Recut Ratchet

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,
Does anyone have any advice on reshaping worn revolver ratchets?  What is the best tool to use etc.
Regards
Colt

[August]

If you're talking about the "ratchet" on the rear of the cylinder, the official fix -- back in the day -- was to fit a new cylinder.

If you're talking about the "pawl" -- the part that raises when the hammer is cocked that engages the ratchet on the cylinder -- the answer is replace it with a new one.  Fit the new one and time the gun.

If the ratchet wheel on the rear of the cylinder is so worn as to be affecting the function of the gun, then the cylinder must be replaced.  The hardening on this part of the cylinder is essential for prolonged operation.  Only a new cylinder will provide you with the correct heat treatment in that area.

Hope you meant the Pawl and not the cylinder.  To fit a new pawl, use a file then a stone to adjust the timing of the rotation.  Remember, the primary pawl and the secondary pawl both need to be fitted so as to time the cylinder rotation with the bolt (latch, if it's a Roooooger we're talking about).

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,
Thanks for the tip.  At first I thought the problem was with the ratchet since there were only two of the chambers that
failed to advance.  The hand at first looked sharp but on further inspection I noticed that it was rounded over on the inside
edge where the first engagement occurs.  After repairing the hand,  the cylinder advances properly.
Regards
Colt

[Paladin UK]

Well done August.....Another satisfied customer .................. NEXT!!

Paladin (What lurvs ta tinker  ) UK

[John Taylor]

Had an 1849 Colt come in with the ratchet shot. Tried something new and it worked fine. The two parts are soldered together and it was very easy to time, just heat and turn.
http://s95.photobucket.com/user/johnptaylor/media/Colt1849cylinderrepair.jpg.html?sort=3&o=53
http://s95.photobucket.com/user/johnptaylor/media/Colt1849cylinderrepair1.jpg.html?sort=3&o=54