Disassembly instructions....

[Texas77]

Being new to Cap and ball revolvers, is there any sources on the net that would provide good instruction with pics for a full tear-down for my Army and Navy Colt clones?

I have most of it down, its just taking apart the lock work (hammer and the bolt, springs) for a complete cleaning. I can't seem to find anything, are there any good books for this too?

 

[rebelyell62]

My friend,
I bought a book " Percussion Pistols and Revolvers History, Performance and Practical use"by authors Johnny Bates, and Mike Cumpston from[url] Amazon.com[/url].
It goes into detail of assembly and dissassembly of pistols.
With that being said, Colts have only 5 or so moving parts in side, dissassembly is pretty simple, I did it with no problem. Assembly is just as easy, it will only go back together one way. A good set of gunsmith screwdrivers is recommended to keep from buggering the screws. Good luck :hatsoff:

 

[jdixon]

Get a Dixie Gun Works catalog, they have most of the diagrams you are looking for in there. Having one of those cataloges around is a must if you are into shooting black powder at all. Best $6 you will ever spend just to have one around for reference.

Other than that, these two links have some of the diagrams. When it comes time to put that main spring back in, check back here for tips. Trying to put main springs back into those old revolvers has caused many a man to loose his religion. There are tricks to make it easier. Good luck.
[url] http://civilwarhandgun.com/colt.htm http://www.e-gunparts.com/model.asp?idDept=4[/url]

 

[Old Charlie]

Dismounting Post-1850 Colt Revolvers
Basic:
1. Place unloaded revolver on half cock
2. Push Barrel Wedge to the left. It will either stop against the retaining screw or come all the way out. This varies.
3 pull barrel assembly off the frame and cylinder off the arbor.
4. Unscrew nipples for cleaning.

Complete:1. Remove back strap section of the grip frame. Screws are on either side of the hammer and on the bottom of the grip frame assembly.
2. Loosen and/or remove the main spring;
3. Remove front of grip frame/trigger guard - three screws.
4. Remove Trigger bolt spring now visible in the bottom of the action.
5. Remove cylinder bolt and then trigger held by identical screws.
6. Remove hammer screw and then hammer and hand assembly through the bottom of the frame.
Remounting:
1. Replace hammer and hand first being careful not to compress or overstress the hand spring'
2. Replace locking bolt. It is necessary for the split "ears" on the rear of the hand to ride in front of the cam on the right side of the hammer. This is best accomplished by placing the hammer in its lowered (forward ) position. The outside "ear" presses against the inside of the frame while the active side presses against the hammer in front of the hammer cam.
3. Replace Trigger. This is easiest with the hammer pulled back.
4. Replace trigger /bolt spring being sure that the long "finger" is on the step on the front of the trigger. Some springs appear to be too short to replace. In this case, index the long "finger"/leaf of the spring against the step on the trigger and press down so that it will stretch out and allow replacement of the screw.
5. Replace front porton of grip frame and the main spring. It is often best to leave some slack in the screws-including the mainspring screw- until everything is in position. then tighten all screws.
6. Replace grip and back strap of grip frame. This may require loosening the screws of the front portion of the grip frame just to get all the screws lined up.

In principal: Avoid overtightening the screws and the nipples. It's easier to tighten them often than to watch one crumble before your eyes because it's frozen in place.

Frequently, the Italian assembler will set at least one of the screws in place under massive impact. Your Job- have the best fitting screwdriver possible on hand ;and, Figure out which screw it is.
Attached Thumbnails

 

[Texas77]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot.

 

[mec]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=137102
Here is a picture and discussion that may cover what you need. It is basically the same as in the book "Percussion Pistols and Revolvers etc.."
and has the advantage of comments by other board posters.

The one at the above link is free. The book costs some money. I wrote 'em both.