Now I dunnit…. Help me figure out this Uberti SAA

[1KPerDay]

Couldn’t get the cylinder pin out. Figured I’d take the grip frame off and the hammer out, and drive out the pin from the rear, which worked. However as usual I march in without preparation and I didn’t understand that the guts of this gun aren’t historical SAA design.

I hear something hit my floor and find this small metal pin/plunger. After close inspection I find a small coil spring in the hand slot. I assume this is the hand spring/plunger. I need help getting it back together please.

 

[1KPerDay]

Also any tips on fitting the cylinder pin so it can be removed without driving it out? Where does it get stuck.

 

[AlexanderA]

I assume this is the hand spring/plunger. I need help getting it back together please.

There are three tiny parts involved -- the plunger, spring, and a plug screw. Installing them is simple, but the most difficult part is in not getting them lost.

Assemble the hammer and hand in the gun. With the backstrap off, you will see the plug screw in the back of the frame. Unscrew that. Drop the plunger, and then the spring, into the hole. Replace the plug screw.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

What Alexander A said, that's the plunger and spring that operates the hand. There should be a small hole just above the upper left grip screw hole, it may or may not have a very small set screw threaded in the hole. It has to come out, the hammer and hand will then need to be installed. Once the hammer is in drop the plunger in followed by the spring. You may have to compress the spring slightly to get the set screw back in. Be careful during this process as it's real easy to launch the spring and set screw into orbit. Hope this helps.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Forgot about the cylinder pin! Look at it closely and try to see if it's showing any bright areas or burrs. The screw or latch mechanisms that hold the pin in the frame may be the problem, or possibly the the frame holes at the front or rear could be damaged. Is the cylinder pin bent?

 

[1KPerDay]

Forgot about the cylinder pin! Look at it closely and try to see if it's showing any bright areas or burrs. The screw or latch mechanisms that hold the pin in the frame may be the problem, or possibly the the frame holes at the front or rear could be damaged. Is the cylinder pin bent?

I’ll have a close look thanks. It moves from the “safe” Uberti position to the standard position easily, and comes out about 1/4” and then stops. Tools and pullers are no use.

 

[Mizar]

Chuck the end of the pin in a power drill and give it a spin at low speed - it will show immediately if it's bend. If not, then check the latch mechanism as Jackrabbit suggested. Look for shiny spots on the pin - that will give you a clue where the problem is.

 

[AlexanderA]

There should be a small hole just above the upper left grip screw hole, it may or may not have a very small set screw threaded in the hole.

If I'm not mistaken, Uberti has the plug screw while Pietta does not. That's why you have to be extra careful taking the backstrap off a Pietta, because the backstrap is the only thing holding the spring and plunger in place. If you're not aware of this, the spring and plunger will invariably get lost.

 

[AlexanderA]

Also any tips on fitting the cylinder pin so it can be removed without driving it out? Where does it get stuck.

My advice would be to replace the cylinder pin. For years, the repro gunmakers have been using the so-called "Swiss safety," which is an extra-long cylinder pin with a second locking groove. The idea is that you push the cylinder pin in, so that it protrudes from the rear of the frame, blocking the hammer from making contact with the cartridge primer. This is dubious as a safety device, and it's not authentic. VTI Gun Parts has the standard cylinder pins with a single locking groove. They're not expensive. I've made that modification on all of mine.

 

[1KPerDay]

I got it back together and figured out the base pin issue. Prior owner had pounded on the ridge between the two grooves/positions and dinged it up. Some judicious filing and sanding with 320 grit got it working again.

thanks for the help!

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Glad it worked out, happy to help!