sp-101 - Action Binding Problem

[Ferdinand]

I bought a new SP101 almost 3 years ago. The factory trigger was heavy and gritty. I followed some suggestions here and put a few shims in the action, and installed a lighter hammer spring. I hadn't shot the gun more than 50 times before making the mods, and the trigger was so heavy, I can't say if this issue emerged after, or was present from new.

Anyway, the action develops a heavy resistance when shooting, as the hammer is cocking, and cylinder rotating, sometimes - like once in 5 shots, if at all. Overcoming the resistance takes a second hand. My first suspect was ammo issues like protruding primers, but I've been unable to confirm that as a cause. The resistance seems to occur at different points in the rotation of the cylinder, and is not repeatable.

Any ideas what might be going on? I'd like to make this my EDC, but don't trust the revolver due to this issue. Thanks in advance.

 

[hittman]

Maybe somebody changed a bunch of internal parts before the gun was broken in? :idea:

Send it to Ruger. Let them make it right.

Then put a few hundred rounds through it.

 

[Captain America]

When you say put shims in the "action" I'm assuming you mean trigger shims? Remove the shims and see how the trigger and cylinder work with no hammer or strut in the gun. If all is well the add the hammer and recheck, then add the hammer strut and recheck. If I were to hazard a guess I would take a good look at the trigger plunger spring.

 

[Ferdinand]

The shims are the type sold specifically for the SP101, to reduce the side to side slop in the hammer and trigger. Taking them out and evaluating seems like a good idea. I'll give that a try within the next month. I've put a few hundred rounds through the gun now. While taking it apart, I'll see if there are any wear marks that might identify the source of the binding.
Thanks.