Cocking question on SAA clone

[Soap]

I recently purchased a Uberti SAA clone from Taylor's and Co. I've owned a Ruger single action for nearly half of my life but this is my first Colt SAA style. My question is in regards to the cocking sequence. I understand quarter, half and full cock on my revolver and what each position is used for. But when I pull the hammer just about 1/8"-1/4" past half cock, the bolt that locks the cylinder goes upward thereby not allowing me to rotate the cylinder freely. So if I were to be shooting under time pressure, it is very likely that I would accidentally place it is this position messing up my reload. So is this normal or does this particular gun have a problem?

 

[Josey]

That is as it should be. There is a "safety" notch, half cock for loading and unloading, the bolt raises to lock the chamber and barrel into battery (lined up) and then the full cock notch for firing. DO NOT attempt to let the hammer down from half cock. You will lock up the action. The only proper way to lower the hammer is from the full cock position. Remember to load one, skip one and load four. A true Colt clone should always have an empty chamber under the hammer.

 

[Soap]

Hmm...now I'm certain that it is messed up. Now everytime it goes to half cock, the bolt is up enough to lock the cylinder from being moved. I'll call Taylor's tomorrow.

 

[SASS#23149]

Yep,your bolt is rising waaay too early.Should not rise until much closer to full cock.sounds like the ear on the bolt 'arm' is broken...possibly the hamme cam is worn badly.Most likely the ear on the bolt.

 

[El Tejon]

For the love of Vishnu, Dan, don't tell the cowboys we shot their targets!

I know your pistol is messed up, you let me shoot it! El Tejon has the scary Ch'an monk death touch to firearms.:banghead:

 

[Josey]

I wonder. Can you fully cock the revolver? I would UNLOAD the revolver. Remove the cylinder from the frame and check the action without the cylinder installed. If the bolt is rising too early, it will be easy to see. The possibility exists that Uberti didn't clean up the bolt window in the frame. This would cause the bolt to "drag" and it would not recess completely. The left grip screw controls the hand via a coil spring on newer Ubertis. Removing the left upper grip screw and applying oil can help with friction. If you don't have a Grace gunsmith set of screwdrivers though, don't even think about it.

 

[Soap]

Dang. First I shoot the cowboy's targets. Now I'm cursed with a busted up SAA. I'm certain the bolt is rising too early. I've attached a pic to show the problem. I'm not new to single actions and consider me surprised that it doesn't work flawlessly. If something goes wrong I suppose it is best that it goes wrong right away.

 

[Soap]

Josey,

I can fully cock the revolver. I don't have the necessary screwdrivers to fit my SAA so off to Taylor's she will go.

 

[Josey]

That bolt IS not where it should be. Taylor's will fix you up though. Italian clones are like Fiats and Ferraris, some are good and some can be good.