Bearcat Seized Up

[usmc0341]

So, I'm thinking this has been adressed somewhere before, but my search has yielded nothing. I have a Bearcat that I bought used last year and twice now it just "seizes up". The cylinder won't move and I can't cock the hammer. Previously when this happened I just kep trying to work the hammer and it finally worked again, but this time it will not budge. Is there something stupid that I'm missing, or will this have to go back to Ruger? I don't have a lot of experience with single actions as this and my Single Six are the only two I own, so I'm hoping there is something obvious to you folks that I am just missing.

Thanks for any help,
Brian

 

[contender]

First thing to do is check the base pin to see if it's worked forward & causing the cylinder to bind a bit.

 

[usmc0341]

First thing to do is check the base pin to see if it's worked forward & causing the cylinder to bind a bit.

I've taken it out and replaced it a couple times, but it is still seized up. That is about the only thing I am able to do is take the cylinder out and replace it, other than that it is locked up tight!

 

[DGW1949]

Remove the cylinder pin and check the operation of the pusher-thingy on the end. If it's not working as designed, the transfer bar will hang up on the firing pin and prevent the hammer from being cocked.

DGW

 

[rugerguy]

quite often folks "force" it all back together, get things a bit out of sequence (timing) and you need to remove the pin and cylinder, with them out of the gun, work the trigger and hammer, if not ,then just maybe the small allen head screw next to the hammer ( left side) the plunger and spring may have worked their way into the action ,binding things up OR they are in "backwards"...plunger goes on first, then the spring, and then the small allen head screw.......there is NOT a lot of room for all those small parts to be working around in ,together.

If this fails, then just "maybe" the plunger in the trigger guard assembly may have slipped off the bolt (cylinder stop)...but if the gun was NOT apart that much, unlikely scenario................ :roll:

 

[usmc0341]

Remove the cylinder pin and check the operation of the pusher-thingy on the end. If it's not working as designed, the transfer bar will hang up on the firing pin and prevent the hammer from being cocked.

DGW

The plunger thing is working

 

[usmc0341]

quite often folks "force" it all back together, get things a bit out of sequence (timing) and you need to remove the pin and cylinder, with them out of the gun, work the trigger and hammer, if not ,then just maybe the small allen head screw next to the hammer ( left side) the plunger and spring may have worked their way into the action ,binding things up OR they are in "backwards"...plunger goes on first, then the spring, and then the small allen head screw.......there is NOT a lot of room for all those small parts to be working around in ,together.

If this fails, then just "maybe" the plunger in the trigger guard assembly may have slipped off the bolt (cylinder stop)...but if the gun was NOT apart that much, unlikely scenario................ :roll:

I have never had it apart, however I did buy it used so I can't say for sure. But it was working fine and then just seized up. Not sure if it helps, but when the cylinder is removed the hammer still can't be cocked (not sure if it's supposed to).

 

[usmc0341]

Anyone? I hate to ship it back if it's an obvious easy fix

 

[rugerguy]

when the cylinder is out, hold the gun up to the ceiling, and "try" to cock the hammer back at the same time you pull the trigger , kinda rock it and roll it, and look /see if the pawl is MOVING at all in the recoil shield slot (back of the cylinder frame window, , to the right of the firing pin hole)...again, there are small parts trying to move around, slip and engage inside that small frame.....just may have to "jiggle" ( and try praying at the same time) :roll: :wink: ( the grand kids get a chuckle when we have to do things like that...) 8)

(have you removed the grip panels and look/see, if the strut is jammed in place???

 

[AlinCT]

Is it possible that the front of the cylinder or forcing cone need a good cleaning? I had a bearcat and the cylinder would bind good after 50-70 shots. I thought it had other problems (due to my inexperience), but looking back, I wonder if the tolerances were so tight, it didn't take to fouling well.

 

[usmc0341]

Thanks for everyone's help but I' going to have to send it back to Ruger. I was able to get it to free up but now the hammer is locked back. Something must be wrong with the internals so I will send it back and have it looked at. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[blume357]

That's the best bet... "sometimes a man needs to recognize his limitations"... one thing for sure, the folks at Ruger can and will fix it and it will most probably come back better than 'factory'.