Ethan Verity
Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2021
- Messages
- 736
I noticed recently on my Cimarron/Uberti '7th Cavalry' 1873 SAA replica, that it has some pretty deep flame cutting in the top strap. I purchased this gun brand new less than a year ago in June, 2023 through Midway USA. Since then, I have only put 1,000 rounds of black powder 45 Colt through it; a roughly even distribution of 30gr and 35gr 3Fg charges of GOEX black powder, always under a 250gr lead RNFP bullet lubed with SPG.
After noticing the deep flame cutting/erosion, I got cylinder gap measurements with a feeler gauge. I then also noticed the barrel was not cut square with the cylinder, so the gap is uneven from top to bottom. It goes from an already generous 0.009" at the bottom, and opens up to 0.014" at the top.
Here is a picture of the flame cutting/erosion in the top strap after 1k rounds of black powder 45 Colt.
Here you can see how the barrel is not cut square with the cylinder face, the bottom gap is 0.009", and the top gap is 0.014".
In addition to the flame cutting/erosion, the bluing on the front of the cylinder has also been worn away due to the excessive gas splash-back off the top strap.
Considering how sloppy this is, I have a hard time believing I just got unlucky with this gun. I'm wondering if this is just the normal QC for Uberti's 1873 SAA clones. After all, they are relatively inexpensive for what they are, and I bought it to be a shooter - not an heirloom. I'm fine if this is just the way it is with an Uberti clone, assuming this doesn't lead to other problems. I'm hoping the flame cutting doesn't continue to get any worse than it already is.
For those who have an Uberti 1873 clone, how are these tolerances? Specifically on the newer production ones (since quality never gets better with time). Is this normal for an Uberti clone, or do I actually have a lemon here?
After noticing the deep flame cutting/erosion, I got cylinder gap measurements with a feeler gauge. I then also noticed the barrel was not cut square with the cylinder, so the gap is uneven from top to bottom. It goes from an already generous 0.009" at the bottom, and opens up to 0.014" at the top.
Here is a picture of the flame cutting/erosion in the top strap after 1k rounds of black powder 45 Colt.
Here you can see how the barrel is not cut square with the cylinder face, the bottom gap is 0.009", and the top gap is 0.014".
In addition to the flame cutting/erosion, the bluing on the front of the cylinder has also been worn away due to the excessive gas splash-back off the top strap.
Considering how sloppy this is, I have a hard time believing I just got unlucky with this gun. I'm wondering if this is just the normal QC for Uberti's 1873 SAA clones. After all, they are relatively inexpensive for what they are, and I bought it to be a shooter - not an heirloom. I'm fine if this is just the way it is with an Uberti clone, assuming this doesn't lead to other problems. I'm hoping the flame cutting doesn't continue to get any worse than it already is.
For those who have an Uberti 1873 clone, how are these tolerances? Specifically on the newer production ones (since quality never gets better with time). Is this normal for an Uberti clone, or do I actually have a lemon here?
Edited for spelling error.
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