Blackhawk cylinder latch spring is nothing but trouble

[Tony_the_tiger]

I spent some time taking a new model .44 special blackhawk down and it turned into quite a project. I just had to tell someone. Getting that cylinder latch spring and plunger to sit just right meant putting it back together, taking it apart, over and over again. It kept bending on itself and slipping off the latch. Then the plunger would just fall out. If I managed to get it right, the trigger spring would get in the way. At first I thought it would be right and then there would be a weak detent on the latch and the cylinder would start having questionable lock up. Well I am here to tell you I finally got it right. The battle is won but the war continues. Next i'll stick a service rod down the barrel and make sure she is lining up right. Then i'll shoot it.

Anyone else have single action take down stories they'd like to share?

Don't even get me started on the gate detent...

Well, in case y'all start wondering "what in the heck is he talking about", I have to tell you that it turns out I had the cylinder latch spring and cylinder latch plunger backwards. That would explain why the spring kept slipping off the latch... because it is made for a plunger to ride on.

The pawl spring and plunger goes in plunger first and then the spring interfaces with the grip frame. I got turned around and did them both plunger first. Yep, things are smoother now...

Cylinder latch spring rides in the hole and the plunger interfaces with the latch.

 

[ClemY]

I had a similar problem. I solved it with Wolf extra power cylinder latch lock pin springs in all NMBHs.

 

[Dog Soldier]

If you have ever owned a single action revolver and used it you have had that problem. The cross pin retainer and spring holding the arbor is a weak point on these firearms.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I believe you are talking about the base pin latch. Rugers (and others) have been known to have problems with those releasing. I've had some give problems myself.

You can get an extra power replacement spring from Wolff. They also have them for Uberti and SAA. That is the only spring you actually want to increase the power on in a single action.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

No problem except my bad re-assembly. When the pawl spring goes it goes in plunger first. When the cylinder latch spring goes in it goes in spring first, plunger out. I had it backwards. The plunger on the cylinder latch spring is what pushes it up and down to lock up the cylinder. I got it working