1960 New Model Army Advice

[condorjohn]

I recently got this 1960 New Model Army, Belgium made copy of a Colt 1860 Army. It was advertised as new, and I believe that. I don't
think it has been disassembled since it left the factory in the late 1960's.

Here's my problem. I have soaked it with Kroil for a week, then Marvel Mystery for the last few days and still can't get the barrel
wedge to budge. I don't want to get too aggressive with it but, I
really want to disassemble and give150518 it a good cleaning.

[Beagle333]

You have a genuine Belgian Centaure!?!? You should join this group and also read more about it here.
http://www.1960nma.org/

That is as close to an original Colt as you can get without actually finding one. http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/images/smilies/new/adore.gifhttp://www.marlinowners.com/forum/images/smilies/new/adore.gifhttp://www.marlinowners.com/forum/images/smilies/new/adore.gif

If you got it for less than $500 and it is unfired, you got a gem!
Myself.... I'd get a smith to unstick it. You can try internet advice if you wish, but I'd definitely be too worried about blemishing such a find.

Congratulations and enjoy your 1860!!!

[Battis]

What makes them "as close to an original Colt?"

[swathdiver]

On the right side where the wedge protrudes from the barrel assembly you'll see a spring from the wedge with a catch that engages the barrel. Make sure this is pressed down. First time wedge removals often take a bit of force to get them to comply! Use a piece of hardwood or brass punch and hit that with a hammer after making sure that spring catch is down and out of the way.

[Beagle333]

What makes them "as close to an original Colt?"

There's lots to read in that link provided.... Here's one article in there....
http://www.1960nma.org/Production/BELGIAN%20COLT-Production04.09.08-1.htm

[Battis]

I've read that several times. I don't want to hijack this thread but here's some more info on the Belgian Colts if anyone is interested.
http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/389226

page 10 of this link:
http://www.musket.be/content/Henri%20Mangeot%20ENG.pdf
"In 1849, Samuel Colt had obtained a 14 year Belgian patent for his revolver. This patent also covered the ratchet-wheel ramrod and Colt continued to prosecute every unauthorized counterfeit or variants thereof. As a consequence, Mangeot and Comblain were under pressure to avoid a trial."

Don't get me wrong - I like Belgian guns, and the Centaurs can stand by themselves, but I haven't found their connection to the original Colt licenses to produce guns in Belgium. From what I've read, Colt only licensed the 1849 and 1851 to Belgian gunmakers.

[condorjohn]

150594I've wanted one of these Centaurs for several years. I think I've read everything there is on the internet on them, all the myths and facts. There is just so much info that is so convoluted the facts have been lost
along with the fantasies.

None the less, I finally got one, and a nice one, if I do say so. The wedge is definitely stuck. The lip on the small spring is not making contact with the barrel. I'll continue soaking it and give it another week.

[docone31]

You have to dap those wedges to get them out. If you are gentle enough, the wedge moves untill the spring contacts the frame. Push it down and rap it out. You gotta rap them to get them in also.
Nice looking pistol. I bet it shoots like it looks.

[Hellgate]

It looks like you have all the right tools (brass & plastic drifts & mallets). Be sure to prop up the barrel on both sides of the wedge so there is room for the wedge to move when you do get it whacked right and not bending the arbor or barrel from pounding. You might consider tapping it a time or two on the opposite side (as if you were driving it in). That often helps dislodge stuck screws & nipples for removal. It might help on this one too. I have used the edge of a bronze house key as a drift for knocking wedges out. Yours is sticking out enough that a brass hammer ought to get it. Keep up with the Kroil or liquid wrench. Marvels isn't as good a Liquid wrench.

A buddy of mine couldn't get the nipples out of one of his C&Bs so he sprayed it heavily with liquid wrench and gave it to me to get them out. After it soaked in the L R overnight they came out effortlessly.