Frame install. What am I doing wrong?

[thedogdidit]

So I now have 3 SA's all at the same stage of being separated from their frames. Trying to reinstall them but having the very same issue on each.
Not lining up tightly. Large gap in each.
This one i am trying to put a 1981 dragoon frame on my 1977 45LC.
But even when I attempt to put the original frames back on their respective guns, same issue. I have watched MANY videos online, but am not seeing what I am doing wrong.
Please advise.

 

[thedogdidit]

Glad to report that I figured it out. The ears on the trigger spring were still attached. So I was unable to mate the 2 halves together

Attached is the final product. I've always loved the dragoon frame, and the 4 5/8" 45LC. Now I have the best of both worlds. Glad to be rid of the aluminum frame. The balance is SO MUCH better!!

Now I have to take it back apart because I forgot to put the SBH hammer on it. Round 2

 

[thedogdidit]

So I managed to swap out the hammer with the SBH wide spur. Ooooof!!!! Don't ever wanna do that again! But, I have 3 more on the bench now. So I guess I'll become proficient? Thank god for the Ronnie Wells Third Hand tool. Money well spent. But that darned pin that holds the hammer in must been welded in using Zeus's lightning. It was super STUCK!
Then once I put everything back together, the cylinder was a booger to put in, and then wouldn't spin. Many cusswords later I could see that the tiny screw in front of the trigger guard was protruding through the frame up into the cylinder area. Not sure why. I didn't mix my screws up. Tomorrow my Stainless 357 Liberty is getting a new Montado hammer.

 

[TheTexasRAT]

I saw a YouTube video showing the issue you are having and just how to do it. Been so long ago that I do not remember the work around. But I am pretty sure you got to line something up just right for it to slip back together. I know big help right? All I can say is try moving things around some or keep watching youtube videos until you come across one that covers this.

But surely some one hear knows.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

And now the question is . . . are you sure you returned the pawl spring and its plunger in the proper order in the back of the main frame? Really sure?

I've done it wrong once, because I wasn't paying attention. And I've also noted that one of the really old owner's manual exploded views shows it wrong, as well.

 

[thedogdidit]

And now the question is . . . are you sure you returned the pawl spring and its plunger in the proper order in the back of the main frame? Really sure?

I've done it wrong once, because I wasn't paying attention. And I've also noted that one of the really old owner's manual exploded views shows it wrong, as well.

I am glad to report that I did indeed do that right. Trust me when I tell you that was the ONE thing I was NOT gonna get wrong. Every video hammered that point home to be mindful of spring and plunger placement. It was the forward most screw protruding through the frame and impeding cylinder rotation. Still not sure how in the heck that happened. The screw is only 1/2 tightened currently and spins beautifully .

 

[TheTexasRAT]

Maybe just maybe instead of sliding back to front try from the frame from bottom up with the paw spring thingy pushed in place as you slide up. That is hold the grip trigger frame up against the back part of the main frame right as you slide the lower part upwards. looks like you are trying to have the bottom flush sliding it forward. may also have to hold the trigger just right while slipping it together. I do remember that there is some sort of a trick/sequence to it.

 

[contender]

The very first thought I had was; "The trigger return spring is not in the correct position."

You have to unhook the legs of the spring,, to remove & re-install a grip frame. The reassembly of a gun, you have to make sure the end of the spring is in the correct position on the trigger to allow the frames to mate up.

She short screw in the front hole of the grip frame. Sometimes they can protrude into the frame window too far.
A hobby shop, that deals in Radio Controlled parts will often have tiny screws, washers etc that are perfect for gunsmithing. Get a nylon washer to go under the front screw.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I am glad to report that I did indeed do that right. Trust me when I tell you that was the ONE thing I was NOT gonna get wrong. Every video hammered that point home to be mindful of spring and plunger placement.

Great, one hangup avoided. The follow-up to that one is being sure you get the little plunger spring completely pushed into the frame hole without smooshing it sideways in the process. Apparently you got that right.

Correct reassembly of a single-action is a rite of passage in Rugerdom.

 

[anton853]

The very first thought I had was; "The trigger return spring is not in the correct position."

You have to unhook the legs of the spring,, to remove & re-install a grip frame. The reassembly of a gun, you have to make sure the end of the spring is in the correct position on the trigger to allow the frames to mate up.

She short screw in the front hole of the grip frame. Sometimes they can protrude into the frame window too far.
A hobby shop, that deals in Radio Controlled parts will often have tiny screws, washers etc that are perfect for gunsmithing. Get a nylon washer to go under the front screw.

Just file down the protruding part of the screw then sand it flat. Check the fit and then you should be good to go, I've been there and done that a few times.

 

[contender]

You are correct. You can file down a screw,, if you are comfortable doing so. My washer method is an easy solution for folks who don't know how to do so and get the threads to work properly.

 

[thedogdidit]

Sooooo.....it turns out that I lied to you all when I said that I was CERTAIN that I paid absolute attention to detail and did not mix up my screws.....Don't worry, I've already put myself in time out. I'm wearing a dunce cap as we speak. It's old, and fitted. Well worn. I put the wrong screw in the wrong hole and VOILA. It no likey what i did. Prob solved. Since I posted this, I have now torn apart, and put back together a few of these revolvers numerous times now. Completely confident in doing this now. Made, fixed, and learned from numerous mistakes.
BTW, I've got to take a pic of my "new tool" that I made. Everyone has mentioned a fork for the mainspring compression. Nawww....bent to easily, and was a pain in the rear. I drilled out a metal spatula. Works like a dream. Thin enough to fit between the coils, but very stiff. Also lots of palm surface to work with.