Colt Walker question?

[R.J.Bruce]

Will Goons Gun Works (or anyone else) install a late model loading lever latch onto a Uberti Colt Walker?

I would be willing to pay decent money to have such a service performed, say $100-$200. I am guessing that because of the rounded surfaces of the barrel and loading lever, that it is not an easy fix.

I know that it's not HC, or PC, but I have always wanted a Walker with a reliable loading lever latch, just like the one on my old 1860 Army. I have never purchased a Walker replica because of the droopy loading lever.

I am well aware of all of the other traditional fixes for the Walker's droopy loading lever. Let me state right now that I have zero interest in those fixes, or in keeping a Uberti Walker 100% HC.

What I am interested in is a hunting pistol whose loading lever NEVER drops down to interfere with a follow up shot, especially if hunting feral hogs, or black bear.

 

[Rabbit2047]

Lodgewood replaced one for me on a Spanish brevet Walker I had once upon a time.

 

[rodwha]

I would think the Dragoon or ROA would make a better gun for that. My Ruger likes a weighed 38 grns of 3F Olde Eynsford and it looks like the bullet that will fill the void would weigh about 230 grns with a big wide meplat. That will go nose to tail through an adult hog. I’d take the weight and size savings of either of the two, and I’m contemplating cutting the barrel down to ~5.5” to make it a more user friendly sidearm.

But if you’re set on a Walker I’d look into fixing the spring latch it has. Many have fixed theirs from dropping with no need for custom work.

 

[SDSmlf]

Will Goons Gun Works (or anyone else) install a late model loading lever latch onto a Uberti Colt Walker?

I would be willing to pay decent money to have such a service performed, say $100-$200. I am guessing that because of the rounded surfaces of the barrel and loading lever, that it is not an easy fix.

I know that it's not HC, or PC, but I have always wanted a Walker with a reliable loading lever latch, just like the one on my old 1860 Army. I have never purchased a Walker replica because of the droopy loading lever.

I am well aware of all of the other traditional fixes for the Walker's droopy loading lever. Let me state right now that I have zero interest in those fixes, or in keeping a Uberti Walker 100% HC.

What I am interested in is a hunting pistol whose loading lever NEVER drops down to interfere with a follow up shot, especially if hunting feral hogs, or black bear.

Should be an easy task with a hacksaw, file and correct parts from an Uberti Dragoon. Or as @rodwha suggested, get a Dragoon. Although you didn’t ask, personally find the Walker a little more than a bit cumbersome in either a hip or shoulder rig. I carry a couple different large caliber centerfire handguns and have found a 6” or so barrel about optimum for carrying in a holster, hip or shoulder in hunting conditions. Plus once you start modifying a Walker, it ain’t a Walker anymore, at least in my opinion, so back to the Dragoon.......

 

[Dashing Leper]

If I were taking my Walker out on a hunt, I'd simply take the lever off the gun after loading and tuck it away with the kit. Eliminates the concern entirely.

 

[Mknight702]

If you are not worried about looks, use a zip tie, it's the modern equivalent to a rawhide strap.

 

[Big Ugly]

I fixed mine many years ago by taking off the lever retention bar (after shaping it properly) then hardening it slightly. They are soft iron when they come from the factory, hardening it slightly gives it a stronger spring action.

 

[Lippy984]

If you are not worried about looks, use a zip tie, it's the modern equivalent to a rawhide strap.

Better yet, a woman’s black hair tie. I’d try that, but my lever has never fallen

 

[Mknight702]

Better yet, a woman’s black hair tie. I’d try that, but my lever has never fallen

The benefits of these is it is fully reversible, cheap and works.

 

[Freedom]

Just "snug" the loading-lever screw...works great at stopping lever drop on Walkers and Dragoons

 

[rodwha]

Will Goons Gun Works (or anyone else) install a late model loading lever latch onto a Uberti Colt Walker?

I would be willing to pay decent money to have such a service performed, say $100-$200. I am guessing that because of the rounded surfaces of the barrel and loading lever, that it is not an easy fix.

I know that it's not HC, or PC, but I have always wanted a Walker with a reliable loading lever latch, just like the one on my old 1860 Army. I have never purchased a Walker replica because of the droopy loading lever.

I am well aware of all of the other traditional fixes for the Walker's droopy loading lever. Let me state right now that I have zero interest in those fixes, or in keeping a Uberti Walker 100% HC.

What I am interested in is a hunting pistol whose loading lever NEVER drops down to interfere with a follow up shot, especially if hunting feral hogs, or black bear.

If you are set on using a Walker as a sidearm for things that bite you might want to lop off several inches of that barrel too. A huge heavy pistol just doesn’t seem ideal, especially if/when things happen in a rush.

 

[Bad Karma]

Will Goons Gun Works (or anyone else) install a late model loading lever latch onto a Uberti Colt Walker?

I would be willing to pay decent money to have such a service performed, say $100-$200. I am guessing that because of the rounded surfaces of the barrel and loading lever, that it is not an easy fix.

I know that it's not HC, or PC, but I have always wanted a Walker with a reliable loading lever latch, just like the one on my old 1860 Army. I have never purchased a Walker replica because of the droopy loading lever.

I am well aware of all of the other traditional fixes for the Walker's droopy loading lever. Let me state right now that I have zero interest in those fixes, or in keeping a Uberti Walker 100% HC.

What I am interested in is a hunting pistol whose loading lever NEVER drops down to interfere with a follow up shot, especially if hunting feral hogs, or black bear.

You might check with Gary at cartridgeconversion.com he could do what you require.

 

[CaptainKirk]

I will say this much; Goon worked the stock latch on my Walker and it's 10X better than it was.

 

[Eterry]

I will say this much; Goon worked the stock latch on my Walker and it's 10X better than it was.

One question Captain. Will the lever stay put with full cylinders of fffg ? Not an indictment, just a question.

 

[CaptainKirk]

I can't answer that as I haven't been able to shoot it yet this season due to range closures from Covid. I do know that before I gave it to him it would drop if you sneezed on it. Even my first and second Dragoons will drop the latch with full house loads on occasion even with the latch, so that's not a foolproof fix.

 

[wb78963]

If you are set on using a Walker as a sidearm for things that bite you might want to lop off several inches of that barrel too. A huge heavy pistol just doesn’t seem ideal, especially if/when things happen in a rush.

If it is something that might bite, I would suggest an unmentionable with a very large hole in the barrel. Fun is fun, but think things over. PC or ER.
Bunk

 

[B P Arn]

Here is what I did last winter...

I made the removable lever pin from some old screen door hardware.

 

[nightwolf1974]

Here is what I did last winter...
View attachment 79479View attachment 79480View attachment 79481View attachment 79482
View attachment 79479View attachment 79480View attachment 79481View attachment 79482View attachment 79483
This picture was taken before I installed the blade front sight.

Your pics don't work.....

 

[B P Arn]

I might have been editing my post when you were trying to view. Do the pictures show now?

 

[nightwolf1974]

With 40 grns. of 3F, and a .454RB, MY Walkers don't have the "lever problem". IF they do start, I'll spend 10¢ and buy a 5/8" O-ring to hold the lever up.......