Question On Replacing The Hand & Spring in A Colt 1860 Pistol

[loadedround]

A friend of mine stopped over this weekend with his Grandfather's Colt Mdl. 1860 C&B pistol for evaluuation. Turns out the cylinder will not turn when cocking the revolver and it appears that the hand is either broken or missing. Replacement hand and springs are available to purchase online for this revolver. My question to you knowledgable forum members is how difficult would it be for a firearms handy guy to disassemblble this pistol and replace the hand and spring? I have the proper gunsmith screwdrivers available.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but youtube is your friend for suchlike questions.

Edit: you didn't mention, is your friend's gun an original Colt, or an Italian repro (in which case, who made it)?

 

[loadedround]

This pistol is an original Colt Model 1860 made in 1863 according to it's serial number.

 

[bob40caliber]

Not difficult at all.

 

[Johnm1]

There is a discussion on hand (pawl) fitting in this thread

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-remove-words-on-a-round-barrel.892353/page-2

It begins around post 36. If it is a broken pawl spring there is a discussion on a repair that may or may not be cc'd appropriate for your friends original Colt.

As a test, with the muzzle pointed at the floor does the cylinder advance?

 

[whughett]

I routinely completely disassemble my reproduction Colts for cleaning at the end of the season. Colts are very uncomplicated mechanism No springs to go flying off. Just pull the three screws holding the back strap that secures the one piece grip. Three screws that secure the trigger guard and the internals are expose. One screw on the main spring and one cross bolt for the hammer. Hammer will slip down and out. Hand and it’s spring are attached to the hammer.

 

[45 Dragoon]

You may be able to just replace the spring and not fool with fitting the hand if the hand is present. Does the cylinder move if you point the revolver down while cycling? If so, the hand is present, otherwise it may be gummed up or missing.
The replacement hand will be too long so reduce from the top a little at a time. Careful with some YouTube videos, they can teach you how to screw up your revolver.

Mike