"STARR" Revolver disassembly

[Oyeboten]

Looking at ( photographs, and seeing ) how the old Cap & Ball "STARR" Revolver Frame has a sort of Hinge to it at the front - does one remove some parts from the rear to allow this to swing up and forward for a complete disassembly and removing the Cylinder and so on? Or..?

 

[madcratebuilder]

There is a screw on the right side just to the rear of the recoil shield. It has a large head, you unscrew this and the revolver pivots open and the cylinder falls free.

 

[BHP FAN]

A buddy of mine had one...and it had serious timing issues. Did he just get a lemon, or is that pretty much how they run? I have always liked the looks of those Starrs, and I kinda want one....I think.

 

[Tommygunn]

I own a double action version. It works OK but it really is a rather "clunky" design. The "trigger" really only cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder, there's a separate ...ACTUAL trigger in the rear of the guard that releases the hammer to fire. There's a spring loaded slide switch on the back of the trigger that hits the REAL trigger to release it; if you move this switch it becomes single action and you must then remove your finger from the front trigger and manually press the rear trigger.
Even the military of the times did not like these guns when they were new, and Starr came out with a more common style single action. But, the die was cast, and Colt and Remington captured the market.
As to whether any particular version of the Pietta repro Starr is a lemon or not, sure it's possible. But I don't know from what's here.

 

[mykeal]

I have a single action Starr and to be honest, it's my least favorite bp revolver. I've never really been happy with it. It's large and heavy with a bit of an awkward grip, and it does not point very well. Other than that, it's an ok gun.

On my gun the screw that closes the top does not fit well and is difficult to install; that may be a problem unique to mine, however.

 

[surbat6]

BHP Fan, these Starr repros (and a few of the other "oddball" Piettas) have a reputation for timing issues. Occasionally you'll see one on one of the auction sites with a mention that it's been adjusted by a gunsmith.

 

[Oyeboten]

Thank everyone, I learned several good things thanks to your mentions.


Interesting that STARR made both the single action and the double action models.

 

[surbat6]

They made the double action 1858 model first. Due to complaints from the about the trouble-prone double action mechanism, the Army refused any further deliveries from Starr until the company offered the single action model 1863.

 

[Oyeboten]

Ohhhh, okay.


Too bad about that.


Whatever became of "STARR" after that time?


I really admire the various double-Action Percussion Revolvers of that time.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

They went the way of all complicated revolvers of their time, gone, probably not as much due to the reliability though that added to extinction, but due to the cost. The LeMat was the classic example, one cost as much as 3-4 Colt Army or Navy models or a couple of Remington 1858, (iirc).

LD

 

[Oyeboten]

Reliability would have definietly been important!


I imagine paying a little more even than for a different make was less of an issue or deterrent, than the prospect of a malfunction, or a reputation of malfunction.

 

[BHP FAN]

the combination of cost and questionable reliability in a combat arm would be a sales killer in any time period.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Since I have acquired my SA and DA Starr I have handled an original SA. Pietta's design of the lock work has slightly different dimensions. My DA functions fine, my SA does not like to be placed in half cock. Both run like a Swiss watch as long as I avoid the half cock notch on the SA.

There's a re-print of the 1864 Starr catalog, excellent source of info on the Starr revolvers, and carbines/rifles. cornellpubs.com

They made the double action 1858 model first. Due to complaints from the about the trouble-prone double action mechanism, the Army refused any further deliveries from Starr until the company offered the single action model 1863.

That was a political decision. The DA Starr was highly regarded by users in the field. There are many positive testimonials from both Army and Navy ordnance officers in regards to the Starr.