Pietta 51 Navy being stubborn

ligonierbill · December 10, 2024, 09:35 AM

Subject revolver works pretty good, except for one annoyance. In taking the hammer to full cock, the hand is reluctant to lock - takes a little extra tug. I've been living with it, until recently when I bought a Howell conversion cylinder. It fits great, but now that extra tug is not enough to lock the hammer back. I think I know what the problem is, but I would like to hear from you folks without prejudice. Thanks.

Hawg · December 10, 2024, 01:51 PM

Will it lock in if you cock it fast?

**4V50 Gary** · December 10, 2024, 02:37 PM

Hand too short? Handspring too weak?

ligonierbill · December 10, 2024, 03:07 PM

Wedge was a bit too tight. I filed just a touch off the front of the slot, and I am able to "click" in full cock. Hawg has the right idea. Still needs a very firm push, but I'm reluctant to remove any more.

Hawg · December 10, 2024, 05:23 PM

I'd say the hand is a smidge too short.

ligonierbill · December 10, 2024, 07:03 PM

That could be. If I can find a replacement, I'll give it a try. Meanwhile, it works.

PS: Ordered a new hand and spring $20.

Hawg · December 11, 2024, 02:01 AM

The hand will need fitting. They are not a drop in fit.

ligonierbill · December 11, 2024, 06:37 AM

No problem. Well OK, an interesting character building problem. I have a nice set of small files, and fitted small parts before.

**Aguila Blanca** · December 11, 2024, 10:53 AM

VTI Gun Parts should have the hand if you need one.

ligonierbill · December 11, 2024, 11:54 AM

VTI is who I ordered from. They've supplied me with a number of old gun parts over the years. Never been disappointed.

December 10, 2024, 09:35 AM	#1
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,640	Pietta 51 Navy being stubborn Subject revolver works pretty good, except for one annoyance. In taking the hammer to full cock, the hand is reluctant to lock - takes a little extra tug. I've been living with it, until recently when I bought a Howell conversion cylinder. It fits great, but now that extra tug is not enough to lock the hammer back. I think I know what the problem is, but I would like to hear from you folks without prejudice. Thanks.

December 10, 2024, 02:37 PM	#3
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,287	Hand too short? Handspring too weak? __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

December 10, 2024, 07:03 PM	#6
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,640	That could be. If I can find a replacement, I'll give it a try. Meanwhile, it works. PS: Ordered a new hand and spring $20. Last edited by ligonierbill; December 10, 2024 at 07:10 PM.

December 11, 2024, 10:53 AM	#9
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,033	VTI Gun Parts should have the hand if you need one. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

December 10, 2024, 01:51 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,376	Will it lock in if you cock it fast?

December 10, 2024, 03:07 PM	#4
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,640	Wedge was a bit too tight. I filed just a touch off the front of the slot, and I am able to "click" in full cock. Hawg has the right idea. Still needs a very firm push, but I'm reluctant to remove any more.

December 10, 2024, 05:23 PM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,376	I'd say the hand is a smidge too short.

December 11, 2024, 02:01 AM	#7
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,376	The hand will need fitting. They are not a drop in fit.

December 11, 2024, 06:37 AM	#8
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,640	No problem. Well OK, an interesting character building problem. I have a nice set of small files, and fitted small parts before.

December 11, 2024, 11:54 AM	#10
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,640	VTI is who I ordered from. They've supplied me with a number of old gun parts over the years. Never been disappointed.