Pin on Ruger Blackhawk was sticking out - Should I be worried?

[guitarguy314]

Hi all,

I was cleaning my Ruger Blackhawk convert-able, when I noticed that the pin that holds the sights in place on top of the frame was sticking out. I tapped it back into place, and the gun appears to be functioning normally. Is this something I should be worried about? What would cause this to happen?

Thanks,

L

 

[chicharrones]

I had the same thing happen to my GP100 years and years ago on its first or second range trip. I put some Loctite on it and tapped it back in place. The gun hasn't seen tons of rounds, but the pin never came back out.

 

[BSA1]

If the pin was loose enough for you to push back into place with just your fingers your gun has a problem. The best fix will be to replace the pin with a slightly larger one. This is one of those small jobs that I would have a gunsmith fix. It is easy to mar the finish or mess up the hole in the frame trying to fix the gun yourself on the kitchen table. A well stocked gunsmith should have different sizes of pins on hand and proper size drill bit and jig to redrill the holes straight if he needs to enlarge holes for the new pin to fit.

 

[dbmjr1]

This is common. I've several Blackhawks. If it becomes problematic, remove the pin and bend it slightly by striking it with a hammer, gently. Reinstall. No more problem.

I've done this several times.

If you're nervous, send me the pistol. I'll bend the pin for you, then mail it back, several thousands of rounds later.

 

[guitarguy314]

Thanks for the info guys.

BSA: I couldn't do it with my fingers. I covered the pin with a thick piece of leather and tapped it back in with a hammer.

 

[DPris]

Common Ruger problem.
The absolute dead-simple way to fix it is the way Ruger does it on guns returned for correction: Tap the pin sideways enough to bend it very slightly, then tap it back flush.

In over 30 years of doing this, it takes longer to dig out a wood-handled hammer or plastic-handled screwdriver to do it with than it takes to do the actual fix, and I've never had one move again.

Not necessary to remove the pin, no glue needed, and certainly no point in paying a gunsmith to R&R with a thicker pin.

If the pin's sticking out between an eighth & a quarter inch, use the wood hammer handle or the plastic screwdriver handle (or any non-marring/non-scratching plastic or brass hammer head) to just tap it a couple times sideways. Very little bend required, then seat it flush.

If not sticking out that far, something like a paper clip can frequently be used to push it out far enough to tap & bend.

It's really a 30-second whack & tap fix. Couple whacks to bend, tap it back in.
Paying a smith $30-$40 to get elaborate on such a simple thing would be silly.
Denis