BlackLabsMatter
New member
I have a Traditions Colt 1860 .36 sheriff's nickel with BRASS frame. Bought it used. At that time the barrel wedge fit was tight and required the use of a blade or screwdriver to pull.
I've put a few hundred rounds through it, all round ball with Hodgdon Pyrodex P.
At the end of today's shooting session, I noticed the barrel wedge was gradually backing out under recoil. Now the barrel wedge slips out with finger pressure. I also noticed that the barrel gap changed between chambers, back and forth.
After cleaning I noticed indentations on the frame, matching the cylinder cutouts around the nipples.
The manual(it came with box and manual) stated the recommended load with LRB is 16 to 25 gr of Pyrodex P. With 16 gr, the ramrod bottomed out and the teeth slip past its holes on the barrel, so that wasn't doable. I settled on 20 gr which was the load I exclusively shot.
I bought it cheap and didn't have high expectations for the lifespan of the brass frame. I planned on wearing it out and replacing it. Hoping it was later rather than sooner.
Is it still a shootable? What else should I look out for?
In really enjoying percussion revolver shooting and this is my first and only. Any recommendations for a decent inexpensive steel frame 36(not picky if Colt or Remington, 1851 or 1860) to replace it and from where? Thanks.
EDIT: Just realised a shim over the offending area might make for a good patch for now and even the recoil bearing across the frame. Good/bad idea?
I've put a few hundred rounds through it, all round ball with Hodgdon Pyrodex P.
At the end of today's shooting session, I noticed the barrel wedge was gradually backing out under recoil. Now the barrel wedge slips out with finger pressure. I also noticed that the barrel gap changed between chambers, back and forth.
After cleaning I noticed indentations on the frame, matching the cylinder cutouts around the nipples.
The manual(it came with box and manual) stated the recommended load with LRB is 16 to 25 gr of Pyrodex P. With 16 gr, the ramrod bottomed out and the teeth slip past its holes on the barrel, so that wasn't doable. I settled on 20 gr which was the load I exclusively shot.
I bought it cheap and didn't have high expectations for the lifespan of the brass frame. I planned on wearing it out and replacing it. Hoping it was later rather than sooner.
Is it still a shootable? What else should I look out for?
In really enjoying percussion revolver shooting and this is my first and only. Any recommendations for a decent inexpensive steel frame 36(not picky if Colt or Remington, 1851 or 1860) to replace it and from where? Thanks.
EDIT: Just realised a shim over the offending area might make for a good patch for now and even the recoil bearing across the frame. Good/bad idea?
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