1960 New Model Army

[Many Klatch]

Yeah I know it looks like a misprint but that is what the gun says on top of the barrel. I picked up an apparently Belgian made repro of an 1860 Army .44 complete with Mahogany Case and all the accessories. It has been in the case for a good while, the lead balls have turned white. The gun has matching serial numbers below 1000.

Does anyone know anything about this gun? I thought I got a good deal until I had a chance to really look it over and the cylinder does not lock up at all when the hammer is pulled back, then I noticed that a few small screws were missing that indicate that the gun has been messed with and kind of put back together and put in the box. Yeah I know - Buyer Beware.

Know anyone that can fix it?

Many Klatch

 

[Don]

Probably just need to get a replacment bolt for it,maybe a spring too. Replacement screws can also be had. Best thing to do is to disassemble it completly useing a quality set of gunsmith screw drivers and see if you have any missing or damaged parts. These guns are simple mechanisms and even a klutz like me can break them down and put them together again without a hassel. Spare parts can be had through Dixie Gunworks or VTI gun parts. Both have web sites and are good outfits to deal with. Good luck.

Don

 

[Robert an saa fan]

Many Klatch,

Here is a site with more information on the 1960 New Model Army including a bit of gunsmithing information.

As Don said you should be able to work on this yourself (provided you have the interest). I do not have a specific gunsmith to recommend.
http://www.1960nma.org/

Post more questions as they come up if you work on the revolver.

:thumbsup: Robert

 

[mazo kid]

Hi Andy, sorry to hear about your disappointment with your new gun. I just sent you an email of a diagram of the gun and you should be able to see from that just what parts you need and then order from Dixie. If you would rather be rid of it, let me know. Emery

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Look up www.1960nma.org. This should answer a lot of questions you might have about the revolver. What you have is a Belgian Colt. A lot of people consider this a true second generation. The history behind the manufacturing of the revolvers is interesting. Give it a look. :thumbsup:

 

[Long Johns Wolf]

Many Klatch: sorry to hear that your Belgian Colt aka Centaure aka Centennial Army has some parts missing. For details on its history and also gunsmithing check www.1960nma.org. If the serial number of your pistol is 240 Centaures from owners around the globe. Thanks & regards from Germany, Long Johns Wolf

 

[Many Klatch]

Long Johns, Robert and Double Deuce, thanks that's a great website. I'll get the form filled out and a digital picture added to the website.

I guess I got lucky in my antique store purchase. I need to find a source for the missing screws. According to the website, these guns have screws that are interchangeable with original Colts. So I think that rules out using any Uberti parts. There isn't any point in trying to work on the gun if I can't put it together properly.

Many Klatch

 

[Long Johns Wolf]

Many Klatch: regarding the screws I suggest you check with Rifle/Wayne. His email address is on the Gunsmithing page of the website.
Long Johns Wolf

 

[Many Klatch]

Long Johns, I dismantled the 1960 Army and all the parts seemed to be there. I had a copy of a drawing to refer to and all the parts were in correctly. I sent the gun to Mike Lea to work on. He says the problem is that some past idiot had filed the bolt down to where it wouldn't contact the cylinder. He has seen that before where the bolt was a little sticky and instead of stoning the sides of the bolt someone filed off the top of the bolt. As soon as Mike has time to get to the gun he'll put a new bolt in and some new screws and then I should be able to fill out your report on your website.

Thanks for the information listed on your website as to what other manufacturer's parts will fit. That will be a big help.

Many Klatch

 

[kaac1221]

Long Johns, I also just picked up a Belgian 1960/1860 Colt. Serial #773.

It appears to be in excellent condition; looks like the chambers still have bluing in them. The gun came with a box of old Fiocchi percussion caps with only six caps missing.

The website (http://www.1960nma.org) looks interesting. A lot of info there.

Thanks for sharing!

Dryball

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Have a care when using those caps. They may well be the corrosive type and will require more careful cleaning after use. A lot of C&B revolvers were badly damaged because folks didn't realize the caps could be harmful.

 

[Long Johns Wolf]

My congrats Dryball. Pretty early Centaure from ca. 1961. Please, download a questionaire and let me have her specifics for the survey.
Enjoy your new toy & thanks for supporting my research.
Long Johns Wolf