Normal wear and tear?

[jchapman3]

I've got a Cattleman 5 1/4 (case hardened, walnut grip, brass trigger guard) chambered in 45LC. (I also have it's big brother, the 1866 Yellowboy rifle, also in 45LC that is just as much fun to shoot and sure attracts attention at the range)...I love them both.

Anyway... I started having a problem with the revolver where the ejector tube screw will slowly back itself out and require that it be tightned after a box of rounds shortly after I got it. Today during cleaning, I noticed a gap between the trigger gaurd and the body, and discovered that all the other screws were loose, to include the screw under the grips. I've learned to check the ejector tube screw periodically (lest I have to stop the range (again) and go fetch the launched tube and spring and search piles of brass for the screw)...you'd be suprised to learn how far down range that thing will launch). However, I was suprised today to find all of the other screws loose...the trigger guard screws were REALLY loose.

I've had the revolver for about a year and I run about 100 to 150 rounds a month (give or take) through it.

I've got 2 questions: a) Is this normal? b) what is the "right" thing to do about it? Would a touch of locktight on the screws be OK and acceptable?

Thanks for any advice.
John.

[James Riley]

1. I don't know why lock tight would hurt. But I'm no gun smith either. I would do it on my gun.

2. I just noticed the little screw on the top of my hammer backs out. It's the one that runs down through the hammer and firing pin. SAA Cavelry Model. I have not tried lock tight yet, but if it keeps up, I will.

[tucker301]

Use the blue loctite. The red requires heat to break back loose.

[JunkyardDog45]

Well the screws working loose is normal in the 2 Cattleman that I'm familiar with.

[Flint]

It is a genetic disease born of the Colt. All single Action Colt types do this, it is the reason Ruger installed Nylock screws. Col SAA and clone users learn to check the screws after/before every shooting session.

As Tucker advised, use blue, Locktite, NOT red. You will need heat to break red. Purple Locktite holds less strongly than blue, you can try that, if it doesn't stand up to your shooting, try the blue.