Loading Gate Opens When Shot

[Sevastopol]

Shot my .480 Ruger today for the first time. It sure is a blast! I noticed that after I shot it, the loading gate would be slightly open. I guess with such a large, heavy round, it is normal for the gun to twist as the bullet travels down the barrel, maybe with enough force the loading gate opens a bit and it then springs back closed. The 3/16" or so notch in the frame that the top of the gate slips into has the top corner missing just enough material that when closed you can see a little gap. Is this part of the design to allow the gate not catch on a sharp edge? If so, then maybe it just needs a little polishing.
I will try to get a picture up.

Thank you.

 

[Sevastopol]

It seems posting pictures here is not simple.

 

[WAYNO]

I had a recent New Vaquero with loading gate issues. I could have disassembled the gun and fixed it, but instead I just had Ruger send a shipping label and I returned it. I'm glad I did. The loading gate was in fact defective and not repairable. They replaced it. 8)

 

[Sevastopol]

I had a recent New Vaquero with loading gate issues. I could have disassembled the gun and fixed it, but instead I just had Ruger send a shipping label and I returned it. I'm glad I did. The loading gate was in fact defective and not repairable. They replaced it. 8)

I just e-mailed Ruger about this. I may end up sending it back, too.

Thank you.

 

[daveg.inkc]

I have a .41 Blackhawk does same thing. I ordered a gate spring for it. I carry a small screwdriver to put spring back in place

 

[Hondo44]

I have a .41 Blackhawk does same thing. I ordered a gate spring for it. I carry a small screwdriver to put spring back in place

Your gun's issue is not common but does happen. And a different issue. The tip of the spring that rides on the loading gate pivot just needs a slight bend to the rear.

 

[daveg.inkc]

I have a .41 Blackhawk does same thing. I ordered a gate spring for it. I carry a small screwdriver to put spring back in place

Your gun's issue is not common but does happen. And a different issue. The tip of the spring that rides on the loading gate pivot just needs a slight bend to the rear.

Thanks Hondo. You gave me that advice a few days ago. I am going to do that today! Thank You!

 

[daveg.inkc]

This do not happen to my .41 until I sent it back to Ruger for repair. Front sight was not soldered correctly and it came off while shooting. Get it back and now spring slips off. Beautiful re-blue job, tho.

 

[Hondo44]

This do not happen to my .41 until I sent it back to Ruger for repair. Front sight was not soldered correctly and it came off while shooting. Get it back and now spring slips off. Beautiful re-blue job, tho.

Ruger likely just throws new springs in it when torn down for a re-finish, and you got a bad spring.

 

[Sevastopol]

Just got off the phone with Ruger. I will be sending it in to them and will try to update.

 

[gramps]

So that makes your revolver semi auto? Ready to reload immediately after firing. :mrgreen: Sorry, just couldn’t resist the urge.
gramps

 

[Sevastopol]

Sent via FedEx yesterday.

 

[Asltrfl]

Yes, I've done that to all my Rugers. Break it down, polish the loading gate spring, and you can bend it a tiny bit, easy to do. Fits tight, and smooth to open and close.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Heavy recoiling SA revolvers with Right hand twist rifling have a lot of torque during recoil causing the loading gate to want to pop open if the gate spring is weak or there is not a case in the cylinder to support the gate during recoil?
Bending the spring is a big help.

 

[Sevastopol]

Sent it to Ruger. They returned it with a ground down gate and frame that I can only assume worked. After the grinding down the fit was just terrible (even for a Ruger), so I sent it back. They returned it with a new gate that works and fits just right (other than the gap left where they ground down the frame before). I'm satisfied, so I took it to the range this weekend and it shot fine. Now to get all the related gear.

A moderator on another site posted pictures for me of the original condition, 1st fix, and final results. I don't know if It's okay to say which site the pictures were posted in, though.

 

[Hondo44]

Ok to post site.

 

[Sevastopol]

Pictures are in Shooters Forum in same titled thread.