Colt 1917 trigger binding

[toro1]

Wow, that is one of the earlier videos where I said "ok" a lot. Had to work on that.

Glad you got your problem resolved, OP.

Personally, I didn't notice the oks. It was a very as helpful video and I could not have done the disassembly without it.

Thanks for taking the time to do it and posting it!

[toro1]

Top of the hand is the first stage, the top of the flat in the cut below it, is the second. They take turns pushing the cylinder around, like two guys taking turns pushing a car into the garage.
First guy pushes it down the driveway, the second pushes it into the garage. If the second guy gets lazy and doesn't push it in far enough to clear the door, you smack him with a hammer.
It's called "stretching" the hand, by peening, or in effect, cold forging the end of the second stage of the hand. By moving enough material up towards the flat, it gives the cylinder that fraction of a kick in rotation for the bolt to lock into the cylinder notch.

Thanks Trap. I think I understand, but to make sure. On the lower flat (the bottom of the rebound bar slot) you peen the edge so it comes up slightly and contacts the cylinder earlier. Is that correct?

[MosinVirus]

Thanks Trap. I think I understand, but to make sure. On the lower flat (the bottom of the rebound bar slot) you peen the edge so it comes up slightly and contacts the cylinder earlier. Is that correct?

Here is a picture.

The hand first contacts the cylinder with its upmost tip, then as the cylinder turns and the hand continues to move up it continues to push the cylinder in a different spot with its secondary ledge.

[toro1]

Here is a picture.

The hand first contacts the cylinder with its upmost tip, then as the cylinder turns and the hand continues to move up it continues to push the cylinder in a different spot with its secondary ledge.

Thanks, the picture helped clarify it perfectly.

[TRAP55]

Thanks Trap. I think I understand, but to make sure. On the lower flat (the bottom of the rebound bar slot) you peen the edge so it comes up slightly and contacts the cylinder earlier. Is that correct?

You got it, but keep in mind, it doesn't take much.
BTW...did you hit anything you were aiming at?

[toro1]

You got it, but keep in mind, it doesn't take much.
BTW...did you hit anything you were aiming at?

Yep, I hit the berm every time.
I actually have found the 1917 to be pretty easy to shoot and more accurate than I am capable of. I really enjoy shooting it. I have a S&W 1917 (Brazillian contract) en route and so it will be interesting to see how they compare.

[dfletcher]

Thanks, the picture helped clarify it perfectly.

The primary point of the hand gets the cylinder moving and must do so in exact co-ordination with the rebound lever boss camming the cylinder bolt otherwise the bolt will not drop from the cylinder bolt cuts in time and you'll feel a bit of hesitation. The secondary point engages the cylinder ratchet and when the trigger is pressed lifts and maintains pressure on it. In effect pushing the cylinder from the left side causing the right side of the cylinder notch and bolt against one another. Unlike the Smith hand, which applies pressure from the side of the ratchet and not quite so directly according to trigger pressure, the Colt hand applies direct pressure from below. There's a heck of alot of contact point between hand and cylinder ratchet.

On a little used or well fitted hand the cylinder will lock up tight just as the SA sear clears the sear notch on the hammer. If you lower the hammer by hand you can actually feel a slight rub as the two parts slip out of engagement. Quite a remarkable piece of machinery and highlights how the Colt actions are highly interdependent.

[toro1]

The primary point of the hand gets the cylinder moving and must do so in exact co-ordination with the rebound lever boss camming the cylinder bolt otherwise the bolt will not drop from the cylinder bolt cuts in time and you'll feel a bit of hesitation. The secondary point engages the cylinder ratchet and when the trigger is pressed lifts and maintains pressure on it. In effect pushing the cylinder from the left side causing the right side of the cylinder notch and bolt against one another. Unlike the Smith hand, which applies pressure from the side of the ratchet and not quite so directly according to trigger pressure, the Colt hand applies direct pressure from below. There's a heck of alot of contact point between hand and cylinder ratchet.

On a little used or well fitted hand the cylinder will lock up tight just as the SA sear clears the sear notch on the hammer. If you lower the hammer by hand you can actually feel a slight rub as the two parts slip out of engagement. Quite a remarkable piece of machinery and highlights how the Colt actions are highly interdependent.

Thank You for this, it is very helpful in understanding the operation.