Problem with Pietta Le Mat revolver

[elhombreconnonombre]

I have an unfired Le Mat revolver. When I pull it back to full cock, about half the time the cylinder does not lock up solidly. I can rotate the cylinder easily clockwise or counter clockwise. As I said this is an intermittent problem. What should I look for upon disassembly, something worn or something broken?

 

[Fingers McGee]

Sounds like a broken bolt spring, bolt rubbing the frame, or cylinder stop tension spring.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Thanks, Fingers
Digging around on the web, I learned that the cylinder stop is actually accomplished by a reciprocating pin that moves in and out of a hole in the back of the cylinder. Maybe the spring that allows that is weak or damaged.

 

[mec]

You might be able to adjust the cylinder bolt via a small screw visible on the rigth side of the frame (opposite the internal picture of the cam adjustment screw). The bolt is a straight, coil spring-loaded pin with cam engagements to mate with the hammer cam. The hammer cam is mounted on a separate round flat spring as in the picture and its engagement is altered by the above screw moving the hammer cam spring in and out. I've never had timing problems with one so I don't know if it will solve your problem or not.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Thanks mec
Per Col Le Mat, I turned the adjustment screw of which you speak clockwise (I could only turn it about a quarter turn, rather than the 1 1/2 turns that the good Col suggested) to see if that would help...no improvements. I went back to the original setting and then a full turn counter clockwise...no change. I think I'll see if the Col. can help me with an action job on this baby and fix this bug, if he is up for it.q

 

[col.lemat]

Lets try a little 3n1 oil on the screw, give it a little time to soak in then work the screw back and forth a little at a time with the hammer at full cock. See if that gives you the movement you need.

 

[elhombreconnonombre]

Merci Messr. Col.