Heres that new pistol

[Dryball]

Sorry I don't own one right now, but Franks schematic shows what one will look like if taken down completely as you would normally do for a good cleaning.

Ned

[Mike 56]

Have you pulled the wedge yet? Once you have the wedge out if the cylinder turns put the hammer in half cock then use the loading arm to press the barrel off. I will post some pix for you in a little while.

Mike

[battman1]

I have the wedge out but the cylinder aint budgen.

[R.M.]

If you go here, there's a lot of good info on BP revolvers that will help you. There are 2 tutorials and a primer I believe, at the top of the page.

http://www.voy.com/60048/

[battman1]

Getting closer.Got the cylinder to turn and the barrel to move slightly.Just gave it another good shot of Wd 40 and will try some more tomorrow.I know you all are getting tired of all these questions but this is my 1st bp revolver and I have many more.

[Roaring Bull]

Don't worry Battman, the questions are what this forum is all about.

[madcratebuilder]

this is my 1st bp revolver and I have many more.

See, he's addicted already!  I think your starting out the right way.  By time you get this pistol cleaned up and running just perfect you well have gained a lot of knowledge that well serve you well as your collection grows.

[Smokin_Gun]

If the '51's cylinder turns freely and you have the rev at halfcock it jus' may be stuck at where the wedge slot is. Or some rust at the chamber end of the cylinder/arbor.
Now ifin it don't turn freely at the halfcock, then the bolt ain't droppin' from either wear (if you can still cock it) or one of the legs form the bolt to the cam on your hammer broke.
Just remove the trigger frame drop the trigger/bolt spring and the bolt should fall/drop cylinder should come off.

SG

[battman1]

Well I got it apart today.The barrel looks like it will clean up fine.The cylinder is another story.Its cleaning up but looks like it might be pitted a little.Is a little pitting a big problem where you load the powder and ball?I slid it back together and it seems to function fine.I was a little worried about the the cylinder turning when you pulled the hammer but it looks to be working good.Got it soaking again so I can get the nipples out.Thanks again for all the help.

[Dryball]

The chamber walls aren't very thick, so if you have deep pitting you may need a new cylinder. No problem, they are fairly cheap. We need a photo when you get the chambers cleaned.

Ned

[FrankG]

Use a small dowel like 5/16" and saw a split in one end , use steel wool or some scotchbrite from hardware store with wd40 . Chuck it in your drill and buff the cylinder chambers .

[R.M.]

The cylinder/groove relationship on the Italian guns are of a bit usually, so you could probably open the cylinder up a few thou, and be better off.

[battman1]

Finally got to work on it some more.Can't get a good pic but they sre going to take a little more work to get the rest of the rust out.Was talking with the guy I got it from and he said the reason he didn't want it was it wouldn't fire right.Took it outside and tried to snap a cap.Didn't fire the first time but did the second.Any suggestions on why.Hammer not falling hard enough, hammer wore out maybe?I'm going to take it to a friend and let hem have a look this week sometime.Thanks again for all the help.

[FrankG]

hows the cap fit on nipples? if they arent seated all the way if nipple is burred sometimes wont fire.

A #10 cap dont work good on #11 nipple either

[battman1]

They were actually pretty hard to get on.Still trying to get the nipples out.Going to have to get a nipple wrench that fits better.