Need Help with Liberty Arms SAA Clone

[sabre452]

Well,
I got to take the new Liberty Arms SAA clone to the range today. 1st 25-30 rounds went great, actually pretty close to point of aim with .38 special in the .38/357 Magnum cylinder. However, when loading my last two cartridges, the cylinder became bound up. All I could do to unbind was remove the cylinder. Now, the cylinder will not lock up and the hammer will only go from full cock to half cock when the trigger is pulled. The cylinder doesn't rotate at all, and the arm the moves the cylinder doesn't move when the hammer is pulled into the full cock position. I bought the gun prior to doing any research, the company that made it is out of business and did not have a good reputation at all. Is it worth having a gun smith work with this revolver and try to fix it? I have already scratched the cylinder all the way around trying to work with it. I have $ 250 invested in the gun, I don't want to sink more money into it, if it is just never going to be anything but junk. What would you guys do? Thanks.

 

[Josey]

I am sorry. You weren't the only one who bouht one. ASM-Armi San Marcos parts are available generically. Brownells, Numrich and Dixie Gun Works are good sources. The pistol can be made to run. A gunsmith is the person to see. There are many parts that will simply need to be replaced. The new parts will need to be fitted, the window for the bolt will need to be opened up for a new bolt, the hand and its spring will need to be replaced/modified. A action tuning, polishing of the internals and new springs should create a great single action. I would guess the cost to be $300.00 though. You will have to make that decision.

 

[Old Fuff]

The first thing you need too do (or have someone else, such as a gunsmith do) is disassemble the revolver and determine exactly what is causing the problem. I suspect a broken hand or hand spring at the least. Or it may
be a case of something out of place. When you have defined the problem you can determine what repairs will cost, and then go on from there. At this point there isn't much more we can do too help you.

 

[sabre452]

Update - I was able to get the revolver partially disassembled last night and get the hammer to release. I was able replace the cylinder and re-assemble. So far it seems to work fine. It looks like I got the hammer and cylinder lock up out of sync. The internals are probably not fit together very well and probably need some work by a gunsmith. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Josey]

You are correct in the poorly fittd parts on the internals. The hand is a old style. The new modification invoves removing the stock curved spring. The screw on the left side of the top in the grip frame is replaced, a coil spring is inserted over the new screw. The frame is drilled out through and through to allow the spring to ride in a tunnel. When the spring/screw is reinserted into the grip frame, the coil spring now tensions the hand much better. It is a gunsmith mod. There are usually other parts that are cheaper to replace than to try and fit better. The stock parts are made of soft metal. They would need hardening and hand fitting. Replacement is quicker and cheaper in the long run. An action job and polishing of the internals will add to the durability of the pistol. Optimizing timing is a side benefit. The cylinder throats should be opened up and a 11 degree crown put into the forcing cone. You will have a good revolver when you are finished. I think the Italian clones are a crapshoot as far as consistent QC anyway. Pietta, ASM, Uberti and Euroarms all have made dogs. ASM was just a kennel.

 

[sabre452]

I may decide to cut my losses on the Liberty, and with the Italians being spotty, what do you guys recommend for a SAA clone? I am looking at the US Firearms Rodeo, Beretta Stampede, and the AWA 1873. Thanks for any input.

 

[Josey]

The Liberty SAA is a AWA reject. I have heard and seen many bad AWA stories. The Stampede is an option. I have seen a few bad finishes on them. The Great Western II from Pietta/EMF is not bad at all. The clones are QC problems or good. Any QC problems can be fixed. The Stampedes need action jobs right out of the box. The Ubertis needed the same. Beretta is only Uberti under a new trade name. AWA is now made by Mateba. They have a fairly negative history. I can suggest Taylor's and Company for good service. Cimmarons are only better finished Ubertis. I suggest Taylor's and EMF for shopping.