10 ROA's get HAMMERED !!!

[45 Dragoon]

Mike, can you explain the mechanics of how the hand spring plunger helps with the turn ring? I thought that was a function of the hammer plunger length- thank you!

Sure and thanks for asking! Throw-by (over rotation) is a sign of a weak or broken hand spring in a Colt action. That being said, the small plunger and "weak" spring in a Ruger action "mimics" that problem. Even more so since the spring and it's diminishing influence through the cycle is stationary in the frame instead of riding with the hand and being increased as the cycle continues (in the Colt), Throw-by is easy to demonstrate.
You can't deny the long life a coil and plunger have over a flat spring (thanks Ruger) though so "how do you keep "beauty rings" off of Rugers (3 screw and ROAs) and Colt actions set up with a Ruger type hand spring? It's really easy!! I step up the diameter of the pushrod (to 1/8") and install a stronger spring. Add an action stop and problem solved. It may not have a cool "Hollywood" spin but the ring stays off and the timing can be set to Colt spec . . . and yes, you can fan them!.

Mike

 

[Randyzzz]

Sure and thanks for asking! Throw-by (over rotation) is a sign of a weak or broken hand spring in a Colt action. That being said, the small plunger and "weak" spring in a Ruger action "mimics" that problem. Even more so since the spring and it's diminishing influence through the cycle is stationary in the frame instead of riding with the hand and being increased as the cycle continues (in the Colt), Throw-by is easy to demonstrate.
You can't deny the long life a coil and plunger have over a flat spring (thanks Ruger) though so "how do you keep "beauty rings" of of Rugers (3 screw and ROAs) and Colt actions set up with a Ruger type hand spring? It's really easy!! I step up the diameter of the pushrod (to 1/8") and install a stronger spring. Add an action stop and problem solved. It may not have a cool "Hollywood" spin but the ring stays off and the timing can be set to Colt spec . . . and yes, you can fan them!.

Mike

Thanks for the explanation, Mike!

 

[45 Dragoon]

I thought that was a function of the hammer plunger length- thank you!

It is to a point. What you're talking about in this case is "bolt drop" (Colt parlance for cylinder latch). The 3 screw Rugers (which includes ROA's) called for Colt type timing and the hammer plunger length obviously can be used for some of the setup but really not all of it. Fine tuning the drop where it "should " be is ultimately a function of a "battle" between 2 springs. If the bolt spring is "too" strong, the bolt will drop earlier because it will over power the hammer plunger spring. For the bolt to drop closer to the locking notch, the bolt spring needs less tension. Knowing this, one can impart "perfect timing" for these revolvers.
The NM timing denotes just past half way between the locking notches and since the bolt unlocks with the opening of the gate (thus it will drop anywhere the gate is closed) it's futile to try to avoid the ring.

Mike

 

[Randyzzz]

Mike, thank you so much for explaining this so thoroughly. I learned something today. It’s a good day.

 

[JackAsinus]

I'm pretty hammered right now too.