Making Uberti 1860 Loading Tool Helper

[Rich44]

I have always liked the Colt 1860 model. And especially like the shortened 6 inch barrel that was made for the Uberti replica. But quickly found out it was a pain to load with the now shortened loading lever. So back to the workshop to help the situation.

Taking a piece of 5/8 aluminum by 4.550 long would make a loading helper rod. Finding center of the rod and indexing .175 in both directions and center drilling and then drilling with a number 25 drill bit 2.200 deep would be a start. Then drilling and boring the center hole to the same depth by .375 diameter gives room for the rod to fit over the original loading lever. A slot as seen is also needed for the web clearance on the loading lever. On the other end of rod it is drilled center to the size of 3/8 but only 2.100 deep leaving a stronger section in the middle. Using these dimensions will work on most Uberti replica 1860 colts. My loading lever being .335 in diameter and the little catch on the lever being .132 thick by .470 width. As the helper rod needs to slide on and off easily. I do not have access to other revolvers to try it on, So for this to work on yours the little catch and loading lever size would not be able to exceed what is mentioned above.

Now the power needed to set a proper size ball is much easier. The helper rod is more comfortable to use as it feels better in the hand. May be used on regular length barrel also, as last picture shows.

If you wish to buy instead of make, will attempt my first for sale post.

 

[Zulch]

I didn't realize that Uberti made a 6" barrel for the 1860? That's a neat cheater bar you made there.

 

[Rich44]

I didn't realize that Uberti made a 6" barrel for the 1860? That's a neat cheater bar you made there.

They don't but I do.

 

[Zulch]

They don't but I do.

GOTCHA!! LOL NICE TOOL YOU GOT THERE.

 

[CyrusP]

Nice job on the tool and I love the look on that Uberti! Has that used but not abused look.

 

[ZUG]

Nice tool - I made one similar but I added a wooden file handle to mine - much more comfortable to use.

 

[cowboydave]

Nice work.

 

[Bad Karma]

I didn't realize that Uberti made a 6" barrel for the 1860? That's a neat cheater bar you made there.

They did. Many years ago and not many of them. I have two. Colt (second generation) made fewer than 1000 of them as well. I have two of those.

 

[Relic shooter]

I have always liked the Colt 1860 model. And especially like the shortened 6 inch barrel that was made for the Uberti replica. But quickly found out it was a pain to load with the now shortened loading lever. So back to the workshop to help the situation.

Taking a piece of 5/8 aluminum by 4.550 long would make a loading helper rod. Finding center of the rod and indexing .175 in both directions and center drilling and then drilling with a number 25 drill bit 2.200 deep would be a start. Then drilling and boring the center hole to the same depth by .375 diameter gives room for the rod to fit over the original loading lever. A slot as seen is also needed for the web clearance on the loading lever. On the other end of rod it is drilled center to the size of 3/8 but only 2.100 deep leaving a stronger section in the middle. Using these dimensions will work on most Uberti replica 1860 colts. My loading lever being .335 in diameter and the little catch on the lever being .132 thick by .470 width. As the helper rod needs to slide on and off easily. I do not have access to other revolvers to try it on, So for this to work on yours the little catch and loading lever size would not be able to exceed what is mentioned above.

Now the power needed to set a proper size ball is much easier. The helper rod is more comfortable to use as it feels better in the hand. May be used on regular length barrel also, as last picture shows.

If you wish to buy instead of make, will attempt my first for sale post.

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Nice design & workmanship on the open top loading tool. I also like Style of the 1860 Colt, design & recently bought a solid original 1862 Colt Police model to shoot. Maybe a good idea for you to post your loading tool on the forum's For Sale website . I also shoot original 58 Remingtons it should also work well on them as well & especially on short barreled models.
relic shooter

 

[Bad Karma]

I have always liked the Colt 1860 model. And especially like the shortened 6 inch barrel that was made for the Uberti replica. But quickly found out it was a pain to load with the now shortened loading lever. So back to the workshop to help the situation.

Taking a piece of 5/8 aluminum by 4.550 long would make a loading helper rod. Finding center of the rod and indexing .175 in both directions and center drilling and then drilling with a number 25 drill bit 2.200 deep would be a start. Then drilling and boring the center hole to the same depth by .375 diameter gives room for the rod to fit over the original loading lever. A slot as seen is also needed for the web clearance on the loading lever. On the other end of rod it is drilled center to the size of 3/8 but only 2.100 deep leaving a stronger section in the middle. Using these dimensions will work on most Uberti replica 1860 colts. My loading lever being .335 in diameter and the little catch on the lever being .132 thick by .470 width. As the helper rod needs to slide on and off easily. I do not have access to other revolvers to try it on, So for this to work on yours the little catch and loading lever size would not be able to exceed what is mentioned above.

Now the power needed to set a proper size ball is much easier. The helper rod is more comfortable to use as it feels better in the hand. May be used on regular length barrel also, as last picture shows.

If you wish to buy instead of make, will attempt my first for sale post.

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You did a great job with the antique finishes on those pistols. Very nice indeed.

 

[Rich44]

You did a great job with the antique finishes on those pistols. Very nice indeed.

Thanks, actually is one pistol with extra barrel ordered and then cut to six inches. Loading lever shortened and barrel machined for loading lever catch and front sight. What I really like is because the sight radius is shorter it shots to point of aim with stock front sight height. Glad the time was spent on this one.