Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

dumb colt saa/replica question

ker2222
I think this probably sounds really dumb but, can smokeless loads be fired out of the "pre-war" type saa frames without shaking loose the little screw holding the cylinder pin in.

I assume that the switch to the cross pin "pinch" style bolt to hold in the cylinder pin was a result of the higher structural demands of shooting smokeless powder. However, I really like the way the old style screw looks and I don't plan on putting 1000's of rounds through the pistol.

I really appreciate any feedback on this dumb question.
0

Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • artvls
    I guess the big question is what kind of clone do you have. The manufacture would probably be best to answer. I use modern loads in my Uberti.
    Dennis
    0
  • ker2222
    Sorry, I should have included that:

    I have a Cimarron by Uberti. I have several such replicas in fact but I have recently bought my first "pre-war" frame type andthat's why I am concerned/wondering.
    0
  • taperloc
    Hello ker2222,
    According to Loren Smith, in his book "Home Gunsithing the Colt Single Action", he advises installing a new cylinder in a black power gun if you are shooting .38 or larger smokeless calibers. It seens to me that Colt started making the smokless gun about serial # 165,000 (around 1896)and about the time they switched from screw to pin. I have also read that the change over really was not complete until about serial# 230,000 (about 1906).
    You might check coltsaa.com. Ray M. had a section about Colt history that may be of some help.
    Taperloc
    0
  • v35
    The transverse cylinder latch was incorporated in 1892, beginning with s/n 144,000.
    In 1898 precautions against using smokeless powder began with s/n 175,000.
    In 1900 beginning with s/n 192,000 Colt guaranteed their revolvers for use with smokeless powder.
    Frames before April 1883 ( s/n 95,000 ) were made of forged malleable cast iron and thereafter of forged steel.
    My guess is that the Malleable Iron frames would be more prone to stretch with modern heavy loads than the steel frames but the weak points are the early black powder cylinders and barrels. I would be especially wary of anything over 32-20 .
    0
  • EVILDR235
    I think the reason for the switch to the spring loaded cross pin was to make it easier to take apart.Not many cowboys has a screwdriver in their saddlebags.
    EvilDr235

    Two types of people drive old cars.Rich people because they want to and poor people because they have to.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity