EMF SA 1872 OPEN TOP ?

1988RRC · September 21, 2013, 10:16:22 AM

I picked up a EMF OT .44 Colt with nickel grip frame and have a question about something on the hammer.
The back of the hammer has a small (very small) set screw that stick out past the metal of the hammer about 1/32" that is annoying.
It seem to have something to do with part of the hammer (not the firing pin) that was added by the mfg. (some sort of safety thing???). I have not tried to remove the screw to see what happens. Does anyone know what that screw is or does and will it be an issue if I remove it altogether?

Major 2 · September 21, 2013, 11:53:48 AM

It is the pivot & retaining screw for the Hammer safety block that rotates down as a static safety.

Many do pull it, as the safety may loosen and bloch the hammer at the most inoppertune time , like when you on the clock

Save it if you decide to sell the gun for the future owner.

1988RRC · September 21, 2013, 05:42:16 PM

Major 2;
the screw you mentioned seems to be the screw located on the side of the hammer. the screw I am referring to is on the back of the hammer about 1/4" below the thumb portion of the hammer where it blends back into the main body of the hammer; visible when the hammer is down; close to the web of your hand between you thumb and index finger. the screw is a small slot head set screw about the size of a eye glass frame screw. I have not been able to get it out yet, it only moves about a 1/4 turn. It seems like it would press against that hammer safety block pivot you mentioned if turned all the way in.

Major 2 · September 21, 2013, 07:26:42 PM

"located on the side of the hammer".... correct that's the one I though you meant.

I used to have an OT I don't recall that one having what you mention $:-\$ ...all mine are Richards & Richards and Masons now .

Pettifogger · September 21, 2013, 07:52:17 PM

Have never seen one with a screw in the back. Photos would be useful. The only thing I can think is that the existing safety was prone to going on and off by itself. If they put a screw where you describe maybe it is to lock the safety open or closed.

Stillwater · September 22, 2013, 01:04:45 AM

Quote from: Pettifogger on September 21, 2013, 07:52:17 PM
Have never seen one with a screw in the back. Photos would be useful. The only thing I can think is that the existing safety was prone to going on and off by itself. If they put a screw where you describe maybe it is to lock the safety open or closed.

Wouldn't it be better to ask EMF what it is?

Bill

Abilene · September 22, 2013, 02:00:11 AM

I don't recall EMF selling '72 OT's. Is this an Uberti? It isn't an ASM Richards conversion (rear sight on top of the conversion ring and firing pin in the converison ring), is it? Those had a screw on the back of the hammer to adjust the "striker" on the front of the hammer that hits the firing pin.

Pettifogger · September 22, 2013, 10:50:07 AM

Quote from: Stillwater on September 22, 2013, 01:04:45 AM
Wouldn't it be better to ask EMF what it is?

Bill

The OP can if it's an EMF. He posted the question, I was just speculating like everyone else on the wire does.

1988RRC · September 22, 2013, 02:24:02 PM

I will try to get photo posted. the only marking on the revolver are "44 colt" & "EMF SA" and they are stamped very very small; so my assumption was that it is a EMF; the gun store had it listed as an Uberti. The rear sight is located at the rear of the barrel and it does not have a conversion ring, only a cylinder for cartridges. I have not found any pictures on the web showing the screw in question so I wonder if it was added by the original owner. Part of what caught my eye on this one was that it was not stamped all over with proof marks and other markings. I think I will take it apart today and see if I find any other markings.

PS... the cylinder has a Navy scene.

1988RRC · September 22, 2013, 04:50:51 PM

Here is a photo.
http://s306.photobucket.com/user/1988rrc/media/Resized_IMG_1530_zps28958ee8.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

posting a photo is a pain!!!! never could figure out how to show the photo; had to do the link,

Abilene · September 22, 2013, 11:22:34 PM

Hmm, interesting. If it is an Uberti it should have Uberti or their logo (like a small shield with U in it) stamped on the barrel or somewhere I would think. Possibly the shop just assumed it was Uberti? Possibly it was made by American Frontier Firearms, an American company that made some OT's and conversions (from parts supplied by ASM)? The screw on the side of the hammer looks larger to me than an Uberti, but I don't have one handy to look at to be sure. Also the case colors don't look that much like Uberti, even older ones. I'd agree a call to EMF might be best.

Long Johns Wolf · September 23, 2013, 01:49:58 AM

Strange hammer contour for an Uberti. The hammer of my old ASM 1860 Richards has a similar shape. That Richards has that kind of set screw as well.
Back-strap and trigger-guard looks to me like it is nickel plated.
Again the ASM conversions had the back-straps and trigger-guards nickel plated.
I read somewhere that ASM made a few Open Tops as well?! Could be one of these?
Long Johns Wolf

1988RRC · September 23, 2013, 01:11:47 PM

"That Richards has that kind of set screw as well."..........so what does the set screw do?

Abilene · September 23, 2013, 05:18:30 PM

Quote from: 1988RRC on September 23, 2013, 01:11:47 PM
"That Richards has that kind of set screw as well."..........so what does the set screw do?

As I mentioned earlier, the Richards has the firing pin mounted in the conversion ring. There is a round "striker plate" (that's what I call it) in the hammer that hits the firing pin. That screw behind the hammer moves the striker plate forward or rearward in the hammer. Of course, there is no such striker in a hammer that contains a firing pin.

Stillwater · September 23, 2013, 05:28:35 PM

Quote from: 1988RRC on September 23, 2013, 01:11:47 PM
"That Richards has that kind of set screw as well."..........so what does the set screw do?

It sets...!

A set screw is usually used, to hold something in place.

Bill

Abilene · September 23, 2013, 06:39:54 PM

Quote from: Stillwater on September 23, 2013, 05:28:35 PM
It sets...!

A set screw is usually used, to hold something in place.

Bill

If, like Stillwater suggests, it is a set screw rather than an adjustment screw, then it might be what Pettifogger suggested above. See if the setscrew locks down the safety screw (the screw on the side of the hammer).

Flint · September 24, 2013, 01:47:10 PM

Sure does not look like an Uberti hammer, probably an ASM.

Coffinmaker · September 26, 2013, 07:58:07 PM

We need to see a picture of the whole gun. ASM primarily Silver plated their TG/Grip Frames and this gun appears to be Silver. Need to see the whole gun. EMF also imported ASM guns. Betting this is an ASM. The set screw belongs there, just don't know what it sets <}:-)

Coffinmaker

Fox Creek Kid · September 27, 2013, 04:18:57 AM

Armi San Marco DID make some '72 Open Tops. No, these were not conversions. I owned one for a short time and it was a total POS. The frame is a little longer than the Uberti '72 OT frame. There were chambered in .44 Colt (modern). I had mine in 2000. It had the typical ASM conversion quality of the time, i.e., non-existent.

1988RRC · September 27, 2013, 02:28:45 PM

Here are a few photos you asked for. The quality seem good on this to me. The grip frame is nickel plated. I will take it apart today to look for any other markings and find out what the set screw does.

I looked at the original photo I posted again, the set screw center line seems to align with the center line of the side safety pivot screw. I will find out shortly.