US Arms Abilene

[maxmanta]

I just bought a U.S. Arms Abilene that (thanks to the writings of Mr. Lee Martin) is an early Mossberg-era build. It has an unfluted cylinder, which I love. The previous owner filed the front sight down unevenly, but I plan on fixing that.

My one concern is this: when the hammer is lowered, the locking bolt* drops down, allowing the cylinder to move out of alignment. It only happens if the hammer is lowered manually. Dry firing the gun doesn't seem to allow this to happen.

Is this normal or should I have my local smith check it out?

Thanks in advance!




*the little semicircular protrusion that locks in to the recess in the cylinder, maintaining alignment with the barrel.

[shorty500]

cylinder should only unlock to load/unload and to rotate during firing. Have smith thats go0d with colt saa or old model rugers check it out.

[maxmanta]

Thanks.

After some close inspection I concluded that it wouldn't affect it's function or safety. The gun shot beautifully today w/ .44 special loads.

The previous owner filed the front sight too low and I'm debating over whether to have a new one brazed on or not.