Short stroke kit ?

[Spiritmaker]

I have a factory Uberti 1866 in .44/40. I would like to install a short stroke kit in it. Would I have to do any modifications or is it a drop in deal? What else should I do to make it smoother? I am not wanting a race gun, just something smoother for an old gents hands.

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

It may drop in but it also may need fitting for the timing. You will need lighter springs (main, carrier, lever) at a minimum or the rifle will be harder to lever than when it was stock.

[Tex Jones, SASS 2263]

Look up Pioneer Gun Works who have videos on installing short stroke kits. 

[Shawnee Hills]

I recently installed Boogie's short stoke kit in a Uberti 45 just to see how it would run.  His system of using set screws to adjust timing makes installation very quick and easy.  Note that you will need to do a slight modification to the bolt for most (if not all) of the kits.  This is very easily done and nothing to be concerned about.  The attached image is from his page showing the completed modification.

 

All other kits will likely require removing material from the lifter with a file or milling machine to get it timed correctly.

 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

PLUS ONE for Abilene.

 

Without some judicious action work the instillation of a Short Stroke Kit will result in a rifle that takes two men and girl to operate.  It will NOT be fun.  At the least, as mentioned by Abilene, you will want reduced Lever Side Springs (Slix Spring - minor fitting).  Main Spring, either reground OEM or After-Market.  A reduced Firing Pin return Spring.  The install, as mentioned above, will also require fitting of the Breach Block (Bolt) or the Carrier Block as the timing of the action will completely change.

 

The Pioneer Gunworks Videos are a great start.

Edited February 20 by Colorado Coffinmaker
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[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

2 hours ago, Shawnee Hills said:

...All other kits will likely require removing material from the lifter with a file or milling machine to get it timed correctly...

I have Cowboy and Indian 3rd gen kits.  The only material to be removed is inside the front of the brass carrier unless you use their aluminum carrier.  Timing is adjusted by bending the lifter arm.

[Shawnee Hills]

9 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

I have Cowboy and Indian 3rd gen kits.  The only material to be removed is inside the front of the brass carrier unless you use their aluminum carrier.  Timing is adjusted by bending the lifter arm.

Interesting.  I’ve installed several C&I 5th gen kits and never had to bend the lifter.  Timing was achieved by only removing material from the pad that interacts with the lever.  Lightened brass carriers were used on all with bolts modified.  I’ve not installed their 3rd gen so perhaps that is where the difference lies. 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Oh yeah, I do have one .357 carbine with an old Uberti SS Kit (links and a lever, used stock lifter arm) that dropped right in and functions perfectly.  I'm not sure if these are the same parts they used in the Renegade or not.

However:

1. This kit is not currently available

2. I was lucky.

[Spiritmaker]

Thank you, Gents for the info.

Is there a place to buy all of the springs needed?

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

Howdy Spiritmaker. If you decide to buy a Pioneer Gun Works kit, check with them as their super short kit won’t work in older model Ubertis - those that don’t have a “W” in front of the serial number. I don’t know about their other kits. 
 

Personally, I don’t care for super short kits (5th Generation) in the larger caliber rifles. I put one from Cowboys & Indians in my .44-40 ‘73 and it didn’t compare well to the 3rd gen kit I had put in my .44-40 Henry. I replaced the SS kit with a C&I 3rd gen like the Henry and now I’m a happy camper. 
 

If you can, try a stroked .44-40 rifle before you buy. It’s not the same as a stroked .38, which is more common in our game. 
 

YMMV. Good luck!

 

 

Edited February 20 by Abilene Slim SASS 81783