Binding Vaquero cylinder pin

[bandur60]

I made what looked like the right buy on a SS 44 mag Vaquero a few days ago. 97 manufacture, the cylinder pin pops out easily, but wants to bind when being replaced. When it goes easily it slips right in, but might take several tries to reach that point. Through the frame or through the cylinder individually is no problem, but both at once need to be just right. Do I just need to get more familiar with it, or is there a problem?

This is my first SA revolver since a 3-screw Blackhawk 30+- years ago and I don't remember any such situation then. (And yes, I do know about the barrel relief on the pin.)

Oh yeah, the piece looks like new, reported to have about 200 rounds through it.

Comments or suggestions? Thanks.

 

[foghornl]

You really have to get "all the planets aligned" to be able to just poke they cylinder pin through.

I have a Vaquero, 50th Year .357 Blackhawk, and a 50th Year Single-Six. Sometimes, I can get the pins through very easily, and sometimes I have to play with things to get it in. Doesn't seem to be model-dependant, but does depend on the phase of the moon...which alternate Thursday it is...high or low tide...


Sorry, I'm just in a Mr. Wise N. Hiemer mode today

 

[rcmodel]

Any chance someone put a Belt Mountain base pin in it?

I know my B-M Colt pins have a very tiny alignment cut on the flange behind the part you grab hold of that goes against the barrel.
It keeps the pin from rotating in the frame and wearing out the holes.

Unless they are aligned with the barrel, they get tight about halfway in and bind up.
When they are aligned with the barrel they go in slicker then owl dodo.

Might want to clean your bifocals real good and take another look at yours.

rcmodel

 

[Jim March]

Yeah, Belt Mountain pins are a common replacement as they tighten the action and resist being spat under recoil better than stock pins. So a '97-era might well have one.

 

[bandur60]

The pin has a collar ("belt"?)measuring .398" dia x .115" thick just ahead of the frame --- is this a B-M pin? Just curious, part of my ongoing education....

Thanks again.

 

[Lashlarue]

Practice , practice, practice....I just picked up my third s/a sixgun.Cylinder has to be centered, I use my right hand to hold the frame and cylinder and my left to hold the pin and press the pin release. After you do it about 100 times you'll be able to do it blindfolded....

 

[Virginian]

Turn cylinder while inserting pin.