Colt 44-40

[greenrivers]

I have an opportunity to buy a Colt third generation in 44-40. What if anything should I be looking for in dimension mistakes. This is a new, in the box and unfired revolver that I suspect is about ten to fifteen years old. I have not yet seen it, but will soon. Has anyone bought one that has been a problem?
Thanks for any help.

[guzzijohn]

Find an issue of this months "Handloader" magazine. It has good reloading info on the 44/40 plus an article on both the Colt and the USFA revolvers in 44-40.
GuzziJohn

[Frank V]

Greenrivers
I'd check to see how the gun locks up, is it timed correctly? By that I mean does the locking bolt drop into the leade into the locking cut on the cylinder? Is the cylinder tight when locked up? I'd also check to see how the triggerguard mates to the frame, are the lines clean where it mates up. I'd check the sights to see if anything has been moved bent etc. Have they been filed on?


The .44-40 is a really fun cartridge & loading it isn't as awful as some say. Just pay attention to handling the cases & it'll be a fun experience. The ones I've shot have been accurate too.
Good luck.
Let us know what you decide.
Frank

[greenrivers]

Thanks for the responce guys. I seem to recall an article about companies using .429 barrels combined with caliber appropriate throats causing a problem. Just wondering if this was a Colt issue as well.

[44 Man]

Colts in 44-40 are usually correctly dimentions as opposed to those chambered in .45 colt.  Barrels are a correct .427 (Colt .44 spls also carry .427 barrels) and chamber throats usually run .428/429.  The early Rugers in 44-40 were the ones that used .429/430 barrels, and I believe that they have changed that since then.  As for timing issues on a Colt, that is usually not a problem unless the gun has been abused or tinkered with.  And MOST people who own a Colt are not inclined to abuse them much.  I find that the 200 gr bullets of the 44-40 makes a nice, mild shooting gun that still hits hard. (of course thats assuming you are not talking 'cowboy' squib loads)  I think you would enjoy the Colt.  Get it and go have some fun!  44 Man

[greenrivers]

Thanks 44 Man, you answered exactly what I was looking for. I have been digging in old posts to find info on the third generation guns and find that execpt for a hit or miss period from mid 80's to early 90's they are great revolvers. I have also been trying to find any information on when they stopped and restarted installing the replaceable cylinder bushings and what effect it had on end shake. I have wanted a 44-40 for years and this may be the one!