Thanks Cap.!!
Kry, I used "authentic" to indicate "the Colt series". It was the word you used. I don't think there's any one here (this forum) that would argue that they aren't. One can " read" into anything what one wants which is one problem with using text and forum platforms. I've said more than a couple of times I understand collectors, I'm guilty of that "infection" myself!!
The problem is, the Colt series is no different than the rest of what was offered at the time till today as far as "build". Until Pietta decided to correct the problem, their offerings were like everyone else.
Since we are here, I'll go ahead and say the Colt series revolvers are, so far, the only examples that often have the arbor hole actually break through (too far in other words).
So, my point isn't about authenticity of the Colt series, it's got everything to do with the title of this thread, the " that much better " part. When they were offered new, the finish ,shape and some hardening of the parts was "better" than its contemporary but it still had all the "build" problems that they all had and still have! They definitely aren't Perfect . They are what they are. A continuation of the line of Colt percussion revolvers, built to a lesser degree. It doesn't make them less collectable (the stampings and the "pony" make sure of that) but it's easy enough to see the shortcomings of the later examples.
If the topic is pushed further by comparing them to Uberti offerings of recent years, it definitely gets worse! Today's action parts are the best ever put in a percussion revolver. . . . .but, it's not really fair to compare "like" objects some 40+ yrs removed.
Concerning the "arbor problem". It's always there whether you experience a problem or not. Let me explain. The "connection " , if you will, between the two assemblies IS the contact of the arbor bottoming out in the arbor hole UNDER TENSION! When properly appointed, the harmonics generated when a shot is fired is the same throughout the revolver. Without this "connection", the two assemblies resonate against each other. Shooting full loads will eventually cause clearances to open and parts failure. If you shoot light loads such as in CASS competition, you may never have a " problem " but the "build" is still wrong.
My venture into this area became necessary when I converted my open top revolvers to cartridge shooters. Smokless powder is much more punishing than bp. It doesn't take long to "mess up" the numbers when shooting stout loads in an ill prepared revolver . . . even the Dragoons can't hold up any better than the '60 Army! It's not the size of the dog (so to speak), it's all about the "build" of the dog!!
Mike
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