Colt 1889 lockup and timing picture/video request

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sask3500

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Looking for someone who owns a Colt 1889 to send some pictures or a video of their good working/shooting revolver showing cylinder movement and alignment as the hammer and trigger are cycled in single and double action. I think I have things sorted as far as what's needing replacement but I'd like to see what a known good gun does because there is no positive cylinder lock as the 1889 is fired. Send me a pm and I can give you my email or cell number to send video or pictures to.

Thanks.
 
Specifically a view from behind or above the gun looking at the cylinder from above the top strap. The mechanism appears to hold the cylinder in tension (as the trigger is pulled) between the counter clockwise rotation induced by the hand and the latch on the opposite side.

I'd like to see how a known good gun looks as the cylinder rotates to position before and during firing.
 
They only get so good.
I find the latch is usually chipped allowing for play.
I think when it gets slightly out of alignment the cylinder corrects that misalignment when the bullet enters the chamber...the force chips the Latch as that is what holds it in place.
I can remember shooting a 92 in 38 LC and my supporting hand had the index finger resting on the Left side of the cylinder when I pulled the trigger...sharp blow on my fingertip told me 'It just aligned itself...'
Personally, unless there is an issue that requires it...I never used DA on these units. Only SA...one can be sure that it's in alignment that way.
DA trigger pull is ugly on these units anyhow...IMO of course.
That and 2 $ will get you a coffee in some circles.
 
If you have a 89 could you describe the cylinder rotation? Is it perfectly aligned with the barrel as the hammer is cocked and then the hand puts a bit more upward pressure holding it in place against the latch as the trigger is pulled?

Or is the cylinder *almost* aligned and then as the trigger is pulled the hand rotates the cylinder into perfect alignment and is stopped by the latch from over rotating?

It's hard to describe what I'm asking. I guess another way of asking is if there is supposed to be any movement of the cylinder (from the position it ends up in once the hammer is cocked) as the trigger is being pulled?

Yeesh. This would take 2 minutes and very few words in person. Thanks anyway.
 
I had to rebuild one of my 1889’s because it did the same thing you’re talking about.
It was just about lined up when it was cocked, then when you pulled the trigger it jumped the last 32nd of an inch into correct alignment. I had nasty little lead shavings cleave off on the forcing cone (what was left of it) and spit sideways.
I stopped shooting it until I’d gotten replacement parts from Numrich.
I buggered up one new Hand but properly fit the second one.
It’s ok now, but I still don’t shoot it so it doesn’t end up back the way it was.
I do have one excellent 1889 that indexes the Cylinder as you’d expect it to.
 
So the one you're describing, what parts did you end up replacing?

Also your excellent 1889-does it index the cylinder bang on as the hammer is cocked and then not move as the trigger is pulled?
 
Hello Sask.
I replaced the Hand (which had a new Handspring on it as well), the Latch Spring, and the Latch Pin. The Latch needs a fair bit of tension on the Cylinder for the Hand to do it’s job properly. You can see if that’s one of your issues by pushing forward a bit on the Latch as you #### the hammer for a single-action trigger pull. If the Cylinder aligns correctly, then you should replace the parts I did.
I wish I could remember everything I did with that gun. I had it apart so many times, fiddling with parts, putting it back together and not having it work. Then eventually it did.

As far as my good 1889, it lines up dead-on. If you want to PM me your number, I can send you a little of the Lock-Up.
I don’t think I can post a video on here as Photobucket and I have parted ways.
 
snurge said:
Check c&arsenal on you tube
They may have a video on how they work
Click to expand...

They absolutely do have a nice video of the 1892 and touches on the 1889 which is almost the same gun without one of cylinder stops.

The vid has good animations and a good breakdown of the intercomponent operation by Othais.

youtube. com/watch?v=r20EjmjbZAU

Cheers
Moe
 
Thanks for the video links. The one by arrowhead was perfect. Highly recommended it to anyone looking at an 1889. They seem to be a well made gun (despite the reputation) but the lockup and timing is highly dependent on the wear in relatively small surfaces. Especially considering the leverage involved and the dynamic forces at play with the mass of a loaded, rotating cylinder in fast double action firing. Add a hundred years and a bit of abrasive particles and timing and lockup suffer.
 
sask3500 said:
If you have a 89 could you describe the cylinder rotation? Is it perfectly aligned with the barrel as the hammer is cocked and then the hand puts a bit more upward pressure holding it in place against the latch as the trigger is pulled?

Or is the cylinder *almost* aligned and then as the trigger is pulled the hand rotates the cylinder into perfect alignment and is stopped by the latch from over rotating?

It's hard to describe what I'm asking. I guess another way of asking is if there is supposed to be any movement of the cylinder (from the position it ends up in once the hammer is cocked) as the trigger is being pulled?

Yeesh. This would take 2 minutes and very few words in person. Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...

Finally got home...I'll have a look see and get back to you. I am assuming that my timing is up to factory spec...which is not likely.
But I'll have a look
 
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