troubleshooting a single action revolver
Additionally, the practice played havoc with gun parts. . Another old-time rule that had to be relearned by a new generation of single-action shooters was to load only five rounds in the cylinder with the hammer resting on the empty sixth chamber. Thats where a gunsmith might need to take a look at the revolver, unless you are comfortable with detail disassembling and reassembling the pistol. Associated taxes and fees will be the responsibility of the winner. revolver loaded with Alliant 2400 and a cast Keith-style bullet as my go-anywhere, do-anything gun because it had always functioned fine and was totally reliable. That began to change in the 1950s with the small-screen phenomenon of TV westerns and the subsequent fast-draw craze. No purchase necessary. 2023 Rock Island Auction Company. Midway has a great series of gunsmithing videos on YouTube and theres one on replacing a worn S&W hand with a few one and fitting it. This is all timed to have just nudged the next chamber in line with the forcing cone (where the bullet enters the barrel). I am not opposed to revolvers. (II) Limit one entry per household. Additionally, revolvers chambered for this small round are compact and lightweight as well. If you then gently rotate the cylinder counter-clockwise, you may get it to turn a tiny bit and youll hear the stop click home. And knowing how to shoot it--and shoot it well--will ensure its immortality well beyond the memory of buckboards and bootlaces and perhaps right up there with bicycles and baited hooks. This morning, while making my rounds, I spotted a mangy coyote that wasnt in a good way and gave me an easy shot to put it out of its misery. That is completely context dependent. If youd like me to write more on this sort of thing, drop us a note at [emailprotected], That Magical Master of Rugers, Marc Morganti, has done it again. It is crafted with a high-quality hard case frame and walnut grip, which give it a stylish and almost antique-like look. The forcing cone is just that, a cone which sort of channels a bullet into the rifled portion of the barrel. Colt's excellent Anaconda is no longer in production, but it can be found used and makes for an . While the SAA hammer check is performed, be mindful of the mainspring; looseness or excessive resistance both indicate trouble, the former from a badly worn, broken, or absent mainspring, and the latter a mainspring that is losing ductility, which could potentially become brittle and break during operation. With 20% less hammer travel distance, the Uberti KL CMS ensures the transition from one round to the other is as brief as possible in a single action revolver. During the 19th century, and prior to the 1870s--before the widespread advent of the double-action revolver--there was no trick to shooting a single action, for that was all there was. Revolvers fail, too. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if needed) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. A revolver shooting issue that comes up frequently is resetting the double-action trigger (or, more correctly, allowing the trigger to reset.) Im not trying to pick on Ruger or tell you not to buy a GP100. A more compact version of the classic Hi Power design. As with handling any firearm, proceed with extreme caution. The most common drag line is between the cylinder stop notches, either as a set of six short lines or a continuous ring around the entire diameter, but can also be found in other locations. Being an old time cop, I tend to like to carry on my strongside, right at the right hip. Unfortunately, it appears that you have fallen under the mistaken assumptionas have many othersin believing that a stainless steel revolver wont rust and doesnt need a little maintenance every once in a while. This revolver also sticks to the Old West design with a 6-round capacity. As handguns evolved, double actions and semiautomatics began appearing in more holsters. To load rounds, the hammer must be . It can perform two functions at once. A 1891 production Colt SAA Cavalry Model in near mint condition. The double-action (DA) revolver uses a long pull of the trigger to cock the hammer, rotate the cylinder and fire the piece. Its chock full of how-to gunsmithing tips and tricks. . The cylinder stop should be disengaged and the cylinder free to rotate in a clockwise manner as viewed from the rear. Timing is a general term for the process occurring when you cock the hammer or pull the trigger in double action mode on a revolver. This revolutionized single-action shooting, for it enabled New Model Ruger single actions (those made from 1973 on) to be loaded by merely opening the loading gate. In the meantime the cylinder stop has slipped off the cam on the front of the trigger and is now pressed against the cylinder by spring pressure, waiting anxiously to drop into the locking notch on the next chamber. You're in luck, Alex, as I just did some repair work for two out-of-time revolvers, a 120 year old S&W Hand Ejector and a modern S&W Model 10. A little tap or two on the cylinder with a rubber mallet while applying maximum pressure on the cylinder release might be necessary to free it from the frame. In this case, you might want the blade made slightly higher than necessary, then fine-tune it by careful filing it at the range. Trigger on your trigger finger's first joint. You either did it correctly or ended up literally shooting yourself in the foot, or worse. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if needed) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. Double Action Conversions remove single action mode. Performance-wise it has a lot of power, and its design offers an easy to load, quick-firing revolver. