Author Topic: Rugerette 32 gate detent springs--my life's work (Read 507 times)

Cheyenne Ranger · « **on:** February 03, 2004, 03:55:52 AM »

The Ruger 32's are smaller than the full size RV's and use the same size springs. So we have less mechanical advantage to open the gate. I decided to lessen the spring tension by cutting off the spring at the gate. Not a good idea as that also effects the cylinder stop dropping when you open the gate as well as not letting it go to full lock--the cylinder would turn when the gun was cocked--not a good thing as the cylinder would not be lined up with the barrel--a really good way to ruin your day :grin:

To cut to the chase, after 3 springs I now have less tension on the gates. Kept making them too short. Did find that if you compress the spring a bit with plyers it works better, too. Must have taken the guns apart 30 times--file down, try, do it again, went too far, get a new spring, start over. Did learn to field strip the guns blindfolded, though.
I think that compressing the springs did the most good of all. They probably would have taken a "set" down the road but I need them ready for the end of the month when I hope to get my wife to her first match.

ÇR

Lazarus Longshot · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2004, 05:37:33 AM »

Hey, Cheyenne,
I guess you're our resident 'Vaquerito' expert now, huh?

Is your better half gonna be at the Regulators' New Shooters Clinic? I think Lorelei and I are going to work it.....

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2004, 06:07:44 AM »

The only thing I'm expert at is ordering from Brownells :grin: I can find the part number will little or no trouble.

In the stories about shadetree gunsmiths and the costs (and screw-ups) they have gone through, I think $13 isn't bad for the cost of this learning.

Glad we have Lonnie just up the road. Watching him makes me realize just how much time he has put in to get where he is today--that it looks easy when he does it. We still have my brother's 66 to get worked on so will be paying him at least one more visit.

See you Sat

ÇR

Shorty · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2004, 02:46:20 PM »

Cheyenne,
'Just wondering, if one were to hollow out/ dish the underside of the loading gate so that one could get a thumb really inside and under the gate, the spring tension alteration would be moot?
Are such alterations sanctioned? :?

Lazarus Longshot · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2004, 03:40:52 PM »

Shorty,
That might be skatin' the edge of the SASS rules: "No visible external modifications ... are allowed," unless it would qualify as a 'minor modification': "Minor exterior modifications and cosmetic engraving are acceptable so long as the overall outward appearance of the firearm is not altered."

I would probably want to run that by SASS HQ before I started grinding on my pistols. I heard there was a brouhaha at Winter Range over a 3/10" modification of a '97 ejection port. To paraphrase an infamous politician, "It depends on what your definition of 'minor' is...."

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2004, 01:59:44 AM »

Shorty and Laz,
Thought about that and that would really solve problem but as Lazarus mentioned don't want to offend the SASS gods.

I'll see what SASS thinks and go from there (that's what TG's are for)

ÇR

Shorty · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2004, 01:11:34 PM »

Laz, Cheyenne,
Thanks for confirming that my idea might be valid, even if it might be "illegal".

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2004, 12:09:16 PM »

Got the word back from my TG--no go on modifying the gate. Could grind it out and use it at the club level but doesn't seem like the right thing to do.

ÇR