A tale of a Palmetto 1855 Sidehammer "Root" Revolver

[ShotgunDave]

I must confess the sidehammer has always been my least favourite Colt percussion revolver. It has been an eyeopener to see it has so many fans.

I agree, it's definitely the Ugly Duckling of all the Colts. I think it's popularity lies in the fact that it's just so different than anything else.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

I am really glad you are happy with the gun, and very impressed with the job you did fitting a loading lever latch! Very nice.

It is great to see that gun together and working... except for the broken trigger! I hope you will be able to make a new one. I have a lot of cheap, stamped steel wrenches that came with various tools and appliances over the years. Maybe something like that can be used to make a trigger. If you can't salvage the trigger spring, I have made many similar small flat springs (such as hand springs for Colt and Remington style revolvers) out of bobby pins. None of those improvised springs have ever failed.

One may also use the coil spring material from an old mower...recoil spring.

 

[ShotgunDave]

One may also use the coil spring material from an old mower...recoil spring.

That's one I hadn't thought of. Great idea!

 

[Nathan55770]

Great that you managed to get ahold of one of these beautiful pistols, they were always one of my favorites because of how interesting they looked.

 

[hrt4me]

did you ever manage to make a new trigger ?

 

[ShotgunDave]

did you ever manage to make a new trigger ?

I wish I could say I did hrt4me. But it has eluded me. I have tried a couple times with various metals and failed. I wish I could find someone that could do it.

Thanks for checking in.

 

[hrt4me]

I know a guy who could probably do it, but I am somewhat leery of recommending him now...

 

[lexington1]

I found a revolving rifle, which is out getting repaired because the timing was off. I shot it, but it scared the tar out of me thinking that if I'm not careful I could say goodbye to some of my fingers.