Old Colt Army Revolver

W

wambli

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Needs new barrel. Can original 38/40 cylinder be reamed to fit 44 S & W bullets? If so, please, recommend source(s) for a .44 caliber barrel, and .44 S & W reamer.

If 38/40 cylinder cannot be reamed to fit .44 S & W cartridges, please, provide sources for a .44 S & W cylinder. Thank you, Tom
 
The cylinder can't be reamed as the .38-40 base diameter is bigger than that of the .44 Special.

You can try Colt or www.gunpartscorp.com or Brownells for the parts.

Please be advised that removing and replacing a barrel and fitting a cylinder are jobs best left to someone with the proper tools and experience; done wrong, the parts could be made useless or the frame bent out of shape and ruined.

Also, since you have not given any information other than "old Colt army revolver", I am assuming the gun is a Single Action Army. If that is not true, please provide pictures of the gun. You didn't ask for an evaluation, but the work you want done is pretty expensive and, if the condition of the gun is poor, might cost more than the gun is worth.

Jim
 
Hmmm, I figured he was referring to the anemic .38 Colt DA (New Army?) used in the Philippines, that led to the Army reissuing the SSA and developing the 1911.

Also, since you have not given any information other than "old Colt army revolver", I am assuming the gun is a Single Action Army.
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Hmmm, I figured he was referring to the anemic .38 Colt DA (New Army?) used in the Philippines, that led to the Army reissuing the SSA and developing the 1911.
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Those were .38 Long Colt not 38-40.

And what exactly do you mean by .44 S&W bullets/cartridges?
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I would assume he either meant 44 Russian or most likely .44 special. If it was me I'd keep it a 38-40. If it just had to have a new barrel I'd have the old one lined.
 
And you're probably right, but as vague as he was, doesn't hurt to ask for more specifics. :)
Denis
 
Also, no .38-40 was really an "Army" revolver; no Army, ours or anyone else's ever used the .38-40 (.38 W.C.F.) as a military caliber.

Jim
 
Old Colt Army revolver

The revolver is a single action caliber 38/40. My Dad acquired the revolver about ninety years ago when he was a Deputy Sheriff. I thought the revolver was lost, but my older brother had it stored in a shed with a leaky roof. The revolver was soaked with water. All the rust is removed ,but the barrel has no lands and grooves

I want to install a .44 caliber barrel, because I have numerous .44 S & W Special cases and bullets to load. Thank you, for pointing out the cylinder chambers are too large. Can inserts be installed in the chambers? And in the barrel?

From the serial number can the date of manufacture be known?

Thank you, for the help. Tom
 
Collector value would be about nil, sounds like, so that sorta leaves you free to do whatever you want with it without guilt or blame.

Replacing barrel & cylinder with .44 Special versions would probably be less expensive than sleeving.
IF you can find the parts.

You're still left with what's probably a First Generation frame, in which case you'd want to stay with mild loads if you intend to shoot it.

Are you absolutely sure the barrel has no rifling?
Have you thoroughly scrubbed it out? Could be leaded severely.

Might call Peacemaker Specialists to ask about those two parts, if he doesn't have any he might know who does.

List the serial here, it can most likely be identified on the year.
Denis
 
Old Colt Army revolver

The barrel is pitted and full of rust.

I have a call into Colt for manufacturing information and parts. The serial number is 1867- -.

Please, provide contact information for "Peacemaker Specialists".

The pistol , belt and holster were like new before getting wet. Dad never fired a full box of cartridges out of the gun. The revolver sat in a dresser drawer for decades.

My goal is to restore the piece to shootable condition and give it to one of Dad's great grandsons.. Thank you, for the help. Tom
 
I would suggest you contact Colt about replacing the barrel and cylinder, and get a quote. They have the parts and can do the work better than any gunsmith.

Jim
 
Please Google Peacemaker Specialists. :)
Eddie has a number of First Gen parts for restorations & repairs, barrels & cylinders are not normally in stock. But, he may point you in the right direction.

I seriously doubt Colt will work on a Peacemaker that old, they don't do restorations as such.
And, I'd take issue with anybody saying they can do the work any better than PS. :)
Denis
 
My error. Colt won't have a barrel to fit the old guns because of the thread change, and I doubt anyone will have a new .44 barrel with the old threads, though there might be some used ones around.

Jim
 
Old Colt Army revolver

Found out from Colt the revolver was manufactured in 1899. What Generation is this?

Peacemaker Specialist's is located North of me at Paso Robles and their price list is too much for me. Thell Read is an old friend. Brother Marine. We have not spoke to each other for a long time.
 
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