Colt Model 1883 12 Ga Shotgun

[TheOldBishop]

I have an 1883 on my bench for restoration. Someone took the action apart many years ago and there are no sear springs or sear spring screws. No problem on that, I know what they look like and how they work. They also removed the action spring(s) and the main spring and every internal screw. I dont know why people do that !

I have several books on antique guns for reassembly but the pictures suck when it comes to showing proper placement of the main spring and action springs. Does any one have a *clear* picture of the action, up close with the lock cover off that shows the springs. ..... or does anyone have a really good reassembly schematic ... or .. does anyone own a model 1883 (hammerless) and would they be kind enough to take some good closeup digital pics of the action ???? I can probably figure out how it goes but would like to save some time on this job as I am not making any money on this restore as it is ... as usual.

Thanks in advance for any help.

+Del ...

 

[rcmodel]

Maybe this will help.

http://www.coltparts.com/pt_83shotgun.html

I dont know why people do that !

Perhaps to render in incapable of firing those new fangled 2 3/4" smokeless powder loads in it's short chambered Damascus barrels and blowing someones fingers off?

rc

 

[TheOldBishop]

Thanks RC

Wize guys ! .. must be in Jersey

Yea maybe, but then that would be the kind of guy that puts unleaded gas in his Zippo lighter too

I actually have Colt Parts filling an order for the sear springs and screws but they have worse pics than my books. I'm hoping someone out there has an 1883 that still functions and can save me some time.

+Del

 

[44-henry]

Those are interesting shotguns. I've never taken it apart, but here is one in my collection that needs restoration work at some point.







Mechanically mine is in great shape, but it did have the misfortune of losing its buttstock at some point and having a rather crude replacement installed. Fortunately the idiot that did the work didn't mess with the metal in any way so there is hope for it. I've often wondered about the "R.B" initials on it, perhaps at some point I'll get a letter and find out, but way too many bills to pay at the present time to fork over the cash for something like that.