COLT DA question

[old gun]

What are the possible causes and fixes for a Colt Police Positive Special cylinder easily turning to the left when the hammer is down? With hammer cocked it locks up tight. And should the seller of the piece not disclosed this problem? (Internet sale from a dealer)

I thank all responders in advance.

 

[dfariswheel]

A common cause of "Cylinder roll-back" is a worn, altered, or mis-fitted cylinder locking bolt.
If the top of the bolt is worn or slanted too much, the cylinder can roll backward, and if it's bad enough it can rotate forward.

If the dealer had examined the gun he should have noticed this, but many dealers don't have time or inclination to do very detailed examinations of guns they sell.
I suggest sending it back.

Repair is NOT easy and is best left to the Colt factory, IF they still work on your era of Colt.
If it was made after 1950 or so, they probably do.
If it was made prior to that, you'd have to find someone like Cylinder & Slide Shop who's qualified and can find the parts.

Repair usually involves the very difficult job of replacing the cylinder locking bolt.
This almost always requires a factory new bolt, and only Colt has these.
Used bolts usually won't work since they were fitted to a different gun.
It's at least possible the bolt could be elevated but that's still a job for a real Colt expert.

Best advice, return it, it's defective and not cheap or easy to repair.

 

[788Ham]

dfariswheel,

Good to see your name on the threads again! Hadn't seen it in awhile!

 

[old gun]

dfariswheel:

Thank you very much for your information and advice.

I have returned the firearm in question to the dealer with some information on how to identify problems with older colt revolvers that I have gleaned from the collective wisdom on these very informative online forums, such as THR.

The service your expertise provides is invaluable.

old gun

 

[Old Fuff]

If you are examining one on these old Colt's, swing out the cylinder and cock the hammer while watching the bolt's ball (the part that sticks up into the cylinder window.

As soon as you start cocking the hammer the ball should start to depress until it is fully out of the window.

It should pop up again as the hammer is rotating toward full-cock, and the movement should be a positive one.

As you lower the hammer to the full-forward position the ball shouldn't wiggle or move.

Last but not least, look at the sideplate screw heads (as well as all other screws) to see if the slots are burred or dinged up. If so, give the gun back and buy something else.