Uberti 1860 Fourth Screw Problem

[Dashing Leper]

I just received an Uberti 1860 Army this week and promptly took it apart for cleaning. When I unscrewed the shoulder stock lug on the left side of the frame, there was a loud snap.

Upon closer examination I saw that these stock screws, while short, are just long enough so the left one actually protrudes far enough in to make contact with the hand when the action is worked. The right side of the frame, however, is much thicker and the stock lug there doesn't exhibit such a problem.

I took the precaution of filing down the end of the left stock screw so it now sits flush with the interior wall of the frame. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed the same issue or experienced any unusual wear on the internals (the hand, specifically) because of a fourth screw that goes too far into the frame?

 

[hawkeye2]

I hadn't seen that (yet) but thanks for bringing it to our attention.

 

[1861colt]

Surprised they would be that long. Uberti made mine half the thickness of the frame. But you would think consistency would be of utmost importance. (Joke of the day, yes?)

 

[Dashing Leper]

The left side of the frame is thinner at that spot than the right, though. The stock screws are short enough as it is, but in the case of the left side it protruded into the frame by a millimeter and made contact with the hand (I assume the snapping sound was the hand being freed as I pulled the screw out).

 

[1861colt]

Oh, yah, forgot about the hand slot. That little screw doesn't get the chance to be tested and I think they need to be hardened, but only if Uberti decides to start making shoulder stocks for these guns. It isn't fair to have been teasing us for all these years.Well, someone makes them now they are in Dixie's catalog, but they cost as much as the revolver they go on and it ain't for the 1861. Colt made one for a bit for some of their re-issued revolvers, didn't they? Someone did a double cased fluted 1860s with shoulder stock Cavalry special and there was one for Replica Arms 1861 or 1860 long ago. But that doesn't leave us access for present day models.

 

[sourdough]

I have an Armi San Marco 1860 Army (BD/1994). The frame is the same thickness (as are the screw holes) on both sides in that area so I have not encountered that problem.

Sorry to hear about that problem.

Jim

 

[Dashing Leper]

Here's a picture of the left frame with the stock screw removed. You can see the hand through the hole, which demonstrates the problem if the screw is a little too long.

 

[William P Sepessy]

I had to shorten that screw once. For some reason(that escapes me now) I removed that screw and when I replaced it, I must have snugged it down too much and it did interfere with the hand. Just a light polishing on the protruding end fixed it, but I recall how short that screw was and can understand how easy it could be to leave it a trifle long at the factory. FWIW--and if I remember correctly--the thread size is the same as Uberti's nipples.

 

[sourdough]

For some reason(that escapes me now) I removed that screw and when I replaced it, I must have snugged it down too much and it did interfere with the hand.

Since the 4th screw escutcheon head does not enter the frame, I am trying to figure out how it could be snugged down too much. My ASM 1860 Army came with the screws very well tightened with no interference. Just my experience.

Jim

 

[William P Sepessy]

Not sure either, Jim. Is it possible that screw was backed out slightly at the factory when it was discovered to be a little long? That would have been quicker than fixing the problem correctly. I had a similar problem two years ago with a new Pietta 44 Navy. I was breaking the new gun down for the usual inspection and could't get the trigger screw out. Finally with the help of a long breaker bar--yes--I got it out but not before ruining the screw slot and putting a small nick on the frame. Seems like the trigger screw hole in the frame was somewhat oval shaped instead of round. The factory installer just muscled the screw in anyway--must have had strong hands. I bought a new trigger screw and reduced the head diameter slightly and cleaned up the frame hole best I could with a round file.

 

[sourdough]

Not sure either, Jim. Is it possible that screw was backed out slightly at the factory when it was discovered to be a little long? That would have been quicker than fixing the problem correctly. I had a similar problem two years ago with a new Pietta 44 Navy. I was breaking the new gun down for the usual inspection and could't get the trigger screw out. Finally with the help of a long breaker bar--yes--I got it out but not before ruining the screw slot and putting a small nick on the frame. Seems like the trigger screw hole in the frame was somewhat oval shaped instead of round. The factory installer just muscled the screw in anyway--must have had strong hands. I bought a new trigger screw and reduced the head diameter slightly and cleaned up the frame hole best I could with a round file.

Probably the action of Guido the Gorilla on the Pietta assembly line. I have had similar experiences with a few of my Pietta 1851 Navies.

It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't.