Ratchet loading lever question

[Tomahawk674]

Hello everyone, I have breathed a lot of new life into my Uberti 1861 navy with a new arbor, and new timed action parts. The last wear point I'm trying to address is the loading lever.

The ratchet style loading lever seems to have side to side play while latched. I can hold the plunger and wiggle it slightly. I don't think I could do that when the gun was new many years ago. The plunger fits snugly over the lever and the screw is tight. It looks like the play is from the channel in the barrel where the plunger moves back and forth. Any thoughts?

 

[hawg]

It probably just loosened up over the years. If it works like it should don't worry about it.

 

[Eyrie G. Dogg]

Does the entire lever wobble or just the plunger? Sometimes the spring tension on the latch isn’t up to par.

 

[Tomahawk674]

The entire assembly has side to side play. It functions fine, just rattles a bit when you pick up the gun. No huge problem.

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

Over time, springs that are stored under tension compress and no longer retain their original ability to apply pressure. If the loading lever is loose, check the small spring in its latch mechanism. You may be able to stretch it so that it pushes the latch harder against the catch under the muzzle or you may have to replace it!

 

[hawg]

Over time, springs that are stored under tension compress and no longer retain their original ability to apply pressure.

Actually they don't. Using them makes them wear out.

 

[44 Dave]

Worst spring killer is rust. Easy to forget to get that end dried and oiled every time.