Disassembly Of 1902 Colt .45 Long For Cleaning Question...

U

UtopiaTexasG19

New member
I am in a quandry as to removing the cylinder on a 1902 build Colt .45 Long.
The set up looks very similiar to my more modern Ruger Super Black Hawk
where one just pushes the release button under the barrel and pulls out the
cylinder pin which allows the cylinder to come out the frame. On this Colt .45
the cylinder pin will not come out of the frame even when the release button is totally removed and the cylinder pin actually rotates with the cylinder in the frame leading me to believe the pin is rusted in the cylinder. The end of the cylinder pin is really damaged from someone in the past not being able to remove it and using something like pliers on the end. Could someone explain in simple terms how the cylinder is usually removed please? I am generally very mechanically inclined but do not want to do any more damage to this gun. Thanks...
 
I'm just guessing here you have a Colt single action army.....
You need to put the hammer in half cock position with loading
gate open and pin removed to get the cylinder out on the loading
gateside of the gun.....
 
The cylinder pin of a post-1900 Colt Single Action Army (and many other guns) is removed exactly as stated. Push the center pin release and withdraw the center pin.

But on older guns, the center pin is sometimes rusted in place and cannot be removed the normal way. I will describe how to remove it if it can be moved at all. First, remove the grips and disassemble the gun, removing the trigger guard and the back strap. Remove the internal parts and the hammer. Then soak the frame and cylinder in a penetrant (Breakfree, or similar) for a day or so. If the pin does not come free, clamp the gun in a padded vise. Then push the center pin release in and at the same time place a brass punch on the rear end of the center pin that you can see in the hammer slot (this is why you removed the hammer)*. Use a hammer to strike the punch and the pin. If the pin still won't move, soak the gun again and apply a bit harder blow. If the pin still won't move, use the services of a gunsmith.

*May require three hands or removal of the center pin catch.

Jim
 
Thanks for the replies. I have currently found a schematic of this pistol on line which will help a lot on disassembly. I have also found 3 sources for common parts so if I need to replace the cylinder pin and/or bushing it should not be much of a problem. Other wise the pistol looks to be in great shape. Once I get everything in order I will slug the barrel to see what size cast bullet might work the best. I have read that many of thes pistols have barrels worn to overly large diameters. I cast and re-load for all my rifles and pistols so some experimenting will probably be in order. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top