Got a bit of a lemon here - Colt Signature Series 2-band.

[Maillemaker]

So a few months ago I picked up a Colt Signature Series 2-band. I've been reading about them and they look like they were sub-quality guns. This one sure is.

There are mis-machined parts of the stock itself. There is a narrowing of the stock on one side of the barrel in one place, and and the "picture frame" on the opposite side of the lock plate is has a "corner" in it where I guess the tooling did not follow the contour smoothly. The trigger bound up in the trigger plate (I have fixed that with some careful filing) as there was a burr in the trigger plate itself plus the trigger had a bow in it that was rubbing the slot in the trigger plate.

I had heard that the lock internals were notoriously soft, so the first thing I did was carburize and heat treat the internals. They seem to be holding up but the trigger pull is hard and creepy.

Took it to the range today for the first time. Actually got a really good group with the RCBS Hodgdon bullet sized to .578 with 48 grains 3F Goex. Bore seems to be about .580. I would have sized larger but my dies only go up to .578.

Put a bore scope down the bore and I can see that the rifling is boogered at he breech. Worse, there are threads exposed beyond the breech face which is a great place for fouling to accumulate for a possible cook-off.

I'm not sure what to do with this gun. I wouldn't feel good selling it on. I paid $956 for it, plus about $100 in taxes, plus shipping. I'm thinking "In for a penny, in for a pound." I'm thinking of getting the barrel lined by Hoyt. Not sure what to do about the lock. Does anyone know if an original or reproduction Springfield lock will fit?

https://i.imgur.com/n5UuMhe.jpg

[P.Altland]

Springfield locks are not interchangeable with a Colt Special Model.

[Maillemaker]

Found this thread on this gun:

https://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showthread.php/13873-Amoskeag-Model-1861-reproduction

Looks like the threads going to deep into the bore was a common problem.

Steve

[William H. Shuey]

After two or three cook-offs and accompanying singed fingers I had Mr. Hoyt do his magic and it has served me fairly well since.

Bill Shuey
1st Maine Heavy Artillery

[Carolina Reb]

The lock is an Enfield behind the plate. I have heard that Euroarms parts will fit, but have no direct experience.

[Maillemaker]

I replaced my Euroarms P53 lock tumber and sear with the CNC replacement from Lodgewood.

I tried putting them in the Colt last night and they do not fit. The square hammer shaft is much to small for the hammer.

Perhaps Armisport P53 parts will work.

Steve

[MR. GADGET]

Always liked the looks of those rifles, just had a funny feel about them.
When you could get them on suckers row I looked at several. When I ran a rod down the barrel you could feel the threads.
I did not walk away, I ran.

Those guns are on my list to get one day. When they are free!

I would ask Lodgewood if they can re work it. They may be able to build some custom parts that would later help the rest that are in your shoes.
We had a few on our team shooting them in the past. Had cool off also.

[John Bly]

Bob Hoyt is the remedy for the barrel issue. If you hardened the lock parts you should be able to get the lock tuned to a good let-off that will last a long time.

[Maillemaker]

I took the gun apart last night and discovered that there was a burr in the trigger slot in the trigger plate. Also, the tail of the trigger was a bit bowed, which made it rub in the slot. A bit of file work and that problem is fixed. I reassembled and the trigger feels a lot better now. My Lyman trigger pull gauge says I'm pulling an average of 6 pounds 10 ounces. I think I'll put a hundred rounds through it and see where it ends up.

Have to send the barrel off to Hoyt though.

[John.Hayes]

Drat!!! I have a spare complete Armi-Sport Enfield lock if you want to try it. Call or text me. jh

[Maillemaker]

Thanks John, I heard back from David at Lodgewood. He says the Armisport Enfield parts won't work. Also went over to Mark Hubb's house yesterday. Very clearly the Colt Special is different from a standard Springfield lock.

I believe I am going to optically scan the tumbler and sear and create CAD models of them. Perhaps have them machined.

Steve

[CAGerringer]

"I believe I am going to optically scan the tumbler and sear and create CAD models of them. Perhaps have them machined."

I was waiting for that, Steve. Don't forget to post pictures!

Respectfully,

Charlie Gerringer
Old Dominion Dragoons

[John Bly]

If you copy them exactly you'll have the same issues with trigger pull, etc.

[RaiderANV]

I have four of these and a three bander and never had a cook off or problem out of them. The three we shoot all shoot exactly where they are aimed when you pull the trigger. Exposed breech threads on them all.

[DWalter1022V]

Bought mine used several years ago. These were noted for having breech plugs that were too short exposing threads. First thing I do when buying a used gun is clean it well, found two rusty patches at the bottom of the barrel, a cook off waiting to happen! Bobby put a spacer in and took care of the problem on catching patches when cleaning.

This thing shoots amazingly well with .580 Hodgdon bullet and 45 grains of 3F, off the bench it will put 5 rounds in the same hole. Have not had any issue with lock parts being soft.

[Dheisey#7003]

I have two Chattahoochie 1861 special 2 banders. The lock parts were very soft and trigger pull was abysmal. It took a little work, but they shoot better. Not tack drivers but reasonable accuracy. I use a custom bullet in my muskets. It was made from a shallow skirt 580 lyman bullet mold with a shallow base. I had a new bottom plug made to make the skirt thinner. The barrels were ok, but the rifling is shallow. I bought one years ago when they first came out, my buddy bought one and when he passed, I acquired it.