Okay, I have OM Blackhawk and a NM Bearcat that have the half-cock and I believe it is called a reverse index pawl, so that the chamber line up perfectly with the ejector; so my question is how can I get my NM Single-Six set up in the same way by the factory or a good gunsmith. Thanks, canoe13
You're a little off with your understanding of the situation. The OM Blackhawks and the NM Bearcat have "half cock" notches in the hammers.
This image focuses on the differences in length between OM and NM Bearcat cylinders, however a OM Bearcat hammer is easily seen and its' quarter cock and half cock notches are evident.
The current issue New Models that have the "reverse indexing pawl" do not have any extra notches on the hammer. They are fitted with a "free spin" pawl which, when the hammer is at the "at rest" position, "cams" the pawl back toward the hammer and keeps the pawl from contacting the "ratchet" which is on the rear of the cylinder. So, unlike the design utilized by many, many Custom Gunsmiths, Ruger added the "reverse indexing pawl", which is a small spring and plunger that rides on the ratchet and prevents reverse rotation of the cylinder and also lines up the chamber with the loading recess in the cylinder frame.
So, all one needs is a current production "pawl" and then the assistance of a machinist to drill the proper hole in the cylinder frame for the "reverse indexing pawl".
Me? I weld up the hammers and cut in a half cock notch then slim down the back side of the sear portion of the trigger so it'll drop into the half cock notch. Not an "relatively easy job" but very effective, IMHO.
flatgate
