Ruger 44 Carbine gas problem!

[junglejim]

I have a 44 carbine with the fingergroove stock that I bought about a year ago. The rifle has never cycled fully after the first shot. I have always felt that it was maybe the gas port was clogged from someone shooting cast bullets. Tonight I took it apart and there was some minor blockage of the gas port but not enough ( I think) to cause a problem.
I noticed that the gas plug that is in front of the piston has a threaded hole in the center but nothing in it??? I also see gas burns on the inside of the stock from gas escaping thru this hole. Is this supposed to have a screw in it? I'm hoping someone can tell me yes and my problem is solved. Thanks for your help!
My deer lease is overrun with hogs and I really want to go thump one with the carbine!
Jim

 

[mike7mm08]

Yep there should be a screw there. I don't recall if there is any adjustment required or not. All my carbines have functioned just fine as long as they were clean. I would call Ruger it is very unlikely they will have the part. But they might be able to offer some insight as to what if any adjustment is required if you find a suitable screw.

 

[wunbe]

Had the same problem with my old style carbine. Ruger stopped supplying parts for it years ago but my smith was able to wheedle the necessary replacement parts from his contacts there and it now works fine. The issue then was worn -- not missing --parts.

Good luck,
wunbe

 

[junglejim]

I had not considered the possibility that the screw is an adjustment. I am going to get a screw today and see what happens when I screw it in and test fire it. It is exciting that I may be close to the end of a year of frustration. Can anybody tell me if the screw is an adjustment or what purpose it serves?

Thanks

Jim :lol:

 

[Jimbo357mag]

This is a great article on cleaning and adjusting the 44 Carbine.
Here is the gas piston section: http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/ig/Ruger-44-Carbine-Instructions/Ruger-Carbines-14.htm

...Jimbo

 

[junglejim]

That is a great article and I used it step by step last night on the disassembly. The forementioned screw is visible in two photos but not mentioned in the article at all. I bought a allen screw ( photo looks like one) this morning and will install tonight. I would like to know what the purpose of this screw is. Looks to me like its only to block the hole so why put the hole there in the first place?

Jim :roll:

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Part C-89 Piston Plug Set Screw.
Perhaps to be able to put a drop of oil into the piston chamber for lubrication.
From the owners manual online at Ruger.com

http://ruger.com/products/_manuals/model44.pdf

...Jimbo

 

[junglejim]

Lubrication point...... that would explain it. I replaced the screw and the carbine cycles for the first time since I have owned it. I really appreciate the help from the forum. Refinish the stock this week and this project is done! My 7 months of being unhappy has withered the bloom on owning the Fingergroove carbine so it will be for sale soon and off in search of a mini 30.

Jim

 

[mike7mm08]

If you plan on selling it I would leave the stock alone. Unless it is really bad this gun will bring more in original condition than refinished. Not many of the finger grooves around.