Uberti No 3 Russian

[rdstrain49]

Since this is a black powder, not just muzzle loader forum I thought I'd throw this out there.

I've recently acquired a No 3 Russian. I was shooting my S&W No 3 way too much. Anyhow, the Uberti is quite accurate however, I can only shoot about 15-20 rounds before my trigger finger gets sore. Yes the trigger pull is that heavy. Has anyone had experience with someone who will work on No 3 triggers, or seen a source of reduced power springs.

 

[forward observer]

About 6 months ago I picked a Uberti No 3 Schofield, which was unfired. However, it was imported by Navy Arms, so it has to be a few years old since they have been out of the business for quite some time. I've only shot about 100 rounds through it to date

However, compared to my Colt SAA and Uberti Colt clones, the trigger pull does not seem heavy, so it could simply be a variation in Uberti's production over the years.

VTI lists the trigger springs for the model Uberti top break model for $21. It's the same spring for all models. However they only list a trigger for the Schofield at $24. Maybe that has something do with not carrying a nickeled version--otherwise I'd guess it's the same trigger.

http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes&sppp=100

Anyway, you have to send them an inquiry with your Email to check if they have any stock. For that kind of money, one could always order a spring just to see if it helped and if not, you'd have a spare for a gunsmith to tinker with.

Of course some trigger work involves more than just the spring, such as the trigger/hammer notch geometry. I would call around to some local gunsmiths to get an opinion.

I get idea that since the Uberti S & W clones are not as plentiful as their Colt SAA's, finding someone who expressly works on them may not be easy.


Cheers

 

[rdstrain49]

f.o.
Thanks for the reply. After a detailed strip to the frame, several issues came to light. Trigger return spring was not flat but had a U shape to it. Full cock notch was very, very rough and .0032 deep. Hammer spring had roughly 10 lbs. of fall. Sear was somewhat rough.

The trigger was in the range of 20+ lbs. I have a set of trigger weights, but they won't go any where near tripping the trigger. In addition, the trigger had enormous amounts of creep and was very gritty.

All of the above issues were addressed as well as general cleaning and polishing. The end result is a 5 1/4 lb. trigger that breaks clean as glass. Total bench time was about 2 hours.

 

[whughett]

Until this post did not know what a No 3 Russian was, looked it up and that black powder gun got added to my wish list,the list gets longer and longer, may have to start selling off some of my S&W, Colts and Rugers.
On the side though one would think that a gun selling in the $900 price range would have a better trigger pull.

 

[rdstrain49]

Agreed, however the accuracy makes up for the trigger. I am very optimistic, and can't wait to see the accuracy tests now that the trigger is as it should be.

Just a side note, my original New Model No. 3 has a trigger that breaks clean, but weighs in at about 15 lbs.

 

[Foto Joe]

So am I to understand that you actually got a Uberti Russian to shoot Black Powder cartridges without locking up by the third shot??

I love the guns but I gave up on 'em a few years ago when I couldn't get one to eat the correct powder for the period.

 

[rdstrain49]

That is correct. Uberti No. 3 Russian (new). So far I have shot a couple hundred rounds of BP through it. The Uberti is in 45 Colt, my S&W New Model No. 3 is in 44 Russian. Shooting them side by side I can tell no difference in fouling/binding. Properly maintained, both will fire 50 rounds, give or take, before fouling becomes much of an issue.

 

[Foto Joe]

More power to ya, I sure couldn't make it work and I really liked that gun.

 

[rdstrain49]

SPG on the bullets, Bore Butter on the arbor, & Swiss 1 1/2f in the case.

 

[CraigC]

I'm used to crisp 2lb triggers on my sixguns and don't find the trigger on my late model Schofield to be objectionable at all.

 

[rdstrain49]

luck of the draw perhaps

 

[forward observer]

While I don't have trigger pull scale or weights, I just checked with the old MacGyver method utilizing a string and water jug slowly filled with water--then weighing the jug and string on a digital scale.

A couple to trials and my scale indicated the average weight of the string and jug at 5 lb. 4oz.--exactly the same as your Russian after the bench work.

I've read and always heard that 5 lb. is generally the sweet spot for single actions.

rdstrain49,

Maybe you should start offering your services for trigger work

Cheers

 

[CraigC]

2lbs is the sweet spot for me.

 

[rdstrain49]

C.
while 2 lbs. is fine for a range gun, I feel that it is much to light for a field and or duty weapon.

F.O.
I was a LE armorer for nearly 30 years. After listening to LEOs whine about how their gun won't shoot because-------, guess I'll just work on my own stuff and play the part of the happy recluse, but thanks for the kind thought.

 

[CraigC]

I don't and all mine are field guns. I also shoot tens of thousands of rounds through them every year. Most custom gunsmiths will tune them to at least 3lbs, if not less.

 

[rdstrain49]

to each their own