Author Topic: Turning the barrel, huh? (Read 667 times)

Dustee Miller · « **on:** November 14, 2005, 10:15:09 AM »

I own a Ruger Vaquero that shoots low and to the left. Its been said by some that a gunsmith can "turn the barrel" to make the sights line up differently and correct the problem. In a Single action revolver there is that ejector housing attatched to the barrel and for the life of me I can't see how it'd work. Can anybody explain that?

lefty o · « **Reply #1 on:** November 14, 2005, 07:12:07 PM »

there is a little leeway to make minor adjustments. ruger routinely installs barrels crooked and they still manage to get the ejector housing screwed down. and yes, i speak from experience- my super blackhawk hunter came from the factory with the barrel improperly indexed.

cntryboy1289 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 14, 2005, 08:11:46 PM »

You can do it without much harm. If you have to spin it more than a 1/8" or so, you might just need to have the sight moved.

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2005, 01:31:22 PM »

Send it back to Ruger, they will make it right, you will be out the freight to them. Include a detailed description of the problem. If you have any after market products (springs,sights etc.) ask that they be returned to you. Ruger will put it back to factory. It will take 6-8 weeks, you will receive a conformation letter when they receive it. If you reload don't mention it, only the factory ammo you have used. They will return it insured by Fed EX. I have had a Super Black Hawk and a Red Hawk sent in, and returned fixed, both in 44 mag. Go to their web site for the address, you will be shipping to the east coast plant. Your cost will be the freight out. I would insure it.
Jim

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2005, 11:17:53 AM »

I forgot to add that my Rugers that had the barrels turned were fine out of the box. Heavy loads of hard cast lead (my fault in loading to hot) I believe led to the barrel twist. How ever the 3rd Ruger a 7" Red Hawk had no problems. It has to do with a "crush fit" I am told. I am not heard of recurring problems after they repaired them.
Jim

gunnut69 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2005, 04:00:16 AM »

Jim
What problems did you have? Crooked barrels or barrels not indexed correctly usually don't manifest themselves on adjustable sighted weapons. The adjustable sight usually takes care of the problem. The Vaquero is a fixed sighted weapon and altering the barrel index is a valid way to adjust the sights, sometimes anyway. I've even bent the front sight blade a bit to alter the impact.. Also I don't believe your loads had anything to do with sight misalignment. One may damage a revolver with overloads but moving a barrel screwed into the frame would be highly unlikely..