Replace a hand myself, or take it to an expert?

[Jubal Starbuck]

   I have a U.S. PT.  F. A.  MFG Co. marked Uberti clone of an 1873 Colt in .38-40 caliber.  When I arrived home from shooting it yesterday, I found I had broken the hand.  Is fitting a new hand doable for the average shooter, or should I have a smith fit it for me? I have a replacement hand in stock but the leg that fits into the hammer needs to be reduced in diameter  by about a third. I am also wondering if I might be farther ahead to replace the hand with a Colt  hand, if it would fit.  Was thinking Colt part might well be harder.  Any ideas would be welcome,

Jubal Starbuck

[Pettifogger]

You know the old saying, "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it."  If you don't know how to fit a hand and have to ask, then maybe you can't do it.  If you understand basic Colt timing issues, then probably you can.  Not exactly sure from your post, but are you saying the shaft on the bottom of the hand that goes into the hammer is to big?  If so, and it's as big as you say, you have the wrong hand.  A Colt hand isn't going to fit without a lot of work.  What you should do first is call USFA or VTI and tell them what you have.  Uberti has used a couple of different hand, hammer, and bolt designs.  See if that hand design is still made and order the correct one.  It should then be pretty close and give you a good starting point for fitting the new hand.

[Jubal Starbuck]

Pettifogger:  I called VTI and told  them what I had and they have a new hand and spring on the way come next Tuesday with the smaller diameter pin.  Thank you for your input.  I 've had good luck with VTI so far, and i would not hesitate to buy from them again.

Regards,

Jubal Starbuck

[Relentless Renegade]

I had the same problem when I ordered mine and had to order the second set.. I was able to do the fitting after I had the coorrect hand and mine worked fine.
If you are comfortable taking things apart I would go for it. Most it will cost is another hand and if it works hey then you can replace the next one too
I am no gun smith but I like to do what I can to my guns then you get to know them.

Relentless