1866 Yeloboy - loading gate

MONGO-AZ · September 29, 2007, 05:27:37 PM

I would like to purchase a reinforced loadng gate from VTI for my Yellowboy - but I just can't seem to figure out which one I need, It's a Uberti 1866, purchase from Cabelas last year, seral number W13648. I don't really care whether it's blued or case hardened - anyone able to figure out which part nuber from VTI need to order?

Pettifogger · September 29, 2007, 07:33:22 PM

It doesn't matter whether you buy the stock replacement from VTI or one of the after market 66 loading gates. (For example, the Cowboys & Indian Store or Brass Action gate that Brownells used to sell.) They ALL need reinforcing. The bent tab design used on the current 66 gates is simply a bad design. I would buy the C & I or Brass Action (of which I have both) and immediately, before even bothering to install it, solder a gusset behind the tab. A lot of people will simply put a glob of JB well on the gate and then file it to shape when it has hardened. I had one of mine done this way for two years before taking it out, grinding off the JB weld and then putting on a permanent steel gusset. If you have a new 66 with the bend tab gate, it isn't a question of if it will bend or break. It is only a question of when.

Coffinmaker · September 29, 2007, 08:12:02 PM

Mongo,

You have a current manufacture '66. It uses the "large" screw and "large screw ladle." Instead of figuring it out on line, give VTI a call, either Jim or Lisa will know exactly what you need.

Coffinmaker

PS: The after-market ladle is made a little better although still a lousy design. I'm actually running one, un-modified, in one of my '66 rifles to see if it will fail and how soon. So far, I'm at about 5,000 rounds and still shooting.

MONGO-AZ · October 01, 2007, 10:09:19 AM

OK - y'all got me confused now.... is there anyone out there that makes a pre-reinforced loading gate for sale? I'm a re-enactor, not a CAS shooter, but I just don't want a tab break to blow up an $800 rifle....

Pettifogger · October 01, 2007, 11:24:03 AM

Don't know anyone that sells pre-reinforced gates. Simple job though for anyone with a propane torch and some low melt silver solder. Don't worry about blowing up your gun. If the tab breaks the gun will jam, but it ain't gonna blow up. Check the SASS wire. Do a search, this same topic comes up about once a week. There was a guy on there saying he would reinforce the tab for a phenominally low price. (Something like ten bucks.)

Went over an found it for you. Read this thread. http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=77528&hl=66+loading+gate

Coffinmaker · October 06, 2007, 08:16:56 AM

It is my understanding that Cowboys and Indian Store in California offers an after-market ladle with a gusset added to the back to brevent breakage. Just ordered one myself.

Coffinmaker

Deadeye Don · October 06, 2007, 10:18:50 AM

Is this what you are talking about?

http://www.cowboysandindianstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=32

Tuolumne Lawman · October 11, 2007, 08:48:14 PM

Here's an easy solution.... Buy a Henry instead! No loading gate<g>.

Coffinmaker · October 17, 2007, 09:30:49 PM

Better late than never I guess. Yes the ladle pictured on the C & I web site is it. The one I received had a rather nice brass lump soldered to the back. Should be unbreakable.

Hey, Tuolumne,

Not quit correct. I'm currently shooting TWO Henry rifles with loading gates!!! Not quite the same lousy design of course, and, they are "gates" not ladles. A side loading Henry is an absolute HOOT to play with!!

Coffinmaker