Ruger No. 1 Gunsmith/Help Question

Vaquero · Sep 24, 2012

My Ruger No. 1 has been re-assembled (I did it) into the receiver with the "breech block arm" located in the rearward slot/mortise and not the forward slot/mortise located with the "ejector roller" on the "breech block". See page 20, diagram 7 of the manual.

Also the lever was re-installed into the receiver as well.

All of these parts now cause the breech block and lever to jam and they cannot be removed or closed. The lever will not completely close or open the breech block because the breech block will not completely close or open. I.E. the incorrectly replaced parts are jammed inside the receiver.

Currently the parts will not come out with light hammer taps to a brass punch. I intend to "hammer" no harder or no more. As far as I can tell the only remedy is to put the action in a vise and hammer out the lever (which I expect will damage it) and the the breech block "should" come out.

Any other suggestions?

I am anticipating having to send it to Ruger but would like to avoid that if possible due to the unreliability of shipping and mailing firms.

Thanks.

Precision32 · Sep 25, 2012

You might try using a piece of 1/4" or 3/8" nylon dowel for a punch. Aluminum rod also makes a good non-marring punch.

I have a hammer with a polypropylene head, made for stretching sheet metal that works well for not marring your work.

Good luck.

Vaquero · Sep 25, 2012

Thanks, I am hoping to turn this over to my gunsmith in a day or two.

I will look for the nylon punches though. I have often wondered how "non-marring" brass punches are if you really whack away on something.

zach_king · Oct 14, 2012

I have the same problem with a no 1. Have you resolved the lock up problem? What was the opinion of your gunsmith?

gewehrfreund · Oct 15, 2012

It's always best not to force things that are supposed to move smoothly and without binding.
AND, it's always best to walk away and leave problems like this alone for a while. Often, when you go back to it, you will think of something that does work, or your "technique" will succeed when there's less stress driving it.
This, from the voice of experience

Good luck.
(If you have some good slick lube, you might try getting some into the action parts. Then, try pushing up on the breechblock while "pulling" (not swinging) the whole lever down. It might loosen things up so you can get the parts out)