It's been 40+ years since I've had a 51 Navy. Picked one up yesterday. It's a Uberti. Fit and finish are very good. As expected the arbor fit was not. I've read the post by Pettifogger (I think that's right), and have no disagreement with his method of fitting the arbor. However I am not equipped to use his method. Sooooo
Here is the way it came.
I had some brass stock that was close. Cut out a disc with a jewelers saw
Still needed a little more thickness.
Put a bit of silver solder on the disc and filed it to fit.
Now the fit is right on the money. ( bad camera angle, it really does fit right )
Next item was to disassemble the entire gun. I'd like to be sure that I can take it apart to clean it, before I shoot it.
Fortunately only two screws were seized, the application of an impact wrench took care of that.
Now everything is back together and ready to shoot. Range report to follow.
Just for what it's worth, I read the instruction manual. That's a first for me. If I were a first time BP shooter, I would have been so confused I would probably have given up. The manual leaves a lot to be desired. Thank the shooting gods for forums like this where new guys can get a helping hand.
*edited to repair photo links