Lee Martin
Hunter
Another excellent photo essay from David:
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Ruger 03 .45 Colt/.45 ACP gets more holster time on the trail of tasks.
The Maximum, or long, ejector----shortened by Ruger 1/4"----is a salient feature of this one-of-a-kind factory Ruger. Seen here completely clearing .45 Colt case.
03 ejector veritably flings .45 ACP brass
45 Colt, L-to-R: CCI/Speer Gold Dot 260 JHP @ 900 fps; Federal swaged lead 225 HP @ 900 fps; Sierra 240 JHC over 27/296, Fed case, Fed 155 primer @ 1300 fps; Nosler 250 JHP over 24.7/H110 Fed case, Fed 155 primer @ 1140 fps.
45 ACP, L-to-R: cast 230 RN over 5.5/HP-38, Fed case, Fed 150 primer; cast 200 SWC over 5.5/231, Fed case, Fed 150; Remington Golden Saber 230 JHP over 8.5/Accurate #5, Fed case, Fed 150 @ 915 fps.
Although SA revolver chamber provides better case support than any auto, there is no need to load hotter than for the auto. Total interchangeability is an asset.
Cylinder gap .003-inch.
Gray ring indicates short 11-degree forcing cone
As barrel had been over-tightened, it was removed, retimed, and reamed for .452" x .800" freebore.
Hardwood dowel with jag carved into end makes excellent cleaning rod for flannel patches.
Much leather work later, broke a Ron Power tool steel free spin pawl.
Ruger pawl (left), with Ron Power Free Spin Pawl.
Handy RCBS hex key set includes 7/64" needed for Bisley backstrap screws.
Periodic strip provides opportunity to check for wear on parts.
Hammer dog set for solid engagement, smooth light letoff.
Ruger 03 cleaned, checked out, ready for lube & reassembly.
To check hammer dog/ trigger sear engagement, set hammer & trigger pins in frame, Cloth or cardborad tucked in frame slot prevent pins falling through
Hammer & trigger engagement as set by Bradshaw in 2003 to preserve Ruger REGAIN engagement angles, with smooth light letoff.
Eleven years in, including from the leather, hammer & trigger engagement is as good as ever. Proper angles, robust engagement, and lubrication are key.
Ruger faux ivory grips are a bit brittle for banging around machinery or nailing up wanted posters.
Long ejector, shortened 1/4", on 5-1/2" barrel.
Anit-Seize Compound demonstrates, especially on stainless, protective qualities which reduce wear signature over the years. I cut with moly-disulfide chassis grease and ATM fluid for North Country in winter. Parts which get this treatment include cylinder hub, cylinder pin, pawl, & transfer bar.
Cylinder pin with Anti-Seize.
Ruger 03 ready to go
__________________________________________
Ruger 03 .45 Colt/.45 ACP gets more holster time on the trail of tasks.
The Maximum, or long, ejector----shortened by Ruger 1/4"----is a salient feature of this one-of-a-kind factory Ruger. Seen here completely clearing .45 Colt case.
03 ejector veritably flings .45 ACP brass
45 Colt, L-to-R: CCI/Speer Gold Dot 260 JHP @ 900 fps; Federal swaged lead 225 HP @ 900 fps; Sierra 240 JHC over 27/296, Fed case, Fed 155 primer @ 1300 fps; Nosler 250 JHP over 24.7/H110 Fed case, Fed 155 primer @ 1140 fps.
45 ACP, L-to-R: cast 230 RN over 5.5/HP-38, Fed case, Fed 150 primer; cast 200 SWC over 5.5/231, Fed case, Fed 150; Remington Golden Saber 230 JHP over 8.5/Accurate #5, Fed case, Fed 150 @ 915 fps.
Although SA revolver chamber provides better case support than any auto, there is no need to load hotter than for the auto. Total interchangeability is an asset.
Cylinder gap .003-inch.
Gray ring indicates short 11-degree forcing cone
As barrel had been over-tightened, it was removed, retimed, and reamed for .452" x .800" freebore.
Hardwood dowel with jag carved into end makes excellent cleaning rod for flannel patches.
Much leather work later, broke a Ron Power tool steel free spin pawl.
Ruger pawl (left), with Ron Power Free Spin Pawl.
Handy RCBS hex key set includes 7/64" needed for Bisley backstrap screws.
Periodic strip provides opportunity to check for wear on parts.
Hammer dog set for solid engagement, smooth light letoff.
Ruger 03 cleaned, checked out, ready for lube & reassembly.
To check hammer dog/ trigger sear engagement, set hammer & trigger pins in frame, Cloth or cardborad tucked in frame slot prevent pins falling through
Hammer & trigger engagement as set by Bradshaw in 2003 to preserve Ruger REGAIN engagement angles, with smooth light letoff.
Eleven years in, including from the leather, hammer & trigger engagement is as good as ever. Proper angles, robust engagement, and lubrication are key.
Ruger faux ivory grips are a bit brittle for banging around machinery or nailing up wanted posters.
Long ejector, shortened 1/4", on 5-1/2" barrel.
Anit-Seize Compound demonstrates, especially on stainless, protective qualities which reduce wear signature over the years. I cut with moly-disulfide chassis grease and ATM fluid for North Country in winter. Parts which get this treatment include cylinder hub, cylinder pin, pawl, & transfer bar.
Cylinder pin with Anti-Seize.
Ruger 03 ready to go
