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Post by boxhead on Jul 15, 2021 0:25:10 GMT -5
I have a third year Flattop 44 Mag cut to 4 1/2" that I bought many years ago from a gent on the Ruger Forum. I fitted a BM Keith style base pin (without locking screw) to it years ago as well. I have shot it a fair amount without cleaning, a habit of mine, and decided to clean it. I had to "pry" the base pin out and noted it would not slide into the bare cylinder or bare frame once removed. The rear of the notch had a peened high spot that was found to be the problem after slight stoning. Once back together I noted that when the pin was pushed forward the gap between the rear of the base pin and cylinder frame was .040". As it's the only Blackhawk I have up here in Idaho I do not know if this is normal. Thoughts please.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 15, 2021 5:55:13 GMT -5
The gap between the base pin handle and frame is no issue.
I'd replace the base pin with a new locking one along with adding one of Keyle's hardened latches. Just sounds like a sacrificial lamb from recoil to me.
Others can probably offer more insight...
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Post by boxhead on Jul 16, 2021 0:45:28 GMT -5
So Kelye's pin is the sacrificial lamb? Doubtful. I bought the pin not wanting the locking screw as the piece sees 44 Special +P's at best. A harder latch pin would just hammer the pin more so I am lost on that. My question was to the clearance about base pin float. Is .040" the norm?
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bamagreg
.327 Meteor
Woodstock, GA
Posts: 851
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Post by bamagreg on Jul 16, 2021 4:45:04 GMT -5
Sounds normal to me and as encore said it’s not a problem even if it is more than usual. The only thing that could cause it to be more than normal is wear on the pin’s notch or the locking latch. (Unless your frame has shrunk with age)
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Shakey
.327 Meteor
Central Arkansas
Posts: 543
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Post by Shakey on Jul 16, 2021 22:09:08 GMT -5
Boxhead, I feel like I must be reading your post wrong but your statement "when the pin was pushed forward the gap between the rear of the base pin and cylinder frame was .040" ", sounds as though the base pin does not seat INSIDE the hole in the breech face.
If so, you definitely need a new, longer, base pin. It should extend completely through the breech and be visible at the rear of the hole when the hammer is cocked.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 16, 2021 22:17:56 GMT -5
Sounds normal to me and as encore said it’s not a problem even if it is more than usual. The only thing that could cause it to be more than normal is wear on the pin’s notch or the locking latch. (Unless your frame has shrunk with age) My thinking exactly. If the rear of the notch is getting peened, it's hitting the latch. I'd stick with my original assessment to buy a locking base pin and hardened latch to prevent movement. I assume the mentioned gap is between the front of the frame and back of the base pin handle?
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 16, 2021 22:23:56 GMT -5
So Kelye's pin is the sacrificial lamb? Doubtful. I bought the pin not wanting the locking screw as the piece sees 44 Special +P's at best. A harder latch pin would just hammer the pin more so I am lost on that. My question was to the clearance about base pin float. Is .040" the norm? I'm not sure there is a "normal." These guns measure all over the place. Ditto on the cylinder latches. Therefore, line bored cylinders. Also, cylinder endshake makes base pin movement worse. Fitting of these parts make all the difference. Rugers are very sturdy revolvers, fitting is hit or miss.
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Shakey
.327 Meteor
Central Arkansas
Posts: 543
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Post by Shakey on Jul 16, 2021 23:06:49 GMT -5
I expect that Encore is right that you were talking about the measurement between the front of the frame and base pin boss.
I checked several of mine and none had as much as .040" "float". However, if it is not causing a problem and everything functions OK, I would keep using it as-is.
If it becomes a problem, …time for a locking base pin.
For my own education, …if you have a locking base pin, do you even really need a latch?
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Post by tdbarton on Jul 16, 2021 23:27:50 GMT -5
I expect that Encore is right that you were talking about the measurement between the front of the frame and base pin boss. I checked several of mine and none had as much as .040" "float". However, if it is not causing a problem and everything functions OK, I would keep using it as-is. If it becomes a problem, …time for a locking base pin. For my own education, …if you have a locking base pin, do you even really need a latch? The latch provides a lot more surface contact.
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Post by leadhound on Jul 16, 2021 23:29:01 GMT -5
For my own education, …if you have a locking base pin, do you even really need a latch? Maybe not, but I think they work together, even if barrel was dimpled for set screw could chance shearing it.
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Shakey
.327 Meteor
Central Arkansas
Posts: 543
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Post by Shakey on Jul 17, 2021 0:05:55 GMT -5
Oh, as a belt and suspenders kind of guy I would certainly keep it but don't see how it would be doing anything as long as the locking base pin was working properly.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 18, 2021 14:01:35 GMT -5
Oh, as a belt and suspenders kind of guy I would certainly keep it but don't see how it would be doing anything as long as the locking base pin was working properly. "Locking" can mean more than one thing. Some "Locking" Base Pins have a Threadless Stub that sits inside a notch drilled in the barrel. This keeps the base pin from moving forward. The Belt Mountain Base Pin is more of an upgrade than a method. Well designed so the set screw pushes against the barrel keeping the base pin from jumping the existing Ruger Style Base Pin Latch.
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Post by squawberryman on Jul 28, 2021 5:12:18 GMT -5
Where does one procure hardened base pin latches?
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Post by tdbarton on Jul 28, 2021 7:44:23 GMT -5
Where does one procure hardened base pin latches? Kelye at Belt Mountain. I believe they are $11
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Ramar
.30 Stingray
Posts: 399
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Post by Ramar on Jul 28, 2021 10:49:14 GMT -5
The gap between the base pin and cylinder frame is all over the map on my old model Rugers, boxhead. On one 41 mag, it's about 0.054. My 45 has a Belt Mountain base pin (no locking screw) and it's pretty snug.
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