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Author Topic: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem  (Read 1159 times)

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Offline Camba

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Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« on: March 11, 2007, 05:43:56 PM »
Today, as I was shooting a few rounds checking velocity and accuracy at 25 yards with my RedHawk 45 Colt revolver.  The first cylinder was shot without problems at all.  I only loaded 5 rounds at the time.  The second cylinder started fine the first shot.  The second shot went CLICK.  I opened the cylinder and I thought it was probably striking in the empty chamber.  I lined it up so it can go bang but it did not.  The primers were not even dented.  This time, I look at the cylinder as I cocked the hammer and I noticed that the cylinder was NOT rotating.  I tried a few time and it simply did not work.  I did open and closed the cylinder repetedly and the results were the same.  I simply quit testing that gun and brought it home.  With the cylinder empty (safety) I try to do the same and the revolver continued to not rotate the cylinder.  Then, I decided to assist the rotation with my hand and then the revolver was back to normal after that.  My question here is:

1.  Has anyone had a similar problem with this type of gun?
2.  Any speculation of what may have cause this to happen?  The only familiarity I have with revolvers is that the cylinder rotates as you cock the hammer and locks up right before the hammer falls on the pin.
3.  I don't think the load I was using was causing that.  I was testing my Redhawk 45 Colt using 9.2 gr of Bullseye under a 250 gr L RNFP bullet (1155 fps); not really a strong load.

I am all ears for your advice.  Thank you.

Camba
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2007, 05:57:47 PM »
Could of been some dirt or something where the paw is. So when you rotated it by hand you freed up the cylinder. I would do a good cleaning and give it a shot again. Also where did you get that load from. I looked in several of my manuals and could not find on load using Bullseye for the 45 Colt?
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Offline MePlat

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2007, 06:33:50 PM »
Speer #13 page 583 bullseye 260 gr Speer Mag JHP 7.1 gr Standard load  Page 586 Bullseye 260 gr Speer Mag JHP 9.4 gr 25000 cup loads

Hornady 4th edition page 639  Bullseye 6.0 gr 250 gr XTP standard load

It's there.  Take my word for it.
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Offline Camba

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2007, 06:58:01 PM »
RedHawk1,

I think you are in the right track.  The gun was dirty and I bet there was something (a spring maybe) that was stoped by some debris.  I will clean it up and I will carefully check what it was.

As far as the Bullseye powder load, I've got it from my SPEER manual in the section that says "...For Ruger/TC 45 Colt Firearms only..."  My Ruger Bisley 45 Colt acusport liked this load and show an additional 25 fps over the RedHawk (same bbl size).

Thank you for the help.

Camba
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2007, 01:05:57 AM »
That's the one book I did not check, it was out in the reloading room, my other books were in my office.

MePlat, I did not say it was not there, I was just asking where he got the load from, like I said my SPEER manual is out in my reloading room. But thank for the information.  ;D
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Offline Camba

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2007, 01:42:17 PM »
Just thinking about this situation again I thought that if this happened to a hunting revolver, as mu RedHawk is, then the same thing could hapen to a revolver used for self defence, kept in the pocket with dirt and flyns that normally gather inside the pockets.  I know that some people believe that revolvers are inmune to dirt or debris as opposed to semi-autos that must be kept clean for them to operate.  This is just a thought.  I by no means am trying to start a revolver vs auto pistols for self defence war.  I couldn't because I am not well versed in the subject; but, perhaps some one else could give us their two cents worth on this subject.  Thanks.

Camba
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Offline corbanzo

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2007, 05:15:55 PM »
its pretty simple really.  they are guns, they get dirty, you need to clean them to keep them fully operational.
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2007, 01:48:20 AM »
I always clean my guns that I carry. I check them all the time for function. I also go to the range with my carry gun and shoot it, so I stay proficient with my carry gun. Any gun can malfunction, we just have to do out job to keep them clean and due function checks.  JMHO.
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Offline Camba

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2007, 03:59:08 PM »
I do clean my guns.  I have to admit though I do not clean the revolver internally (I am afraid to end up with spare parts).  How far do you go to clean your revolvers and how deep you should strip the revolver to accomplish this task?  I have always cleaned the following:
1.  The barrel
2.  The cylinder
3.  The frame where the cylinder is.
4.  The chambers and the barrel-cylinder area
5.  The part of the back of the cylinder and the frame.
I do not take any screws or pins out to open the revolver any further.

Camba
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Offline corbanzo

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Re: Ruger RedHawk 45 Colt cylinder problem
« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2007, 07:07:22 PM »
truly taking a revolver apart is something you only have to do once in a while, and is actually quite educational on how it really works.  You should take the side plate to uncover the action completely off, look at all the parts, memorize where they are, and start your cleaning.  You dont actually have to take them out to clean, but it helps.  I like to use cotton swabs (like the ones you use on your ears) and toothpicks to get the gunk out if I dont feel like taking anything apart, but i still recommend gettin to know your gun. 
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