Colt M1878

[Gothmog]

I just acquired a Colt M1878 recently, here on CGN. Thanks to GrantR for advice in making the purchase and to Gunnar from Armco for a kind referral.

This pistol was made in 1885 and ordered by the Canadian government for the Riel Rebellion. It just might qualify as obsolete now, although our Government felt confident enough in these firearms to equip our troops with them for the next 2 wars ... the Boer War and WW 1.

I'll add some pics shortly ....

I've discovered that the double action trigger works ok but the hammer will not lock into place for single action shooting, nor will it lock in the halfcock position (safety). I've looked over parts diagrams and suspect that a worn sear is the issue, but I am wondering if anyone else might offer some suggestions as to the likely culprit here.

 

[Gothmog]

Pics as promised ...

 

[dingus]

I got one in 455 ELLY mines a Perscribed Antique!
Yes the sear could need a touch up but most likely the Hammer notchs are worn not the sear they get rounded and the sear wont catch.

If the Screws come out with out to much troble there not hard guns to take apart and reasemble.

Does your loading gate stay shut with some force ? as you roll the cylinder it should go Click Click Click but come back shut Tight with tension.
This is vital for good lock up.
They dont make the springs that keep tension on the loading gate anymore.
PM me if this is a problem with your gun.
If you take the gun apart to touch up the hammer notches DONT take out the screw that holds the loading gate Spring IF ITS WORKING GOOD!
theres no need and you could break a spring thats a ##### to replace.

Heres a pic of mine its function is EX the cylinder is locked tight at full #### Not as you squeez the triger like on most revolvers.
The Hand and Loading gate keep the cylinder timed and lined up with the bore.
Click on pic to enlarge

This ones 455 but it shoots unaltered 45 Scofeilds no problem. But wont chamber a 45 long colt hence its still gets its Antique Status.

Also i think yours is 45 colt right?
Anyway Kieth in his book six guns says of all the old Revolvers the Colt 1878 is the one soild frame gun that can handle his HOT 45 long colt load of 18.5 gr of 2400 with his 250 gr Keith style bullet!

Im not sujesting you try that but ive shot Hot 455 Domions the big rds with no problems and pretty hot 45 Scofeilds loads in mine to.
They are very strong Revolvers !

 

[Gothmog]

Hi Dingus, thanks for the helpful advice.

The caliber is 45 Colt and the loading gate closes just fine. However, the cylinder does not turn freely, expect when the hammer is thumbed back and the trigger is pulled. Any ideas?

Nice Colt, btw ...

 

[dingus]

Well im gona get mine out as its do for a good fondling

OK when the hammers down my cylinder wont move much just a 1/16th back and forth + the Hammer fireing pin would stop it turning anyway.

Then i pull it back about 1/4 inch it locks there and i can now spin the cylinder slowly and the loading gate moves in and out Click click ect

Now i can pull it back again to half #### and the cylinder still can be turned

Then the last pull back the guns cocked and the cylinder is in Battery ready to fire.
Fireing it the hammer falls and stays down till i pull it back No Rebound like on the British revolvers.

Hope this helps.

 

[sportee]

Just out of curiosity...whats a prescribed antique 1878 worth these days? I know Dingus has one in 455...can anyone chime in on the current "average" values...in other words...if i were to look for one to buy today, what would i be looking to spend?

 

[tiriaq]

I have an 1878 made 1883 die stamped on the frame "J P LOWER" who was a gunsmith/dealer in Denver, Colorado. 4", no ejector. So, it was retailed in Denver in the 1880s. 4 notches on one grip. Its mechanism has some serious issues; definitely needs a hand and spring.
These are generally priced less than a SAA. Their mechanisms are not known for trouble free operation. If you have one in good working order, you are fortunate. The 1877 has a different mechanism, but these too can be problematic.

 

[sportee]

Maybe priced less than an saa but much more than a lightning or thunderer...I'll just keep wishing. honestly i would love to have a thunderer AND an 1878