Question on Pietta 1851 Navy plunger

[Smiling Bob Masterson]

Picked up a Pietta 1851 barrel and complete loading lever with plunger from Dixie Gunworks for my Pietta 1861 Navy. The barrel fits great, but the plunger rattles at both ends, is this normal ?

Smiling Bob

 

[madcratebuilder]

No, are the two loading lever screws tight? A small amount of movement by the plunger is normal but it shouldn't rattle around. The plunger needs to be able to pivot and slide at the front attaching screw. You may need to tighten that up if it has excessive clearance.

 

[Smiling Bob Masterson]

madcratebuilder,

Thanks for the reply compadre. Yep, both screws are tight. What is a good way to tighten up the excess clearance?

Smiling Bob

 

[Fingers McGee]

The plungers on about half of my '51 Navies rattle - especially the Piettas; although one of the 2nd Gens does too. Tightening (torquing down) the screw helps some, but, if you tighten it too much, the plunger binds when you try to seat a ball. I just let them rattle.

None of my '61 Navies rattle.