Ruger SBH - Loose Screws and other parts

[Peter M. Eick]

I have a Ruger SBH in 357 Maximum. For the life of me, I cannot seem to keep the screws or most of the other parts tight on it for more then a few hundred rounds. I have not resorted to lock-tite red yet, but after today at the range I am getting a bit closer.

I got to round 374 when I finally got tired of tightening screws. The ones that are the main problem are the front ejector rod screw which needs to be tightened ever 50 rnds or so. The front trigger guard screw which goes about the same time and the cross bolt screw which will go about 200 rnds between tightening.

I admit it, the gun gets quite hot and the heat level is actually my limit to how much I shoot. When I can't handle it anymore I put it down and shoot something else.

So, before I do something I have never done before, ie use lock-tite on a gun, what am I missing and what should I be doing?

 

[rcmodel]

Well fitted gunsmith screwdrivers?

1. De-grease the threads & screws with pipe-cleaners & alcohol.

2. Blue #242 LocTite!

Do not use #271 Red LocTite or you will never get them out again without resorting to heat.

rcmodel

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Thanks.

Yes I have a brownells set of drivers and I have cleaned the threads and holes.

Next time I guess I go blue and get out the brake clean to make sure there is nothing in the threads.

 

[machinisttx]

Well fitted gunsmith screwdrivers?

1. De-grease the threads & screws with pipe-cleaners & alcohol.

2. Blue #242 LocTite!

Do not use #271 Red LocTite or you will never get them out again without resorting to heat.

rcmodel

+1

Degreasing before using loctite is very important.