Uberti 1851 Navy

[Riot Earp]

[Oops ... my original post said 1861. I meant 1851! I even used the wrong avatar!]

I just purchased one of these.

I've been told that I should stock up on springs and such. (Maybe a hammer?) From what I gleaned from VTI's website, it seems I can use standard SAA mainsprings and trigger/bolt springs but need to use 1851/1860/1861 hands & handsprings. Is this correct?

I'd like to use a USFA mainspring and trigger/bolt spring if they'll fit.   

[Riot Earp]

Ah, good. Thank you.

I wonder if VTI's replacement hands/handsprings are better than the stock ones. I've heard that the stock ones break easily.

[Fox Creek Kid]

They are the same springs imported from Italy. Hand springs rarely break. In all my years of shooting I've lost one so far and only one bolt spring as well. I've had two hammer springs break but both had been filed on. Relax. 

[Coffinmaker]

Fox Creek Kid has it kerect!!!!  Although my experience is a little different.  I've had two bolt springs and one hand spring break, in probably several hundred thousand rounds and no Main springs.  The replacement springs from VTI are exactly the same springs used by Uberti as OEM parts an all their guns.
I do prefer the Pietta Bolt spring when I tune an action though.  Lighter than a stock Uberti yet still a flat spring.  I don't like wire springs (personal preference).

Coffinmaker

PS:  USFA trigger bolt springs and Main springs are no better than Uberti and cost 2 to 3 times as much.  Your money.

[Fox Creek Kid]

I also had a hand spring break on an old (1975) Pietta '58 Remington and splurged a whole $8.00 at that time for a new hand with spring and miracle of miracles when I put it in it was dead nuts on for timing!! That'll never happen again!!    I agree with Coffinmaker on the piano wire bolt springs as they give a mushy feeling and in some guns a dangerously light trigger pull.

[Montana Slim]

I have a number of percussion Colts and even a Remington, or two. Been shooting these for 30+ years 

I have replaced several hand springs and a hand or two in my day. I do keep a small inventory of parts such as cams, bolts and hand springs for the 1860/51/etc. When replacing a hand spring, I usually cut a new notch in the hand (dremel - cutoff tool) since the factory part these days is smashed in (over-staked, IMO...which is the likely cause of early failure). It seems my replaced springs last much longer than the factory job. In some cases, I've even re-used the broken spring by placing it in a new notch.

In my experience replacing a (flat) hand spring has never required re-timing a gun and takes about 15 minutes tops.

If a hand spring breaks, the gun will usually index correctly by depressing the muzzle somewhat during cocking. If not, the cylinder may be rotated carefully with the off hand.

Deburring / smoothing the hand slot will go a long way to improve the spring life as well 

Slim

[Riot Earp]

I apologize pards. I meant 1851, not 1861!

Arrrgh!

[Fox Creek Kid]

The hand springs on my guns break so frequently...

Seth, are you shooting two handed? If so, cocking fast with your other hand puts undue stress on the entire "system". If not, then there must be some other reason why you're breaking hand spings frequently.

Montana Slim, I have a friend who has worked on SA's for years and he showed me an old school trick once for hand springs. After inserting a new spring in the hand he took a butane lighter and heated the spring just above where it meets the hand until it was very hot. Must do something as that hand has been in the gun for approx. 5 yrs. & feels the same as day one.