins are slide up inside the frame, and held in place by the trigger guard.

There are no pins or screws visible from the outside.

 

[Michael_Zeleny]

Re: SAA Screw-less Frame

I think the Colt Screw-less SAA really is rather exotic.

It's been years since I saw one, but as I recall the hammer and trigger assembly are installed from the BOTTOM of the frame.
There are slots in the inside of the frame for the hammer and trigger pivot pins.

Instead of screws passing through the frame, there are short pivot pins inserted in the hammer and trigger.

The parts with the pivot pins are slide up inside the frame, and held in place by the trigger guard.

There are no pins or screws visible from the outside.

Thank you. This is more interesting. Do you know when this design was introduced?

 

[lonewolf]

Re: SAA Screw-less Frame

My non mechanical mind just CANNOT envision what you are saying Dfaris. I have an SAA apart now,trigger guard off,but the bolt,trigger and hammer have part of their metal beneath the pin and would "Jam" on the trigger guard underside,UNLESS:

1) retaining shims are driven up the slots to hold the pins from "falling" due to "gravity"???

2) The trigger guard had projections on the underside to retain the pins??

3)I guess the pins could be "driven" tightly vertically with the hammer,trigger on them,and would retain their positions,keeping the revolver in time??

I guess its one of those things that had to be "made" cause some said it couldn't be done!! Like the Baby Lugers!

Bud /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif