Jump to present: Just picked it up from the gunsmith with all the mods and an action job needed for competition (not that it will do ME any good)! It sure is smoooooth.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
![Image](http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/sass93/31xxx.jpg)
Although I love my Colts, Ruger had an excellent idea. I've had this same mod done to all my Colts used in SASS matches, and to date, have only needed one spring replaced; it was installed in 1987. I cannot truthfully say how many rounds have gone downrange thru that revolver, but... I'll venture to say, far, far more than most C&Bs. While I've only broken two many hand springs on unmodified Colts, I've seen too many others break, not to want it done. Might ruin any collector value... but their value is in the shooting for me!
![Twisted Evil :twisted:](./images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif)
![Image](http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d197/sass93/Improvedhandspring.jpg)
And, since flat springs are a little prone to breakage and wire is more flexible; in my experience the coil has a much longer life with very consistent action.
Also had guards put in place to keep the caps from following the hammer back into the action to match my two other '51s. I had to drop off my old Armi San Marco clone to have a new hand installed. The old one had started slipping off the back of the cylinder and was beginning to round off. Hoping to get another 1851 and begin competing in the Josie Wales category where offered... maybe I just write some stages where 3 handguns are needed, in addition to a rifle and shotgun! Let's see, 3 1851's, 2 extra cylinders; searching for another 2nd Series and another ASM, oh, heck that's enough! Naw, need to get an extra cylinder for each gun, maybe then I can shoot a whole match without having to reload!
Now I need a Iron Framed Henry, an 1873 Short Rifle, and a hammer shotgun! Does the list ever get any SHORTER?
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Now, I gotta get out and try this little gem out! Hmmm.... what sorta game, 'sides rabbits, would be appropriate for a .36 cal. 1851? Might wanna backup for havelina, but deer @ <50 yards I think would be fair game... anyone with any experience?