I'm not sure if this a common problem, but this is the first time I've run into this during my limited experience with Ruger single actions. When trying to remove the grip frame pivot lock screw ("long grip frame screw" for short), it would back out about a quarter turn and then lock up. I tried heating it up with a propane torch thinking it might be thread locked - still no luck. Just as I was reaching for the trusty angle grinder, I thought I'd try one more thing. I tightened the screw and then backed it out repeatably. It finally started to rotate counter clockwise a bit at a time and then finally came out. Taking a close look at it, the tip of the screw that engaged the hammer pivot was severely deformed.
Compared to other few guns I have, this screw was pretty mangled although all of them were slightly deformed. Looking at the parts involved, the long screw tip is wider than the grove in the hammer pivot which must have caused the deformation. Maybe it was designed this way so the tip would deform to help lock the screw in place, but I wouldn't know.
To help prevent this problem in the future, I'm going to round the tip slightly so it just fits snuggly into the hammer pin groove taking care not to shorten the long screw at the same time.
Just something you guys might want to keep in mind next time you're trying to get that "@*!" grip frame pivot pin out before resorting to heavy equipment or high explosives. Hopefully, more knowledgeable folks will speak up in case I'm way off base here (which I frequently am).
Pete
Compared to other few guns I have, this screw was pretty mangled although all of them were slightly deformed. Looking at the parts involved, the long screw tip is wider than the grove in the hammer pivot which must have caused the deformation. Maybe it was designed this way so the tip would deform to help lock the screw in place, but I wouldn't know.
To help prevent this problem in the future, I'm going to round the tip slightly so it just fits snuggly into the hammer pin groove taking care not to shorten the long screw at the same time.
Just something you guys might want to keep in mind next time you're trying to get that "@*!" grip frame pivot pin out before resorting to heavy equipment or high explosives. Hopefully, more knowledgeable folks will speak up in case I'm way off base here (which I frequently am).
Pete