Base Pin latch Issue...

[Longshoreman]

I have a New Model 50th ann. .44 Blackhawk. At the range the other day I lost the base pin latch and nut. I guess I missed the nut backing off the pin, but I did notice the spring laying on the bench. I think I went through 70 rounds that day, trying to get some closer groups. I did better than I expected for the third time out with particular weapon, but I'm not real sure just when the base pin and nut came out and fell to the ground. I did search, but no luck. I may have gone through a few cylinders with no base pin installed. I'm not too proud of that fact, and will learn to inspect my firearms more closely when shooting.

Anyway I will order a new base pin and nut from Ruger...they can't be very expensive, and chalk this up to a learning event.

Has anyone had this happen?

 

[Yosemite Sam]

They'll likely just send you the parts for free, if you tell them what happened. If not, Midway has the two parts for $5. Of course there's a handling charge on orders under $25 or so... Brownells has them, too.

Apparently the latch can take a good beating in the New Models, as the pin rests against the transfer bar, and therefore transfers a good whack to the latch every time the hammer drops. The pin on one of mine was jumping the latch until I fixed it, and it's possible your latch just worked itself loose and fell apart. Ruger would probably be happy to send you the parts to make it right.

Good luck!

-- Sam

 

[flatgate]

Yup, I keep spare screws, a couple of good screwdrivers and a complete Base Pin Latch assembly in my "shooting bag".

I've had the base pin jump out more than once. I've lost the latch and spring in the grass. I've had the ejector housing "leave the building"......

flatgate

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The hammer won't cock with the base pin backed-out so chances are the last shot is when the base pin latch flew off. Put some loc-tite on that threaded pin and nut. You will also need a screwdriver with a "U" notch cut in it to tighten that nut fully.

...Jimbo

 

[Longshoreman]

Thanks you guys. I appreciate the tips. My small set of drivers does not include a U-shaped driver like you posted flatgate. So that's a good reason to get a bigger set.

To the gun store I go...

 

[contender]

You can also modify a regular bit to fit these slots.
I have the master pro set of screwdriver bits by Wheeler,, yet I still have to make a few special ones. (not that one though,, it came in my set.)

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I think Midway has that driver bit for like $5, too. Yep.

-- Sam

 

[Longshoreman]

Well guys you were right...Ruger said they'd even pick up the shipping and I will have the parts in 7 to 10 days.

They said to be sure to use the blue or purple Loc-tite because it doesn't require heat to back the nut off through it. With customer service like this Ruger will get more of my business.

 

[J Miller]

Longshoreman,

Just a comment. If you use a pair of screw drivers, one from each side to tighten the base pin latch, it won't come loose.
I've done that on all my single actions of every brand and after thousands of rounds not one has come unscrewed. And I never used a drop of any LocTite.

Joe