I have a Uberti Cattleman cap and ball pistol. I know, to y'all purists this is an odd duck, a cap and ball "copy" of the famous 1873 Colt cartridge gun. But, this is a beautifully made gun. The grips are gorgeous. Fit and finish of the metal is very nice. It is a better made piece than my Pietta 1860 Army.
Well, there was one problem with my pistol. When I cocked it, the cylinder was a little stiff as it began to rotate. When there was no cylinder in there, it cocked very smoothly.
I figured that the bolt must be sticking up a little too much. I filed an angle on the right side of the bolt, and it got a lot smoother, but was still sticking.
I got out my ace gunsmithing tool, my Makita 3x24 belt sander. Using a fine grit belt, #90, I held the bolt in my hand and sanded off about 1/20th of an inch of the bolt. I put the gun back together, it cocks as smooth as silk. It still locks up tight. What a gunsmith!
The belt sander may seem llike a crude gunsmithing tool, but it works! I had already used it on my Pietta. The main spring broke on that pistol. I got a replacement spring free, from Traditions. It was way too strong. It was thicker and wider than the original spring. I figured, if it wasn't so big, it would not be so strong.
I held the spring in my hand and sanded it for a few seconds on one edge. Let it cool for a minute, sanded it for a few seconds on the other edge. My main concern was overheating the spring and ruining the temper. I figured, if I held the spring in my hand it couldn't get too hot without burning my fingers.
I reinstalled the spring. It was better, but still too strong. I took the gun apart, and sanded the spring for a total of about 20 seconds on both edges. The power of the spring was just right, and the temper was not harmed.
Anyway, if any of y'all want a real nice cap and ball gun, I recommend the Uberti Cattleman. I have removed the loading spring assembly, since it is of no use. The gun has a real nice balance now, and clean lines.
Evidently these are no longer made. I found three on closeout at Taylor's, so get 'em while the getting is good.
http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/detail.tpl?ID=5545&category=Clearance%20Items&startat=1You can get the same gun by Pietta at Dixie for about $50 less. I understand that these Piettas are pretty well made.