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. The one that we usually refer to in discussions of the development of modern sidearms is the Colt Single-Action Army (SAA). The works of a revolver are very much like those of a mechanical clock. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. Until today, I carried a stainless steel .44 Mag. This 120 year old S&W Hand Ejector uses a hand and stop too, but the mechanics then Home Defense Tactical Tips with Manny Mansfield, The Backyard Sniper Lightweight Edition, Why Wont the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? The revolvers I have seen with the biggest problems, for the most part, have been those made within the last 10 years or so that have a relatively low round count. A value-priced red dot with a full set of features. But you know whats not cool? Taurus G3XL EDC Compact 9mm Pistol: First Look, 6 Great Revolver Cartridges for Carry and Home-Defense Applications, Buying a Suppressor Is Easier Than You Think, Weak-Hand Shooting Skills Drills: Learning To Shoot With Your Non-Dominant Hand, Taurus G3c Striker-Fired No-Safety Pistol: Review, SCCY DVG-1 RD Striker-Fired 9mm Pistol Includes a Red-Dot Sight, KelTec P50 Blowback Semiauto 5.7x28mm Pistol, 9 Best Pistol Drills to Become a Better Defensive Shooter, Smith & Wesson Model 350 Hunting Revolver In .350 Legend, First Look: Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge. But even with the growing acceptance of double actions, most gunmen of the time still preferred to cock the hammer before squeezing off a round, as the longer, stiffer trigger pulls of those early wheelguns made accurate bullet placement pretty much a single-action situation. So, if a revolver is going to have a serious issue, its most likely to happen within the first few hundred rounds, and then if it makes it past that point, its probably fine for a while as long as its well maintained. by George Harris; posted on May 28, 2018 . Sort By. Colteer 1-22. Check the sear tip and the hammer notch to make sure there is no buildup there, then relubricate the action. 3) Release the trigger and move to "fire" position. Subscriber Services. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). Typically, when loading and unloading a traditional Colt-style single action, the hammer is brought to half cock, which frees the cylinder and allows it to rotate clockwise, thus bringing each of the chambers in line with the open loading gate. The extractor does double duty. I will never forget being in a hunting camp with another gunwriter who is a few years my senior. This allows them to be removed, one by one, from the chambers using the right hand (while the left hand supports the revolver). Although Colt-style six-shooters (which consequently are really five-shooters) have a first "safety notch" click on the hammer designed to raise the fixed firing pin from contact with the primer of the cartridge under it, no safety should be trusted, as it is merely a mechanical device. (I) Giveaway ends May 31, 2023. When checking the half cock, note the following: Much like with the safety notch, failure at any of these points indicate notable wear or a flat out loss of function of the notch. Relates to the more traditional Single Act. But regardless, what I hope people take away from this is that no gun is immune to having problems. With the exception of single actions with adjustable sights, most thumbbusters incorporate a historically correct grooved topstrap and a high-blade, fixed-sight arrangement. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. This allows for more accurate shooting. Its a nice gun. but it can be built as a .44 Magnum or 8-shot .357. Subscribe to the weekly Rock Island Auction newsletter to receive new gun blogs on the history and handling of popular guns like the M1911, the M1 Garand, and more, and enjoy a steady stream of content related to some of the most unique guns in the collecting pursuit. Double-action revolvers are available from Smith & Wesson, Colt, Ruger and Taurus on the new and used markets. $499.95. While fast draw remains a viable sport, today Cowboy Action shooting, hunting, collectability and nostalgia have widened the single action's legendary appeal. In the interest of showmanship, however, a number of improbable--and impractical--techniques were exploited during the television western/fast-draw era of the '50s and '60s. Once the hammer is checked, the cylinder comes next. But is sounds to me that there is a possibility that the Hammer stud may be bent or mis-shaped.If that is in fact the case then only the Smith Wesson factory can repair the problem. The metal lining enabled the hammer to be cocked while the gun was still in the holster. The Best Revolver in the World [2020 Update], the pros and cons of using a revolver for self-defense. Also, different brands of ammunition and bullet weights will affect where the gun prints on a target. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. This is a 10 ounce 8-shot 22: Its a pretty cool little gun. Barrel Length. Can You Use Wadcutter Ammunition for Personal Defense? Most loyal handgun owners fall into one of two camps, as there are pros and . Pietta Starr Revolver Parts Starting at $4.25. Maybe the hand is too thin (means it cant push the ratchet around enough) so the chamber isnt quite aligned and the cylinder hasnt turned far enough to allow the cylinder stop to snick into the notch. Taurus PT 92 is one of the widely renowned double-action guns. Failure to produce an audible click at each stop, too many clicks, or other noises produced during cocking are all signs of possible damage. Remove from Compare Add to Compare. Best Single Action Revolver: Freedom Arms Model 83. With the full cock, note the following: Failure at this stage could indicate the SAA is non-functioning or is one that is dangerous to shoot. Any time one thing moves, everything else moves. 