I have an 1860 army that I bought in the late 70's. It needs a barrel wedge and three nipples. It is in time with a good lock up. I tried to pop some caps with it and it was a no go. I figured the mainspring was weak. Went ahead and backed the knipples out a half a turn and got perfect ignition. so I guess the main spring is ok. It also has an extremly light trigger pull. I have several questions. First can I get parts? The pistol is stamped Made in Italy, and SILE INC.-NY.-NY. How can I correct the ignition? Can the trigger be stiffened up? Can this pistol be saved? I would appreicate any help or advice.
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1860 project
- Thread starter Bob. B.
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Parts? Yes! You may want clean up the trigger parts, or just replace them. They can help you via telephone.
What kind of caps are you using? I use 11's
VTI has parts!
[url] http://www.vtigunparts.com[/url]/
What kind of caps are you using? I use 11's
VTI has parts!
[url] http://www.vtigunparts.com[/url]/
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Yep, you can save it.
Replacing the internal parts is neither difficult nor expensive.
First we need to determine who in Italy made it. There should be a manufacturer's mark on the barrel or the frame. FAP in a diamond or just the initials alone means Pietta. A letter U inside what looks like a muzzle is Uberti. A palm tree is Palmetto. ASM is Armi San Marco. The initials DGG, either by themselves or inside an oval are Euroarms, or Armi San Paolo. Armi Sport is the letters AC inside an oval or circle.
You can then order parts from the VTI site posted by Mule Brain above. Parts are also available from Dixie Gun Works and others. To be honest it may not matter as many of the internal parts will fit any manufacturer's gun. Some may need minor filing to fit in any gun (the wedge, for instance).
From your description you need to replace the wedge, 3 nipples, the mainspring and perhaps the trigger/bolt spring and/or hand/handspring assembly.
Here's a link to a tutorial on how to disassemble the gun.[url] http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=137102[/url]
Replacing the internal parts is neither difficult nor expensive.
First we need to determine who in Italy made it. There should be a manufacturer's mark on the barrel or the frame. FAP in a diamond or just the initials alone means Pietta. A letter U inside what looks like a muzzle is Uberti. A palm tree is Palmetto. ASM is Armi San Marco. The initials DGG, either by themselves or inside an oval are Euroarms, or Armi San Paolo. Armi Sport is the letters AC inside an oval or circle.
You can then order parts from the VTI site posted by Mule Brain above. Parts are also available from Dixie Gun Works and others. To be honest it may not matter as many of the internal parts will fit any manufacturer's gun. Some may need minor filing to fit in any gun (the wedge, for instance).
From your description you need to replace the wedge, 3 nipples, the mainspring and perhaps the trigger/bolt spring and/or hand/handspring assembly.
Here's a link to a tutorial on how to disassemble the gun.[url] http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=137102[/url]
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Thanks, great info, I'll start the autopsy tomorrow. I determined that was was made by Euroarms. Their mark was hard to find. I checked out VTI's site. I'll call them once I have the pistol disassembled. Do you know off hand if Euroams uses a .451 or a .454 ball. I don't remember what size I had used in the past. The pistol has lain partially disassembled in an old ammo can for around 22 years. There is some surface rust, but the bore and cylinders are clean. The barrel wedge and three knipples were missing. It is a joy to handle. I think it is perfectly balanced, it feels like an extension of my hand. A natural pointer. Thanks again guys for the info.
Either a .451 or .454 ball will work with the .454 being a bit tighter fit in the chambers.
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Hey!! if it is popping the caps...You should be really HAPPY with the light trigger pull....
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
AS stated above, parts are available for all Italian made guns. Usually the problem you describe can be put down to worn wedge or worn nipples. The fact that backing the nipples out solved the problem indicates the hammer wasn't hitting hard enough, so the nipples may be worn down or the wedge may be as well, either usually solves the problem. Good luck.
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