ROA malfunction

[mazo kid]

OK, here's a question for someone more knowledgeable than I am on the workings of the ROA. I have an older, well used but good condition ROA. SOMETIMES.... if I function the revolver in a less than positive manner it will lock up - tight! - and the only way I can get it functioning again is to remove the cylinder and re-install it. I am at a loss to find the cause, as when I remove the cylinder, the problem goes away. Hopefully, someone can tell me what the problem is and how to correct it. Emery

 

[brubincam]

are you lubing the cylinder pin?

 

[Jim/OH]

There is a good chance it is a piece of spent cap falling down into the lower hammer area. It can happen easily, especially if you tip the barrel up when cocking for the next shot.

 

[LEE3370]

Have you taken it completely apart and cleaned it?
Sounds like you might have some thing in the hammer channel of the frame (piece of a cap?) not letting the hammer go far enough forward to let the spring end of the bolt come over the cam on the hammer.
Next time it happens, try pushing the hammer forward. It may not need but a very, very small movement.

 

[Zonie]

By saying, "...function the revolver in a less than positive manner it will lock up - tight! ..." I assume you mean, "if I slowly retract the hammer, it will lock up..."?

This may have something to do with the "hand" needing lubrication or perhaps the end of it that engages the cylinder is damaged?

Just a guess.

 

[mazo kid]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I probably should have said that it locks up mechanically. I just finished a tear down and didn't find anything loose, caps, etc. What I did find is that the hand spring was a little rusty, so did a general cleaning up and lube, polished the sides of the hammer as long as it was out. I won't be able to check it out for a while as we just got 6" of snow a bit ago. Could be my imagination, but the action seems crisper. Amazing thing is, this ol' gal is 34 years old and still going strong. Emery

 

[pmwest]

If your complete breakdown and clean up does not solve the problem then you may have a timing issue. I have a Bearcat that locked up solid at half cock, could not get it free for anything. Talked to Ruger about it and they ended up repairing it under warranty. If your problem persist, then I would call them and see what they will do. 603-865-2442

 

[slowpokebr549]

My old army had a timing problem like this as well. Ruger fixed it. It would lock up just past half cock if you didnt hold your mouth just right.

 

[mazo kid]

Yup, that sounds like the problem. It won't do it ALL the time, just once in a great while. Hopefully, freeing up the hand plunger/spring did the trick. Emery