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Author Topic: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!  (Read 2427 times)

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Offline 4given

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Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« on: February 13, 2011, 05:24:42 AM »
My Ruger 44 special broke  :'( :'(
Maybe you guys can tell me what the problem might be....  :-\

I just bought a very slightly used Ruger  Flat top Blackhawk 44 special. I have only shot 50 rounds of Winchester round nose lead factory loads and 50 rounds of the Skelton load (7.5 gr Unique 240 gr LSWC) before yesterday.

Yesterday morning out at the range I was testing a new load of 8.9 gr of AA #7 behind a 240 gr LSWC. this is not a super hot load or anything. I had shot about 20 rounds or so with no signs of high pressure or anything weird.

I loaded up another cylinder full and squeezed off a round. I thumbed the hammer back, let go and then hammer fell all on it's own!  On further examination I found that when I thumb the hammer back it was not rotating the cylinder and not staying cocked. I opened the loading gate and the cylinder would not spin. I pulled out the cylinder pin but I can't get the cylinder out. I can wiggle it but it just won't come out. Now I can't get the cylinder pin back in.

I will be sending this pistol to Ruger to see what is wrong but I still have to get the cartridges out before I can ship it. I guess I will have to take it to a smith first.

I have owned several super Blackhawks & never had a problem. What gives? Any advice?
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2011, 05:43:04 AM »
What a bummer!
Did you buy it from a dealer, if so, take it back to him and have him send it in, otherwise its going to cost you and be a hassle.
Of course, somebody who knows them will probably be able to tell you whats happened and maybe how to fix it (hope). I hate sending things in and will do about anythig not to, but if it has to go you will get back a hand fit gun, likely better than a factory standard.
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Offline coyotejoe

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2011, 09:05:32 AM »
You can't remove the cylinder because the locking bolt is still engaged. You will need to separate the grip frame from the cylinder frame to get at it. Be sure to lay the screws out in order of removal so you can put them back into the same holes as they are not all interchangeable and be careful not to lose the little spring which sits behind one of the screws. If you can get it to a gunsmith he can probably fix it for less than the cost of shipping it to Ruger. I think I know what happened but will not speculate without seeing the gun, but if I'm right it is a pretty minor thing.
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Offline Wyo. Coyote Hunter

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2011, 11:23:35 AM »
 :-\ Considering my ability, my first step would be to get it to a good gunsmith..I have a friend up the street who is great..I am sure joe gave you excellent advise..but my actions would be the gunsmith...I take NOTHING apart...
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Offline 44 Man

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2011, 12:50:31 PM »
Taking a Ruger apart is not rocket science.  However putting the pin back in for the trigger/bolt while holding the gate spring in the right place takes three hands!  But the good news is that you don't have to tear it down to get your cylinder out.  Just take off the grip frame and the spring that holds the cylinder bolt up will come down with it.  That will allow you to remove the cylinder, rendering it safe for further inspection.  I'm sure we can help you from there.  I have a sneaking suspicion that the gate spring is out of place.  Keep in touch with us, we'll help you with it.  If not, you will have a nice bag of parts to take to the gunsmith, it's ok, I'm sure he's done this before.  :)  44 Man
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Offline 4given

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2011, 03:41:40 PM »
Thanks for all the input guys!

Well I got it fixed. Turned out to be a high primer.

Oddly enough I took the grip panels off & inserted the key into the little safety lock there & turned it to the locked position. I was then able to remove the cylinder for some reason. I don't know if it was just coincidence or not.  I removed the shells & could see the rub mark on the primer.

The tolerances on this gun must be pretty tight 'cause that primer was not very high at all.   Ive had high priimers in the past with other pistols and never had it give me the trouble this one did.

Works good now! Praise the Lord!   ;D
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Romans 3:23  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23a  "...The wages of sin is death..."
Romans 6:23b  "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 5:8,  "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
Romans 10:13  "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord  will be saved!"
Romans 10:9"...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved.."

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2011, 04:18:27 PM »
Sure glad you didnt try to 'resort' to a percussive adjustment!
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We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline 4given

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2011, 03:06:16 AM »
Quote from: gcrank1 on February 13, 2011, 04:18:27 PM
Sure glad you didnt try to 'resort' to a percussive adjustment!

Me too! Thank God I have a little more patience in my old age............ a little more............. :)
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Romans 3:23  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23a  "...The wages of sin is death..."
Romans 6:23b  "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 5:8,  "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
Romans 10:13  "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord  will be saved!"
Romans 10:9"...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved.."

Offline hunterspistol

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2011, 02:31:57 PM »
 :) If you need a way to alleviate high primers, I'd recommend Ram Prime.  Once you adjust it, it's always the same. I use the RCBS Ram Prime on top of the reloading press.  Every primer seats to .004" below the case head.  Makes for secure shooting (because I'm no expert, lol).
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Offline Frank V

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2011, 12:46:32 PM »
4given, glad it worked out. You are going to enjoy that gun they are great.
Frank
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Offline ratdog

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Re: Ruger Flat top 44 special broke!!!
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2011, 05:17:54 AM »
have had no problems with mine have six or seven some i bought used there are no gun smiths her i would trust here. send it back to ruger they are great. great service
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