Howdy. New here with a question.

[craneman]

found this site while searching for info.  Place tickled my fancy so much I decided I had better sign up, and PRONTO.  I would like to start off by saying "Hello".  I have an Uberti 1858 with an R&D conversion cylinder.

Now for the question.  I just puchased the cylinder from Taylors and the fit is great in regards to the endshake, cyl. gap and timing.    Not so good for the chamber to barrel alignment.  The chamber is within the confines of the forcing cone, but barely.  The firing pin is also not centered in the hammer window.  Off to one side by .020".  The hammer will still strike the pin, just not dead center.  If the cylinder notches for the bolt were clocked about ..010"-.020" more, it would allow the cylinder to rotate and lock-up dead center.   How far off center is an acceptable amount?  I called Taylors and talked to the gunsmith.  Very nice guy, and helpful.  He thought, by the way I described it, that it is safe to shoot.  Go ahead and give her a whirl.  If it shaves lead send it to him and he will fit it for free.  Thats great an all, but I don't really want to ship it that far.  What is the acceptable limit?

Anybody out there have this same problem?  Are there any minor adjustments to the bolt I can do to help it out.  I hate to ship it from coast to coast if there is something I could have done. I have a VERY estensive mechanical and precision machining background.   

Thanks for listening to my ramblings, and any advise and knowledge that you could share. 

Ben

[Raven]

I agree with Taylor's gunsmith in that if the chamber is within the forcing cone and it doesn't shave lead it is safe to shoot.

As far as resolving the problem, it could be caused by several things and you have a very limited number of solutions.
The R&D cylinder may have a mis-timed ratchet with coresponding mis-located locking notches.
or
The revolver may have a mis-located bolt window.

Check your percussion cylinder to see if it has the same problem.
If the percussion cylinder has the same problem the bolt window is the issue if it does not I would consider informing R&D that thay may have a problem wit a batch of cylinders.

If you try to open-up or move the bolt notches on the cylinder your going to create rotational play.
You best option is to work on the bolt and bolt window
If the cylinder is over rotating you may be able to shim the bolt on the side that rests against the frame. You may also need to open up the bolt window slightly on the inboard side.
If the cylinder is under rotating you may be able to move the bolt window closer to the frame.

Good Luck
Raven

[craneman]

Thanks Raven, I have already checked the percussion cylinder.  It is also a bit off, but not as far. Only about .010" total from being perfectly centered.  But in the opposite direction.  That is what stinks about the whole thing.  The R&D is under rotated during lock-up and the percussion cyl is over rotated.  I had already thought about taking .005"-.010" off of the frame towards the centerline of the frame and shimming the bolt over to get the R&D closer.  It wouldn't be perfect, but alot closer than it is now.  Thats great but it will make my percussion cyl worse.  I guess I want my cake and eat it too.  I have no way of checking the placement of the bolt notches for correct placement, but they do appear to be slightly differnt from cylinder to cylinder.

Well I guess I am going to load up a few cases with some Trail Boss take her to the range and let er rip.  We'll see what happens.  I am only going to shoot one handed though, and use my left hand.  That way if it goes "KABLOOWEE" I won't have to ask my wife for help after a trip to the out house if ya know what I mean.  I don't think it can though, worst case scenario is bad accuracy.  Than I'll bite the bullet and send it in to Taylors.  Can't beat free right?  Thanks for your confirmation of what I thought and your knowledge and assistance.    Craneman