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Colt 1877 DA gunsmithing question

dsmc1
Hi
Have a .38 cal 1877 DA that I picked up years ago needing some work. Finally found a source for the parts I needed, specifically a trigger spring, Sear and hand/stop spring. Problem I'm having is that when I assemble the gun and work the action, the hand/stop spring keeps sliding down to the triggerguard plate, so it's not properly engaging the hand and cylinder stop. I don't see anything that would make it stay there.
Anyone out there with any experience with this model? I've gotten pretty good with single action and C&B revolvers, but this one has me buffaloed.
Appreciate any advice from someone more experienced than I am.
Thanks,
Dave
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • givette
    Oy Vey! What a mess! I show two springs that screw into the trigger. Do you have two?? At least take a look, and see for yourself. Best, Joe
    Colt_LightningRevolver_schem.jpg
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  • dsmc1
    Thanks Joe
    Have that exploded view from the NRA dis-assembly handbook. Do have the 2 springs on the trigger.
    The problem I'm having is with spring number 35; doesn't seem to be anything to hold it in place where it needs to be. Keeps sliding down against the triggerguard.
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  • txfeller
    The spring description is a bit misleading, even in the parts catalogs. One side holds the cylinder stop and the other side works the sear. There should be a shallow relief on the spring side of the cylinder stop and when you push the spring into place you should feel it snap into place as it locks in.

    If the cylinder stop was replaced, it may not have that relief and that would explain the spring siding out of place.
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  • dsmc1
    Hi Txfeller
    I can SEE that now on the drawing Givette downloaded. Did NOT notice it on the cylinder stop in my revolver, but wasn't looking for it either. LOOKS like an original, but might not be. Will check that and see what I can find.

    I also noticed since my first post that the hand needs a second pin in it. I need to get a short piece of a 1/16th drill to replace that pin; apparently there are TWO springs that put pressure on the hand; interesting design.

    Thanks again for the help
    Dave
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  • perry shooter
    Now you know why the model 1877 never replaced the model 1873 to say the design is interestingis a very KIND UNDER-STATEMENT
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  • txfeller
    Whoa now...... You should have two pins on the hand. One pin is where the hand attaches to the trigger and the other pin is for the hand spring. And the hand only uses one spring.

    The hand spring is mounted on the trigger by a screw, and you pre load the hand on the trigger before installing the trigger.

    Could be that spring is broken and that's what threw you off to begin with.

    Actually there are two springs attached to the trigger. One is for the hand, the other keeps the strut on the trigger pushed against the hammer.

    Just for grins, here's the order for correct assembly. take the action apart. Leave the trigger spring screw a bit loose to give it some slack. First, put the cylinder stop in place, then put the trigger and hand in and install the trigger screw. Then push the #35 spring into place. If you'll look carefully, you'll see that the #35 spring has just enough clearance for the hand to operate without interference. Then attach the hammer to the trigger strut, swing the hammer in and install the hammer screw. Then install the sear and sear screw. Then tighten the trigger spring screw and throw on everything that's left.
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  • txfeller
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    Now you know why the model 1877 never replaced the model 1873 to say the design is interestingis a very KIND UNDER-STATEMENT


    You sure got that right! What's even more amazing is that the same person (John Mason) designed both of those pistols. From the design of the 1877, you have to wonder how someone could be that drunk without passing out.
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  • dsmc1
    Txfeller
    THANK YOU; THANK YOU THANK YOU!
    i have several books on dissasembly but NONE of them gives detaied REASSEMBLY directions.

    I did see the notch on the cylinder stop, but the #35 spring STILL seems awefully loose. The other leg of the spring operating the sear makes sense now that you mentioned that.

    I DO have the 2 springs on the trigger: I need to replace that small pin that the hand spring touches. Am going to cut a quarter inch or so off a broken 1/16th drill and press it into the hand; seems to be the size needed.
    One other question: the trigger spring has a slight bend in it; should the bend be down toward the trigger, or up toward the frame? I tried it down toward the trigger and it felt too tight.
    Appreciate your help.
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  • dsmc1
    quote:Originally posted by txfeller
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    Now you know why the model 1877 never replaced the model 1873 to say the design is interestingis a very KIND UNDER-STATEMENT


    You sure got that right! What's even more amazing is that the same person (John Mason) designed both of those pistols. From the design of the 1877, you have to wonder how someone could be that drunk without passing out.

    [:D]
    I read somewhere that the guns were so unpopular, they actually gave the last ones away as premiums for buying a certain number of cigars. The 1878 seems a MUCH better design.
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  • txfeller
    Hey guy, I was away for a couple of days. And you are very welcome!

    The trigger spring is the longer of the two springs and both springs should mount as the diagram shows with the trigger spring (the longer of the two) mounted on top of the strut spring.

    Curious where you got the #35 spring from. Does it look new or used? That spring slides in as shown in the diagram, the side will be against the side of the cutout with the shorter spring pushing on the back of the cylinder stop, and the end of the long flat side will be close to or even with bottom of the frame.

    And be careful when you drill the hand for the pin!!! Try to locate where the old pin was and hit that exact location. Too low, and the pin will bind on the trigger. Too high, and the pin will jump the hand spring and lock the gun up.
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  • txfeller
    quote:Originally posted by dsmc1
    quote:Originally posted by txfeller
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    Now you know why the model 1877 never replaced the model 1873 to say the design is interestingis a very KIND UNDER-STATEMENT


    You sure got that right! What's even more amazing is that the same person (John Mason) designed both of those pistols. From the design of the 1877, you have to wonder how someone could be that drunk without passing out.

    [:D]
    I read somewhere that the guns were so unpopular, they actually gave the last ones away as premiums for buying a certain number of cigars. The 1878 seems a MUCH better design.


    LOL, I hadn't heard that, but I kind of believe it! History shows that the '77 was a rush job because webley had introduced the double action bulldog and they were selling like hotcakes at 5 dollars a gun. The '78 had more thought put into the design and was a much more durable design. But the '77 is definitely unique, has a history to it, and I really enjoy having one. Or two.
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