Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper 22 repair question

[ole442]

I had breakfast this morning with a former fellow co-worker. We are both retired and get together for breakfast at Bob Evans every so often. Prior to this morning he has been telling me about an issue he has with his Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper! It doesn't do it all the time but often enough to where it's not real reliable. He wanted me to take it to my gunsmith to have it repaired. It's a sweet looking little pistol and he bought it new, maybe 2 years ago! He brought it with him this morning and was trying to show me what was happening. When he holds it level and cocks the hammer, there is a piece just below the firing pin that moves up and interferes with firing the gun. He said that if you point it towards the ground, it's less likely to malfunction. I assume it's single action only but didn't ask (he seems to like single action pistols).

I told him being newer that , most likely Ruger would fix it for free. I also said that they might pay shipping to and from the repair facility. He goes shooting very little since he's taking care of his wife so, I doubt it has a lot of rounds through it. It's a sweet looking pistol!

Any rate, what will Ruger do for him. Anyone have the best contact info for them and what the procedure is? Does Ruger pay for shipping and send RMA's??

He's a great friend and I'm just trying to help him out and I've never had to send any of my Rugers back to them!

Thanks for your help,
OLE442

 

[rugerguy]

hard to "see" just what you describe, and yes the best bet is call Ruger customer service and 'ask/complain', as thats not 'right'..... and he should ask for a "RMA" ( return authorization) good luck......

 

[WAYNO]

Is the basepin fully inserted?

 

[ole442]

I have no idea, I only own 4 revolvers none which are Ruger?

 

[WAYNO]

That's a place to start. Sometimes the basepin will hiccup and stop just short of full insertion. A little lube and polish may help. Just make sure the basepin latch locks the basepin in place. That ensures the basepin is fully inserted.

 

[G2]

Check the plunger on the tip of the basepin, is it protruding and spring is good? a drop of oil while your there, it might be sticking.

and as mentioned, is the basepin locking in tight and staying.

A call to Ruger,,,
will most likely issue a prepaid pick up tag, fix it, and ship it back.

 

[moparclan]

Like mentioned before, sounds like the base pin is not inserted all the way or plunger is sticking and not holding the transfer bar out.

 

[daveag.]

That's about the only thing it can be. I've seen that on my Rugers. Clean and oil base pin and plunger.

 

[ole442]

That's about the only thing it can be. I've seen that on my Rugers. Clean and oil base pin and plunger.

Can that be done without disassembling the gun. Never done much with revolvers! Any good video links of this repair? Is this common!

 

[rugerguy]

yes, with the gun "empty" (unloaded) cock the hammer back, and look down into the space between the hammer face the rear of the cylinder frame...you will SEE the 'transfer bar' thin metal piece comes up , this piece "transfers" the energy if the face of the hammer onto the firing pin.....this "bar" comes up with the trigger pulled back...if when pulling the hammer back on the ';empty' gun there is NO pressure from the center pin ( springy thingy) on the rear, this bar can catch, hang up on the bottom edge of the firing pin..in other words you hold the gun facing skyward, "gravity" will allow the bar back and let it clear, if you hold it towards the floor, the bar will "catch" hang up.....your center pin is NOT"seated" or like noted above the "springy thingy:" on the back side ( rear of the pin) is broke ,stuck or missing, if the pin is seated........

also if your 'Shopkeeper ' is stainless they often will have burrs and a simple deburring of the center pin and the frame hole may be needed....

 

[contender]

rugerguy has give you an excellent explanation of what is happening & why it may not be functioning.
To work on the base pin,, is EASY!!!!
Open the loading gate,, the cylinder should turn freely. On the frame, in front of the cylinder is a cross pin assy which is spring loaded. Just in front of that is the end of the base pin. Depress the cross pin assy, & pull out the base pin. The cylinder will also come out now.
Check the end of the base pin,, (see the picture above,) and the little tip is a spring loaded piece. THAT'S the piece that needs to be fully seated to allow the gun to operate properly. Re-assembly is just a reversal of the removal.
All this should be in your manual. If you don't have a manual, contact Ruger for a FREE one.

 

[ole442]

It was not my gun! I own no single actions!

I did give this info and also sent a couple Youtube videos to my friend and he said this info and the cleaning fixed the problem and he was happy!

Thank you to all who replied and /gave information!!

OLE442

 

[Dan in MI]

I'm not familiar with Bearcats, but another cause for the same malfunction, at least on singles sixes and blackhawks, is if they altered the trigger return spring a little too much.

 

[ole442]

That friend of mine is like me, not a fan of altering gun internals. . If it works fine and has no issues, why mess with them! If there's a problem, it's a problem from the factory and will either send it back or take it to my trusted gunsmith!

 

[contender]

Glad to know we were able to help get it back into service.