Howdy
Let's talk a little further about base pins. The real problem is, the spring loaded cross latch that holds the pin in place is often not properly fitted at the factory. This can result in the pin jumping forward under heavy recoil. Actually, the pin stays put and the entire gun jumps back. But the end result is the same, the pin can start working its way forward. And it is not rare, I have had it happen with three Rugers and two Colts.
With a Ruger there is a small spring loaded plunger at the rear of the pin. The purpose of this plunger is to force the transfer bar slightly to the rear as it rises. If the pin has jumped forward, the spring plunger at the rear loses contact with the transfer bar and the transfer bar can jam under the firing pin as it rises, jamming the entire gun up. And no, this is not rare, as I said, I have had it happen to three Rugers. Colts can do it too, however there is no transfer bar in a Colt, so the gun will keep right on shooting until the pin falls out onto the ground. Actually, this is a dangerous situation in a Colt because once the pin has traveled far enough forward it no longer secures the cylinder in place at the rear, and the cylinder can be out of alignment with the bore. When I say heavy recoil, I am talking standard 250 grain 45 Colt loads, nothing heavier, that has caused this to happen with my guns.
There are actually three possible solutions to this problem, it may require a combination of two of the solutions to eliminate it entirely.
1. Properly fit the pin to the latch.
2. Install a Belt Mountain pin.
3. Install a stronger spring in the latch.
I usually opt for the combination of solutions 1 & 2. Installing a stronger spring is a bandaid solution, it only treats the symptoms, does not address the cause.
I do not recommend the Belt Mountain pin with the retaining screw. As previously stated, overtightening it will warp the cylinder pin, causing the cylinder to bind. Plus it is a pain to always carry around that teeny little allen wrench in case you want to remove your cylinder.
Standard Belt Mountain pins are about .0005 larger in diameter than OEM pins. In addition, they are Centerless Ground, not turned, which makes them straighter. In addition to that, the retaining slot in the pin is cut straight across the pin, rather than a circular relief around the pin, as some Vaqueros have. The Belt Mountain design provides more meat for the latch to engage. I have had good success with standard Belt Mountain pins, I did need to custom fit them a teeny bit for my Colts.
Bottom line is, if you notice you cannot pull the hammer back, take a peek at the pin. If it ha jumped forward a bit, you have a problem that needs addressing. If the pin never jumps forward, there is no need to replace it.
