Action shield

[Ed C.]

So as to not highjack the oven thread I'm posting this one. On suggestion from Mike, 45D, and others,

I decided to install an action shield on a defective hammer I had on hand for a trial run. Rather than drill the hammer I wanted to slot and solder the shield in place. It was easy, using a dremel cut off wheel to slot the hammer (Mikes suggestion) and soft solder. Looks like it would work with maybe some trimming on the curl. Next gun I shoot and clean I'll make the installation and pack with grease.

 

[64Springer]

Will the heat reduce the level of hardness on the half and full cock notches?

 

[Ed C.]

Will the heat reduce the level of hardness on the half and full cock notches?

I don't believe so. It is only 5-600 degs. and I can keep the heat sort of local with the torch. Using soft solder.

 

[45D]

Looks great Ed C !!

This may help, color the hammer with some magic marker and move the hammer a little while adding some tension on the trigger. The idea is to get a mark for the length of the shield. That way the shield won't interfere with the trigger movement when hammer is down.

Mike

 

[45D]

To allow more room for the "curl" I remove a small amount of material from the slot to my established length mark. It helps when the clearance is a little tight and a decent curl is a little bit too much.

Mike

 

[64Springer]

To allow more room for the "curl" I remove a small amount of material from the slot to my established length mark. It helps when the clearance is a little tight and a decent curl is a little bit too much.
View attachment 222084

Mike

Now I know why you become justifiably defensive when I say reproduction guns are poorly made toys.

That is very nice work.

 

[45D]

Now I know why you become justifiably defensive when I say reproduction guns are poorly made toys.

That is very nice work.

Thank you sir, I appreciate that.

Mike

 

[fishmusic]

I hater showing my ignorance but what is the function of an action shield? Just a SWAG but does it shield the action from spent caps?

 

[Ed C.]

I hater showing my ignorance but what is the function of an action shield? Just a SWAG but does it shield the action from spent caps?

Yes, that's correct. And it will also help to keep fouling from getting into the internals which will cut down on the need for complete disassembly and cleaning after each shooting.

 

[M. De Land]

So as to not highjack the oven thread I'm posting this one. On suggestion from Mike, 45D, and others,View attachment 222019View attachment 222020 I decided to install an action shield on a defective hammer I had on hand for a trial run. Rather than drill the hammer I wanted to slot and solder the shield in place. It was easy, using a dremel cut off wheel to slot the hammer (Mikes suggestion) and soft solder. Looks like it would work with maybe some trimming on the curl. Next gun I shoot and clean I'll make the installation and pack with grease.

That shield idea is one of Mike's mods I really like! Wonder if Colt ever entertained any thinking along this line?

 

[Ed C.]

Yes, that's correct. And it will also help to keep fouling from getting into the internals which will cut down on the need for complete disassembly after each shooting.

That shield idea is one of Mike's mods I really like! Wonder if Colt ever entertained any thinking along this line?

If their guns were high volume sales that would be a good marketing point.

 

[Ed C.]

Looks great Ed C !!

This may help, color the hammer with some magic marker and move the hammer a little while adding some tension on the trigger. The idea is to get a mark for the length of the shield. That way the shield won't interfere with the trigger movement when hammer is down.

Mike

I did the install today on a 1851 Navy. That was a very helpful hint in determining the length of the shield. Thanks! For a first time installation it came out OK. No problems that a little trimming couldn't cure.

 

[45D]

View attachment 222246
I did the install today on a 1851 Navy. That was a very helpful hint in determining the length of the shield. Thanks! For a first time installation it came out OK. No problems that a little trimming couldn't cure.

Looks great!!! ( how much do you charge?!!!!)

Mike

 

[Ed C.]

Looks great!!! ( how much do you charge?!!!!)

Mike

If my time were to be worth anything, it would be more than the cost of the gun! I'm afraid I'll have to keep my amateur smithing as a hobby.

 

[Griff093]

Since I had the "Manhattan Conversion" done on my 4 1851s I use for cowboy action, I haven't had a spent cap fall back into the action...

Still get them in the web of my hand, tho'!

 

[Ed C.]

Since I had the "Manhattan Conversion" done on my 4 1851s I use for cowboy action, I haven't had a spent cap fall back into the action...View attachment 222317Still get them in the web of my hand, tho'!

That's where shooting lefty is an advantage!

 

[45D]

Since I had the "Manhattan Conversion" done on my 4 1851s I use for cowboy action, I haven't had a spent cap fall back into the action...View attachment 222317Still get them in the web of my hand, tho'!

Where or who did that if you don't mind me asking?

Mike

 

[Griff093]

Where or who did that if you don't mind me asking?
Mike

Sent you a PM. 'Smith retired quite a while ago.

 

[Griff093]

That's where shooting lefty is an advantage!

Only time I shoot left handed is "gunfighter style"... Even tho' I'm actually left handed, I'm right eye dominate, so trained to shoot right handed.

 

[ernbar]

If one is handy and has a drill press and Dremel then is fairly easy to install. I leave the brass just a tad longer and then adjust for clearance till just right. I like using the Irwin Cobalt tipped bits for this. Cuts into the hammer very easily. Mike goes deeper with this doing other adjustments.