Model 1873 SAA Issues

[ProfChaos]

I have my Grandfather's 357 magnum and the base pin and/or base spring is sticking very badly where I cannot remove the cylinder. Are there any specialty tools to help remove this to give the gun some TLC and cleaning?

Thank you

[Oneaudiopro]

you might try putting a few drops of penetrating oil on it and let it soak for a couple of hours.

[dfletcher]

As above do the oil thing. There is a tool, made from plastic, that will give you more purchase on the base pin. Handy to have in general, but for one gun I'd wait for the oil to work.

[ProfChaos]

Update. I managed to unscrew the pin on the backside and took it apart. When I put it back together, I had to dial back the cap a bit so it would function.

The revolver is an Industria Giuseppi Ianno (IGI) from either 70 or 71 based on serial number.

[kendog4570]

...The revolver is an Industria Giuseppi Ianno (IGI) from either 70 or 71 based on serial number.

Found your problem...
Most early spaghetti guns were made out of case hardened Velveeta.

[highpower]

Darn, I was about to suggest that you clamp the pin in a vise and smack the pee out of it with a six pound single jack sledge. That method falls under the mechanical principal of:

"If it doesn't fit, force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway"

Or you could put some oil in it and let it soak. I agree with Kendog, the steel on those early Italian guns was indeed made out of cheese.

[Wyatt Burp]

If the cylinder pin has the slightest abrasion it will drasg pullingh it out, even when well oiled. My freind's Uberti's pin had a burr that we instantly removed wit a couple sweeps of sandpaper.blue wear was minimal and you don't see it, anyway. The springloaded burron is a different matter.