Colt 1860 cylinder base pin removal

hogpuke

I've never done one of these but I need to replace the cylinder base pin on an 1860 Colt and I was told that besides being threaded to the frame, it's also pinned. I don't see no stinkin' pin. Help? Thanks.

perry shooter

In a 1860 The pin that the cylinder revolves on is permanently attached to the frame recoil shield area the wedge holds the barrel in place and the cylinder is free To rotate .

Spider7115

See part #23:

v35

Item 23 is the pin.
It is pretty much hidden as it's machined flush to the shield.
While I haven't ever done it, it looks like if the base pin is cut off close to the frame you could drive it out with a small diameter pin punch.

hogpuke

Thanks for the help. I see the pin on the exploded view. I'll see if it's visible and go from there. What could possibly go wrong?!

44caliberkid

Is this an original 1860 or a repro? If you cock or remove the hammer, look at the slot in the frame the hammer rests in. Look for a circle about 3/16 diameter. That's the pin. They have to be drilled out and a replacement installed when you reassemble. Some repros don't have one. You need a really good vise on your drill press that will hold the frame at an angle to get a straight shot at the pin. The pin is usually fairly mild steel, but you never know.

hogpuke

It's an original. I was just about to get on here and ask if it was only accessible from the back. I can see the faint outline of the pin and I do have a good compound vise. I really appreciate all the help. Thanks.