Ruger Single Six Cylinder Fit

[Shimitup]

I just bought this last weekend and in studying my new (used) gun I noticed something very odd to me, having never owned a single action Ruger perhaps this is perfectly normal. Single action Ruger owners please chime in. The cylinder seems to be fitted with end shake limited by the bushing extension on the front against the frame which seems perfectly normal, and the recoil shield at the outer radius of the cylinder at the rear. (see the attached photo for the locations I'm describing.) It seems very strange to design a gun where the outer part of the cylinder drags the recoil shield to limit end shake, I'm accustomed to the extractor star performing this function on all the DA guns I own. Looking at the star through the open loading gate it appears you could easily slip a .015 feeler gauge between the star and the frame.

 

[RaceM]

End shake is limited by the cylinder extension and the star wheel just like any other gun. If your cylinder does actually drag on the recoil plate check the front of the cylinder to see that it is serial numbered to the gun.

 

[Shimitup]

RaceM, both cylinder have exactly the described fit and indeed have matching numbers. Hard to believe Ruger would blow it so horribly on the fit. Like I said there's at least .015 or more behind the star. That's so far beyond a manufacturing tolerance, that I would suspect data entry error on the CNC. BTW it shoots great. End shake is .003 and barrel cylinder gap is .011, I prefer .005 generally.

 

[CraigC]

The cylinder should not touch at all at its outer edges. Only the ratchet should contact the recoil plate.

BTW it shoots great.

So why does it matter???

 

[RaceM]

Since you mentioned it mine looks kinda wide too, but shoots great same as yours. If it doesn't affect accuracy or the general working of the gun I don't sweat it. Blast away & enjoy!

 

[Jim K]

If the ratchet is not bearing and the cylinder is riding on the loading gate, you will eventually have trouble. I would call Ruger and try to have them look at the gun.

Jim

 

[Shimitup]

Jim,

It doesn't ride on the loading gate itself but on that section around the firing pin area that's typically elevated above the slot milled for clearance for the star. I would definitely not be happy if it was riding on the gate. I may give Ruger a shout next week.

RaceM, if you get a chance would you take a look down in the slot under the loading gate behind the star and see if you have any gap between it and the frame. BTW I shot it again today along with my Redhawk and Desert Eagle. Trips to the range always make for a good weekend. The only obvious problem with the Single Six is that it's missing half of the rear sight blade, already on order from Ruger. I think I'll be able to group better with a rear notch.

Take Care

 

[RaceM]

Shimitup- I pulled the cylinder and had a look in there. Yes, with the cylinder in place and loading gate open there is a gap between the star and recoil plate. BUT, as with yours there is some scuffing (very light) in the raised area of the firing pin and between a couple of the chambers on the rear cylinder face. So I stand corrected on the end shake being limited by the star at the rear.

I suspect the reason that there's a comparatively large gap between the star and recoil plate is to make changing cylinders easier, but I could be wrong about that too. In any event if it ain't broke I ain't gonna fix it.

 

[T Bran]

Shimitup
I looked at mine as well and it has the same marks at the rear of the cylinder. Must be normal since ive had mine since it was new in 1977 it has allways been a good shooter and ive never needed to do a thing to it except clean and oil once in a while.
Just shoot and enjoy the inexpensive ammo costs.
T

 

[Shimitup]

Thanks guys, for taking a look. I was kind of thinking it could actually be designed that way. When cleaning it last night I found that I could just nudge a .014 feeler gauge behind the star. Curious way to build it but now I know.

Take Care