1851 Colt bolt fitting

bigstick6017555 · Dec 12, 2019

I am searching for an article I read on here about filing the bolt to fit the cylinder notches. In that article I thought I read that you only file one side of the bolt, and only the part that fits the notch, but i can not remember which side it was. Am i correct at this, and if so, which side do I file to fit. Or do i have to do both. I am working on an older Pietta that needs some serious attention.

45 Dragoon · Dec 12, 2019

The "high" side is the tall side (you can tell by looking at the factory or the replacement) and that is the side you should take down with 220 grit sandpaper on a flat surface. I use a 1/4" thick glass pane. The other side (left side) is the "working" side that rides the hammer cam.

Mike

bigstick6017555 · Dec 12, 2019

Do you sand the whole bolt side or just what goes in cylinder notch

45 Dragoon · Dec 12, 2019

On a Pietta, it'll be fine to go with the whole side. De-burr the bolt "window" and you'll be fine.

Mike

bigstick6017555 · Dec 12, 2019

Thanks Mike, for your info and time

Hoof Hearted · Dec 12, 2019

If you flat sand the side of the bolt it will be looser in the frame “window”. I have done literally hundreds of these and you can file or sand the “off” side, right hand side on a colt cap and ball clone, at a slight angle staying up on the top half of the bolt (D shaped portion).
Are you replacing the bolt? I ask because often on an older gun that had timing issues the cylinder stop notches can be buggered up enough that it will appear the bolt head is too wide.

bigstick6017555 · Dec 13, 2019

All new parts, spring, bolt, hammer, trigger, and hand, cylinder is not beat up

1851 Colt bolt fitting

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