P-345 problem after nightsights install

[buckshotshorty]

I brought my 345 (slide only) to a gunsmith to install my new Mepro night sights. When I got home and put the gun together, I could not get the gun to move off the safety position. It would not fully dis-engage. What did he do wrong?

 

[hittman]

You certain it is reassembled correctly?

Can't figure how new sights wold make a difference .... unless ..... something inside the slide (??) is "catching".

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I seem to remember something about part of the mechanism being exposed in the slot for the rear sight, similar to the Walther 99 series. Apparently the safety can be damaged if the rear sight is drifted incorrectly. I don't own a P-345 or a Walther 99 though, and am going by a flaky memory.

I do vaguely remember something about "P345 rear sight issues". Maybe a search?

-- Sam

 

[buckshotshorty]

I'm pretty sure the magazine safety is under the sight. I"m wondering if it has something to do with it.

 

[hittman]

The mag & firing pin safeties are under the rear sight

Above quote is from this link:

http://www.thehighroad.us/showthread.php?t=219373

 

[berettapistols]

On page #34 in this pdf there is a diagram of the parts for the P345..
http://www.ruger.com/products/_manuals/pSeries-45.pdf
There are several parts that look different than the earlier P series
Good Luck!!
Gary/bp

 

[rugerfan100]

Please let us know the outcome. I was just about to change the sights on mine as well....

 

[mohavesam]

Maybe check this topic in the Rugersmithing section?

I suspect there may be good, experienced 'smiths there who don't bother with some other sections...?

- check to see if the safety parts were modified in any way to allow the aftermarket fit. I'd also check with Ruger CS and ask if they
'll work on the modified gun (for a fee?) before I send it to them...

good luck and keep the forum posted!

 

[buckshotshorty]

Update:

I went back to the smithy this morning, and he removed the rear sight again, checked the safeties, put the sight back on and got the same results. Oddly, when he removed the sight, the safety worked freely and seemed fine. Removed the sights again, this time pushed the safety to the FIRE position, put the sight back, and all is well! Safety is no longer locked up and works as it is supposed to.

 

[bowfita]

There are write-ups on "cleaning" under the rear sight, which refers to removing the mag release safety. The allen adjustment screw for the sight sits over the firing pin block and spring, and if you unscrew the sight's adjustment allen screw too far, the plunger/spring will move up into the available space. When you then slide the rear sight, pin block can be sheared/bent/damaged.

Here is a thread with instructions, but NOTE: I would change Step 1, you DO NOT completely remove the rear sight lock screw (you want it to be flush with the bottom of the sight) per this person's post: "Pay close attention to step C. I removed the sight screw completely and sheared of the firing pin block plunger when it rose into the set screw hole. Brownells has the replacement since it is the same part number as the P90 plunger."


http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=17203&highlight=removing+magazine+disconnect+p345

 

[Donaldjr1969]

Being that I am not a P90 guru like our more senior (and more experienced) members may be, is this a problem that can affect a P90 as well? Or is it unique to the P345 only?

 

[JAREDSHS]

Being that I am not a P90 guru like our more senior (and more experienced) members may be, is this a problem that can affect a P90 as well? Or is it unique to the P345 only?[/quote

Answers: no, and yes.

 

[Donaldjr1969]

Being that I am not a P90 guru like our more senior (and more experienced) members may be, is this a problem that can affect a P90 as well? Or is it unique to the P345 only?

Answers: no, and yes.

Thanks, Jared. While I am happy with the sights on my P90, this will be nice to know if I ever decide to upgrade them in the future.