Stiff Loading Gate - Uberti Open Top 38spl 1851 Navy

[lordfarquaad]

Here's what I'm looking at on my Uberti Open Top 1851 in 38spl:



First thing I noticed was that this loading gate was terribly stiff in comparison to my Colt SAA models, which are super smooth and easy.

But it is also a different design as far as tension goes. So my question is, should I just expect the 1851 Navy to be tougher by design, or can I adjust that spring in some way to lighten it without messing it up?

 

[Hondo 60]

This sounds like you'd get better responses in the gunsmithing forum. Good luck

 

[CraigC]

First off, it's an 1871-1872 Open Top model, not an 1851 Navy. It doesn't even have the Navy grip. The 1851 would be a cartridge conversion, yours is not.

The stiff loading gate is inherent in the design. It will get a little easier with use.

 

[lordfarquaad]

My apologies. This is the one I actually have and, right or wrong, what they are calling it:

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/hand...ion-revolver/open-top-revolver-1851-navy.html

 

[CraigC]

No apology necessary, their website is just a little misleading. The 1851 and 1860 references are merely the grip frame assembly used. Yours appears to be the all steel 1860 grip frame, rather than the brass 1851 grip frame.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

Hey brother, I know this sounds overly simple, but spray some good lube and set in a chair watching a good western and flip it open and closed for a while. Every so often spray some more lube on it. Try that before going to a gun smith. Sometimes the repros are a little stiff or might have a small burr that can be "worn" in.

I used to use a good abrasive tooth paste and fill up the innards of a new uberti single action and set watching TV cocking and decocking it. Leaned that from my time on the PD when we were issued a new revolver. It's a poor man's polishing job and it does work to a certain extent.