Preserve Tradition!

Many new Italian reproduction revolvers benefit from proper tuning before they reach their full potential. In fact, about 90% of new revolvers require adjustment to the timing and the barrel-to-cylinder gap.

Uberti Colt replicas typically require correction of the arbor length. Pietta addressed this issue roughly ten years ago, although some revolvers may still have arbors that are slightly too long. Correcting the arbor is important because an improperly fitted arbor can allow the revolver to damage itself during use.

Revolvers from both manufacturers can also benefit greatly from precision tuning. One common improvement is chamfering the chamber mouths. This allows the ball to seat smoothly during loading and prevents unnecessary lead shaving.

There is a common belief that shaving a ring of lead from the ball during loading helps prevent chain fires, where multiple chambers fire at once. In reality, chain fires are almost always caused by loose-fitting percussion caps or improperly fitted nipples at the rear of the cylinder. When a ring of lead is shaved from the ball, it actually reduces the ball’s weight and can shift its center of gravity, which may reduce accuracy.

Another common misconception involves the wedge that secures the barrel to the frame. Some shooters believe the wedge is used to set the barrel-to-cylinder gap by driving it tighter. This is incorrect. When the arbor length is properly corrected, the barrel-to-cylinder gap remains consistent. The goal is to ensure that every time the revolver is assembled, it returns to the same precise configuration.

Proper tuning helps ensure smoother operation, better reliability, and improved accuracy from your muzzleloading revolver.