Gate Detent Spring Problem

[Seldomseen]

I am having a problem reassembling my Ruger Vaquero that I need help with. I disassembled the gun without any problems to install a Super Blackhawk hammer. The Gate Detent Spring has been previously replaced with a unknown brand spring that is super strong. It is so strong I can not compress it enough to insert the Trigger Spring Pivot Pin. So I need to find a replacement but am not sure what to get. Should I install factory spring or is there a aftermarket one that is better than the factory but still easy to install?

 

[BlackEagle]

The factory spring can be tough too. You can very carefully use a pair of pliers or channel locks with cardboard or something else soft covering the jaws (and some thick tape to cover anything else that might touch the gun) to protect the gun. If you put one jaw in the cylinder window and the other on the spring you can (carefully) compress it enough to install the trigger pivot. Don't compress it too much, just enough to install the pin.

 

[G2]

DO you have the gun clamped/vice up? I use a 1/8" punch to push the spring down. It must be the way your going at it because I just don't have the problem, stiff spring or not. Don't feel like I'm pickin on you, this is a common problem for some people, I see this same question often.

I don't know of a better spring and the one you have is probably the better one.

Then there is this option or you can make something like it. It will give you some ideas maybe,,, or for $26 you can own it. :roll:

http://www.brownells.com/1/1/27317-ruger-sa-gate-detent-spring-clamp-gate-detent-clamp-brownells.html

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have used a small 'C' clamp to hold it down. When the frame is clamped in a vise I can push it down with half of a cloths pin. It takes some jiggling to get the pin through.

...Jimbo

 

[Pinecone]

Seldomseen, Here is a pic of a tool I made out of an old pair of pliers I picked up somewhere many moons ago. I put a rubber tip on one end to protect the revolver frame. the other end goes on the spring. Makes the job really easy. You can make a similiar tool out of a pair of long nose pliers........................Dick :idea:

 

[Seldomseen]

Well I figured out what is wrong. I just remembered I took pictures of the internal parts (for another post coming later that will raise some eyebrows) when I removed them. I compared the spring to before and now and discovered that about half of the spring has collapsed on itself. No wonder it won't compress. So while a new spring is definely needed but I am wondering if I might as well replace the trigger return spring and mainspring. I guess 15 years of shooting took it's toll.

 

[J Miller]

More like some forum of abuse took it's toll. My newest Ruger SA is 39 years old and still running on it's original springs. Ruger springs just don't wear out from normal use.

As for the gate springs I'm curious as to why so many folks have trouble with them. I had two New Models back in 1975 and took them apart with only my screwdrivers and fingers.
Never needed any special pliers or clamps.

Joe