Ruger Transfer Bar Too Short

[edwardware]

A question for all the Ruger Single Action experts out here:

I have a new (to me, fired maybe 10 times) Ruger .44 Mag 50th Anniversary revolver. Upon first inspection I noticed that the transfer bar only covers about 1/4 of the firing pin with the hammer cocked, and after a long creepy trigger pull, still only covers about 1/3 of the firing pin at sear release.

Is this a problem? It seems to me that the transfer bar should sit just below the firing pin with the hammer down (mine's a good .125" below, too much!) and should cover the whole firing pin with the hammer cocked. Is there a source for an oversized transfer bar I could hand fit?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[nicholst55]

What you've seen is entirely normal in my experience, and it'll work just fine.

 

[CraigC]

It is entirely normal. If it goes bang, leave it alone.

 

[edwardware]

Will it still be ok if I remove the creep from the trigger and the hammer falls with the transfer bar contacting only ~1/4 of the firing pin?

 

[Ron James]

You have your answer in reference to your Ruger

 

[Waywatcher]

What really matters is firing pin protrusion.

How far up does the transfer bar go with the trigger pulled all the way to the rear?

 

[edwardware]

At the height of its travel the transfer bar contacts ~1/3 of the firing pin.

Since the gun currently goes 'bang' that must be ok (provided nothing breaks due to reduced contact), but I'm planning on taking some of the creep out of the trigger, and that's going to set the release point earlier, and have the hammer striking when the transfer bar is contacting only ~1/4 of the firing pin.

 

[CraigC]

You have to be careful removing creep from the New Model trigger. A certain amount of creep is necessary and inherent in the design for proper function of the transfer bar. But you probably already figured that out. This is one reason why a New Model trigger will never be quite as crisp and creep-free as an Old Model or Colt (or replica).

 

[Waywatcher]

I will check mine tonight and let you know how their transfer bars look.