Question about Ruger's conversion on an OM Super

[rboineau]

Guys, I just picked up a like-new Old Model Super Blackhawk that has had the Ruger conversion done to it. Original parts came with the gun and I am going to "un-convert" it. I see that the old cylinder base pin is included in the original parts bag with a new base pin mounted on the gun.

Since the base pin is "captive" on this model and I really don't want to take off the ejector housing if I don't have to, can I just use the conversion base pin now in the gun or do I have to swap? I've only had time so far to just glance at the two pins but they didn't seem different. What am I missing?

Thanks, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina

 

[Hondo44]

You can use the conversion cyl pin, you don't have to swap them. Pull the cyl out and look at the plunger in the end of the pin. That's the only difference.

 

[contender]

I'd swap out the cylinder rods. The removal of the ejector rod housing isn't hard. Besides, you can clean & oil the barrel under it when you do.

 

[pisgah]

I'd swap out the cylinder rods. The removal of the ejector rod housing isn't hard. Besides, you can clean & oil the barrel under it when you do.

+1. Removing/replacing the housing is dead simple.

 

[David Bradshaw]

rboineau.... on the chance the "old model" hammer may contact the transfer bar plunger of the New Model cylinder pin, I'd remove ejector assembly and insert correct pin. This, as Contender says, provides the opportunity to clean under barrel, along with the ejector housing, etc.

A note on old model ejector housing screw attachment: a nut was soldered in a countersink in the barrel. The nut is relatively soft. If, with proper screw driver and down pressure, the screw resists backing, Loctite may have been applied. To defeat Loctite, apply heat to screw head with butane lighter or tip of soldering iron. Ruger tried a hardened nut, but returned to the non-hardened nut after solder failed to bond the hardened nut. I believe Ruger first did away with the nut on untapered silhouette barrels, threading directing into the barrel.

Failure most often attends screws which have worked loose.
David Bradshaw

 

[contender]

Listen to David as he knows of what he is talking about.

 

[rboineau]

Thanks to you gentlemen who set me straight on the cylinder pin business. Hadn't pushed the conversion pin back in enough to see that it had/has a plunger. I'll try to swap but will almost certainly chicken out if the ejector rod housing screw is reluctant to budge. Do like the idea of cleaning/greasing under the housing, 'tho.

Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina