Original Colt Navy 1851

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Got an original 1851 Colt Navy (1856) for Christmas from my wife.
Does anyone know of an excellent Gunsmith to send to to check timing, etc.

Would like to shoot it, but want to make sure it is in proper condition.

[Damol]

Can't say on the gunsmith, but congrats on the gift.

[Captainkirk]

Got an original 1851 Colt Navy (1856) for Christmas from my wife.
Does anyone know of an excellent Gunsmith to send to to check timing, etc.

Would like to shoot it, but want to make sure it is in proper condition.

Hoof Hearted (Gary) over on the 1858 Remington forum (our sister forum) and The High Road is an excellent BP gunsmith. I can put him in contact with you if you'd like.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Thanks Damol...
Thanks Captain...would appreciate it

[Kaboom]

Say PA,, jest what part 'o PA ya in? I be real close ta Harrisburg. 

[bigted]

so a couple things to check with your new to you colt ...

-cock it and observe whether the cylinder locks up proper with the stop notch engaging without any help.
-with it cocked ... take a flashlite and shine it down the barrel and observe the cylinder hole in relation to the bore ... [can you see any cylinder face metal in the bore hole except the sides of the inside of the chamber].
-with it in full cock what is the rotational lockup like ...[can you roll it back n forth enough to again see any of the cylinder face in the bore].
-again in full cock ... push the cylinder back towards the hammer and measure the gap between the cylinder face and the barrel ... should be from .005 to .10 to be in good battery... a bit more is ok but not much.
-as you pull the hammer back thru the arc ... can you hear 4 distinct and solid click's? the 4 clicks are a click per letter ... COLT.
-is the hammer spring putting enough pressure  to be positive power release.
-when the hammer is back in full battery and held ... is the trigger return spring strong enough to fully engage the hammer sear.
-is the cylinder chambers and barrel in good rust free condition.
-measure the cylinder chamber holes and see if they are round and semi sharp on the face.

if all these things check out the revolver is probably in good enough shape to be used. the metal on some of these old revolvers is sometimes an iffy thing just because we dont know the full history but then that would be a competent revolver doctor to determine.

good luck on your spiffy gift. picture would do this ol hound a good turn.

[ssb73q]

Got an original 1851 Colt Navy (1856) for Christmas from my wife.
Does anyone know of an excellent Gunsmith to send to to check timing, etc.

Would like to shoot it, but want to make sure it is in proper condition.

Hi PAM, ok, you now have my attention. How did your wife know what to buy you?

I agree with the Captain, HH is the place to go.

Regards,
Richard