Blackhawk Grip Frame And Load Gate Spring Question

[azdover]

I've done a couple of grip frame conversions and noticed that some frames have a small notch for the front of the load gate spring and some don't.  I recently replaced a factory BH plow handle with a Midway USA Bisley grip frame and had to do some work on the the load gate spring.  The load gate was very hard to open and it was a little loose when closed.  The original factory frame did not have the notch but the Midway frame did.  I bent the upper leg of the spring back a bit and shimmed the slot in the Midway frame, which removed the free play and reduced the effort to open the load gate.

The picture below is just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.  The stainless frame without the recess on the left is the original factory piece that I replaced on a late 70s NM.  The black one without the notch on the right is from a new Blackhawk and is about the same size as the one in the Midway frame.

Is this a big deal?  Just curious.

TIA,
Pete

[revolvercranker]

I my opinion, which is just an opinion, Ruger should have just left his single action alone. Another thing I never liked about the loading gate setup it doesn't line a cylinder up for loading or unloading which each rotation click of the cylinder. Small thing, but annoying.

[bradshaw]

Pete.... my guess, a batch of gate springs were made with excessive arc in the bend. In order to flush the grip frame against the frame, a flat was ground on the bulging spring. And then, the grip frame was notched for clearance.

To hold the loading gate closed and to hold it open, an angle on the loading gate hinge cams against the angled end of the gate spring. Occasionally, one or the other angle needs tuning. Usually this can & should be done on the gate spring. Unless you know what you’re doing, don’t mess with the gate; the loading gate is polished to the frame.

Steel grip frames are investment cast. Aluminum frames are not investment cast.
David Bradshaw

[azdover]

Thanks for the info