Ruger Blackhawk won't fire

[coop4u2c]

I just bought a Ruger New Model Blackhawk, .45LC, 4 5/8", used and when I went to the range it would only fire 3 rounds (of 12 I tried). The primers of the unshot rounds was dimpled by the firing pin but they wouldn't igninte. I noticed that the firing pin barely clears the frame when dry fired. I also noted the pin would extend far enough when pressed by a small dowel. I dissassembled, inspected, cleaned, oiled and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Rounds were by Winchester. Any help ?!?!

 

[jaybar]

The key word here is that you bought it "used". I'll bet that the previous owner either cut a couple of coils off the hammer spring or replaced the original spring with a reduced power spring in an attempt at a kitchen table trigger job. Give Ruger customer service a call, describe your problem and ask for a new hammer spring -they'll probably send it to you free. You can order a Vaquero mainspring through Brownells for $2.60.

 

[rcmodel]

If it cocks real easy, someone probably put an under-powered "Cowboy Action" spring kit in it and went too far.

rcmodel

 

[Ifishsum]

I had a revolver with the same problem and it turned out to be a poorly fit transfer bar. If i jerked the trigger back hard and fast while firing it would go off every time, but that's not very conducive to accuracy. I sent it back to the manufacturer and got it fixed.

That's now part of my "revolver checkout" when I'm looking at a purchase, even if it's new. I didn't notice where he said he bought it used...

 

[ewayte]

The phone number for Ruger revolver service is 1 (603) 865-2442.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Give Ruger customer service a call, describe your problem and ask for a new hammer spring -they'll probably send it to you free.

Buy used, someone elses problem and mess-up. and expect free parts?Just call thier parts dept, Midway or Brownell's and order the spring.

Do the right thing and just buy new springs. If what small amount they cost is too much, find another hobby.

 

[nicholst55]

First thing first; do you have another revolver to try the ammo in? Make certain it's not the problem, although that is doubtful, before you start swapping parts.

If the ammo is NOT the problem, then I would replace the hammer spring. Some folks use an Old Army hammer spring on the Blackhawk, because it's a bit stronger.

If a new spring doesn't do it, then your problem may be either the hammer, transfer bar and/or the firing pin. At that point, I would probably send the gun to Ruger for repair. It isn't difficult to fit a hammer and transfer bar if you know what you're doing. If you don't, you may or may not resolve the problem.

 

[bubbaturbo]

If what small amount they cost is too much, find another hobby.

Jeez.

 

[BillyBothHands]

Once you get it fixed up look for the person that worked on it to start with and smack them with a wet sack of potatoes lol. Just my opinion, but I've never shot a Ruger that I thought needed any modification what so ever. Anyhow, hope you get fixed up don't let someone elses screw up discourage, the blackhawk is a fine piece.

 

[ShakyJake]

Hi Coop4u2c
First and foremost a big hearty welcome to the High Road Revolver Forum. In our zeal to help we seem to have forgotten our manners. Most of the suggestions appear spot on, especially around the hammer spring. If you do call Ruger these days and explain your situation, chances are they will request the gun be sent to them for a check out. In this case, if someone has "kitchen tabled" the spring, what else may they have tinkered with. So either a trip back to "The Daisey Puppy Farm" as Snoopy would say or a general check up by a competent pistolsmith may be the best move, for my nickles worth.
And again welcome to THR Revolver Forum
TaKe CaRe
Ted

 

[coop4u2c]

This turned out to be the transfer bar!

 

[Virginian]

I have put Wolff springs in about 8 Rugers so far, and I like the improved feel I get with them, and I do not have any ignition problems either. I save the originals in the box in case the next user want to go retro.

 

[foghornl]

One other thing comes to mind...

Make SURE the revolver is EMPTY. Cock normally, then hold the hammer while releasing, hold trigger back and slowly lower the hammer. Make sure the transfer bar stays up, and that the hammer fully contacts the transfer bar.

I haven't personally seen, but have heard of transfer bar breakage.

 

[cobra2411]

I've got Wolff springs in two of my Rugers and will put them in the third once I function check it at the range (just bought it).

I use the 19lb main spring (23 is stock) and I have no problems setting off CCI300 primers or 22 rimfire. I also use the 30oz trigger spring, but it's pretty light with a burnished trigger and sear. 40oz might be a better choice.

 

[GP100man]

Rugers are kinda sensitive about transfer bar travel & wear .i think it`s because there wedge shaped??
i had a redhawk that started misfiring , a dimple worn into it is all it took.
sent it to Ruger & it came back with the one of the best triggers i`ve felt on a redhawk!!


GP100man