Postscript to the story. It being Father's Day & all -- which means I get at least a little free time -- I got out to the range for about an hour and a half & got to put the replacement 1861 through its paces. (Amazing how easily that little wedge goes in and out now....).
First shot @ 15 yards was an honest-to-pete bullseye -- drilled the center of the target, smack in the middle. Scared the hell out of myself. Others grouped very well & consistently. Seems to be a very accurate piece of work.
I can see myself bonding with this sucker.
But y'know -- with all the debate over Pietta vs. Uberti, one thing that never gets discussed is documentation. When I was trying to figure out the problem I had, the manual that came with the pistol was no help at all. Zero. Diddly-squat.
Now this is something I've done for a living: write computer documentation, so I'm attuned to it probably more than most. But no matter what you think of the merits of the actual firearms themselves, the Pietta manual I have for my Remington is a whole load better than the paltry stuff Uberti includes.
This may not be a big deal for experienced people, but beginners need guidance. These are, after all, deadly weapons.
One thing maybe all of us should advocate with the manufacturers is a good set of documentation with all BP firearm purchases. And maybe a link to this website, which really was the #1 help I had in getting started with this great hobby last year.
-- VF