Colt New Service

[green]

I recently examined a Colt New Service .455" c1900 lacking the recoil plate (the bushing around the fireing pin on the breech face).
Does the recoil plate from the M1877 or Army and Navy fit this model?
These parts are available from Numrich.
Does anyone have dimensions for this part?

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Green, I gave the others plenty of time to answer, but it looks like no-one here can help. I suggest you go to

Colt-Smithing - ColtForum

and place your question there. If you get a replacement (bought or made) make sure that when it is fitted, the plate surface is flush with or a gnat's whisker (<0.001" for the British Standard Gnat) proud of the frame. It should not have any recess at all, as this would result in the cartridge base being forced back into the recess and you will have problems with rotating the cylinder for the next shot! Ditto if it protrudes more than a gnat's whisker.

I cannot imagine how the recoil plate could just disappear, as I believe it was a press fit AND secured by a pin. So I would examine the revolver closely for other signs of malfunction/mishandling.

Patrick

[cab32]

The recoil plates on colt double actions of the period are staked in with a staking punch and some times do loosen and fall out. More likely as Patrick suggests, it was abused. On visual comparison of the new service and army special recoil plates look the same size. The army special is the same frame size as the New Army/Navy.
CAB

[green]

Thank you for the info.