Posted on 09/14/2020 10:14:42 AM PDT by central_va
Not an expert on Colts. Experience in mounted shooting revolvers.
Opinion
You have a worn out part.
I would take it to a gunsmith..it needs some TLC... :)
You need to take it to a gunsmith, and have him check and correct the timing. It’s not safe the way it is.
ping
First off, call Colt.
They may have a certified armorer in the area or may have you send it back.
Definitely don't shoot it.
You are correct, it need service. The way to test the timing on an old colt DA is to slowly cock the hammer until it clicks to lock back and no further. If the cylinder hasn’t turned enough to engage the next detent, the “hand” is worn and needs to be replaced. This is not a drop in part, it must be hand fitted to the revolver.
How much will this typically cost to repair?
See a gunsmith. Revolvers have a cone shape were the fired bullet enters the barrel. Because the cylinder and barrel don’t ever line up but the amount of that misalignment could be series. I would think however that if it fires correctly in double action it will fire in single action. Check the cone for bullet wear and particales. Most gunsmiths won’t charge to take a lllk.
Colt charged me $55 plus $30 shipping to put one in my ‘73 Python, but that was 10 years ago and it took 2 months to get it back. I almost positive Colt no longer works on the DA guns. There are no doubt quite a few good gunsmiths out there that can do the work. Ford’s would probably be the gold standard but would likely take a LONG time and be quite a bit more expensive. I just don’t know who to recommend. I would suggest joining coltforum.com and asking there.
DO NOT FIRE IT! I suspect you would not attempt to fire it, but if so it may very well blow up in your face.
The forcing cone takes up alot of slack but indeed it is a timing issue. Bought a new Ruger decades ago that came with the problem from the factory. I remember I had a brand new pair of jeans on and was standing 90 deg to the left of my brother when he shot the pistol and me with part of the bullet jacket ripping thru my jeans. I in turn shot him later after he denied the problem existed.
It will fire fine, until it doesn’t, and when it doesn’t it may very well result in catastrophic disassembly. Hand cocking the hammer quickly often results in the cylinder having enough momentum to continue spinning and lock into its detent. Then one day it doesn’t, and if it’s your lucky day, the cylinder will be off enough that the firing pin doesn’t strike the primer...if it’s your lucky day.
The revolver needs service. Numrich has the part, OP just needs a good gunsmith to put it in.
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I believe the firing pin shouldn’t line up with the shell properly, so nothing should happen.
But yes, if it did, it would be ugly
I imagine this happens from either excessive dry firing or too hot rounds
.
It’s a .38,
No +P,, Correct?
Hot loads a no-no.
A proud Colt Tradition.
But of course, it cannot be. Everyone know wheel guns never malfunction....
But seriously, find a reputable Smith.
Try THUMB cocking it quickly. See if the cylinder latch seats in the locking notch. If it does in DA, then it may just need some TLC.
I don’t know about this particular revolver if it can take +p on the regular.
But yes that or home loads.
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