Author Topic: Ruger Anniversary .357 Magnum (Read 972 times)

Shootist Elite · « **on:** May 07, 2006, 05:12:15 PM »

I had a chance to try a few quick shots off a bench with my ruger today. I was quite pleasantly surprised at the results. I only fired 2 seperate 6 shot groups but was able to get one 1 3/8 and 1 5/8 ctc groups. I was using 158gr CCI Blazer ammunition. For myself and considering the somewhat short sight radius because of the 4 5/8 I was satisfied. Neither group appeared to show any obvious signs of a bad chamber out of the six. I have been thinking of installing a Base Mountain Pin as well as a Trigger Spring Kit to reduce the pull weight. The trigger weight right now is slightly over 4 pounds. Not bad but could be better.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2006, 07:16:04 PM »

I'm having about the same results with mine.
Beware the standard base pins don't fit the anniversary model. Belt Mnt. does make them, but they don't list them on their wesite.
The 'rubber' grips don't fit my frame too well, leaving some sharp metal to bite me during recoil.
I have some nice old walnut, I'm going to make a set of grips myself.
After my other S/A .357 gets back from repairs in Wyoming, I'm going to send my Flat Top off to Bob Munden for a level 1 action/trigger job.

Shootist Elite · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2006, 07:42:25 AM »

When I spoke to Brownells they made it sound like the Belt Mountain Base pin that fits the New Model Blackhawk (141-100-007) would fit the Anniversary model. If you know what specific Model fits it I would appreciate it . Also do you have the phone number for Belt Mountain in case I need to speak to them. I guess I didn't realize there would be a problem with the base pin. Thanks for the heads up.

Art in Colorado · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2006, 03:26:26 PM »

The Belt Mountain Base pin for the Anniv 357 is not the same size as a standard Blackhawk base pin it is shorter. Belt Mountain makes them and they add a very nice touch to this sixgun. The telephone number is 406-388-1396 their web site is www.beltmountain.com. The price is about $22.00 or $23.00. I like the knurled style my self. I have purchased about a half dozen base pins from them and I must say they are fine people who make an out standing product.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2006, 07:35:34 PM »

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When I spoke to Brownells they made it sound like the Belt Mountain Base pin that fits the New Model Blackhawk

I think they are making an assumption there.
The .357 Flat Top is the first Ruger SA to be made on the smaller '.357 frame' since 1973. It is shorter front to back and top to bottom.
Give Belt Mountain a call to be sure.

Shootist Elite · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2006, 10:53:51 AM »

I was just able to install a Brownells reduced power replacement spring kit on my Ruger .357 magnum Anniversary Revolver. I replaced all three springs that came with the kit, the hammer, trigger and base pin. I opted to go with the middle 18lb hammer spring as opposed to the 17lb or 19lb spring. This gave me a final trigger pull weight of between 3lbs 2oz to 3lbs 4oz. This is just fine for my purposes. The original weight was around 4lbs 4oz. The one thing I did notice though after replacing the base pin spring with the heavier one that came with the kit was that the slight amount of cylinder playI had was lessoned. Go figure. This was the first time I ever worked on a Ruger revolver. The most difficult part I thought was getting that replacement hammer spring back on that hammer strut rod. Other than that it wasn't to bad. Overall I am quite pleased with the end results. Just hope I don't have any problems with misfires. Will have to wait and see. Just thought I would pass along my experience with doing this.

Tom C. · « **Reply #6 on:** May 15, 2006, 10:26:30 AM »

I have two of the 50th Anniversary .357s that I have given my wife for CAS. I have replaced the springs and smoothed up the internals on both. I also recut the forcing cones with a 5 degree cutter. They both shoot very nicely. I have broken in the barrels with jacketed bullets to smooth them for lead bullets. I do find that the tubular barrels are smoother than the forged barrels. I have a new GP100 4" that shoots well, but the bore is a little rough and will take more work with jacketed bullets to smooth it out. I just ordered Belt Mtn cylinder base pins for both of them. I have already put the Belt Mtn pins in all my other Ruger single actions.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2006, 07:37:08 PM »

Quote

I do find that the tubular barrels are smoother than the forged barrels

Could you explain that a little further please?
I've noticed my new Flat Top barely leads at all and cleans up like a breeze.
Just as an aside, I ran out of handloads and shot some Winchester .38 USA 130 grain fmj's. In all other guns that load is pretty mediocre. In the Flat Top it shot very tight little groups at 25 yards. Go figure.