Need a B/P pistolsmith

[robhof]

I'm looking for a gunsmith to work on my ASM 31 Wells Fargo. I got it used and with problems, but had it shootable for awhile, but it started or maybe I started noticing that it will drop the hammer when the trigger is pulled on half cock. I thoroughly cleaned and checked all the parts, nothing seems broken, but now it won't hold full cock. I'm hoping it's fixable as it's my wife's favorite gun, she shoots it better than her 22 Neos and says it kicks less. I'm in Ky and no one local will touch B/p revolvers. Any help will be sincerely appreciated.

 

[Jim K]

It sounds like the top end of the trigger (the sear part) is broken. Those are pretty thin and break easily, but if you are not sure what it originally looked like you might not be able to tell if it is broken. The half-cock notch should be deep and the top of the trigger should fit up in it. If it doesn't either the notch is broken out or the trigger/sear is broken and I suspect the latter.

As to finding a part, I am not sure, but I think parts from any pocket model gun should fit OK. I don't know who imports ASM guns right now, or I would recommend a source for original parts.

Jim

 

[Skinny 1950]

Sounds like the end of the trigger is broken,you could try Dixie Gunworks for a new trigger. I got a couple of spare hands/springs for an original 1849 Pocket Colt from them,it took a bit of fitting but the gun works great.
These guns are not hard to work on but make sure that you use a proper fitting screwdriver or the screws will suffer.

 

[J-Bar]

Send it to Greg Tymn, Banana River Outfitters, or Tom Wildenauer in Ohio. Both are respected cowboy action gunsmiths in your part of the US.

 

[arcticap]

Ask THR member Hoof Hearted. He is a professional C&B gunsmith and visits here often. Here's his profile page below. Just click on contact info. to send him a message, or go directly to his gunsmithing website where his phone number and contact info. is listed:

Website:

http://www.cartridgeconversion.com/

Profile page:

http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=142358

 

[scrat]

Deer Creek Products is the only place you are going to find parts.

 

[dprice3844444]

http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=81&cat=ASM+1849+Wells+Fargo+

parts list and exploded view

check uberti website

 

[bubba15301]

going to be hard to find parts for an asm pistol

 

[StrawHat]

ASM has been out of business for a while. Parts are not easily found but, the parts can be reworked from other brands. Is it a pain, you bet, but at least it can be repaired.

 

[towboat_er]

I suggest takinf it apart yerself. It could be something simple.

 

[robhof]

Thanks for all the suggestions, PM's sent to the smiths. I have taken it apart several times and if it's broken, it's a clean smooth break, VTI said Uberti part will work, but will need fitting, I don.t feel confortable with trigger/hammer parts, as a slight change in angle can cause an unsafe action. I'll wait for replies from smiths and thanks again .

 

[TheRodDoc]

All you had to do was try the trigger into the hammer half cock notch out of the gun. Should look like this. If trigger tip is broke it won't fit in notch. Or if hammer notch is broke it can't hold trigger from moving.

 

[robhof]

robhof

Okay, took it apart again, see pic's, trigger and hammer notch seem to mesh well out of gun???:banghead:

 

[TheRodDoc]

The trigger is broken.

I moved the trigger a little closer to how it sits when the hammer is at half cock. You can see that it does not fit into hammer notch.

 

[robhof]

robhof

Update, thanks again for all the advice. Took it apart again, checked edge of trigger and found small burr and slight lip, polished up area and slightly changed bevel to engage hammer half cock notch better, also had problem with bolt not fully engaging and had previously adjusted the head to fit the notches, found rough area with burs around underside of frame notch for the bolt head to go through, polished til flat, even surface all around the opening. Reassembled and currently all is working, will get range report soon.

 

[StrawHat]

ASM is rather well known for revolvers with soft parts. Casenite is a product you can use to harden the parts a bit to help them not deform so readily.

 

[robhof]

I was already going to get some Casenite as I also have an early flinter with a soft striker and was going to use it for that.

 

[Hoof Hearted]

I was already going to get some Casenite as I also have an early flinter with a soft striker and was going to use it for that.

Please, do not try to harden the bolt with Casenite............It will work fine on the trigger and if you are careful will work on the hammer notches (but it will take some heat and acetylene based flame may cause scaling if not adjusted properly).

Regards, HH