1873 Single Action Great Western II. The .454 Casull took that title and when Freedom Arms in Wyoming started making revolvers, I had to have one. What do you think happened and what should I do to restore the reliability of my old standby?R.A. If you are a novice in the world of guns, this guide to the differences between Single Action Vs Double Action is for you. The double action system has more operations to maintain than the single action, and thus has more possibilities to go wrong with its mechanics. Available barrel lengths are 4.75, 5.5, and 7.5 inches, and calibers offered include .357 Magnum, .44-40, and .45 Colt. Simply put, when you master the double-action trigger pull, you have mastered the double . And that all wears out. With these New Model Rugers, the cylinders may be filled with a full complement of six rounds, as the transfer-bar system prevents the hammer and firing pin from coming in contact with a cartridge unless the trigger is fully depressed--which can only happen once the hammer is brought to full cock. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. As the trigger is pulled further the hand rotates the cylinder counter-clockwise (in a S&W). nd of the press, the hand extends further and the left side bears on the right side of one of those cogs on the ratchet. with some creative gunsmithing since there are no parts available. I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record at this point, but I'll probably keep bringing it up until people stop spreading misinformation about revolvers being "100% reliable.". $10.00. Uberti KL CMS Specifications. The first revolvers were single action, making this the oldest revolver design. | Costs average between $4K to $5K depending on options and the gun used. This allows the Model 85 to be cocked first with a . The trigger both cocks the hammer (or striker) of the firearm which prepares for the actual firing to take place and then fires the handgun. If you have taken the sideplate off of a Smith & Wesson, you know it looks like the guts of a 19th century clock threw up in there. Find it online at fmgpublications.com or on Amazon.com. Derringers. It can also do double-duty as a cross-draw worn in front of the off-side hip. Additionally, when shooting at ranges that hover around 25 yards with barrel lengths of 4 3/4 and 5 1/2 inches, only about half of the front-sight blade should rise above the rear-sight groove; with 71?2-inch barrels, just the top third of the front-sight blade should be showing. No purchase necessary. As you can see in photos from Colt's original press release, the Cowboy has a frame mounted firing pin, transfer bar safety, and different lock work to move the cylinder. Here is what handgun hunters can expect from this big-bore X-Frame revolver. Follow Lucky Gunner Lounge from your Inbox! The cylinder is pushed out to the left, in the same manner as when starting the loading procedure. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association, Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, Examining .44-Special Revolvers for Personal Defense. A dirty extractor star can interfere with the rotation of the cylinder, interrupting the cycling of the revolver. As with any other firearm, taking the time to implement routine inspection and maintenance practices will prevent revolver malfunctions when your wheelgun is needed most. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. I feel like Im starting to sound like a broken record at this point, but Ill probably keep bringing it up until people stop spreading misinformation about revolvers being 100% reliable. In the video below, I describe yet another revolver failure I recently encountered. To get your revolver back into operation, you have to get the cylinder open and unloaded while keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. When this happens: This is what my 43 looked like on its first trip to the range after I fired about five or six rounds. Still You have to keep that wheel gun ticking like a clock. Unlike portable single-action guns, double-action weapons are quite long and heavy, weighing around 9-10 lbs. This could have just as easily happened to a Smith & Wesson. It has been in use for more than 100 years and offers real safety. bearing against the side of one cog. It was an axiom of the western frontier that the gunmen who managed to survive weren't always fast but they were usually accurate. But check this out. Smith & Wesson 686 Revolver. On the other hand, a few handguns and pistols fit double-action or single-action. And that leads me to believe that in the 21st century, revolvers, in general, are just not made to the same standards they used to be. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: American Handgunner Magazine, GOM Concealed Carry 2023, P.O. A single action comes with its own set of guidelines comprising some very basic but often critical do's and don'ts. Thus, these New Model Rugers are true six-shooters. Found on the exterior of the SAA cylinder, drag lines are caused by unwanted rubbing or contact against the cylinder during rotation normally caused by dirt or debris. On the other hand, powerful calibers like the .44 Magnum and .45 ACP can have a significant recoil, and the revolver can be quite long. In today's episode of "I Carry," we have a Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal pistol with a Holosun EPS Red2 red-dot sight carried in a KSG Armory Lexington IWB holster. Without a doubt, the most popular is how is the bore, followed immediately by does it work?" When it's time to get to shooting, from targets to varmints, the Heritage Rough Riderrevolver is what you need in your holster. