Just got my next project

[noelf2]

Just read through this thread. Thanks for the pics. I have an Ace I got 40 years ago as a kit. The grip on yours is way different than they used to be. I ended up taking quite a bit of meat off the grip to give it a more slim appearance. I get mine out on 4 July and shoot paper wad blanks. Makes a nice boom.

 

[maint1517]

ASM 1848 Pocket .31

Well, I've got to go see my gunsmith buddy again. This time the spring broke on the bolt side. Any suggestions on what to look for that would be making this revolver eat springs like this? Its only the third time ive fired it since installing the new spring.

 

[45 Dragoon]

ASM 1848 Pocket .31

Well, I've got to go see my gunsmith buddy again. This time the spring broke on the bolt side. Any suggestions on what to look for that would be making this revolver eat springs like this? Its only the third time ive fired it since installing the new spring.

Yes, the bolt only needs to descend to just inside the frame, otherwise it is over working the spring. More than likely, the spring is much too strong for the load needed for the bolt (3 lbs is plenty!). This is pretty much the "normal" function setup from the factory. They are made to function, not to last a lifetime or 2, or 3 . . . New parts are not "drop in" parts as some seem to think. Also, many folks think if they cycle the action and the thing locks up without the cylinder over- rotating, it has "perfect" timing (I see that all the time LOL!!)!!
Anyway, it would enhance your B.P. shooting "experience" to have a copy of the Jerry Kuhnhausen book on "The Colt Single Action Revolvers A Shop Manual, Volumes 1&2" ( yep, that's the title!). Whether you have the ability or not, it will give you understanding far beyond the casual shooter.

Hope this helps some.
Mike

 

[maint1517]

Thanks Mike. That helps a lot !
And hopefully I'll be able to order the manual next week.
Thanks again

 

[expat_alaska]

Maint, you and Goon (Mike) live relatively close to each other geographically. You got that Pocket .31 at a good price, so spend a few bucks and send it to him, at least for his evaluation. I am sure it will be well worth it if you want to keep and shoot it, if possible. Those Pockets are just too small for my hand. I'll take an 1851 Navy .36 replica any day over that. Sorry to hear that the new spring broke. Goon has many innovations for these C&B guns that would just blow your mind, and I think (if IRR correctly) he uses old-time bobby pins for spring replacements. Don't quote me on that. I have never heard a bad word from anyone about work he has done, but you might not get it back soon. He is probably up to his eyeballs in work.

I don't have Kuhnhausen's book about that, but I do have his book on Colt 1911 .45 pistols and the one on Remington 870 shotguns. I have had them for over 20 years. I guess you now know where my sympathies lie with cartridge guns.

Outstanding! They are worth about their weight in gold.

Jim

 

[45 Dragoon]

Expat, thanks for the kind words! I think you may be thinking of Hawg? He talks of using safety pins as replacement combination springs. In my service, I wind my own coil/torsion springs. Only the compression springs for the hand springs are outsourced. I may have my first cam-less hammer going sometime this weekend!

Maint, if you'll fill out my info sheet on my website or pm me here I'll call you.

Mike

 

[maint1517]

Ok. Thanks mike. I'll try to get that done this weekend. Can you pm me a link to your website?

 

[45 Dragoon]

Maint, it's highlighted (in green) in my tag line.

Mike

 

[maint1517]

Ok. Eric is wanting to try one more time at no charge since I already settled up with him the first time. I passed along the information you provided to me in your post Goon. He got me to leave the pistol with him this time so he can check the fit and spring pressure.
If we still have the same problem after he's done, I'll be sending it to you Goon.