Disassemble Instructions for 1858 New Army Revolver

[David L]

Hiya Boys and Girls

I thought I would get a running start on replacing the main spring since it “IS” going to break. From what I’m reading I can expect to replace this part soon even in a new gun. I have tracked down this photo and instructions on disassembly of the 1858 Remington New Army Revolver. Question is, are the instructions accurate for correct disassembly of this revolver?

http://www.alliancelink.com/users/frontier/srrs/articles/armydisassembly.htm

I’m gonna go ahead and get the kit so I’ll have it when the main spring goes into self-destruct mode, that’s a shame, I like the stiff pull. Taking apart a gun is like anything else, I need to know “how” to do it to keep from screwing things-up. The instructions look simple and straight-forward, any advice is welcome!

Once again, thanks for the help -

David L

-----A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still -----

[Philc40]

The instructions look OK. Also you what a set of screwdrivers that have a good tight fit on the 58's screws. They'll help you protect them from damaging the screw slots.

[Charlie Detroit]

Instructions seem fine, as far as they go. They're a bit sketchy, though. The NRA disassembly-reassembly instructions, with the accompanying pictures of the tricky bits, are better, and really all you need. If you don't have the NRA books already, get 'em. Somehow. Your local Public Library should have a set (I think there are two volumes now). Used bookstores. The NRA. Guys walking by in the street. Any place you can get 'em. If you can't get it any other way, drop me an e-mail and I'll scan those pages into cyberspace for you. (That last takes time...I don't have a scanner, my daughter does. She lives 50 miles from here.)

[David L]

From what I’m reading I can expect to replace this part soon even in a new gun

What reasons are there for this statement?  I'm new with C&B but never heard this before.

Marsh

============>>>>>

Hiya Marsh,

What’s the reason for that statement? Very simple my friend, since I own a Pietta 1858 Rem/Repro I have been doing a bunch of reading on that particular model.

Also, from what I’m reading / A lot of the folks replace these main springs because they tend to be too stiff (could this be a clue). I own one now and the spring IS stiff, but I like it that way. Since this information seems to be correct I have no doubt that “other” information obtained be me on this make and model is also accurate and correct. In other words I knew the trigger pull was stiff before it arrived at my door because that’s what I’ve read.

IF you bought one of these guns and was a friend of mine I’d tell ya to go ahead and replace that main spring OR at the very least have the kit there at the house for when it does self-destruct. WHY? Because based on my own research that’s my opinion on this particular make and model of gun. Your also welcome to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. I’m very interested in this make and model and if you find-out to the contrary that my conclusions were baseless then I would be inclined to advise my friend that he would be wasting his money by buying extra parts at todays prices.

I would also tell him - I’m only trying to help you and did NOT intend to mislead you in any way what-so-ever.

Based on what I’ve read, I’ll get the extra parts.

David L

[David L]

The library....You would think as many car manuals as I have checked out that I would have already been there. *L*  Information is so easy on the internet I guess I've got lazy. Thanks Charlie.

Ok on the proper screw drivers, I think the last cheapo screw driver I bought was about 20 years ago - The first thing you learn when buying high end tools is you don't lend them out....Period....*L*

Off and running again......Thanks

David L

[howdy doody]

Pard, I would say that a main spring breaking would be a rare occurance. I ran my rems for quite a while with the centers gound down to 3/16" just to make the hammers lighter. I have since installed the Wolf colt/emf springs.
The only springs I have even broken after many, mnay rounds fired was the hand flat springs. Cabelas has tune kits and the springs come in them along with new hammers, hands and triggers. You don't want to get a hammer so light that it won't hold a cap on after fining, or you will have spent caps pluggin up the works. I will admit to get a fast shooting and trouble free 58 remington pietta repro, you do need to do a bunch of work, but once they are up and running they are as reliable and as fast as anything else out there.  :-)

[David L]

Howdy Do

Ya know, I'm not a gunsmith but have read a lot on the Pietta and a lot of folks just replace those main springs prolly because they are just too stiff. I read a couple of posts where the springs have broke and just figured on that part going south on me. I honestly do not know how reliable the stock main spring really is but for me I just feel better knowing the replacement parts are sitting in my desk drawer.

I don't plan on shooting it every now and again I plan on shooting at least 100 RB a month or more, weather permitting / I cannot go out in the extreme cold/wet weather but in the summertime this gun will get a work-out.

I'm willing to buy parts / polish the insides / buy special tools and if I half to take it to a gunsmith I'll do that. While I like the stiff trigger the overall action seems a little sluggish compaired to other revolvers I have handled.

Perhaps my worries are unfounded when it comes to this particular gun being unreliable. I really like this gun, it fits my hand better than any gun I've ever had / So far.....Like I said, I'm willing to work with it because it fits so good....

David L

[Flint]

The advise you've been given is pretty good.  The springs are certainly stiff, much stiffer than the Colt types.  You can adjust it a bit with the tension screw at the front bottom of the grip.  You can also get a few extra springs and thin them experimentally. I cut the width about .040 or .050 per side, it's easier to control than the thickness.  The strength of a leaf spring goes up or down directly in proportion to the width, but by the square of the thickness.  I have revised my 2 Piettas to use the Ruger Old Army coil mainspring, and they are smooth as glass.  Particularly if you want to use the Kirst or R&D conversion cylinders, you will need to lighten the spring for the cartridge.

[David L]

Hiya Flint,

OK, so I can go ahead and get a kit from Cabela’s and experimet with it….Say, that’s a good idea. Funny how the answer is always right in front of you Huh…

Tnx to all that replied


David L