dfletcher
Blackhawk
Yesterday I picked up 4 pistols, each pretty much NIB despite different ages - a new Ruger SBH Bisley in 454, a Charter Arms Undercover 3" bbl, H&R 649 with 22 and 22 mag cylinders and a Colt "357" model. So, a brand new Ruger revolver and two older economy types - and a Colt with that "delicate" older action. And which one is giving me headaches ...... :roll:
The SBH was a little tough to cock on a few chambers when I was playing with it at the store, but I figured it was just a bit tight. Got it home and very quickly discovered the hammer would cock about halfway and then lock up. Removed the cylinder, all is well. Hammer cocks fine. Reassemble, problem reappears. Swing open the loading gate as though loading - cylinder turns clockwise just a bit but won't turn clockwise to load.
I removed the grip frame, pawl plunger and spring, pointed the gun down so that gravity would have the pawl engage the cylinder ratchet. Gun "functions" fine. Drop in the pawl and spring, hold them in place and the problem reappears. Something is wrong with the interaction of the ratchet and hand. The ratchets look clean and sharp. I'd expect there's a problem with the pawl.
I've done minor gunsmithing on handguns and rifles for about 45 years and know my limitations, mostly "cleaning up" with wet n' dry paper and spring kits. Replacing parts on older Colts. I can repair and time up an old Colt or Smith, haven't done the same on Ruger (or needed to). Any suggestions on how to correct?
I'd rather not (yet) send the gun back to Ruger. SBH pawls seem to be in short supply on the internet, but I found one as a back up in case I need it. Maybe this is the time to put in a Power Custom "free spin" pawl?
The SBH was a little tough to cock on a few chambers when I was playing with it at the store, but I figured it was just a bit tight. Got it home and very quickly discovered the hammer would cock about halfway and then lock up. Removed the cylinder, all is well. Hammer cocks fine. Reassemble, problem reappears. Swing open the loading gate as though loading - cylinder turns clockwise just a bit but won't turn clockwise to load.
I removed the grip frame, pawl plunger and spring, pointed the gun down so that gravity would have the pawl engage the cylinder ratchet. Gun "functions" fine. Drop in the pawl and spring, hold them in place and the problem reappears. Something is wrong with the interaction of the ratchet and hand. The ratchets look clean and sharp. I'd expect there's a problem with the pawl.
I've done minor gunsmithing on handguns and rifles for about 45 years and know my limitations, mostly "cleaning up" with wet n' dry paper and spring kits. Replacing parts on older Colts. I can repair and time up an old Colt or Smith, haven't done the same on Ruger (or needed to). Any suggestions on how to correct?
I'd rather not (yet) send the gun back to Ruger. SBH pawls seem to be in short supply on the internet, but I found one as a back up in case I need it. Maybe this is the time to put in a Power Custom "free spin" pawl?