36 caliber colt

[Guest olretiredgunney]

I have a 36 caliber colt blackpowder that is a good gun but it needs a couple of things done to it.One is one of the rods that put it together in sheered off and someone buffed the silver off the back part of the grip.any one know a good smith that could bring it back.If so answer to:

bjmanersr1@comcast.net

Thanks

P:S: ITS A REAL COLT

[Mike.357]

one of the rods that put it together in sheered off and someone buffed the silver off the back part of the grip

I am not sure I understand what you mean by "rods". I also am not sure about "silver buffed off." Maybe that part is just worn ??

Have you look at the Hi Road subforum for black powder? That is a great place for info about cap and ball revolvers. There are several very knowledgable guys who post regularly. here is a link http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=12

It is very hard to find a smith who will work on those guns. The cost of the labor may be prohibitive. But I would not give up on it. I have a '51 Navy that was out of service and I found a man there who fixed it for me. I learned a lot about internal operation of the gun from that site.

if I knew more about the rod thing and what the gun actually will or won't do I might be able to help you some. Yours might be a simple fix.

[Guest Mugster]

I'm thinking its one of those stubs that sticks out by the pistol grip is sheared off. The barrel part press fits into it, and then gets held in place by that key that goes in the side forward of the cylinder.

You can take the pieces to a machine shop and they can drill it for you, I bet. They'll probably have to custom fit a new stub for you as well. It won't be cheap I'm thinking.

I would not have this done by a "gunsmith". There are some guys that I'd take it too, but a good machine shop will be your best bet around these parts i think.

[Mike.357]

all these technical terms are confusing me, LOL.

if it is one of the barrel pins I am guessing that is not a hard fix. If the old one can be removed a new part can be ordered and put into the frame.

I bet the pins do not cost more than 2 or 3 dollars. probably less than that.

[SHbicycle]

If the gun was made in the 1800 leave it alone put it in a safe are sell it. Colt started having them made again in 1970-72 then started up again in the 90's. all of these are made by Uberti and are great guns. To get the best quality parts give Uberti USA a call.

When Colt started making them in the 70's the S/N started right where they left of on the originals.

I have 2 of the Navy 1861 from the 70's and I will say they are the finest black powder revolvers I have come across

Edited February 21, 2008 by SHbicycle

[Mike.357]

SH I was hoping you would join in on this. I remember reading posts where it seems you have BP revolver knowledge.

I agree that if it is a vintage Colt to leave it as is and never shoot it again. With how affordable '51 and '60 Navys are from Pietta I would maybe even leave a Colt from the 1970's alone.

Did Colt make the Navy in a brass frame in the 70's? I am almost guessing the OPs revolver is brass frame. Really do not know though.

The diagram you posted does not show part numbers for the barrel pins. Makes me wonder if they are readily replacable.

I know after the trouble and money I have put in to my '51 that money pit is over. Next repair to it will be to replace it, lol. I figure I could have bought 2 news ones by now. I might just make a wall hanger out of it anyway.

[SHbicycle]

Did Colt make the Navy in a brass frame in the 70's? I am almost guessing the OPs revolver is brass frame. Really do not know though.

The diagram you posted does not show part numbers for the barrel pins. Makes me wonder if they are readily replacable.

The originals and the 70's had steel frames with brass back straps that had silver plating.

This should help with the diagram.

http://www.coltparts.com/pt_61navy.html

This is so cool I did a report in the 8th grade on this gun.

In the 9th I did one on the LeMat

Edited February 21, 2008 by SHbicycle

[Mike.357]

If it is a steel frame it should still be quite shootable if the barrel pin is fixed. May well still shoot fin with only one pin. the barrel wedge will hold it in place pretty well with one pin I think.

I love these guns. I get so much more pleasure from them than cartridge guns. Dirtier, and more tedious but more gun fun. Nothing like the smell of fresh burnt powder!

I think an 1860 Army will be my next cap and ball. Going to stick with the .44 cal platform. Unless i find a nice 51 Rebel Navy first.

[SHbicycle]

I finally figured out what pin you all are talking about. I have a old Walker that one fell out I just made one out of a punch I had in the tool box. A week later the Hand & Spring Assembly broke and that is were the rest of the punch went.

[Mike.357]

How did you turn a punch in to a hand and spring?

Oh, I bet the peg on the hand broke.

[SHbicycle]

Di-grinder and about 20 min. The arm broke in half the I used a drill bit for the pin, and I reused the old spring.

[SHbicycle]

olretiredgunney you still there?

[towerclimber37]

This is so cool I did a report in the 8th grade on this gun.

In the 9th I did one on the LeMat

so, you've had the disease all your life huh? funny.. me too!

[jughead]

this may be a stupid question. i have an old colt black powder revolver. i know it hasnt been fired in over 80 years. it is rusty but sound any guess on price range. i know it would have to be a guess. 45 bullet wont go in barrel but almost.

[Mike.357]

value would depend on what type of Colt it is. Is it a Navy or Army? How much rust. Actual age Condition of furniture etc...

Post a pic or two

[jughead]

if i can slow my son down long enough. i am not smart enough or dont have equip. will try. thanks

[jughead]

ok, he finally cornered me. here are a couple of images.

[Mike.357]

that thing looks like it was plated. I do not see any markings on it.

putting a value on it is beyond my knowledge.

Maybe someone else here can provide some info.

[Mark@Sea]

That is a 3rd model dragoon. Caliber is .44. The barrel mounted rear sight is probably factory, as it has the cuts for a shoulder stock. The plating probably isn't factory, which is unfortunate.

I see no traces remaining of the cylinder engraving, which is also unfortunate, value-wise.

Depending on markings remaining, and whether serial numbers match (colt numbered virtually every major part) ballpark on this pistol may run 3 to 5 thousand, possibly more.

If you had the shoulder stock for it, I'd ballpark it at 25,000.

That help?

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=22049

Another example of the terrible resale value of steel frame pistols. Now if it was a glock, you'd have something there

Edited May 14, 2008 by Mark@Sea

[jughead]

thanks. i knew i was asking the impossible. it has been in the family all my life but never saw a shoulder stock. bummer

[Mark@Sea]

Just found a reference that indicates the nickel plate may be original. It's worth at least $4000, and as only a few were cut for the shoulder stock, I'd guess (don't hold me to this) $7000.

Not too much of a bummer, I hope.

[Mike.357]

I say unless you are very well off I would try to sell it. Provided of course you can find a buyer and get the type of money it may be worth.

[jughead]

aint well off. only owe for car. have every gun i ever owned but one. stevens 16 single barrel traded it and 30 bucks for pre 64 winchester 30-30. guess i am a pack rat on a lot of things. thanks again for the replies.