Remington '58 Army Cylinder edges are Sharp!!!

[Curt LaManna]

I bought a Stainless Steel Pietta '58 Army with 8" bbl. and we finally got to shoot it, Sunday am. I loaded the chambers with 30 grns of 3FG, pre-lubed wad, and .451 ball. As I fired the 1st shot, and as the pistol recoiled, more than I expected, my thumb of my right hand, was struck on the edge of the cylinder, hard enough to slice open the skin below the nail, cutting deeply enough to have it bleeding the rest of the morning, even after we bandaged it up. Once I checked the edges I found these to be extremely sharp at the cut outs for the nipples. Being used to Colt Revolvers, I found the frame of the Colt's are much larger, and that's why the Remington is lighter and more exposed. I just have to change my grip on the pistol. Also I'll lower the charge to about 25 grns as well.
And get out my deburring tools to soften the edges around the cylinders.
Also, I think I'll start using dry felt wads, as when I had a ball set too high and removed it, I found the powder was sticking in clumps from the Wonder Lube on the pads. Is use of dry wads still safe to prevent chain fires or do they need to be lubed ones?
So, be forewarned about the Remington's sharp cylinders! :thumbsup:

 

[RADeO]

Sad to read of your misfortune. I am sure your diligent attention to softening those sharp edges will eliminate the hazard in the future.

Dry wads will be fine in preventing chain-fires from being initiated from the mouth of the chamber. Also make sure your caps fit snugly and are fully seated on the nipples, as I believe most chain-fires are due to loose or missing caps, allowing the entry of hot gasses into the rear of the chamber and igniting the powder.

 

[Kevin Makel]

Ouch! I've had a similar problem on a High Standard target pistol I shoot. The rear sight mount is sharp.

How do you like the Stainless Gun? Is it easier to clean? I've been thinking about one.

 

[Curt LaManna]

Thanks Guys! I did buy a new set of larger size nipples from TOTW when I bought the Remmy. I'm glad I did as the Italian made ones were made for size 10 caps and good luck finding them! I'll de-burr this cylinder and get more time with it at the range. I sure like the weight and handling qualities of this model. I'll try the dry felt wads.
Stainless Steel guns, just oil it when done and it pretty much wipes clean. It's not as smooth a feel as the carbon steel and not PC, but for shooting it's fun and easy to maintain. I picked it up used in the box with notes from the original owner, back when Navy Arms still imported these, for under $200.
An few import companies still get these in. I bought another one in Charcoal Blue as well. It's a Case Hardened frame, trigger and guard. The stocks came checkered and the action worked. Haven't shot this one yet...