After firing a couple of cylinders, getting that little arbor out can be an effort. Sometimes firing one cylinder is enough to gum up the works. I thought perhaps it was my particular piece, since it is fitted very tightly in all its parts, but others have spoken of the problem.
The grease grooves were a fine idea and show that Sam Colt knew his business. They do help retain lube, which in turn keeps fouling out of the critical arbor/cylinder interface. It is a well known fact that the Colt will continue to function long after the Remington has packed it in due to fouling issues. I have never heard an experienced C&B revolver shooter argue this point. It does, in fact, seem to be one point upon which we can agree.
While I will allow no insults to my old Remington, I do know it's limitations. With it's short barrel and reduced grip, it is a handy carry piece, and it is reliable. But it won't, despite my best efforts and trying every trick I could dream up, shoot as long as my Colts without cleaning. And while it's balance has been improved, it still doesn't handle like a Colt. Try this: lay a Colt Navy or even a '60 Army next to a Remington and pick them up one at a time and cycle them in turn. The difference really is noticeable.
