Need Help --- Free Spin Pawl Install on Ruger SA

[Nikon Shooter]

I ordered a Belt Mountain base pin, spring kit, and free spin pawl for my SBH Hunter awhile back, and decided to install everything myself.... I have never had a SA revolver apart (until today) and could use a little help so that I get everything reassembled correctly....

First of all, I am using the instructions that came with the pawl, and I am also using my owners manual for reassembly. My first question is, once I get the hammer/pawl and trigger/transfer bar in the frame will it matter what position the loading gate is in (open or closed) before reinstalling the cylinder latch and gate detent spring as well as both hammer and trigger pivot pins?

Next, as long as the lowest point of the pawl does not stick below the frame line, and when bottom/back side of the pawl contacts the lower rear frame slot and if at this point the teeth are retracted from the window, then everything should be good to go with no reason to have to remove any material?

Last (for now), the mainspring...... Sometime back, on my first attempt at field stripping a 1911 style .45, I let the wrench slip off the barrel bushing and got to witness first hand the recoil spring/plug break the sound barrier 8 inches from my face before slamming into the ceiling.... To this day, I still have a good laugh over that one, but I'm very thankful it hit the ceiling rather then my face.... Needless to say, since the .45 incident, I have been somewhat leary with anything under pressure. Could someone please recommend a safe way to relieve the tension so I can get the nail out and replace the mainspring?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Jim March]

Well this will help with one part...

http://www.cylindersmith.com/Ruger-spring.html

As to the Pawl, you might call Power Custom's tech support?

 

[Wedge]

Wear safety glasses when working with anything that could fly into your face...your eyes will thank you.

I still need to get a BM base pin and a Wolff extra strength base pin latch spring...

 

[Leaky Waders]

i'm no expert...nor a gunsmith

I put the power custom hammer and trigger and spring assemblies in my vaquero a while back...I literally just finished placing the free pawl in mine.

I was a little intimidated to do it since I had to fit the part with some filing...

I used an arkansas knife stone to remove some material from the point "a" on the free pawl to permit my hammer to close.

The timing is perfect.

The loading gate doesn't matter - it comes right off and on - it's just held in place by that little hair spring like thingy...the "gate detent spring" that holds the machined pin in place that holds the trigger.

Overall this is a fun gun! Placing the power custom parts were easy and made a huge difference in the trigger. The pawl was a little more difficult but not much.

Now I'm off to midway to cruise the grip set. I can't wait to start reloading for this thing. It's such a huge hobby just playing with this one gun.

V/R,

L.W.

PS If worse comes to worse you can always put the old pawl back on it if you geek the new one up...so I say go for it and see what you end up with.