24hourcampfire.com
24hourcampfire.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Hop To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#7070239 11/12/12
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
N
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
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?

BP-B2

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
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

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,731
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,731


"I didn't get the sophisticated gene in this family. I started the sophisticated gene in this family." Willie Robertson
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
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

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
N
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
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.

IC B2

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
Be sure to work the action briskly and see how they eject.

DF

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
N
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
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.

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
You may want to check the extractor and extractor spring.

They should land on your hat or behind you.

DF

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
N
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
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?

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
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

IC B3

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
3
Campfire Member
Offline
Campfire Member
3
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
Originally Posted by Notropis
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'm new to CAS so not an expert on any level. That said, I bought a used 1873 in .44 Special. I love tinkering with guns so it never entered my mind to send it off for work. I ordered a short stroke kit from Pioneer Gun works and installed it myself. The work really isn't difficult at all, but fitting is a little tedious in that disassembly/reassembly is required. The kit included good instructions.
As far as slicking it up, shoot the gun for a while then disassemble it and using oiled 400 wet/dry sandpaper, polish the parts that rub each other. There's a lot that can be done with regards to lightening springs, but it's too much to detail here. If you're not comfortable figuring it out on your own, there are instructional videos available.

35WN


"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen
"I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns
NRA Life Member
Certified NRA Reloading Instructor
Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
WN,

Glad you had a good experience. Many have tried that, got the parts in and found that it was hard to lever, or had some other quirk. Changing the geometry can have unexpected results. I work on gun a lot, but didn't wish to tackle the '73. The guys that do this all the time have it worked out.

I have two '73's, one a full house carbine by Pioneer with their special carbine band front sight. The other is a short rifle by Cody Conagher, both with short strokes. Cody welds his own, probably using a jig, whereas Pioneer has an in house made CNC machined kit that they use. To me, the Pioneer gun isn't as loose as the Cody gun and it's the one I use. They're both slick and fast.

Most CAS shooters evolve to the .38 Spec. after starting with larger calibers. The only reason I can think of for using over .40 rounds is the classes that call for the larger caliber. And I don't shoot is those classes.

The '73 is COAL critical due to its design. To gain the .357 COAL, using .38 Spec brass, I use Moulton Lead, 147 gr. bullets. They are long and when seated in a .38 Spec. case, result in a .357 COAL. Most '73's will cycle a .38 Spec, but work better, IMHO, with a .357 COAL. The shorter round has to be cammed back into the mag tube as the gun cycles. Less camming, slicker the stroke.

DF

Last edited by Dirtfarmer; 12/28/12.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
3
Campfire Member
Offline
Campfire Member
3
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
Originally Posted by Dirtfarmer
WN,

Glad you had a good experience. Many have tried that, got the parts in and found that it was hard to lever, or had some other quirk. Changing the geometry can have unexpected results. I work on gun a lot, but didn't wish to tackle the '73. The guys that do this all the time have it worked out.

I have two '73's, one a full house carbine by Pioneer with their special carbine band front sight. The other is a short rifle by Cody Conagher, both with short strokes. Cody welds his own, probably using a jig, whereas Pioneer has an in house made CNC machined kit that they use. To me, the Pioneer gun isn't as loose as the Cody gun and it's the one I use. They're both slick and fast.

Most CAS shooters evolve to the .38 Spec. after starting with larger calibers. The only reason I can think of for using over .40 rounds is the classes that call for the larger caliber. And I don't shoot is those classes.

The '73 is COAL critical due to its design. To gain the .357 COAL, using .38 Spec brass, I use Moulton Lead, 147 gr. bullets. They are long and when seated in a .38 Spec. case, result in a .357 COAL. Most '73's will cycle a .38 Spec, but work better, IMHO, with a .357 COAL. The shorter round has to be cammed back into the mag tube as the gun cycles. Less camming, slicker the stroke.

DF


Mine levered a little hard at first, but after firing a couple of matches, it's really slicked up. In fact with the heavy brass carrier block, when closing the lever, it feels almost like it's closing itself. Now that I've done one of the short stroke kits, it should be an easier task in the future.

I've been told many times by other competitors that .38s are "better" for competition and that there's no need in using larger calibers, but guns to me are tools and I don't like the idea of owning firearms that are only used for competition. I chose the .44 Special in part because the cartridge intrigues me, but mainly because properly handloaded it will do a great job in the hunting field.

I haven't had any issues so far with c.o.a.l. When I first started using the 44 Sp, the only bullet mould I owned cast a 250 gr. Keith SWC, so I made do with it. The rifle fed it just fine a fast as I cared to lever them through. Since then, I ordered a custom mould that drops a 170 gr. RNFP. It's somewhat shorter than the 250 gr. SWC, but no feeding issues so far.

