Ruger update

SingleShotLover · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:18 am Post subject: Ruger update

I promised updates, so here's where I'm at at this point. Just about ready for serious polishing and sight installation after I fill the screw hole in the top-strap where someone drilled it for a scope mount (I assume). Anyone know of a source for a barrel band front sight please let me know.

First a look at the left side before work began:

And the cylinder before work began:

Top strap showing the screw hole before work began:

Barrel, receiver and cylinder have been draw-filed and are just about ready for lots of polishing:

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:00 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Photos of the various tools used in the process would be nice too...

I've draw filed octagon barrels and done a lot of draw filing of flat surfaces when hand machining parts, but draw filing a round surface...

One more thing. I take it that that is one of the older Rugers and it has the steel grip frame.

Keep going...You are generating a lot of interest in this project.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:20 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Not that hard to do. Just make light, full length strokes and make sure you slightly overlap each pass with the same pressure to ensure that you are keeping the surface rounded. It's the only way I've found to remove rust pits and deep scratches without leaving dips and waves in the surface.

As for tools...screw-specific screwdrivers, a hacksaw, good files of various cut patterns, a vise and lots of emery cloth to this point. Barrel was cut square with a jig I rigged up and then filed perfectly square using hardened steel plates to maintain angle. Polishing will be done with a polishing wheel mounted on a salvaged electric motor I've used for more years than even I care to count.

Vince · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:08 pm Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Looking good SSL...as Bushy said...plenty of interest in this project mate.

Cheers, Vince

SingleShotLover · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:16 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Bushmaster wrote:

One more thing. I take it that that is one of the older Rugers and it has the steel grip frame.

Sorry...I forgot to address this question. The grip frame is aluminum since this is a "New Model" Blackhawk made (according to the serial number range) in 1975. I'm going to try Brownells Aluma-Hyde II but if I don't like the looks or durability my son's friend runs a powder-coating business and he can do a gloss black for $10 at most. We'll just have to see how the Brownell's works. I could just replace it with a steel grip frame and blue it, but since I want a "hiking" gun and I don't intend to use "magnumized" loads I would like to keep the weight down as much as possible for comfort's sake.

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:24 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

I got tired of the "paint" chipping off my aluminum grip frame and ejecter housing so I...........

SingleShotLover · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:45 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

I agree. I guess I should have also mentioned that I will be replacing the ejector housing with a steel one. Should help keep the weight forward where I prefer it.

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

With the 6 1/2" barrel you don't have to worry about forward weight. In fact, for me, it's too nose heavy. It just does not balance as well as my Colt with the 4 3/4" barrel.

stovepipe · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:38 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Nice Blacky Bushy. So nice in fact yer prolly not gonna miss that Colt roller..... so send it my way. Very Happy

Oooops- forgot.

Please.

Razz

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 10:40 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Right...Give it to you...Right... Haha

My sides are starting to hurt... ROFL

stovepipe · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 11:07 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Aw, comon, I said please!

Bet all the screws are tight too, like the Redfield's, from being locked down correctly *cough-never uses it-cough*.

Wink

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 11:42 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

There is no loktite on the colt though it came from the colt factory with red loktite. That was 45 years ago...I only use loktite if I have a stuborn screw that just won't stay tight. Like the Screw on my Model 19 rear sight that mounts the sight to the top strap.

stovepipe · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 11:48 am Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Copy that...just funnin' with ya. I like that Colt of yers and may get one some day...

Back to the Ruger thread.

Rugers rock!

44marty · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:11 pm Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Oooooh Stovey - That is one fine-looking hand cannon. Makes mine look like a poor man's gun.

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:36 pm Post subject: Re: Ruger update

Marty...If you need information or help in building a gun . There are at least three people, that I know of, that do just that.

Stovey
SingleShotLover
AND
FNuser

Maybe more, but........