MODEL 1903 Hand Ejector 32 Long “ACTION ISSUE”

[BMur]

I just picked up this Model 03’ in 32 Long 6” barrel.

It was in a thick and dirty paper sack at the bottom of a parts tool box that I won at auction. But that sack preserved it really well.

I’ve never owned one of these and have also never worked on one. Worked on many 38 M&P REVOLVERS. But this one has a unique action.
Serial number is in the 114,xxx range so likely about 1909?

Does anyone have a schematic drawing for this model? Anyone familiar with these early birds?

I haven’t cleaned it up yet. I want to make sure there are no internal parts missing? See photos

The action is typical M&P but the double spring is off the hook. It seems to be binding in lieu of the rebounding spring that also serves as a hand and trigger spring but just want to make sure I’m not missing something or the gun may be missing a small part?

Can’t wait to pop a few 32 longs through it!

Murph

 

[Mark Pilcher]

Good lord, that's dirty!

 

[mmaher94087]

".. also serves as a hand and trigger spring..." and cylinder stop spring. These are out of my wheelhouse, but identical to the workings of the 1st and 2nd Model Ladysmith's except they are a larger scale. I believe your revolver internals are complete and dirty.

 

[Truckman]

All I can offer is that my first year of production 1903 has identical action, which I was told is a carryover from the 1896 model......Ben

 

[StrawHat]

All I can offer is that my first year of production 1903 has identical action, which I was told is a carryover from the 1896 model......Ben

Indeed and parts are hard/impossible to find so when something breaks you buy another gun to mine the parts.

Kevin

 

[BMur]

A good cleaning

Thanks Gents,
I’ll give it a really good internal cleaning and see if it’s just a scum build up issue causing the bind. Just wanted to make sure a part wasn’t missing.


Murph

 

[steelslaver]

I would soak it for a couple days in Eds Red, a solution of one part auto transmission fluid, 1 part kerosene and 1 part acetone. Then I would blast it with a lot of brake cleaner, then use a syringe to put a tiny drop of oil on each pivot and slide point. Big syringes and needles are available from farm and ranch supplies, or your vet. I keep one on my bench loaded with light synthetic oil, with the end of the needle stuck in a rubber plug.

 

[Hondo44]

I wouldn’t even try to evaluate proper functioning until it’s cleaned!

Then if it still binds, be more specific about the binding: in single action, double action or both?

 

[delta-419]

Dirty!!!

I agree with all of the above. I would soak in a combination of transmission fluid and acetone in a new paint can from Lowe's for at least 2 weeks. The paint can will seal and you can use the chemicals forever, if you wish. Cover the entire action to soak. Brush lightly with a brass brush or cooper wool. Oil lightly and see if the action works. I love really old guns but, they do come to us with 100 years+++ of crud! This might work and save you a new search for the holy grail (parts). Enjoy your new facet of this great hobby.

 

[BMur]

Cleaning

It’s soaking now. I’ll clean it up tomorrow and post results.

Murph

 

[Hawg Rider]

Cool revolver...I hope that it cleans up nicely. Good luck with your restoration project, we'll be waiting anxiously to see the finished product!

 

[BMur]

Status

Brush cleaned all the heavy scum off the inner frame etc and I actually found the binding issue.

This is why I really like having a schematic drawing of any gun I plan on disassembling and working on. Often there are very small parts that are broken, missing, or frozen.

An extremely small hook style pivot is located on the lower hand and it was frozen solid. (Photo 2) I freed it up and thank goodness it didn’t fall off when I took the internals apart or I would never have found it or even known it was there or what it looked like or that it was even missing!

I think it hooks onto the tip of the return spring to provide a smooth operation of the hand but I’m not there yet. Still cleaning. The cylinder assembly is still soaking. It’s got some heavy scum inside the chambers.

The return spring has a groove milled into the tip. That is likely where this little hook normally resides. Got lucky I guess.

This gun was shot a lot. I hope the lock up isn’t too loose. The bore is excellent. I’m going to slug it today while the parts are soaking. I’ll post those results later.


Murph

 

[Retired W4]

All right. Keep it going BMur, and keep us up to date.

 

[BMur]

Status

I slugged the bore(photo 1)

It Mics at .312 Groove and .302 Land so absolutely perfect.

That little hook does fit perfectly into the spring slot and I can see and understand the mechanical concept. Applying additional tension to the hand to avoid skipping at the ratchet. It’s a neat design but definitely not exactly strong. More like delicate. It’s in my care now though so it will always be lubed! (Photo 2)

I’m going to let the cylinder assembly soak for another day. It needs it.

Working on other projects now.

Murph

 

[BMur]

FINISHED

It turned out pretty nice. I will eventually nickel the cylinder to match since most of it is gone but it looks good and functions well so I’ll put the 32Long on my list of reloading calibers.


Murph