Howdy Cowboys!
While I've been a member of TFL for a long time, this is my first occasion to visit the CAS forum. When it comes to anything other than a Ruger Super Blackhawk, I am a rank novice on single action pistols, I've found that I have "the bug" for CAS and I've got QUESTIONS!
For our anniversary, my wife just bought me a NIB EMF New Dakota with 4 3/4 barrel, .45LC with .45acp spare cylinder.
I've put about 100 rounds of .45LC through it, and I'm in love.
(Please tell me my love is not misplaced and that this is a good gun?)
Now for the questions.
1. Supposedly this is a Colt SAA Clone. How close a clone is it? Is there true 100 percent parts interchagablility?
2. I don't like the aluminum triggerguard and backstrap, can I get brass or steel replacements? Is one a better choice than the other? Either way, where could I find these parts if they exist?
3. The Sear and Trigger screws do not reach all the way through the frame, falling short of flush by approx. 1/16th to 3/32nds. Is this normal or do I need to replace these screws?
4. Trigger pull weight remains untested so far, but it has a very clean break and feels good to my finger, but I feel it needs to be a bit lighter. Should I do a spring swap or is hammer/sear work a better choice. (I am a Marine Corps trained Gunsmith, just no experience with the SA arms for obvious reasons.) If hammer/sear work is recommended, where can I find specs on engagement, angles etc?
5. Have only shot informal plinking, no groups on paper yet. (I rushed out to the range, I was excited!) However, windage and elevation seem to be dead at 15 yards with "cowboy loads" (loaded by a local commercial reloader) 255 grain lead bullet, unknown powder charge, but recoil is mild. When I choose my accuracy load for this pistol, should I sight it for 15 or 25 yards or other?
6. Oh yes, forgot one...
On parts interchangability, I also don't care for the aluminum ejector shroud, is there a steel replacement available? If so, where? DOH! (Ignore this one, just did a magnet check, it's steel!)
I know this is a lot of questions for one post, but I'm excited and fired up, and I can't wait to tear into it!
ANY help will be much appreciated,
THANKS!
While I've been a member of TFL for a long time, this is my first occasion to visit the CAS forum. When it comes to anything other than a Ruger Super Blackhawk, I am a rank novice on single action pistols, I've found that I have "the bug" for CAS and I've got QUESTIONS!
For our anniversary, my wife just bought me a NIB EMF New Dakota with 4 3/4 barrel, .45LC with .45acp spare cylinder.
I've put about 100 rounds of .45LC through it, and I'm in love.
(Please tell me my love is not misplaced and that this is a good gun?)
Now for the questions.
1. Supposedly this is a Colt SAA Clone. How close a clone is it? Is there true 100 percent parts interchagablility?
2. I don't like the aluminum triggerguard and backstrap, can I get brass or steel replacements? Is one a better choice than the other? Either way, where could I find these parts if they exist?
3. The Sear and Trigger screws do not reach all the way through the frame, falling short of flush by approx. 1/16th to 3/32nds. Is this normal or do I need to replace these screws?
4. Trigger pull weight remains untested so far, but it has a very clean break and feels good to my finger, but I feel it needs to be a bit lighter. Should I do a spring swap or is hammer/sear work a better choice. (I am a Marine Corps trained Gunsmith, just no experience with the SA arms for obvious reasons.) If hammer/sear work is recommended, where can I find specs on engagement, angles etc?
5. Have only shot informal plinking, no groups on paper yet. (I rushed out to the range, I was excited!) However, windage and elevation seem to be dead at 15 yards with "cowboy loads" (loaded by a local commercial reloader) 255 grain lead bullet, unknown powder charge, but recoil is mild. When I choose my accuracy load for this pistol, should I sight it for 15 or 25 yards or other?
6. Oh yes, forgot one...
On parts interchangability, I also don't care for the aluminum ejector shroud, is there a steel replacement available? If so, where? DOH! (Ignore this one, just did a magnet check, it's steel!)
I know this is a lot of questions for one post, but I'm excited and fired up, and I can't wait to tear into it!
ANY help will be much appreciated,
THANKS!
Last edited: