Ruger pawl

[olywa]

I was just on the Ruger site and noticed that the new Vaquero has a 'reverse indexing cylinder pawl'. Does anyone know whether Ruger has any plans to make that an upgrade for the Blackhawk/Super Blackhawk? Or will that pawl drop in to those models without a lot of fitting? Seems like it would be a nice modification that would offeer some real convenience.

[Tom C.]

The reverse indexing pawl is actually a spring loaded plunger, in the receiver face that is in the ratchet. Don’t know if they plan to mod the other guns to the same standard. Some people actually fit or modify pawls to a free-spin pawl configuration to allow the cylinder to rotate either direction.

[olywa]

Thanks Tom, it sounds like there will be no way to upgrade an existing Blackhawk then. I've been thinking about the free-spin pawl but I'm afraid I'd miss the click. I still think the reverse indexing is a good idea. Maybe Ruger will put that mod into the Bisley Hunters down the line sometime and give me yet another reason to get one of those.

[dave375hh]

Olywa,
Power Custom makes a retro-fit pawl for Ruger Blackhawks. I've done five of them and only one needed fitting, and that was minor. I've also heard that the factory pawl can be modified to work, but I haven't seen or heard how that is done yet.

[Tom C.]

There are commercial free spin pawls available and there is a modification technique that is supposed to do the same thing. I haven't tried either. I have fitted new pawls when necessary, and they are usually a pain.

[Old Griz]

:cb2: I bought three free spin pawls from Midway, but after having one installed, I sent the other two back. It's OK, spins like a top, but I really missed the clicks. Decided I wasn't in that big a hurry to load, or reload, and that extra trip around the cylinder if I missed one wasn't gonna cause me any physical or psychological damage. (Of course, as old and crazy as I am, who can tell?) Couldn't tell any difference with the Wolff springs either. Oh well--guess that makes me insensitive, too.  

[oso45-70]

:cb2: I bought three free spin pawls from Midway, but after having one installed, I sent the other two back. It's OK, spins like a top, but I really missed the clicks. Decided I wasn't in that big a hurry to load, or reload, and that extra trip around the cylinder if I missed one wasn't gonna cause me any physical or psychological damage. (Of course, as old and crazy as I am, who can tell?) Couldn't tell any difference with the Wolff springs either. Oh well--guess that makes me insensitive, too.  

Old Griz You can do the change without buying the free spin pawl. But if you like the clicks you won't be interested If you are interested shoot me an e-mail and i will explain it to you. Good to see you are up and running. Good luck to ya     .......Joe.........