Colt Lightning D A 38 Revolver

themountainman

September 01, 2014 07:42

Bought a Colt D A 38 Lightning yesterday. Mixed ser numbers. Fair shape but has a broken ejector rod spring. Numrich shows sold out. No surprise. Any suggestions for a source or substitute. Some frame parts have been reblued. Cylinder appears to be chrome or nickel?
Plating is flaking off in the flutes. I would like to resolve the blue/nickel two tone finish to something more traditional. Any suggestions appreciated. General appearance is good. Cylinder lockup is poor. Double action is good. Single action is iffy. Thanks

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  charliemeyer007

  September 01, 2014 08:16

  Google found this.
  
  http://www.coltparts.com/pt_1877da.html
  
  Are you interested in being a pistol smith? I don't think the design locks up tight like modern designs do. That said it could probably benefit from some refitting of parts by building up worn area's or replacement parts.
  
  I would almost bet that there is a copper flash layer under the nickel. Legend has it that soaking parts in Hoppie's #9 will eat the copper and the nickel will fall off. You could then re-blue it.

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  themountainman

  September 01, 2014 08:58

  Thank you Charlie. This was most helpful

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  v35

  September 01, 2014 13:14

  Would you clarify single action lockup?
  Is the cylinder bolt early, late or just weak?
  Some repro springs are available.

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  themountainman

  September 02, 2014 05:58

  Lockup timing ok. BUT lockup allows for what seems excessive rotation in the advance direction. I am comparing to modern revolvers. It is certainly not positive lockup. Thanks.

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  themountainman

  September 02, 2014 16:32

  Back 2 the top

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  v35

  September 02, 2014 19:42

  From what you're describing, you need a hand and cylinder stop combination spring.
  The cylinder stop should have sufficient tension to solidly lock up in slots at rear of the cylinder if the timing is right.
  These springs are sold by Numrich and others.
  It's the single action system thats weak on these guns, not the double action as on might expect.
  Widmer on the west coast makes some parts for this gun.
  These are a hassle to repair if timing is off.

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  themountainman

  September 03, 2014 07:55

  Thanks v35

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  TRAP55

  September 04, 2014 11:22

  To say the least, these guns are a PITA to work on. Unlike other Colts, the cylinder stop is cut on the rear of the cylinder, versus the side. If you have too much play in the cylinder, the cylinder moves forward, and away from the stop. It also moves away from the hand causing timing and lockup issues. If the play and cylinder gap are out of spec, that has to be corrected before any timing issues can.
  Add to that, the less than robust internal parts, with the springs being the usual problem.
  Dis-assembly and re-assembly, have a very specific order to avoid breaking small parts. I found a great tutorial on the web for smithing on the Lightning, and can't for the life of me locate it again.
  This one has some good info though:
  http://www.gun-tests.com/special_reports/handguns/Colt-Double-Action-Revolver173-1.html

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