Which is right, or does it matter?

[The Shrink]

Esteemed Board

I have 2 Uberti Cattleman revolvers, copies of the 1873 Colt SAA.  One is a Bird's head grip at 4 3/4" and the other is standard at 7 1/2".  The cylinder bushing on one is loose and easily slips in and out of the cylinder with no obvious play.  The other pulls out about 1/16" and stops.  I did drive it out with a brass punch, the sholder of the punch riding on the end of the pin.  Drove it back the same way and it's the same, slides out about 1/16" and stops.  

Which is "right", or does it matter?

Wayne the Shrink

There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

[gunnut69]

Machinists talk of different 'fits', i.e. 'crush fit' 'interferance fit' 'slip fit, etc.  Basically a slip fit allows the parts to come together with a minimum of pressure, about what a hnad of light tap might produce. Interferance fit means the parts will go together but there must be a modicum of force used but the parts are not dimensionally changed.  A crush fit is so tight that as the parts are forced together they are dimensionally althered.  The threads on the new model S&W revolvers are thus fitted.  If the barrel is rmoved the thread have been altered so that if reinstallation is attempted the barrel will turn past where it was before removal.  A cylinder bushing needs to be on the tight side of a slip fit.  A press fit is not bad but there should be no slop or motion once the bushing is installed.  Yes it will matter as the bushing and base pin are what maintains barrel cylinder allignment..critical to accuracy.

[bchannell]

The guy who started Navy arms, who also imports Uberti's Cattleman revolver is a guy named Val Forgett (hope it's spelled right) He is a first class guy who decided to start importing a quality six shooter for the masses. I have a 45LC cattleman and have had to send it back for repairs. They are VERY helpful and fast to get your gun fixed even replacing any part the even looks like it is wearing. I had trouble with the cylinder bolt breaking, two different times. When the final repair was done the revolver was returned to me timed to perfection and as slick as glass. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one, it's just that I really don't shoot the Colt that much anymore, but it's fine gun. If you're curious give them a call or email them and they'll give you the dope.