Trouble cocking new Vaquero

[41Dude]

Was at the local gun store today checking out a NIB blue Vaquero.
Clerk handed me the revolver after checking to make sure it was unloaded. I then checked again to make sure it was unloaded.
Pointed it in a safe direction and tried cocking it. Hammer moved about 1/16th" then jammed. Released pressure on hammer and tried again. Cocked normally and cylinder rotated normally. About every 4th try hammer would jam. Then would function properly.
I passed on buying it. Do any of you folks have an idea of what was happening?
Makes me worry about Ruger quality control.
Thanks.

 

[Johnnu2]

Wild guess.... maybe the cylinder pin wasn't all the way locked into position... I've seen that prohibit cocking depending on whether the barrel was pointed up or down...

J.

 

[hittman]

Yep … what John said.

 

[41Dude]

Mental head slap for me. I never checked cylinder pin. I am heading back tomorrow to give it a look. I really liked the Vaquero but the hammer hangup gave me pause.
Thank you for the help.

 

[contender]

Direct from Ruger;

 

[41Dude]

Now that's rubbing it in ;)
I have shot my Super Blackhawk over 40 years. Removed my cylinder and oversize basepin about a zillion times for cleaning.
Never had a problem (or apparently read the directions) in that time. Lol.
Thanks again for the schooling.

 

[peachhead]

On a new gun in particular, occasionally the transfer bar will get hung up. Tilt the gun muzzle up and try again.

 

[contender]

I wasn't trying to rub it in. :D
Actually, another post a few weeks ago, which was similar,, made me dig out that flyer from Ruger. I just hadn't taken the time to put a picture of it in my files to share. Your post prompted me to do so,, to help you & others.

 

[41Dude]

I did not take it badly :) It was something I needed to learn.
Went back to gunshop this morning.
The Vaquero basepin was ALMOST locked in place. Pushed it into locked position.
Vaquero functioned properly after that.
It was a .357 mag version. I really thought about it but am going to keep my eye out for a .45 instead.
Thank you again for the tip. I am sure it will help others in our Ruger addiction.

 

[Rclark]

It was a .357 mag version. I really thought about it but am going to keep my eye out for a .45 instead.

Good choice. Nothing like the o' .45 Colt for fixed sighted shooting :) .