Interesting point about the timing - I haven't had this problem but can see how it could happen and the washer sounds a good solution.
Also good point about the Italian nipples (!) I've also found that the standard small nipple wrenches are still slightly too large for the original Colt 1849 nipples, and I destroyed one wrench almost immediately (before I gave up on trying any further). The solution is to make your own custom wrench using a socket or similar.
The hammer on my 1849 was slightly misaligned, and it was because the hammer screw was warped, I assume from 150 yrs use - it was a pig to get it out. I ordered a replacement screw from Dixie and that made the difference.
Another question completely - did you have to deal with any problems with customs getting the gun across the border? Did they open up the package and repackage it reasonably well? Where did you pay customs/tax? I'm thinking of ordering another Colt (1851, original) from the US but have not done this before. Thanks!
Also good point about the Italian nipples (!) I've also found that the standard small nipple wrenches are still slightly too large for the original Colt 1849 nipples, and I destroyed one wrench almost immediately (before I gave up on trying any further). The solution is to make your own custom wrench using a socket or similar.
The hammer on my 1849 was slightly misaligned, and it was because the hammer screw was warped, I assume from 150 yrs use - it was a pig to get it out. I ordered a replacement screw from Dixie and that made the difference.
Another question completely - did you have to deal with any problems with customs getting the gun across the border? Did they open up the package and repackage it reasonably well? Where did you pay customs/tax? I'm thinking of ordering another Colt (1851, original) from the US but have not done this before. Thanks!