Question about the timing on USFA

[Buckaroo Lou]

I have an as new (only one cylinder of amo fired) USFA single action that I purchased recently and when cocking it the bolt drops right at the point of the cylinder notch and is beginning to make a slight indentation. It appears as though the timing is off ever so slightly. I have an older one, also, that I purchased about a year ago that I have shot only once and it has the same thing only the indentations are deeper and more predominate. It appears to have been used or at least turned much more the the one I recently purchased. What can I do if anything to prevent my newer one from getting the same indentations that my older one has and what can I do with the older one to prevent it from becomming worse? Anything short of having to send them back to the factory?


Thanks, Buckaroo Lou

[RRio]

Refer to the chart below. It sounds as the 'smith that timed yours at the factory might have taken off too much on the back tang of the bolt while adjusting. This is something a competent SAA 'smith will have to do, as it will require fitting a new bolt, based on how you describe the bolt dropping.

Send a PM to Banjoman. He'll fix you up.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

That's a really good illustration. As indicated, the bolt should drop, or 'pop up' halfway along the length of the lead in cut to the locking notch. Yes, it will require a good gunsmith to time it just right, and he will probably have to fit a new bolt.

[Capt. Augustus]

How fast the revolver is cocked will also come to bear.  If you are shooting it with one hand, it will usually be slower than shooting with two hands, using the off hand's thumb for cocking.  This will affect the speed of the cylinder.