Dear forum brothers - I have a problem with a NM Blackhawk - loading gate won't open. Yes the spring is in the right position, it is not popped outside the loading gate cam. I even changed the spring and the loading gate, did no good. When I take the cylinder and base pin out of the gun it works fine, opens every time. As soon as I put them back in it won't open. Any ideas? This is frustrating me!
Need help with Blackhawk loading gate won't open
- Thread starter Redington Slim
- Start date
I am confused. You have to open the loading gate to remove the cylinder.... I don't see the difference between opening the loading gate, or opening the loading gate to remove the cylinder.... Sorry if I seem dense 
. The loading gate won't open if the revolver is cocked.
. The loading gate won't open if the revolver is cocked.
OP
Sorry for not explaining clearly enough. I can get the loading gate to open when the cylinder is in the gun by pulling back the hammer just a little and then releasing it. But this is not normal, not how it should operate. After cycling the action a few times the loading gate sticks shut again.
First questions are, how old is the firearm? And have you kept it clean? The first thing I always recommend is clean the darned thing.
OP
The revolver is a new model Blackhawk made in 1973. And it is very clean.
Antipaladin
Single-Sixer
Is the gate detent spring slipped or have a rough finish? Might also check the upper right grip screw and lower right screw that locks the hammer pivot. I’ve had that happen before if I install the trigger assembly without putting in the gate first then futzing the detent spring to get it in. If I’m stuck I just carefully strip the revolver down and put it back together watching a YT video on it. Make sure I’m not having a brain fart and sometimes I learn something new
OP
Gate detent spring had a rough finish, looked kind of chewed up at the tip. I had a spare one on hand and changed it, but it didn't make any difference. After I assembled everything the gate still sticks. Always put the gate in first, then the detent spring and cylinder lock, then the trigger and hammer assemblys. Have taken it apart multiple times last night double checking everything, and no luck. Watched several assembly videos last night too.
nvbirdman
Blackhawk
Next time it sticks, try pushing the base pin in.
OP
Already did that even tried a different base pin. Didn't work.
I'll go ahead and say it . . . perhaps you might contact Ruger about this. :wink:
Hondo44
Hawkeye
I believe you have a transfer bar issue.
The plunger in the rear end of the cyl pin keeps backward tension on the transfer bar so it doesn't hang up on the firing pin when cocking the hammer.
The loading gate is blocked from opening with hammer cocked by the transfer bar.
Assemble the gun w/o the transfer bar and see if gate works correctly. If it does, try a different transfer bar of the proper lengtn for your frame size.
The plunger in the rear end of the cyl pin keeps backward tension on the transfer bar so it doesn't hang up on the firing pin when cocking the hammer.
The loading gate is blocked from opening with hammer cocked by the transfer bar.
Assemble the gun w/o the transfer bar and see if gate works correctly. If it does, try a different transfer bar of the proper lengtn for your frame size.
OP
Hondo44, thanks, I will try this. I'll report back later to let you know if it worked. Thanks!
OP
Hondo44, thanks! It worked! Followed the steps you outlined, and yes the problem was the transfer bar! Swapped in a different one and no problems! Thanks so much! You are the man!
Hondo44
Hawkeye
Rslim,
You're very welcome, my pleasure anytime. Glad it worked out!
You're very welcome, my pleasure anytime. Glad it worked out!
Hondo44
Hawkeye
Johnnu2 said:
LOL. Thanks John!
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