Replacing or modifying base pin for import SAAs.

Virginia Gentleman · January 12, 2006, 10:24:02 AM

Besides the lack of a firing pin bushing, the other thing I don't like about the Italian imported guns is the useless base pin safety. This safety also ruins the looks of the gun since the base pin sticks out too far when it is not in use. What I ended up doing is replacing it with a 2nd generation Colt type base pin and it seems to fit just fine. I set the other base pin aside and put it in the box in case I ever need it. Some folks grind the end of the factory part back, is this a common practice in CAS? How many of you do this kind of modification or replace it with another base pin?

Hemlock Mike · January 12, 2006, 08:40:50 PM

I always try to replace a part. That way I can always go back to new if my
idea doesn't work. I've never had problems however but the gun can be made "like new"
if needed.

Mike

Steel Horse Bailey · January 13, 2006, 12:13:31 AM

I was a "grinder." I also intend to get rid of mine ONLY by dying!

Standpat Steve · January 13, 2006, 12:28:36 AM

I grind them down, also.

geichal · January 16, 2006, 08:37:28 PM

I've done both.
geichal

Driftwood Johnson · January 17, 2006, 08:08:34 AM

I've replaced pins on one Cattleman and twon Colts with Belt Mountain pins. In each case, I label the original pins and store them.

Virginia Gentleman · January 17, 2006, 10:10:42 AM

I have done somthing very similar, I replaced the pins with Colt style base pins and one with Belt Mountain (I even Nitre Blued it after fitting it) and put the originals in a small zip lock baggie with jojoba oil in it and stored it in the original box.

Revolvr · January 17, 2006, 04:33:39 PM

You folk with the base pin safety have it easy. I have an older Cimarron with the Rube Goldberg hammer safety contraption. Maximum complexity, minimum results. It breaks, cannot be relied upon and has no less than 7 tiny parts embedded into the hammer.

-- Clay

Virginia Gentleman · January 18, 2006, 11:07:57 AM

Clay;

It may be easier to replace the hammer with a one made by Uberti for Cimarron that has no safety device. They aren't very expensive and require a minimum of fitting.

Standpat Steve · January 19, 2006, 01:08:14 AM

Those "safety" parts can be removed by drifting out a pin, and the gun will work just fine. If'n you don't mind seeing a small hole left where the pin used to go, you wouldn't be any less safe than with an actual Colt.

(Guess how I know?)

Virginia Gentleman · January 19, 2006, 03:31:00 PM

I guess you could do either or a combination of replace or modify for the hammer and the base pin. Personally, I think it would look more authentic to have both parts replaced.

Revolvr · January 19, 2006, 09:07:12 PM

I haven't decided what to do with the hammer on mine. A new hammer w/o the safety is about $60 at Brownell's. I'll probably do nothing for a while. May just pull the parts and replace a pin.

Ironically, I do need a new base pin - my cylinder is a tad wobbly for my liking.

-- clay

Virginia Gentleman · January 20, 2006, 09:55:52 AM

Quote from: Revolvr on January 19, 2006, 09:07:12 PM
I haven't decided what to do with the hammer on mine. A new hammer w/o the safety is about $60 at Brownell's. I'll probably do nothing for a while. May just pull the parts and replace a pin.

Ironically, I do need a new base pin - my cylinder is a tad wobbly for my liking.

-- clay

Brownells has some great deals. For the base pin, get an oversized one from Belt Mountain and fit it yourself with emory cloth. I did fit one to a Cimarron and what a difference it makes.