Can You Help Identify Pistol?
- Thread starter dlee2007
- Start date
It is an Armi San Marco replica of a Colt 1860 Army Revolver, .44 caliber, "civilian" model (3-screw frame not cut for a shoulder stock), with a manufacturer date code AP (1986), found on the bottom of the frame with the serial number, triangular ASM logo, and both Italian proof house marks. It appears to be in very nice shape for a 33-year-old gun. Is the spare cylinder the same as the one on the pistol?
If you wish to check the spare cylinder fit on the gun, DO NOT use any screwdrivers. Lay the revolver horizontally, right side facing up, on two small blocks of wood with enough room between the two blocks to allow the wedge room to be moved out of the barrel lug. Use a third small block of wood against the wedge and use a plastic mallet on the wood to drive the wedge out. Put the hammer in the half-cock position, unlatch the load-lever, and pull down on it so that the rammer/plunger presses against the cylinder until the barrel moves off of the 2 locating pins on the front of the frame. Slide the cylinder off of the arbor. Using the spare cylinder, reassemble in reverse order.
If you decide to clean it, DO NOT use anything acidic (like vinegar) as it will remove the bluing and frame case colors in a New York minute. Only use alkaline cleaners.
I also have an ASM 1860 Army except it is a 4-screw frame cut for shoulder stock (date code BC/1993) but I obtained an Uberti full-fluted cylinder for it in addition to the original round rollmarked cylinder:
Thanks for posting it, sir!
Regards,
Jim
If you wish to check the spare cylinder fit on the gun, DO NOT use any screwdrivers. Lay the revolver horizontally, right side facing up, on two small blocks of wood with enough room between the two blocks to allow the wedge room to be moved out of the barrel lug. Use a third small block of wood against the wedge and use a plastic mallet on the wood to drive the wedge out. Put the hammer in the half-cock position, unlatch the load-lever, and pull down on it so that the rammer/plunger presses against the cylinder until the barrel moves off of the 2 locating pins on the front of the frame. Slide the cylinder off of the arbor. Using the spare cylinder, reassemble in reverse order.
If you decide to clean it, DO NOT use anything acidic (like vinegar) as it will remove the bluing and frame case colors in a New York minute. Only use alkaline cleaners.
I also have an ASM 1860 Army except it is a 4-screw frame cut for shoulder stock (date code BC/1993) but I obtained an Uberti full-fluted cylinder for it in addition to the original round rollmarked cylinder:
Thanks for posting it, sir!
Regards,
Jim
Last edited:
bedbugbilly
New member
ASM (Armi San Marco) made replica revolvers for a number of years. At one time they mad the revolvers (cap and ball) sold by and marked CVA (Conneticut Valley Arms). Quality could be hit or miss - but I have owned several that were very nice as far as fit and finish. The biggest issue with the ASM were the internal parts which were on the "soft" side. The functions just fine and shot well but over time, the internals would wear more easily than some of the other makes. The extra cylinder would add a bit of value but if it is a match to your revolver, it will work on ASM and probably not on other brands. Some of the manufacturers sold extra cylinders with their revolvers - always tickled me as on a Remington, the cylinders are easily and quickly changed - not so much on a Colt clone unless you have the revolver correctly tuned up to where the barrel wedge could be removed with thumb pressure - which is how the original Colts were supposed to work. Value is going to vary depending on where you are located . . . most folks would pay a bit more for a Uberti or Pietta for which parts are readily available.
From appearances, your's is a '60 Army in .44 caliber. Hard to tell as far as a size comparison as the '61 Navy was identical except in .36 Naviy Caliber. If it has sentimental value, you've got a nice heirloom to put up on the wall to enjoy . . . if you want to shoot it, it should be a good shooter.
From appearances, your's is a '60 Army in .44 caliber. Hard to tell as far as a size comparison as the '61 Navy was identical except in .36 Naviy Caliber. If it has sentimental value, you've got a nice heirloom to put up on the wall to enjoy . . . if you want to shoot it, it should be a good shooter.
The OP's revolver has a rebated .44 cylinder. The 1861 Navy .36 did not, therefore not identical.
Jim
I have two of the 1860s and 3 of the ASM 44 cal "Navies". They are fine guns. I have had to replace the hand springs (bobby pis work great) in a couple of them but they are better guns than their contemporary Piettas. ASMs are no longer made and the Piettas are better made than when the ASMs were made.