uberti dragoon disassembly problem

[crazyjennyblack]

Ordered a Uberti 2nd model dragoon revolver from Midway. It arrived two days ago, and I want to shoot it, but I always disassemble and reassemble BP revolvers beforehand to make sure that I can get them apart to clean them. I could remove the wedge with no problem, but the barrel wont come off of the frame. I've tried pulling, and it won't budge, and it seems that the cylinder arbor is stuck, probably with either a super-tight fit or some hardened grease from the factory. I've tried spraying it heavily with Break-Free CLP, and that hasn't helped at all.

Any suggestions on how to fix this? I've heard that soaking in diesel sometimes helps with stuck nipples, but I'm not sure if that would work here.

 

[robhof]

robhof

Use the loading lever , with the wedge out, it should lever the barrel off, place a piece of flat lead or sturdy plastic between the cylinder face and the loader base. If the lever can't apply enough pressure, definitely soak it in mineral spirits or kerosene for a few minutes and try again, repeat til it pries off.

 

[arcticap]

Maybe it's only the 2 pins at the bottom front of the frame that are fitted too tight and causing it to stick?
If the barrel doesn't release using the lever, maybe the impact of some light taps to that area with a rubber/wood/plastic mallet will help along with a direct application of some penetrating oil.

 

[mykeal]

With the wedge removed (it needs to be loose - be certain it's fully backed out - it will often seem free but is actually still slightly engaged) the only thing holding the barrel assembly in place are the two pins at the lower frame. The cylinder arbor is not a press fit in the barrel assembly and won't be the source of the problem.

As robhof said, use the loading lever. Place the hammer at half cock and rotate the cylinder so that the plunger on the end of the loading lever bears against the cylinder face between two chambers (use a piece of leather or lead to ensure not marking the cylinder face). Then push down on the lever as if you're trying to seat a ball. It's ok to tap the end of the lever with a small brass or leather faced hammer to 'shock' the assembly if necessary.

 

[Hellgate]

I use a popcicle stick as the pad between the rammer and the cylinder. Be sure to press between chambers. It ought to pop off with the rammer. Again, be sure the wedge is clear. I've strained on a few that needed the wedge jiggled out of the way a few times.

 

[crazyjennyblack]

Thanks for your help, guys. I got it to work!!! I cut a piece of plastic from the lid of a sour cream container to use as the pad, and then i used a soft rubber mallet. Took about 20 taps, but I got it loose. The pins were so tight I could get the thing back together without the mallet again, so I ended up filing the pins just a little bit. It's still not easy, but at leasts it's not such a major chore. Hoping to be able to shoot it this afternoon when I have time...

 

[Hellgate]

I always put a tiny dab of grease onto the alignment pins when I reassemble after cleaning. I've had the pins fall out and get lost. If that happens you need to slightly dent the edge of the pin's hole and then re insert the pin so it'll stay put.