Newbie With Revolver Cylinder Rotation Problem. Help!

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

For Christmas I got 3 CP revolvers; A Uberti 1861 Navy .36, A Uberti Colt Dragoon 1st Model and a Pietta 1873 cap & ball version of the Colt Peacemaker.
My problem is that the cylinders stopped revolving to the next shot, on the Dragoon, and the 1873. The 1861 Navy preformed flawlessly (In fact I was surprised at the accuracy!)
Even after cleaning, I'm seeing the same problem with the cylinders revolving. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't.
Can anyone please give me some insight as to why this is happening?
Thanks in advance!

whughett · Jan 1, 2014

Wedge tapped in to tight?????

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

No. Having the same problem with the Pietta 1873 which has a top strap

jaxenro · Jan 1, 2014

A arbor too short and the wedge too tight?

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

Just tried something with both of them. When I cock them holding the barrel pointed UP, the cylinders won't revolve. BUT when I hold them barrel pointing down, the cylinders turn

J-Bar · Jan 1, 2014

There is cleaning, and then there is CLEANING. I suspect a cap fragment has fallen down into the internals and is causing a jam.

Do a complete disassembly, clean, and relube appropriately. Be sure to use a blackpowder compatible lube on the arbor and base pins.

If you are a newbie, have you done your homework and the proper care, feeding, and lubrication of black powder revolvers? It makes a difference.

Good luck and enjoy those new guns!!

Just saw your latest post. You likely have broken a handspring. Repair, replacement has been discussed numerous times...do a search for hand springs.

45 Dragoon · Jan 1, 2014

What you are describing is a clasic broken hand spring.

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

I'm enjoying them throughly, just wish the cylinders on 2 of them would revolve LOL. I treated all 3 the same. No issues whatsoever with the 1861 Navy

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

45 Dragoon- When I point the muzzle toward the ground, both guns rotate. When I hold them muzzle pointed UP, the cylinders just sit there not moving.

45 Dragoon · Jan 1, 2014

You are describing classic broken hand spring

rcmodel · Jan 1, 2014

As 45 Dragoon said, you have broken hand springs.

Without a working spring on the hand, gravity holds it down against the cylinder ratchet when pointed down.
But it falls away and won't engage the cylinder ratchet when pointed up.

As a test?
Take the cylinder out of a gun, and Cock the hammer.
Then see if the hand it protruding out of the slot in the frame.
Then see if it is spring loaded out when you push it in with your finger??

If it isn't, the hand spring is broken, or missing.

rc

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

When I take the cylinder out and hold the barrel down I can see it protruding, and when I push on it it moves back freely

Damn! 2 brand new guns!

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

How hard is it to fix? And since the guns are new can I take them to the dealer?

rcmodel · Jan 1, 2014

Yes, I would highly recommend it!!

Return them and get'sum that work.

rc

BullSlinger · Jan 1, 2014

Somehow I think this is operator error. 2 new guns? You say they don't revolve when cocked, they are not supposed to. Try at half cock, bet they revolve.

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

Just boxed up the Dragoon

That came from a walk in store. The 1873 came from Dixie Gun Works. I'll be calling them in the morning.
I guess 1 out of 3 ain't too bad. The 1861 Navy is a sweet shooter. Put about 40 rounds through it. 3 inch pattern all in the black at approx 25 yards. (I was shooting using a sand bag to rest the pistol though)

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

When you cock a single action revolver the cylinder turns and locks at the next chamber. It's not operator error.

BowerR64 · Jan 1, 2014

3 guns for christmas? you made out like a bandit. :what:

avatarshots · Jan 1, 2014

Thanks BowerR64

Palehorseman · Jan 2, 2014

45 Dragoon said:
What you are describing is a clasic broken hand spring.

Ditto, or one badly bent.

StrawHat · Jan 2, 2014

Of course the 1861 is working, it is the best of the lot. Get rid of the others and get a couple more 61s! I have had a pair since the early 70s. Best revolvers ever made.

avatarshots · Jan 2, 2014

StrawHat I agree! And it proved to be deadly accurate at 25 yards. A was hoping the 1873 would have been the prize ( and it well might when working right)

Noz · Jan 2, 2014

The broken hand spring is an easy repair. VTIgunparts.com will have what you need. (Order extra for each gun)

avatarshots · Jan 2, 2014

It probably is a easy fix but I don't think I should have to fix something that's brand new in the box

Tommygunn · Jan 2, 2014

45 Dragoon said:
What you are describing is a clasic broken hand spring.

Yes, broken hand spring. Pointing down the pawl falls due to gravity while pointed UP it won't move forward BECAUSE of gravity; the spring should PUSH it forward irregardless of orientation.

Newbie With Revolver Cylinder Rotation Problem. Help!

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