Issue with New Blackhawk - Missing Gripframe Screw

[RoverSig]

I recently picked up a Ruger Blackhawk Flat Top .41 Rem Mag revolver (it was made in 2009, but was sold as new-in-box). A set of Altamont wooden grips and it looks beautiful. I've reloaded about 100 (mild) rounds for it, and shot it twice. Accuracy, function and workmanship are all excellent.

This weekend I was checking it out and noticed one of the grip frame screws (from right behind the trigger guard) is missing! The gripframe does not feel loose. I faxed Ruger and asked for them to send a replacement gripframe screw. It is possible this screw vibrated out from firing 100 rounds, but more likely it was never installed at the factory.

I mention this because I read on one of the forums recently about someone else having this happen to them. I don't think it is a serious problem, and I am not generalizing about "Ruger Quality Control" having problems now-a-days (after all, this revolver sat in a box since 2009). The problem is very quickly fixable -- but maybe it happens more than it should, and other folks might have this issue like I did without noticing it (the screw is somewhat recessed, and, well, I just didn't notice it until I had the revolver for about three weeks). So I pass it along, as it is something to check when you get a new Ruger Blackhawk...

 

[NewportNewsMike]

Keep in mind that each of the two grip frame screws right behind the trigger guard is a different length. The longer one will go on the same side as the groove on the hammer pivot pin.

And you cannot always say the hammer pivot pin has been installed with the groove on the right (left) side. It will work either way - you just need to make sure the longer screw is on the same side as the groove.

 

[RoverSig]

Wow, thanks, I had no idea. You made me look at the parts diagram, and learn something!

I see on the parts diagram one is called the Grip Frame Screw & Pivot Lock (the long one, on the right, #24) and the other is called the Grip Frame Screw Bottom (the shorter one, on the left, #26). I am missing the one on the left - probably the short one.

The number key is at -- http://www.midwayusa.com/General.mvc/Index/Schematics~ruger_blackhawk

(Parts diagram courtesy of Midway USA).

 

[Hondo44]

On a practically new gun like yours, it was probably never installed. When I test guns, I only put 3 screws in to save time, and you can't tell 2 are missing, the GF is tight. Determine which screw you have and fax Ruger back; they're wondering which one you want or sending all five.

Like was said, on newer guns the long lock screw can go in either side to match how the hammer pin was installed, but on older New Model guns, it would would only go in one side because only one of the GF lugs that enter the frame beside the hammer, was relieved for it. On very new guns since c. 2006 with steel GFs like the New Vaquero and NM Flat Tops, the GF no longer has those lugs.

 

[flatgate]

Well, methinks there's a lesson to be learned here. Sure, I'm a snooty old collector but I have shot a few rounds down a Ruger barrel or two. I have a "possibles" box that is always in my "range bag". What's in it? Some tools that have been modified such that they fit the screws in my Ruger shooters very, very well. I also have spare screws, pins, sight parts, etc. It's something all of us shooters need to think about. :D

Happy shooting!

A couple of my shooters. :D

Flatgate