I just picked up a Uberti 1873 in 44/40 for Cowboy shooting. What parts or modifications should I consider to make the rifle slick and fast? Can I do most of it myself or would it be better to let a pro deal with it?

I like to work with guns, glass bedding, working on triggers, refinishing stocks, recutting checkering, etc. So, I'm not a novice.

With a CAS 1873, I go with the pro's. Just too many subtle things they do to make a ballanced product that functions like it should. I just don't have enough time to learn all that. With those guns, if you make a change on one thing, it throws something else off. If you're going with a short throw kit, which I would recommend, making it work like it should isn't as easy as one may think.

IMHO,

DF

Jimmy Spurs has a good reputation. I also like Pioneer Gun works http://www.pioneergunworks.com/ and this one, http://www.codyscowboyshop.com/

Have guns by both. My current CAS 1873 Carbine is a full house Pioneer project with wood that I fitted, finished and had checkered.

IMHO, getting a completed gun from one of these folks saves a lot of back and forth. It also saves money in the long run.

DF

I use the rifle in a shoot today and really like it. The only problem I had was the ejection was somewhat weak. The cases came out fine but often just landed on top of the action. They sometimes got in the way of seeing the sights for the next shot. I might have to talk with some of those gunsmiths mentioned to see if they can slick it up a bit. I teamed it up today with a pair of 44-40 Ruger Vaqueros and had a fine shoot.

Be sure to work the action briskly and see how they eject.

DF

Working the action briskly works a little better, but the ejection is still fairly weak. The main problem is that the cases just land on the top of the receiver and block my view of the sights for the next shot.

You may want to check the extractor and extractor spring.

They should land on your hat or behind you.

DF

I can't find much information about the extractor spring. Numrich does not show one in their schematic. Does the extractor itself serve as the spring?

I think you may be right, once I think about it. I haven't looked at my 1873's in a while. It may just be one piece, the spring in the part itself. You may need a replacement extractor.

If the ctg. is held tightly by the extractor, it should break out with some gusto once it hits the ejector.

A phone call to Cody Conagher, Jimmy Spurs, or Pioneer may be worth the effort. Those guys are very knowlegable and will usually take the time to help out.

Let us know how it works out.

DF