doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com Colt 1878 firing pin questions?

Scored another Colt 1878 this morning. This one is 10 gauge with a higher grade of engraving. Stub twist barrels. The wood is new.

One thing that struck me odd is that the firing pins are not like those on my 12 gauge. They are not mounted with hex nuts. They are not retracting or springing back. They have a keyway of sorts on the bottom. I can't see any kind of screw to retain them. I feel sure they are original and correct. There is another 10 gauge pictured on this forum that has the same firing pin setup.

Anyone know how they are retained? Should they have springs to retract them or do they have mechanical retracting rods like my other Colt?

If memory serves me right removing the lock plates exposes a cross pin in the standing breech. Drift that pin out to expose the firing pin retaining screws. Hope this helps.

Hank

Ok, I pulled the locks and tapped the pin over that retains the top latch and that reviled a small screw that retained the pin.

I didn't find any evidence of a spring. Should there be?

Thanks!

I got up in the night and figured the pin thing out. I was waiting for daylight to try to capture a good picture of the screw location.

Do the pins need springs?

On this gun the pins drop through the breach face and the barrels hang on them on opening and closing. It doesn't look like the barrel face is designed to push the pins back. In fact, I make a point of raising the gun and making sure the pins have fallen back before opening or closing. I sure don't want to break one off!

Again, working from memory here- the firing pins have no springs and if original should extend just a few thousands beyond the face of the standing breech. The extractor is shaped to push the pins back while opening/closing the action. Given the condition of the screw head in the pic up there it's doubtful the firing pins are original and may be too long. Does this appear to be the case?

I'll give that some study.

Not having samples to compare is a real hindrance. The pins could be smith made replacements and not correct dimensions. The one I removed is not in the kind of condition you'd expect in this quality firearm. The other is a little stubborn and I'm letting some oil soak in before trying again.

Another wrinkle, the barrels are not original on this gun. The reliever, locks, trigger guard match but barrels are another and the forend iron yet another.

The receiver is made for doll's head but the barrels do not have a doll's head.

Oh my- This is a wrinkle. Does the action lock up tight? How's the headspace? Back to the firing pins; Numrich (gunpartscorp.com) sometimes has firing pins for the '78. If your planning on replacing them I would look there first. But, if the action is loose and/or the headspace is way off then replacing the pins becomes secondary. Are you hoping to shoot this gun?

Hank

Yes, I'm a shooter, not a collector of wall hangers. The gun looks to be on face but I'll check it out before shooting. If it's not on face, I can make it so.

I shoot these old guns with light black powder loads usually in brass hulls.

I had a 10 gauge 1878 Colt and along with 10 gauge BP loads I shot 12 gauge 1 oz. Winchester AA Featherlites through it using 10-12 gaugemates. I used the BP loads for pheasant hunting and the Featherlites for clays.

Steve

You're willing and able to keep this venerable American classic alive. That's what I like to hear! Maybe someone can provide you with some measurements from a '78 firing pin to compare with what you have?
This website may be of help too