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. Once the revolver is cocked, try moving the cylinder clockwise and counter-clockwise with said thumb. Reader Alex Vrenios sent us a note asking to explain revolver timing as he recently had a problem with one of his revolvers having to do with that very topic. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. A critical marksmanship skill that is easy to overlook. Historic, finest Known "Lot Five" Ainsworth inspected Custer Battle U.S. Cavalry Model Colt SAA revolver with holster and Kopec Gold Seal letter. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. Interestingly, much of the credit for relearning the five-shot rule goes to Ruger, which ran an ad during this period showing a single action with the loading gate open and a rolled-up dollar bill stuffed into one of the chambers. IF you value safety, because a gun with a long DA trigger for the first pull and a safety is going to be the safest type of gun to safety. The hand hasnt pushed the cylinder far enough around to align the next notch with the stop. The extra steps for troubleshooting the double action lie in its design, having to work the hammer through use of the trigger. By following these steps, a proper understanding of the functionality and aesthetic of the firearms can be deduced to determine if any further restoration, maintenance, or cleaning is needed. Give a Gift Noting the positive reception of this . A vintage SAA with no visible drag lines does not require any further function testing. (II) Limit one entry per household. It takes a bit of talent to fix timing, and almost always a new hand. A thicker hand will push the ratchet cog further around. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. Maltz, Oklahoma City. The double-action revolver has served as a good choice for a defensive handgun for more than 100 years. Contest void where prohibited by law. A Beginner's Guide. I did a short review video of it a few months ago to go along with a more detailed review from Lounge contributor Spencer Blue. Firing a double-action revolver in the double-action mode involves first placing the trigger finger on the trigger (A). Many DA revolvers may be thumb-cocked and fired in single-action mode as well, while others have enclosed hammers and may be fired only in double-action mode. There is a simple technique in the proper loading of the SAA. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. As the hand is pressed further out and up through that window by the trigger pull, the very tip (on the left side, looking forward toward the muzzle) pushes against a cog on that ratchet. Being able to hear a fifth click suggests that one or the other has gone a bit out of order. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: American Handgunner Magazine, GOM DIY 2022, P.O. 6) Release trigger, click and hammer should not move. Is .25 ACP Literally the Worst Self-Defense Cartridge? these wear, things can get out of time. Gun is a modern S&W Model 10. Its totally non-functional. While a failure in the safety notch is more or less made irrelevant by best handling practices, a failure in the half cock notch is more ominous, as it can make the loading process complicated or even dangerous, increasing the chances of a negligent discharge. Last year I did a video on the pros and cons of using a revolver for self-defense and in that video I listed several types of revolver failures that I had either experienced myself, or had witnessed at the range. Oct 26, 2015. Contest void where prohibited by law. Robert Adams is the patent of the first double-action revolver, who invented this type of trigger in 1851 to fire at a greater rate than any single action gun does. If it is the 22 single action does it misfire on both cylinders? You may be surprised at the clover-leaf accuracy some of these single actions are capable of producing. Repeated shots may be fired by repeatedly pulling the trigger until all rounds have been fired. were considerably different from a modern revolver. The design is meant to keep the firing pin from protruding through the recoil shield and potentially contacting the primer of a cartridge. Available in several finish choices and caliber options; 22LR / 22WMR, .357 Mag, .44 Mag and 45 LC. I also asked Mitch to toss in a container of his Leather Lightning which is applied to the inside of the rig using a finger or small piece of paper towel. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Double Action Series 90-380 & 9MM Auto Pistols. So again, Im not trying to slam either of these companies. For a beginner like you, a DA/SA gun may be the best option to go with. but Id steer clear of those for a beginning shooter " the rimless case presents extra problems that the shooter doesnt need to deal . During this trigger movement, it presses on the DA sear a spring-activated lever on the hammer front which begins to cock the hammer. Again, it is important to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and fingers away from the trigger, particularly if there is live ammunition in the gun. Shooting a single-action revolver is much the same, although some would argue that there is no inherent skill needed, once you know the fundamentals of handgun shooting in general. Ive transitioned to the Springfield Hellcat as my daily carry gun and its proving to be everything I expected. Yet, it is still possible to scar the cylinder if you do not manually align the flutes on either side of the topstrap before shutting the loading gate. