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Colt Det Spl latch issue

shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,811 ✭✭✭
edited November 2013 in Ask the Experts
I picked up this revolver today from the auction side. The latch is binding up, and the hammer was pretty stiff when pulling it back. The FFL felt like it was just dry and said to lubricate, and showed me a couple spots to apply gun oil. So I lubricated it, and it freed up some, but the latch is still binding on occasion.


Any suggestions as to why it functions fine and then binds up? Thanks

Comments

  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    See if ejector rod is loose, backed out, like smiths do [^]
  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    We recently discussed the fact that Colt ships guns with an oil that breaks down over the years, leaving a gummy deposit. After removing the grips, spray a pressured solvent like CLP Breakfree or Crud Cutter, into every orifice of the frame, then blow it clear with compressed air, & oil.

    It would have helped if you had told us which, of about 6 generations, that you have. At the least, it would help if you told us if it has the exposed ejector rod, or covered rod.

    I haven't worked on the newer guns, but, on the older guns, you may want to remove the cylinder (unscrew the screw on the right front of the frame). There's a sliding sleeve that goes inside the center of the cylinder, & that needs to be cleaned & oiled.

    Neal
  • machine gun moranmachine gun moran Member Posts: 5,198
    edited November -1
    If this is a gun that has gone unused for a while, it may need an internal cleaning. The cylinder release latch has a tiny spring and follower which loads as the latch is pulled pack, and dried gunk can interfere with the spring's compression. I just picked up a 1955-vintage OP from the auction side today, and while it appeared to have been carried around the world repeatedly, it also appeared about unfired. But when I disassembled it, there was dried oil and hardened lithium-type grease in abundance. Cleaned up, it demonstrated perfect function.

    Unless you know Colt DA's, have a gunsmith do it, as Colt's are full of tricky little linkages. [:)]
  • TRAP55TRAP55 Member Posts: 8,292 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Unless you know Colt DA's, have a gunsmith do it, as Colt's are full of tricky little linkages
    And the linkages are what's causing the binding. Somebody had the side plate off, and didn't line things up, before they screwed it back on.
    The safety, lever, and trigger all work together... when they are all hooked together. It can be put back together where the lever will move the safety, just enough for the latch to work occasionally. Dirty, it usually won't move, you lubed it enough for the lever to move it now.
    The latch is getting stopped by the safety bar.
    Parts 44&45 in the schematic.
    http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Colt-33188/Revolvers-35751/DFrame-37997/Agent-35905.htm
    Easy fix. If you haven't had one of these D frame dbl actions apart, this can be done without removing the mainspring and rebound lever, because they're a PITA to remove and install. PM me if you need help!
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