Rammer Lever fall-down Remington 1858 reproduction

[bushwhacker]

Know this isn't really black powder or antique, but thought the knowledge base here might be best to help, Bought a Uberti 1858 Remington reproduction in 45 Colt about a year ago. Like the revolver, shoots to point of aim, lots of fun. The problem is the "rammer lever" (my term) under the barrel. It used to drop down sometimes, but now does it every shot. Have spoken to another Gun Nut who doesn't have the problem with his. Called Stoeger, and I can send it back for warranty, but wonder if there is a simple fix. Doesn't seem to have a broken spring or anything obvious. Any suggestions?

 

[H Wally]

Odds are you need a stronger spring holding the lever catch. Just pop it out, and take the spring with you to a spring supplier and find a stronger one. Also look at the contact between the latch and catch - may be poorly fitted and not engaging. Find wherever its binding and gently stone that point to allow better engagement.

 

[Lonesome Donkey]

I assume that your 1858 must have a conversion cylinder, or is a cartridge conversion in order to fire .45 LC.

If your rammer is dropping, then I would check to see if the sliding wedge that the spring pushes forward is engaging the notch in the post under the barrel fully. That locking wedge is flat on the bottom and beveled on top. The notch is shaped the same.

If the spring is applying a reasonable amount of pressure then the engagement must be inadequate or there is a burr which is not allowing full engagement.

If it's a burr in the notch, then it could be cleaned up with a triangular needle file, then polished smooth with fine emery cloth or a slip stone, and then cold blued.

If it's caused by a burr in the end of the rammer that is holding the wedge back from engaging properly, then you could remove the wedge and polish off the burr.

If a weak spring, then remove the wedge and replace it with a stronger one.

On my Pietta 1858, the pin holding the wedge lock into the rammer is quite visible and easy to knock out with the right size pin punch.
You would need to remove the rammer and use padded vise jaws to do that.

 

[bushwhacker]

Thanks to both replies, will check out your suggestions. Should have said, the Uberti is made as a conversion, so it has a larger cylinder that will handle 45 colt straight through without having either the 5 shot conversion cylinder or the one with slanted cylinder bores so the rims will clear.
Bill