Ruger BH 50th Aniv. problems help!

[mtndew]

I recently bought a new Ruger Black Hawk 50th anniversary .44 magnum. Shot 50 rounds out of it no problem. Put on a new grip, started having firing problems, hammer would stop half way in its travel when pulling trigger. So, I thought grip was causing interferance of some kind, took it off and still had the problem. I then took grip frame off of gun cylinder frame to have a look, didn't find anything. Re-assemble, still have problem. I figure out that if I leave two of the five grip frame screws slightly loose, the hammer falls as it should. The two screws are the one to the left of the hammer and the longest one that comes up from the bottom by the trigger.

Why does this bind the hammer when these screws are just sensible tight? I've tryed different tightening sequences, same result. I guess I could blue loctite those two screws, but I don't get why its an issue with a new gun anyway. Any ideas?

Randy

 

[REP1954]

Are you sure you bought the correct grips for the gun? This gun comes with the locking XR3 grip frame that requires the grips to be relieved or else they will rub on the hammer strut spring. If you replaced them with after market grips you may have been sent or you may have ordered the incorrect panels for your frame. Ruger does offer wood grips for this frame on their website if that is what you were looking for. Randy.

 

[mtndew]

The grip I tryed on it was a pacmeyer presentation for a colt SA. I was told you could make it fit, but after working it in a few areas it became apparent that the screw was always going to rub the spring inside the grip. So, I need to get a new grip, I was trying to find a larger one for bigger hands but im not turning much up.

But anyway, now with the grip off. The hammer binds half way through its travel unless I leave the two grip frame screws described above a little loose? I can't tell if the hammer is binding on the sides of it or at the pivot, but leaving the two screws a little loose makes the hammer fall proper. I just don't like not having them tight on such a powerfull cartridge. I'm not sure if loctite and slightly loose would cut it or not? Thanks for the reply, Randy

 

[bedrockfred]

i've had the same trouble at times, try this hold gun together, install long bottom screw just snug, be sure its on same side as notch in the hammer cross pin, then cock hammer & remove what you used to block hammer strut , release hammer (pull trigger) now cock hammer, put in other frame screws,tighten evenly.----- Did that help? ___bedrockfred

 

[mtndew]

Thanks for the reply. I did just as you said and it worked! Your method must allow everything to find its place, before you tighten the rest of the screws? Now I just need to do a range check to make sure it hits the primers hard enough, but i'm guessing its a go, hammer travels well and sounds like its hitting hard when dry fired. The firing pin sticks out what looks to be close to right when dry firing, so i might have a winner. Thanks a bunch.

As a side note, could anyone recommend a replacement grip for the factory cheese grater grip that might fit a larger hand better?

Randy

 

[Bountyhunter]

Make sure you get grips for the 50th anniversaries, or New Vaqueros. There are more than a few grip makers on this forum. Check the classifieds.

 

[mtndew]

Will do, I was just wondering if someone had hands on experience with a grip that worked better for larger hands. Thanks.

 

[bedrockfred]

Happy i could help! now cock hammer, drop pencil down barrel, pull trigger! pencil flys, good to go!__bedrockfred

 

[Bountyhunter]

Will do, I was just wondering if someone had hands on experience with a grip that worked better for larger hands. Thanks.

Here's some, Jim has that will fit. He can even make you over sized ones I believe. Shoot him a PM.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=152455&highlight=

 

[flatgate]

Above is my 50th Anniv. "shooter". I modified a Bisley hammer so it would fit. I rounded off the square backed Super Blackhawk's trigger guard. The gun now has a lot more room to "adjust one's grip".

JMHO,
flatgate

PS I "set back" the trigger and also cut in a "half cock notch" in the hammer. Now it's one done "My Way!"

:D

 

[Rodfac]

Geez, Flatgate, the pictures you post just kill me, envy doesn't begin to describe my mental state...wish I had the know how and tools to duplicate some of the fine work you've presented over the years...good on 'ya, as my Kiwi friends say. Best Regards, Rod

 

[mtndew]

Will do, I was just wondering if someone had hands on experience with a grip that worked better for larger hands. Thanks.

Here's some, Jim has that will fit. He can even make you over sized ones I believe. Shoot him a PM.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=152455&highlight=

Those oversized grips might just be the ticket thanks for the link.

 

[bedrockfred]

hi Randy, did you try pencil test to check firing pin?

 

[Hondo44]

On the Anniversary models, NM flat tops and New Vaqs the grip frames are 1/16" narrower and the grips panels are as well. In addition the grip frame is an XR3 style which is 3/16" closer to the trigger guard. The standard grip frame (XR dash 3 for blue steel or aluminum alloy) with Ruger wood grips will make a big difference and the Super BH size like flatgate's or a Bisley grip will give you a maximum size grip even with just factory grip panels.

 

[mtndew]

hi Randy, did you try pencil test to check firing pin?

No i actually took it shooting and it ran like a champ. Thanks again, and I will also remember the pencil trick.

Randy