Single Action Army Question

[vman]

My Dad gave me a 3rd generation Colt SAA .45 LC New Frontier with a 4 3/4" barrel. Made in 1981, I believe. I would like to shoot it, but noticed that the cylinder rattles - both fore and aft and side-to-side play.

Is this normal for a SAA or should I have a gunsmith look at it? Everything else is perfect.

Thanks.
Jim

[Johnny P]

I would call Colt. Your average gunsmith is not going to be able to do much to correct the problem if the tolerance is too much.

[mustanggt]

There will be a certain amount but how much? I don't know what the specs for a colt are. I have experience with S&W. Some one else may chime in with a good resource but all you need are a good set of feeler gauges. I think a thou would be it at most. Ideally of course you don't want any. Did your dad own it since new? Did he put alot of rounds through it? Were there any hot ones or did he just shoot mild ones?

[phil441]

A generic test: With the chambers empty, slowly drop the hammer while keeping the trigger fully depressed. The critical time is just before the hammer strikes. That is the point at which the feeler gauges tell you how much actual play you have. I don't know the allowable play but it won't be much at all.

[dave]

My sec. gen., fired but not allot, has side to side play I can feel but not really see. No fore & aft that I can feel. Very slight gap between cyl & barrel. You have to be the judge, would have to be very loose to be dangerous.