1858 spare parts suggestions?

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Despite reading Gatofeo's fine write-up on how to best use a cap and ball revolver, I didn't heed his advice regarding using the right screwdriver for the job. In attemping to take apart my new Cabela's/Pietta 1858, I chewed up the trigger guard screw a bit. I was able to remove it later using a more appropriate tool.

I see that both VTI Gun Parts and Dixie Gun Parts sell a replacement screw for $3, but both want to ding me for an additional $6 or so for shipping. Despite that fact that paying $9 for a single screw would probably serve as a good reminder that I should actually follow the suggestions of those who've gone before me, my frugal side thinks perhaps I should pick up something else to spread out the shipping cost a bit.

So, are there any particular spare parts I should considering picking up that I am likely to need in the near future? Or should I should I just pick up a spare set of nipples and be done with it. Am I better off getting this spare parts kit for Cabela's if I need spares (about a $15savings over buying them seperately from the DGW).

My first inclination was to get a second trigger guard screw and a grip screw, since those seemed to be the ones that would be removed the most for cleaning.

Any thoughts?

 

[pohill]

Try this...call Cabelas, see who the importer was. If it was Traditions, call them (or whoever it is), tell them you have a new gun from Cabelas and the trigger guard screw is all messed up. They will probably send you a new one.
Or, if that bothers your conscience, call Traditions anyways and ask them what they'd sell you a screw for (they're pretty good on prices.)
If I were to order new parts, I'd get at least a new hand, bolt, maybe a mainspring, and a trigger/bolt spring. But, I'd probably live with the screw the way it is until something else broke.

 

[Ray P]

2nd cylinder!
set of screws
more screwdriver bits
extra hand & spring
extra set of nipples

edited to add: I've had Uberti & Pietta 1858s since '78. The only thing that ever broke was the spring in the cylinder hand. The Cabelas kit looks like a great thing to have as a spare if you plan to completely rework the action. But a hammer?

 

[mothernatureson]

screw sets from dixie gun works

Dixie sells complete screw sets for the Italian repros. I believe for the 58 Rem. and the colt models . Complete sets are ten dollars or so. Check their catalog or online catalog may show them.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Thanks for the responses. Pohill, when I contacted Cabela's, they recommended talking to VTI. I did, however, tell them I'm the one who messed it up.

Ray P and mothernatureson, thanks for the heads up on the screw set. That looks like a better deal. I'll have to call them to find out if it has the trigger guard screw in that set.

Ray P, thanks for the added info about your experience. That parts kit kind of worried me since I was hoping that many parts didn't need to be replaced on a regular basis.

I already picked up a spare cylinder. Although, I suppose another one wouldn't hurt.

 

[Phillip Allen]

I've seen more trigger/locking bolt springs broken than all other springs...the Colts were the worst though

 

[Cincinnati Slim]

Cabela's Parts kits

Howdy Jorg,

Those spare parts kits for Colt and Remington style revolvers are quite a good deal, Highly recommend them !

The Pietta cap-n-ball revolver listings in the Cabela's on-line catalog provide links to the kits and spare cylinders. I have extra cylinders for both variety and ordered the stainless version for ease of maintainence. The nipples are provided in stainless and make clean-up super easy and resist rust really well.

I just replaced the internals of a blue Cabela's Remmie with the stainless kit. Mostly, I just like the look of the stainless trigger and hammer. I smoothed and shaped the trigger face and hammer spur to make it easier to handle. I didn't have to re-blue or re-case color anything since it's shiny metal all the way through. The springs are not stainless but having spares is a good thing. I retained my original hand or pawl since the replacement part is oversize and must be fitted to each gun.

As for screws, Since they are cheap compaired to the shipping, you might as well get a full set.

Even if you don't need the parts yet, "Murphy's Law" suggests that if you already have the parts on hand you will probably never break anthing and actually need them !

Happy Trails,

Slim

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

I would suggest the screw set from Dixies. I lost a screw the last time I cleaned. I still have not ordered, but will as soon as I get a couple more things on my to buy list.


Mr. T