colt saa black powder frame cylinder screw issue

T

Tracey Walker

Inactive
I've a 3rd gen Colt SAA "black powder" frame, 4.75" nic in .45 LC.
I've shot this revolver for over 10 years with no problems what so ever. Accurate to about 2.50" at 25 yards. Not a tack driver but plenty ok for me.
Yesterday I noted the cylinder base pin moving forward a bit. Figured I didn't screw the retaining screw in enough during it's last cleaning. After screwing it in again, I shot five more rounds. Same thing. Checked the threads on the screw and they looked fine. Couldn't see the frame threads but they must be gone as the screw only catches a few threads but will not tighten down! No battering on the cylinder base pin or anywhere else.
I have taken great care with my cleaning and have been careful not to over tighten the base pin screw.
Aside from over tightening the screw as the cause (and I reject that in this case) any ideas as to what else could caused this to happen?
Thanks
Trace---
 
robhof

The 3rd gens are made in Italy and of a steel that is close to original in hardness, softer than the 2nd gens Colt actually made. I would contact Colt and see how good their customer service, or any Good gunsmith can tap a one size over thread and replace the screw with a size larger. A great smith can fill the hole and retap the hole for the original screw, if indeed the threads on the screw are ok. Continuous retightening over time can strip a screw or hole thread, usually the screw is the softer metal and goes first, but not always.
 
Made in Italy?

3rd generation Colt SAA are made in Italy??
I must have been sleeping under a mushroom or somethin. Never heard that one before.
Trace--
 
The 3rd gens are made in Italy and of a steel that is close to original in hardness, softer than the 2nd gens Colt actually made.
Click to expand...
Black Powder percussion revolvers were made in Italy for Colt, but the Colt SAA?

robhof, could you please provide a source for this statement about Colt SAA revolvers being made in Italy as this is the second time I have read this.

Thanks :)
 
3rd Generation Colt SAA vacations in Italy?

I'd love to know the source of that on as well. If true, bet USFA sales will go through the ceiling.
But, somehow, I don't think so. Mine makes a very loud and clear English BOOM. Doesn't sound Italian to me.
Trace----
 
The 3rd gens are made in Italy and of a steel that is close to original in hardness, softer than the 2nd gens Colt actually made.
Click to expand...

No they were not. The castings were made in Italy and the small parts were made in the old Iver Johnson plant in Fitchburg Mass. by Colt Black Powder Arms which had nothing to do with Colt. They were not made for Colt but made under license from Colt. Colt did not warranty them and will not letter them. When they copied the literature they copied it verbatim including warranty information but Colt put out a disclaimer saying they had nothing to do with the manufacture of them and would not warranty them.
 
To clarify, there have been rumors to the contrary but the Colt SAA has never been made by a foreign manufacturer nor finished in the US of foreign parts. As critical as I am of them, they must be credited for producing the SAA in the US.

To the OP, I think you have two options. First thing I'd do is contact Colt and see what they say. They 'may' fix it under warranty. Either the hole will have to be welded up and redrilled & tapped, which will probably require annealing and recase hardening the receiver. Or the hole can be enlarged, retapped and a custom, larger screw made for it. Any competent gunsmith should be able to handle it but I wouldn't trust the local bubbasmith. Use a nationally recognized `smith and get the action tuned up while you're at it.
 
base pin screw

Thanks CraigC

Talked with Colt this p.m. Got a very good response from their customer service gal. I'm sending it off tomorrow. Taking your suggestion about the action job as well. Turns out that the first generation base pin screw is slightly larger in diameter (head seat as well) than the latest versions. They may be able to enlarge the hole and head seat, re-thread and add a 1st gen screw. Hope that's all it takes.
Trace--
 
To clarify, there have been rumors to the contrary but the Colt SAA has never been made by a foreign manufacturer nor finished in the US of foreign parts. As critical as I am of them, they must be credited for producing the SAA in the US.
Click to expand...


You're right about the SAA.
 
I think more than a few are confused about the 3rd gen SAA and 2nd and 3rd gen cap and ball. Different animals. All of them are made in the USA. The percussion cap guns used Uberti barrels and cylinders.
 
Colt cylinder pin screw

Just received a letter from Colt this a.m. They will cover the entire repair @ n\c. Guessing that since the 1st generation (BP frame) base pin screw is slightly larger in diameter than the 3rd gen, they may cut new threads and install the larger screw. Anyway, happy camper so far. Work should be completed in 3-4 weeks.
Trace---
 
Colt SAA 3gen BP frame screw problem

You may remember that I sent my SAA back to Colt for the stripped cylinder pin repair in early Oct. They did the assessment and completed the job no charge.
The stripped cylinder pin screw (BP frame) was repaired and re-threaded. Looks like the replacement pin screw may be just a tad larger than the 3rd gen... much like the 1st gen screw.
Job completion was promised for 11-22-09 got it today 11-19-09. Not bad!
They replaced the main spring and it seems as if it was given an action job. The trigger is much lighter as well. Feels like in breaks at about 2 lbs on a ball bearing drive. Can't wait to get to the range.
The trigger guard frame (beveled end)just under the serial # stamped on the main frame was canted at a slight angle. Bugged me for years. I asked that they straighten that up as well. That job was done perfectly. Not sure if they replaced the trigger guard frame with a new one or fixed the old one.
I can say that Colt stood behind their product and did right by me.
Happy camper.
Trace---
 
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