35WN


"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen
"I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns
NRA Life Member
Certified NRA Reloading Instructor
Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 556
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 556
About a year ago I sold all of my CAS guns, a brace of .44 revolvers and a matching .44 carbine, and replaced them with .38/.357 shootin' irons. My cost to shoot has come waaay down (I don't reload) and out to about 75-100 yards the .357 magnum is adequate for deer, which seems to be the more or less effective range of a .44 special, as well. Even if I hand loaded I don't think I'd go back to anything larger for CAS, and if I felt the need for something bigger in the hunting field, I'd take a different gun.

Last edited by Old_Writer; 01/07/13.

Life is hard. It's even harder when you're stupid. --John Wayne
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
O.W.,

That's a common and very typical story; shows the evolution of a CAS shooter from beginner to seasoned CAS hand. Unless one is in a CAS classification specifying .40 cal.+, the .38 Spec. is THE most efficient, least expensive ultimate choice.

DF

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
3
Campfire Member
Offline
Campfire Member
3
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
Originally Posted by Old_Writer
About a year ago I sold all of my CAS guns, a brace of .44 revolvers and a matching .44 carbine, and replaced them with .38/.357 shootin' irons. My cost to shoot has come waaay down (I don't reload) and out to about 75-100 yards the .357 magnum is adequate for deer, which seems to be the more or less effective range of a .44 special, as well. Even if I hand loaded I don't think I'd go back to anything larger for CAS, and if I felt the need for something bigger in the hunting field, I'd take a different gun.


You shoot CAS and DON'T reload?!?!? eek No wonder you switched to .38's!! Even at that, the least expensive .38 ammo I've seen was almost $20 per 50. I can handload .44's for for less than $2 a box...MUCH less as the brass pays for itself.

I don't quite agree with your comparison of the .357 and .44 in the field. My wifes .357 Rossi stays in the gun rack in the laundry room with the other "utility" rifles where it's convenient to grab on the way out the door, but when I head out to feed the calves or just piddle in the pasture, etc. I'll grab the .44 everytime knowing that bigger is always better!

35WN


"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen
"I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns
NRA Life Member
Certified NRA Reloading Instructor
Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
If I was out to feed calves, I'd choose a .44 over a .357.

CAS is just a game and the lighter round is the preferred way to go, based on many collective years of shooting experience.

Whacking a 'yote or other calf unfriendly varmint, the .44 would be better, for sure.

(I'd probably take my .22-204, Model 7, and leave the .44 at home.)

DF

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
N
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
N
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,993
38 Special certainly does seem to dominate among the top shooters I have seen. I am rigged up to shoot 38 Specials in both revolvers and a rifle and use them often. I am also rigged up with revolvers and rifles to compete with 44/40, 44 Rem Mag, 45 Colt, and 22 for the youngsters. I got the Uberti in 44/40 because my old M92 in 44/40 sometimes has a little problem feeding and I wanted to be able to use it in Wild Bunch matches. We have a match this weekend, and I will probably break out the 38 Specials.

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
3
Campfire Member
Offline
Campfire Member
3
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 322
Forgot to mention...when the wife and I started CAS last August, I bought a pair of Uberti Hombre's in .357 and a Rossi as well. I worked all three over internally so they all function very smoothly. I shot a few matches with them and they worked great, but like I said, the .44 Special holds a certain amount of intrigue to me. Now the wife uses the .357's.


Yes sirm Dirt, were I going out specifically for coyotes, either my .223 or my 220 Swift would be my first choice. But the .44 just seems at home in the front seat of my little beat up Nissan pick up. And, I don't panic when my 2 year old granddaughter traipses across it with her little muddy boots like I would if it were one ofmy scoped rifles.

35WN


"Only accurate rifles are interesting."- Col. Townsend Whelen
"I always tell the truth....that way, I don't have to remember anything."- George Burns
NRA Life Member
Certified NRA Reloading Instructor
Certified Texas Hunter Education Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
D
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
D
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36,822
Originally Posted by 35WhelenNut
And, I don't panic when my 2 year old granddaughter traipses across it with her little muddy boots like I would if it were one of my scoped rifles. 35WN

Can just see that... smile

Agree... laugh

Sounds like you guys are having a blast... cool

DF

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  RickBin 

Link Copied to Clipboard
YB23

Who's Online Now
637 members (257_X_50, 10gaugemag, 257Bob, 12344mag, 280shooter, 1234, 69 invisible), 2,932 guests, and 1,321 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums81
Topics1,187,669
Posts18,399,400
Members73,817
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023


 







Fish & Game Departments | Solunar Tables | Mission Statement | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA
Hunting | Fishing | Camping | Backpacking | Reloading | Campfire Forums | Gear Shop
Copyright © 2000-2024 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.3.33 Page Time: 0.122s Queries: 15 (0.003s) Memory: 0.9006 MB (Peak: 1.0574 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-28 20:09:06 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS