Problem with brand new, unfired USFA Premium SA

[IrishCop]

Guys and gals, I got my long awaited USFA Premium SAA the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Beautiful gun!  Ordered from the factory, MSRP and shipping set me back $1010.  The pistol looks like it's worth every penny. 

Haven't shot it yet.  Have cocked and uncocked and dry fired it a bunch since I got it. I noticed today that it was not locking up every time, that you could turn the cylinder until the bolt fell in place.  I also noticed that sometimes the cylinder didn't even turn.   


Now I can go 1or 2 revolutions of the cylinder before this happens, but it invariably does happen.  I have e-mailed USFA for instructions on shipping itg back for warranty repair.  But, did I in my ignorance do something wrong? Are these guns so delicate that simply cocking or dry firing can break them?

Y'all think USFA will make this right?

Any info sure would help.


   

 

[Abilene]

Does the cylinder turn when you aim the gun down and cock it, but does not turn when you aim the gun upward and cock it?  If so, then broken hand spring.  The USFA guns still use the original style leaf spring on the hand, not the coil spring like Rugers and current Italian Colt clones.  Yes it is unusual for it to break so fast (on an American gun.  Some Italian percussion guns and Remmie clones with the leaf hand spring do break quickly).  I'm sure USFA will fix it for you.  If you were handy taking it apart they might even ask you to just send them the hand so they can install a new spring into it.

[RRio]

Sounds like a hand-spring failure. USFA will make it right for you, but one thing you should know. I would never dry fire it without snap caps.   Period.
It's not a Ruger or any other type gun with a frame mounted firing pin. It's just not a good practice for hammer mounted firing pins, and it's kinda like the rule of etiquette for single actions to keep the hammer down on a empty chamber.

[Tascosa Joe]

Normally, the USFA single actions do not have problems.  Your problem sounds like a broken hand spring.  I have several USFA pistols. I shoot 4 on a regular basis (2-3000 rounds thru each) with no problems.

[mtone]

My preliminary vote is for the handspring also.  Probably the weakest part of a standard SA.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

To reiterate what Abilene said,  Point the gun straight up and cock it, if the hand spring is broken the cylinder will not turn.  Then point it straight down and cock it.  If the cylinder turns it is, in fact, the hand spring (when pointed down, gravity will cause the hand to engage without use of the spring).
If you are at all familiar with the working of the SAA, it is a pretty easy fix.  One way or the other, I am sure USFA will take care of you.  
One more thing... call them.  Don't rely on e-mail.  

[wileycoyote]

...One more thing... call them.  Don't rely on e-mail.  ...

agreed. USFA will make it right!

and one more thing: ask to speak with Gary Granger and mention you're a member of CasCity Forum. he reads this site when he has time.

[IrishCop]

Hey, Gents!  Got my gun back from USFA today Monday, 12/20.  Still looks beautiful, action is perfectly timed, and I couldn't be happier.  Mr. Granger and his crew do fantastic work.  I  WILL be spendin moer money with USFA!

[Garys4598]

Hey, Gents!  Got my gun back from USFA today Monday, 12/20.  Still looks beautiful, action is perfectly timed, and I couldn't be happier.  Mr. Granger and his crew do fantastic work.  I  WILL be spendin moer money with USFA!

CONGRATULATIONS!   That's wonderful news.  Love it when a plan comes together.   

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Thanks for keeping us updated!  Out of curiosity, what was the problem?

[IrishCop]

Capt, the work order returbed with thw revolver said "rebuilt action, replaced cylinder'.  Don't know what I did, Bbut I sure am glad USFA was so nice about it!

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy Pards
USFA makes the FINEST revolver period .And when you buy these guns you are helping OUR economy . I shot my USFA SAA in 44wcf today, and it's a Great shooter . Sure wish USFA would produce the 1873 rifle   hint hint