Uberti 1866 carrier block won't stay up when levered?

[Bangor Dan]

I picked up a used Uberti '66 carbine, and found that the carrier block won't stay up by itself (usually) after working the lever forward. It has evidently caused the firing pin extension ?! to score the surface of the hammer. What I find odd about this Uberti is that the lever, hammer and trigger appear to be missing the case coloring, and the lever is noticably curved from about midway back to the end of the lever. It does lever very easily, so could this be some sort of short stroke setup? It does cycle snap caps well.
Thanks,

Bangor Dan

[John Taylor]

Probably need a new spring for the carrier. If it is broke or week it will let the carrier fall back down as soon as you move the lever back.

[Bangor Dan]

Thanks JT,
I've checked the VTI web site to try and determine which part you have referred to, but can't guess what it might be. Can anyone help me out? Thanks,
Bangor Dan

[Abilene]

Howdy Bangor Dan,
That lever sounds odd, might be from a pistol grip 1873, those are curved.  some yellowboys have case-colored hammers, some don't.  Most have blued triggers, I think.

As for the carrier problem, look underneath the receiver and you will see two small screws side by side just to the rear of the bottom of the carrier.  The screw on the right side of the gun (the loading gate side) attaches to the carrier spring, which holds the carrier in the up or down position.  See if you can tighten that screw.  If it came loose it would cause the problem you describe.  Some people (I am one of them) loosen those two screws somewhat to lighten the action.  Could be someone tried that and it got a little too loose.  If the screw is tight, then the spring may need to be replaced.  Part number is 200093

Marauder has a website with good info on these guns, pics of the inside, how to take them apart, etc. see http://www.marauder13.homestead.com/cowboy.html

[Montana Slim]

Great advice so far.

I'll add it's worth a check inside to see that a spacer or other tinkering was performed. A used 66 I bought had a prior action job that included shims on these springs. I shoot BP and prefer a "snappier" action, so I removed the shims and re-worked the springs to make them quicker and stronger.

Best,

Slim

[Bangor Dan]

Many thanks for all the useful information.
I checked on the website Abilene provided, and after looking at the lever spring in question I don't think it looks right...the bottom "hook" looks bunged up. 
Anyway, I've just ordered a bunch of replacement parts, and after getting everything apart and replaced I'll be able to see how she functions. The carrier block will just not stay up with any degree of reliabililty (it can very easily be pushed back down with slight finger pressure, which then usually results in the firing pin extension jamming against the hammer, which is now badly scored). I also own two Uberti '73's, one NIB and the other a saddle ring carbine that is my favorite. When I lever either of these the carrier block stays up firmly until the downward movement of the lever has begun. This is the standard to which the '66 must operate as well, I assume.     
Thanks again,

Bangor Dan

P.s., Abilene, does Cimarron have any Mod P's (old model), 5 1/2", 44 wcf in stock? Thinking about asking J. Rezac to order one for me!             

[Abilene]

Howdy Dan,
Sorry, looks like they only have the 4 3/4" in stock in the old model frame.  Of course ya never know if Rezac or Buffalo Arms might have one already.  And Accusport distributes Cimarrons now as well, wouldn't hurt to have your dealer check with them.

Hmm, ya know they do have 5 1/2" 44wcf in the Thunderer, which is the old model frame.  Get one of those, find someone who has a model P and wants to swap gripframes... 

[Bangor Dan]

Many thanks to those who offered their help.
I've replaced the lever springs, plus a new lever, lever spring screws, hammer assembly and screw and the lever screw. She know runs much better. Can't wait to get her out and try her with a rapid ten shot string!

Bangor Dan