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Smith & Wesson is chambering its excellent M&P 2.0 pistol in 10mm Auto, and the result is a gun with high capacity and enough power to tackle any defensive task. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. With the gun empty, cock the hammer and insert a yellow wooded pencil (or a red Coca Cola pencil) with an eraser, with the eraser down, into the muzzle until it is against the standing breech and located at the firing pin aperture. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. MA Compliant Handguns. The additional elements of semi-automatic operation differ according to whether the firearm is single-action or double-action. But dont just grab your wrench, files and grinder and go to work. It comes in several variations, my . It deserves a spot on the list of stack-and-a-half micro 9 millimeters. Communism only made one thing that works, and capitalism can make it even better. Of those, 12,789 were shipped out blued and sporting a 4-1/2" barrel and an ejector. Single Action Army Colts never left Hartford if they weren't. He said looking at the diagrams didnt explain how a revolver times or how to identify an issue and then repair it. Barring aftermarket alteration, this procedure would be applicable to all major variants of the SAA, such as the Bisley, Buntline, Flattop and others, as well as faithful reproductions made by a number of firms both foreign and domestic. About $185 with the lining. And remember to always do your sighting-in adjustments using ammo that produces the best groups. The proper engagement of the cylinder to the working parts of the frame is a complete necessity in terms of revolver function. Even with blanks, a blast to the leg can char both denim and flesh. By then, the cylinder stop will have snicked into the A S&W K-Frame has about 58 parts, give or take a few depending on the model, including all the pins and small bits like springs and such. Early semi-automatic pistols such as the Luger and the Colt Model 1911 were entirely single-action. Too many years of carrying a duty gun in the same spot makes it feel natural and comfy. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). Because of their reliability, durability, and relaxed maintenance, these firearms became insanely popular among collectors and enthusiasts alike as the models became older and older. When pressure is let off the hammer, it should not travel a significant distance forward. TROUBLESHOOTING A SINGLE-ACTION AND A DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER 2 Single-action and double action revolvers are two types of revolvers that are used by describe how troubleshooting occurs. The responsibility of owning a Colt SAA mirrors that of a fine watch; careful and meticulous steps must be taken to ensure the firearm performs, appears, and feels authentic. Services available on: S&W K, L & N frame, Ruger GP100, Speed Six & Service Six . Now, this is not a Ruger Single Six or even an H&R trapper or similar, it is, however, quite a bit of gun for the money spent. You'll have to experiment to find out which bullets your gun prefers, not just for point of impact but for group size. At the rear of the cylinder there is the extractor (the star-like thing you use to kick the empties out by hitting the ejector rod). All Rights Reserved. Bryce M. Towsley. Now, Ruger has really good customer service in my experience. The cylinder stop should still be engaged to the cylinder, preventing rotation. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Add to Cart. The GUNSLINGER Action Job includes installation of our proprietary gun fighter springs that are guaranteed for life, along with setting your desired trigger pull weight. www.mitchrosen.com. Even having said all of that, I have never intended to imply that revolvers are generally less reliable than semi-autos. author okay.M Fierke [20] argues that the identities of actors consisting of those terrorist corporations were fashioned through the years via cultural, political, cloth and social>. I promise youll enjoy it. I promptly assumed the role of a veterinarian, describing my friend's direct lineage from a female canine. The Uberti 1873 Cattleman II is a versatile gun that is affordable and reliable. Original Colt press release showing the difference between the Cowboy and the Single Action Army. DAO Self-Defense Guns: Are They Still Relevant? * * A primer that fails to go off. "Timing" is a general term for the process occurring when you cock the hammer or pull the trigger in double action mode on a revolver. (I) Giveaway ends March 20, 2022. The most notorious was "fanning" a single action, in which the hammer was slapped back with the off hand while the gun hand kept the trigger depressed. But single actions don't go off by themselves--someone has to physically cock the hammer, which this fellow apparently did while practicing fast draw with live ammunition. Used Handguns [+] Muzzleloaders. proper notch in the cylinder, locking things in place. Concealed Carry Handguns. He immediately lowered the hammer from half-cock, then cocked the gun again, thereby etching a nice, faint gray line around the otherwise unblemished cylinder. Later, German and Italian clones were added to the mix. Deployed military should use stateside address. Pistols. Here's a first look. I have a third-generation .45-caliber Colt SAA that prints 1 1/2-inch groups with 225-grain Winchester silvertips; needless to say, those are the only cartridges I use in that gun. While I dont have room to go into detail, suffice to say his take on the famous Ruger Redhawk ramps the game up to the very top. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. A video showing how to shoot using a single and double action gun: That, of course, is a totally erroneous statement.