Replacing cam on SA Revolver Hammer, Pietta 1851 Colt

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PlaidSon

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Nova Scotia
I just got a pair of new Pietta Colt Navy patterned revolvers. After a trip to the range and firing 18 shots through each, one began having issues with the bolt. Long story short the cam on the hammer is all chewed up. The other pistol looks like it's on the way to the same failure. I question the hardness of the hammer.

I've contacted Marstar, but they don't have hammers in stock as far as I can tell. So I thought I'd try to replace the cam in the meantime.

Does anyone know if the Pietta cam is part of the hammer or could if it be pulled out some how?

I'm thinking I'd mill off the old one, make a new cam from O1, harden it to 50-60hrc and press it in with some liquid nitrogen.

Will a press fit be adequate or should I try to stake it 1911 slide stop tunnel style? Perhaps a quick hit with a TIG torch or some silver solder?

Advise appreciated
 
So far it looks like Marstar is going to work with me on warranty. I like Marstar, they are great to deal with.

My concern is if I get new Pietta hammers they will be of similar hardness. However this will allow me to expirament with the ruined ones.

I will consider Dixie and VTI. I heard track of the wolf might be an option too. I usually try to avoid getting gunparts from the US but maybe it's time to learn.

I've ruled out TIG and solder. After I typed it out it occurred to me that the heat would probably suck the hardness out of the replacement part.
 
PlaidSon said:
So far it looks like Marstar is going to work with me on warranty. I like Marstar, they are great to deal with.

My concern is if I get new Pietta hammers they will be of similar hardness. However this will allow me to expirament with the ruined ones.

I will consider Dixie and VTI. I heard track of the wolf might be an option too. I usually try to avoid getting gunparts from the US but maybe it's time to learn.

I've ruled out TIG and solder. After I typed it out it occurred to me that the heat would probably suck the hardness out of the replacement part.
Click to expand...

You might trying to contact knife makers, reputable ones, as they usually have the correct equipment to heat, quench and temper metals with a reasonable degree of expertise. Amateur knife maker here aspiring to get better with higher quality equipment someday.
They usually have quite good experience with varying metals and will know where to find the precise tempering requirements for your metals needs.
Remember, their experience with tempering and hardening is very important to their continued sales.
 
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