Old SAA w/floating firing pin
I've got an old SAA that's in pretty good shape. After a bunch of web research, it appears to be an artillery model. My father got it in Tucson in about 1940. What the question about is this: it has a 'floating' firing pin, instead of the pin just being the nose of the hammer. Was this something that a few of the old guys were doing to these SAA's back then? Why would anybody do it at all? Pretty fond of it, not looking to sell. It's just a question that has been on my mind for quite a while.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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It would be best if you would post quality photos, using the instructions at this link.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
At the very least give us a specific description of all markings on the revolver.
EDIT #1, Found the following information on-line. It refers to the history of the frame mounted firing pin. Although it refers to the Great Western revolvers made in Calif in the 50's. It might explain who converted your revolver.
"The Colt had a hammer-mounted firing pin, but the Great Western's firing pin was mounted on the frame. The design originated with Idaho gunsmith Herb Bradley in the 1930s and was subsequently refined by Christy Gun Works of Sacramento, Calif."
EDIT #2, Got this on line from an old Elmer Keith Article.
"Herb Bradley of Salmon, Idaho, made
a rebounding firing pin in sev-
eral Colts. This further lightened the
hammer and specclcd up its travel, as
well as producing a much better system
of firing pin that would not allow gas
from a pierced primer to come back
in the action. The pin did a very good
job of ignition"0 -
All Colt SAA's had "floating" pins so they would properly align with the frame. They were not a solid part of the hammer. Only the shapes of the pins changed over time. See parts #18 & #19. 
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OK, I'll work on pics. Spider7115, I know from my experience on other forums that it is difficult to gauge the experience and knowledge of posters who ask for help. What I meant by 'floating' is just that, the hammer has been modified to have a flat and filled surface where good ol' #18 and #19 belong! The firing pin is in the frame, captured in a circular insert. I'm sure these pictures will help.
Wallypedal0 -
quote:Originally posted by wallypedal
OK, I'll work on pics. Spider7115, I know from my experience on other forums that it is difficult to gauge the experience and knowledge of posters who ask for help. What I meant by 'floating' is just that, the hammer has been modified to have a flat and filled surface where good ol' #18 and #19 belong! The firing pin is in the frame, captured in a circular insert. I'm sure pictures will help.
Wallypedal
Ok, like the Colt .22 "Peacemaker" and "Scout" frames. Sorry I misunderstood. Looking forward to the pics!0 -
WHEN you say floating .I hope you mean with the hammer back the part of the firing that sticks out the front of the hammer will move slightly on its pin. HOW EVER if the firing pin is a separate piece not attached to the hammer itself YOU do not have a factory built COLT . The shape of the pi itself has had many changes the early ones were shaped like a cone. IF as you say it is an artillery model. Colt never call them as such. The artillery name came about when the military decided to reduce the overall length of the 7&1/2 inch barrel . Some of these were done in MILITARY Arsenals .and could be matching serial numbers or made up of parts from different guns "they took good parts from one gun and put them in another pistol wit some worn parts. Other pistol were rebuilt at colt factory . These are the most valuable type and will letter as being rebuilt at the factory. 0 -
The old Christy Gunworks was a major source of such modifications.
They would install a frame mounted floating firing pin and barrels and cylinders in calibers not dreamed of by Colt.0 -
quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
WHEN you say floating .I hope you mean with the hammer back the part of the firing that sticks out the front of the hammer will move slightly on its pin. HOW EVER if the firing pin is a separate piece not attached to the hammer itself YOU do not have a factory built COLT . The shape of the pi itself has had many changes the early ones were shaped like a cone. IF as you say it is an artillery model. Colt never call them as such. The artillery name came about when the military decided to reduce the overall length of the 7&1/2 inch barrel . Some of these were done in MILITARY Arsenals .and could be matching serial numbers or made up of parts from different guns "they took good parts from one gun and put them in another pistol wit some worn parts. Other pistol were rebuilt at colt factory . These are the most valuable type and will letter as being rebuilt at the factory.
Yeah, definitely not a factory job. He's describing a "Scout" type of frame with the firing pin as part of the frame (pics 23 & 24) and a flat-faced hammer. Bubba must have done it or maybe it isn't a Colt at all. Pics will tell.0 -
Okay, everyone who guessed before I posted the pics, you still think it is not a Colt? And an artillery model as generally seen? I'm sure there was a Bubba or two in Arizona even 72 years ago..
You can see that the original fp was flattened down to nearly nothing but still there, held by it's pin. I'm guessing either an Arizona "gunsmith" or maybe someone like Christy Gun Works. Still wonder why anyone would though!0 -
I think that style of firing pin is Denbark? 0 -
The frame was made in 1874.It was an original 7 1/2" barreled gun.
Many if not most original Army Cavalry guns and many others had their barrels shortened to 5 1/2" both by Colt and Army Ordnance.
The trigger guard and maybe other parts are of later vintage.
Frame mounted firing pins were later mods by gunsmiths.
During the 1950s and maybe earlier there were conversions to high pressure cartridges like the 22 Hornet where primers would blow out through oversize firing pin bushings. I've seen that conversion in 22 LR conversions. However, that's not the case here since it's a 45 cal.
My guess is the original conical firing pin beat the bushing hole so oversize, allowing primers to blow out,jam in the hole and tie up the gun.
A frame mounted firing pin which Ruger copied in their single actions is a better arrangement except it ruined a nice collectible.
I believe a good machinist with a TIG welder could weld up the hole, replace the firing pin bushing and restore that Colt.
The hammer ($$)and original conical firing pin would have to be replaced.
This is one of the oldest SAA's and would not be safe with smokeless powder loads.0
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