Colt Walker Arbor Pin Question

I've seen sometimes a set screw added to the Arbor pin to keep it tight and in place. Usually seems to be a fix for a loose arbor...not the best fix nor the prettiest...but can SOMETIMES get the job done. I'd be more worried that the screw or arbor threads are sticking too far out and keeping the hammer from meeting the hammer slot and possibly causing weak hammer strikes on the percussion cap sitting on the cone. I had fixed a buds old armi San marcos who had the same issue urs does, but it kept the hammer from lowering far enough to allow the internals to make a complete cycle. Ended up having to get a file and smooth down the Arbor threads that were sticking out so that the entire hammer slot was smooth. U always want that area smoothed out and cleaned up, also helps keep some of the fouling from caking up in the hammer slot.

The set screw was put in at the factory. The early 1970's models had the set screw. Mine does also. The arbor was loose years ago on mine so that set screw made it very easy to fix the problem. The set screw will not tighten the arbor. It's only there to lock it in place. To fix a loose arbor, remove the set screw then unscrew the loose arbor to remove it. Then using a punch, peen the arbor threads in 4 or more spots. peening them towards the shoulder of the arbor. Then clean threads well and coat them with locktite mounting compound. also the threads in frame. screw arbor back in frame to shoulder making sure wedge slot is aligned properly and the setscrew will thread back in. The threads you peened will hold the arbor tight to shoulder as long as you don't over turn the arbor to far. put the barrel back on but no wedge till Locktite cures. Loose arbor will then be fixed. It will never come loose again unless it is heated with torch to remove it.

I forgot to say the set screws were in Armi San Marcos walker revolvers which mine is too.

TheRodDoc's method is a little different from the way I was taught. I would leave the threads alone and upset the edge of the shoulder. It doesn't take much "upsetting" but what you want to do is torque the arbor back into position. The set screw hole will be your witness mark. Normally, it's a pin instead of the screw but after re-installing the arbor, install the barrel assy and the wedge (this will align the frame pins with the barrel - under tension) and then install the set screw/pin.

That's my method in the shop.

Mike

Blackpowdershooter44, does the Arbor bottom out in the Arbor hole? Like the piettas do? Cuz u may not have to mess with it at all unless Ur Arbor is loose or is causing fitment issues or barrel to cylinder gap issues. If everything is up to snuff the way u like it and everything is tight then I wouldn't even worry much unless it was causing Ur hammer not to bottom out in the hammer slot. then at that point make adjustments. Also check Ur other cap n ball revolvers....u should still see the same pin set into Ur Arbor and frame. All my piettas have it...only its been shaved down and smooth from factory (except for a couple that I did a Lil smoothing down on). I was told it helps keep the Arbor set and tight, kinda like the way u put a nail into the top of wooden axe handle to expand the wood a Lil more to make a tight fit so the axe head doesn't come off. Am I making sense?

My ASM 1860 Colt Richards type one conversion has the same set screw for the arbor pin.