EMF Hartford Model Firing Pin Bushing

[MikeM.]

So, I just purchased a beautiful EMF or Armi San Marco Hartford model revolver in 44-40 that was made in 1994 but still new in the box. I was getting ready to send it to Alan Harton to have the hardened firing pin bushing installed as I always do to my Italians as preventive maintenance. I took the gun's cylinder out and , low and behold, it already has a bushing in it!! BONUS!!!   I was under the impression that ASM never did this so, can anybody tell me anything about this? when did they do it or maybe they only did it to the Hartford Models??? Anybody have any input on this??

[Niederlander]

Mine has one.  Serial #25XX, Cavalry Model.  If you shoot it much, don't be surprised if you have to replace some parts.  They tend to be soft.  Great shooters with a few tweaks.

[MikeM.]

What parts usually go bad ?

[Niederlander]

It depends.  Quality was evidently sort of hit or miss on the ASM's.  Yours may be great right out of the box.  Mine had more problems, such as when they milled the slot for the front sight they went through to the bore.  It now wears a Colt barrel.  Mine also had a firing pin so sharp it would pierce primers, so it now has a 1st Generation Colt hammer.  I've also replaced the bolt, hand, and trigger.  The nice thing with the ASM's is you can use Colt parts in them.  I've been shooting mine for thirty years, and I'd hate to see how many thousands of rounds it's got through it now.  I think you'll like it.

[MikeM.]

Wow! I better check my bore! Thanks for the info. I wonder if a person could heat treat and temper the hand and bolt himself ? Honestly though, mine won't get shot but maybe a couple of hundred times in it's lifetime .......or in mine anyway

[Niederlander]

Yours may run great for years with no problems.  Like I said, quality control seemed to be pretty hit or miss.  The good ones were really good.  Mine just happened to be one of the not so good ones!

[Coffinmaker]

  Mike

Historically speaking, ASM built some great guns.  Unfortunately, just "some" were great.  The rest were sorta KRAP.  My only real recommendation for yours is to swap out the OEM Main Spring for an After-Market item.  My preference(s) run to the Lee's Gunsmithg springs, The reduced Spring offered by VTI Gunparts and the NEW issue Main Spring by Pietta.  It'll make the gun funner as well as reducing wear on the trigger/hammer interface.

[MikeM.]

Thanks! I will definitely swap it out