need input on a sbh question

[mjoinercpd]

Ok, this is my first post, so be patient with me. I am the new owner of a stainless SBH 5.5 inch barrel. My question is this: What spare parts would you recommend to keep on hand for average wear and tear on a Ruger single action? I know these things are made like a bank safe, but if you were in the back woods for an extended time and had no access to a gunsmith or mail order parts, what would you stock? Just curious. My dad has a large collection of single actions and has bought a handful used. I know if it wasn't abused prior to acquisition, they are great guns. But, what can go wrong in the long term usage situation? Thanks for the help.

 

[gunman42782]

In over 20 years of shooting Ruger single actions, I have yet to have anything break. About the only spare parts I would recommend in your situation would be spare grip frame screws and maybe an extra ejector rod and housing just in case it came off somehow.

 

[mjoinercpd]

Ok, so no internal parts. I was thinking about a second Cylinder pin assembly. Have read a couple postings where this item exploded and was hard to find to piece back together. Probably need to order a aftermarket one and put up my factory one.

 

[flatgate]

I keep a spare Base Pin Latch assembly in my shooting bag. And the tools needed to replace it. I also keep the proper screwdrivers for OM's and NM's in my shooting bag.

flatgate

 

[Jbrown75]

Other than what Flattop suggested, I might toss in a transfer bar as well. Not that I've ever had one break, but you never know.

 

[ctom3]

Heck, a lot of these parts are pretty cheap. Get them, spray them with oil and store them in a zip lock bag if you want to be sure to have them if you ever need them.

The transfer bar is not a bad idea. You can get a stainless one for $10.99 at Brownells. I began having occasional misfires with my SBH that finally got to at least the 50% range. Fortunately, I was only shooting it at the range, so the problem was mainly that it was frustrating and wasting ammo. I finally took it to Alan Harton who looked at it and said he thought the transfer bar was not thick enough. He replaced it and the problem was solved. I asked him how that could happen and he said he did not know. Since this was a problem that progressed over time, I suspect that the original bar was not properly hardened and was pounded thinner by the hammer.

 

[rugerguy]

" Pound your plowshares into swords......"

I'd go with the ejector rod housing screws and a center pin, and pair of grips.......................
beyond that ,I'd buy a 'backup gun'...............

 

[mjoinercpd]

Thanks for the help. Will get with Brownells next pay day.

 

[mraywi]

A pair of Bearpaw grips!!! The 5.5 SBH,you lucky dog those are good looking!!

 

[mjoinercpd]

It has ruined me. Had a 5.5 redhawk, but it wasn't a blackhawk. Buddy wanted in and presto. However, it is now costing me. Need a new single six to match it. At least the wife understands (she is letting me buy one in May when we pay off the house). I got lucky this time.

 

[DeletedMember275]

If it's your go-to-hell gun, always remember that 'two is one and one is none.'

Otherwise, go with the above advice. I think I might add an ejector housing screw to the list, just because. You never know when Mr. Murphy will tag along for the ride!

 

[Pal Val]

The only damage I have ever experinced in a SBH was an ejector housing screw coming off. It was loose and flew off under recoil. Since then, I check the screws for tightness regularly.

I figure an extra screw is not a lot of weight to carry.

 

[contender]

One "part" not on any Ruger SA's is a nylon spacer inbetween the grip panel screws. I buy about a dozen at a time,, (they are 1/2" long,,) and sand off about .003-.005 on average. On any Ruger I get,, I install one inbetween the grip panels to prevent the possibility of overtightening of the grip screw.
Beyond that,, the base pin patch assy, and the ejector rod housing screw. Not much else ever needed for field repairs.

 

[DGW1949]

If your prone to fully disassembling the gun for whatever reason, having a spare pawl-spring and plunger might be good because it's easy to pinch/kink the spring when installing the grip frame.
Spare screws are allways good to have.
Latches get wear on the sides after extended use.
An extra transfer bar might come in handy.
Rear sight blades can get damaged in the bush (or of the gun is dropped).
Cylinder pin and latch ass'y.
I'd want an extra hammer plunger, spring and cross pin.

Before I found myself stuck out in the boonies for an extended stay, I'd also;
Adjust the length of the cylinder pin so's I could remove it without removing the ejector rod housing.
Insure that the transfer bar wasn't getting pinched by the hammer face.
Insure that the ERH was a tight fit into it's frame recess AND that it's shoulder was flush against the frame when installed. Then afterwards, don't remove it unless you absolutely have to.
Remove the grip locating pin and install a new one with red loctite. I've seen them pins start walking out of the grip frame and when it moves far enough, it'll knock a chunk of the grip off. That aint common but it happens.

Hope this helps....and welcome to the Forum.

DGW