cylinder without a bushing

[44 centerfire]

 I have a SA cylinder that has no removable pin bushing like the 1980 or so Colt SAAs did back then. So called bushing is part of the cylinder. Just wondering who...other than Colt made something like this. The ratchet on the back don't match my 2nd Gen Colt cylinder...thoughts!

44 centerfire

[OD#3]

It could simply be a 3rd Gen Colt Cylinder.  When Colt began their 3rd Gen run, they had switched from the long and easily removable bushing to a short pressed-in bushing (replaceable, but not easily removable).  They also changed the ratchet teeth and the hand, supposedly to allow for easier fitting at the factory--less handwork is always cheaper. 

These early 3rd Gen Colt cylinder bushings looked just like the 2nd gens from the front (had an obvious indention around the circumference), but it was clear to see, when looking at the rear of the cylinder, that the bushing didn't extend all the way through the cylinder.

Measure the diameter of the cylinder.  If it is the same as your 2nd Gen cylinder (around 1.6 inches), and the front of the bushing looks the same, it is probably an early 3rd Gen Colt cylinder.

If the bushing is purely cylindrical in shape and definitely machined as part of the cylinder, and if the cylinder measures larger in diameter than your 2nd Gen Colt, it may be a Ruger cylinder.

[44 centerfire]

If the bushing is purely cylindrical in shape and definitely machined as part of the cylinder, and if the cylinder measures larger in diameter than your 2nd Gen Colt, it may be a Ruger cylinder.


This 44/40 cylinder is in a made up Pietta SA.

Yep, the protrusion  is part of the cylinder.......looked at rugar cylinder star "ratchet" at the back end and it sure don't look like a rugar design. Measuring the cylinder came out the same for a Colt at 1.652. My Colt .357 cylinder 2nd gen. with the horse stamp came out really small at 1.649. The Uberti cylinder came in at a big 1.673.

So if the cylinder is a rugar.....the ratchet don't look it. Also the leading edge of the cylinder at the front is heavyly scalloped. Not on any rugar cylinders that I have seen.

Maybe some company makes cylinders?

44 centerfire

[Coffinmaker]

Not a Mystery .. and you answered your own question .. actually.  It's a Pietta Cylinder.  Pietta has made SA cylinders with two variations.  Their prime guns (GW II, etc.) are made same same as a Colt, removable bushing and all.  In fact the the Pietta is a ringer for a Second Generation Colt.

Some of the Pietta made "budget" guns have no bushing at all.  Just an extension of the center of the cylinder, machined to serve as a bushing.  They work just fine so long and there isn't extensive wear.  However, they don't really like Black Powder and tend to foul just like a Ruger.

[44 centerfire]

Ha! two variations....that explains it....thanks Coffinmaker

44 centerfire