Cylinder workings in a 1884

V

vv0350

New member
What are the "normal" movements of a cylinder from a 1884 Colt Army Special (1916)..should the cylinder be able to slide backwards toward the ratchet when you push the ejector rod backwards ?
 
The cylinder should not move backwards more than a small amount when the ejector rod is pushed to eject the cases. There is a stop machined into the sideplate to prevent the cylinder from moving back, while still allowing the cases to come out of the chambers.

Sometimes wear or over polishing prior to reblue will reduce the height of that stop and the cylinder can move, or wear in the crane or cylinder can allow the cylinder to move sideways enough to miss the stop. Repairs are not easy but are possible once it is determined exactly what is wrong.

BTW, it is not an 1884; there is no such model. It is just called the Army Special.

Jim
 
THANKS…how do you remove the cylinder from the crane..?

Is there maybe a video somewhere that shows someone removing the cylinder from the crane and such…? Or just instructions on how to take it apart…I would really like to see what it all looks like inside..
Thanks again
 
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I strongly recommend NOT removing the cylinder from the crane just to see what it looks like inside. If you don't have some special tools, it is easy to strip out the little lugs inside the cylinder that keep the ejector rod in alignment and that will ruin the cylinder. You can do any cleaning needed with the ratchet and ejector rod in place.

Jim
 
You've already been told on Jan 7 that it's not an 1884 Army Special.
There's no such gun.

That said, it is extremely inadvisable to start taking your Army Special apart just to see what's in it.

Listen to James.
Denis
 
That advice applies to all Colts of that type. Left alone, they will continue to work just about forever. Once someone goes tinkering with them, there is a good chance of messing something up. And with few or no parts available, and few gunsmiths who can work on them, those guns are better unmolested.

Jim
 
Again- listen to James.


(Jimmy- check arrived today, thanks. Lemme know when you need me to back you up again. Same rates will apply.)
Denis
 
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