[SleazyRider]

Although the gun in question is a black powder Pietta 1860 Colt replica, I believe my question pertains to Colt SAA as well, so I'd appreciate any input.

It's relatively difficult to thumb-cock this revolver, so I took it apart for a look see, and found that the hammer roller was a rather crudely machined affair that had a pronounced flat spot, so it wasn't really rolling against the mainspring as designed, but sliding on it. (I didn't remove it from the hammer yet.) My questions are these:

1. Is this merely a bushing or is it a roller bearing; and if it is a bushing, can I replace it with a roller bearing? Are they available?

2. If I turn a new roller on the lathe, could you suggest a better material?

3. I've heard of folks adjusting the mainspring pressure with the screw, but is this really how it was intended to be used? It seems that, if anything, it only adjust the initial pressure on the hammer, and not the pressure later on in the cocking stroke. It seems, to my novice eye, that the screw was intended to be driven all the way in to hold down the mainspring.

That you for your help!

[Jim, West PA]

You roller most definately is not supposed to have a flat spot.
It is indeed a replaceable part from VTI for $4. See part #25 under 1860 Army.
https://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=70&cat=Pietta+1860+Army+1861+Navy

If you do turn your own i spect it will need to be hardened.
Usin Kasenite would probly be ok.

As far as i know, your mainspring screw is only to secure the spring and offers no 'adjustment'.

[SleazyRider]

Thanks, Jim, that's I expected on the mainspring issue, and I appreciate the link. I'm skeptical about replacing an inferior Pietta part with the same Pietta part, however. I measured the bearing, and it seems I can get a micro-ball bearing that is the same (6mm) OD with the same (2mm) size axle, for just a few bucks (shipped) on Ebay. I'm not in my shop at present, so I didn't remove the old bearing, but suspect it is not a ball bearing. Maybe a ball bearing will be a vast improvement.

[dfariswheel]

These aren't ball bearings. They're actually a tiny roller wheel.

Here's a schematic from Brownell's of a Colt SAA showing the roller.
I suspect the Colt SAA part would fit your pistol since I don't thank Colt ever saw a need to change the rollers from the black powder days to now.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=0/sid=154/schematicsdetail/Single-Action-Army-3rd-Gen-

[rcmodel]

It was never a ball bearing on an orginial Colt, and most certainly never one in an Italian replica.

And in fact, it doesn't need to be..
It just needs to be round and hard so it doesn't wear out.

Your heavy cocking issue is best addressed with a reduced power mainspring, not roller bearings.

http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=3&mID=1

rc

[SleazyRider]

A-ha! Discovered the source of the problem: Pietta's machining of the hole through which the roller axle goes. When I drove out the pin moments ago, I could see by eye that it was not machined perpendicular to the hammer. This cause the little wheel to bind, which eventually made a flat spot and it bound even more. What I really need is a whole new hammer/roller wheel assembly.

But what I'll do is index the hammer in the milling machine and send a reamer through the hole to make it perpendicular. Then I'll turn an oversized axle and wheel out of drill rod. I hope my eyes are up to the task!

The tinkerer in me still wants to replace it with a roller bearing, but I will restrain myself based on the advice here. And, yes, I will most certainly get the reduced power spring.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Jim, West PA]

That would definately explain the flat spot SR.
I recently had to drill out a replacent trigger and it went quite easy on my drill press.
Too easy !!!
I hope you don't run into the same soft metal i did.
Why not put a roller bearing in there?
Unless yer a purist,if you can make it work go for it.
It's yer gun.

[SleazyRider]

Well, I tend to be a purist when I'm dealing with something pure, but my $100.00 Pietta is certainly anything but. I bought is as a project, and it's my first time delving into the inner workings of a single action revolver. It has taught me quite a bit.

Quite frankly, after taking it apart, I was a bit taken aback by some of the crude machining. I expected to find closer tolerances on all the pivoting screws and shafts, especially after hearing so much fuss about proper lubricants. Looks to me like most of these pivots would have difficulty retaining a light lubricant.

This notwithstanding, the design is pure genius!

[BBBBill]

While the roller bearing is not necessary, it won't hurt a thing and has been used on other revolver applications with good effect. Walt Sherman of Tallahassee, FL has been known for his roller action S&W and Colt actions at least since the 70s if not longer. Incredibly light double action triggers with strong springs to ensuer reliability. Others have installed oilite bushings for the hammer and trigger pins to ride on. Those are all double action applications, but should work on a single action, too. Worth it? Only you can answer that.