I Guess I've Got A Thing For 1860s

[tpelle]

I just received my third one this afternoon! I had no intention of buying another, but I happened to look on Dixie Arm's web site and saw that they were selling a Pietta 1860 Army for $225.00, so I jumped on it.

All three of mine are Piettas. The oldest is a BH date code, and has a too short cylinder arbor. I keep thinking about welding up the end and re-cutting it, but have never gotten around to it.

The second one is a CH code, and has a perfectly cut arbor.

This last one is a CI date code, also with a good arbor. The only odd thing I've noticed on this newest one is that the capping groove is missing on the recoil shield.

Were any authentic 1860s made without the capping groove?

All I need is one more of these things and I can put on a pretty good imitation of one of Quantrill's Raiders!

 

[Smokin'Joe]

The capping grove was a requirement of the U. S. Army. I believe all of the Colt 1860s had them.

As for the arbor length just add a shim to the inside of the arbor hole in the barrel. I made a snug fitting round brass shim that works great. Drill a hole in the center so that it looks like a flat washer. The hole allows you to thread a screw into it for easy removal so it can be fitted properly.

 

[72coupe]

I have a thing for 1860s. Is the the correct support group and what are the next 11 steps.

By the way I don't currently have one.

 

[tpelle]

Already did that years ago. I'm thinking of a more permanent fix.

The other thing I always do to these revolvers is to dress the bolt leg down so that it releases into the lead instead of the locking notch. It should pop up into the notch by spring pressure only. Keeps from peening the locking notch.

 

[44 Dave]

Think I saw arbor listed in Dixie's gun parts, if all else fails.

 

[Noz]

I have weeded until I have only Piettas 1860s. Currently 7 shootable.
I have never seen a Pietta with an arbor problem. Only Ubertis.
My current match guns are 5.5"barrels with a ton of work (by me) done on them. Latest is the addition of the Slix nipples. They look to be an improvement so far.

 

[tpelle]

Spent about an hour and a half on this new 1860 today. First I cleaned up a nasty burr on the barrel lug at the loading ram. Then I removed the bolt and test fitted it in to the cylinder locking notches. Too big, so I had to file down the leading side that extended up through the water table so it would fit the notches. Next I shortened the leg that rides the hammer cam so that it releases early into the lead. Finally I filed a capping groove - the factory left it off! A little cold blue touchup and I think this one will do just fine.