My first percussion revolver was a Euroams 1851 Navy in 44 caliber, bought it new at a local gun show in 1972 or 73 for around $42.00. Was a good shooter most of the time, but once in a while had timing issues. Also caps liked to come off on occasion, used what was available, didn't have much for choice as now, nor any replacement nipples such as Treso's or SlixShots. Shot .451 diameter balls out of it, never did slug it, maybe that's why it wasn't very accurate, should have been using .454's maybe. At that time bought what was available and was told 'that's what it takes." Accidently ended up in a bunch of items destined for a burn pile, when I wondered where it was it dawned on me "Oh-Oh"! Went to burn pit and scraped through ashes and "Lo and behold"! Felt sort of like Josey Wales. Metal got pretty hot-springs had all lost their temper, brass was different color-steel was the color of a super blued/black gun. Never put her back in service, didn't trust metal strength. Did buy a new set of grips and new springs with the intent to make a wall hanger out of it. Still all oiled and greased up-some day, call it my Josey Wales gun. Did buy a replacement Pietta 1851 Navy 44 caliber around ten years ago as I like the model, but prefer the 44 caliber.
treebeard--you make reference to the 'pings' on the cylinder leadins caused by the bolt peening it. When you say it "is on the side closest to the nipple" are you refering that the pinging is occuring on to just the front half of the lead in (ie side closest to the nipple)? I had same problem with two Uberti's. One a '72 Open Top that had to short of legs on the bolt. The bolt was being released to soon off of the cam and beating the 'crap' out of the cylinder approx 1/8" before the leadin. Cimarron replaced bolt and problem taken care of. My other problem child was a Richards-Mason that was similar to what you've described with your cylinder/bolt. Seems that whomever did the final fitting and quality control in Italy didn't match up the bolt cuts/leadins with the bolt very well. I widened the leadin's a hair towards the 'barrel'side and reshaped the bolt to fit better. Should have sent it back to Taylor's but didn't want the hassle. Works and functions fine now.
10/16-Edited post as to where I widen'd the leadin's on the cylinder. Did so on the barrel side--not towards the nipple side of the cylinder as previously posted. Would not have made much difference as to what was casuing the problem and the Rx needed to fix, just different spot on the cylinder. CC