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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Halo on September 19, 2006, 06:29:50 PM

Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on September 19, 2006, 06:29:50 PM
My Ruger Security-Six .357/.38 double action revolver has a problem ejecting shells from two of its six chambers.  It loads fine, and ejects .38s, but hangs up two casings when firing .357.  

Yeah, I test fired it before I traded a lightweight .38 for it, but only in .38 (duh).  I usually fire only .38 at the range to stay more economical, and did not realize two of the chambers were balky until occasionally firing .357s.

I have a call in to a recommended gunsmith, but meanwhile thought I'd see if any of you can shed any light on this.  

The cylinder loads fine with either .357 or .38.  When I test chamber clearance with empty .357 shells, they go in easily in four of the chambers, but stick about halfway in the two problem chambers.

I've cleaned the cylinder thoroughly and can't see anything that looks out of place.  The only clue might be slight half moon-shaped wear patterns in the outer edge of the bluing where shells are inserted in the two problem chambers.

My laymen guess is that the two chambers just need to be bored out by the teeniest margin.  But I don't know if there is a more serious underlying problem that would make that unwise.  

What do you think?
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: StarOfAfrica2 on September 19, 2006, 06:32:29 PM
This isnt one of those lightweight guns is it?

Could be leading in those chambers?
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on September 19, 2006, 06:34:21 PM
No, the Security-Six is a nice solid medium-frame steeler.

I've scoured the chambers with usual wire brush and Hoppe's Powder Solvent.  They look spotless and the cotton patches come through clean.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Leslie on September 19, 2006, 06:42:58 PM
Do you reload?  Could be a few hot rounds sticking the brass to the cylinder.  Big grain powder will jam up a revolver also when unburnt grains stick between the cylinder/barrel gap.



Les
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on September 19, 2006, 06:51:03 PM
No, I don't reload -- only shoot standard box ammo.

This problem is only in the cylinder.  Fired .357 shells won't eject from two of the six chambers.  I have to push them out with a cleaning rod after they cool.
Title: Re: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: culero on September 19, 2006, 06:51:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Halo
snip
What do you think?


I think you should contact Sturm Ruger and ask if an RMA is required in order to send them that weapon for correction. Then you should send it to them. They will fix it and send it back.

Last time I checked, you are permitted to ship a weapon to its manufacturer for repairs without a FFL.

culero
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: storch on September 19, 2006, 06:52:52 PM
I think if you send it back to ruger they will repair your excellent revolver and return it to you better than new, free of charge.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: culero on September 19, 2006, 06:54:30 PM
I suppose this is evidence that *******s think alike :)

culero
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Leslie on September 19, 2006, 06:57:59 PM
Find out in your state if you have to send it by someone with a FFL.  By all means send it back to Ruger for replacement or repair.  They may not charge you for it.


Les
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: lasersailor184 on September 19, 2006, 07:01:23 PM
Try a different brand of .357.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Captain Virgil Hilts on September 19, 2006, 07:42:56 PM
It is possible that it is slightly out of time on those two chambers. If it is, then that will make the pressure spike and cause the cases stick. I agree completely with Kelly , contact Ruger and send it back, they'll make it right.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on September 19, 2006, 07:51:03 PM
I'm hoping for a magic fix, something I've overlooked.  

If that doesn't pop up in this thread, I'll probably ship the Security-Six to Ruger.  

I got it on a trade and it's worth only about $200, so I'll gamble $20 to $90 or so that it can be repaired and maybe even renovated.  

I can ship it direct UPS from Virginia.

Other options include:

Keeping using it as a .38 for the firing range and home defense.

Use .357 as a four-chamber loading at the range, or as a six-chamber loading for home defense realizing that two chambers take a long while to eject .357.  

Whichever option, I'll call Ruger and make sure this is not the beginning of a safety issue.

Thanks for your help and interest.  I thought this might be useful as an example of the kind of firearm maintenance and tweaking we all go through.  

And I still hope someone will have the "magic bullet" that lets me solve this without having to ship the gun off.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Golfer on September 19, 2006, 08:26:55 PM
If it's a manufacturing thing...and it sounds like it...the best place to have it fixed is the manufacturer.

I own 2 Rugers; a P89 9mm and a .44 Magnum.  Zero trouble with either of them though I don't think I'd buy another P89.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: AquaShrimp on September 19, 2006, 08:29:47 PM
load .357 in 4 of the chambers, .38 in the other two.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Dago on September 19, 2006, 09:20:22 PM
I hope lazs doesnt read this thread, it will rock his world.  Revolvers are perfect.  :D
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: FrodeMk3 on September 19, 2006, 11:13:53 PM
Curious...Was the ammo you used, aluminum, steel, or brass cased?
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Leslie on September 19, 2006, 11:22:38 PM
If the rounds don't load or eject easily, it is a safety issue.  Something is not working with the firearm.  That particular one is a wall-hanger.




Les
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: storch on September 19, 2006, 11:36:33 PM
i'll betcha they will not even accept payment.  I dropped my 30-06 while climbing up a treestand.  the drop messed up my scope badly.  I returned it to leupold with a note explaining what happened.  they returned it in brand new shape, no charge and thanking me for my patronage.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: asilvia on September 19, 2006, 11:38:18 PM
Actually sounds like those 2 chambers are either slightly warped or were bored slightly oversized. That would result in the casing to expand and "stick" or jam inside the chamber.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on September 19, 2006, 11:44:10 PM
(quote) Curious...Was the ammo you used, aluminum, steel, or brass cased? (unquote)

Brass.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: FrodeMk3 on September 20, 2006, 03:55:54 AM
Halo...It might be that this particular gun was dropped, or Hit with something hard, on the cylinder. However, the good news is, if the cylinder isn't repairable, It's easily replaceable. Storch and Culero are right, Ruger is very good with their customers, they'll help you out if your gunsmith can't. I'm thinking a blow on the cylinder coulda egg-shaped two holes.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Nightshift82 on September 20, 2006, 04:48:44 AM
sounds like you're having alot of problems with your gun Halo.  I'd just take to a gunsmith and have him to a total tune up on her.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on September 20, 2006, 09:34:24 PM
The Ruger votes win -- I'm UPSing it to Ruger tomorrow.  

Gunsmith about 30 miles south said it would cost about $60 to polish the two chambers.  

Law requires Next Day Air for handguns to manufacturers, so with insurance and trip to UPS customer service center about 22 miles north cost will be about $50.  

Yep, sending my Ruger Security-Six back to Ruger makes the most sense and cents.
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: Halo on November 13, 2006, 10:29:59 PM
Thanks guys for your excellent advice.  Nothing like sending the product back to who knows it best: the manufacturer.

Got my Ruger Security-Six .357 revolver back from Ruger seven weeks after I shipped it to them.

Ruger fixed the shell extraction and keyholing by replacing the barrel, repairing the cylinder, replacing some internal components, and even refinishing and reblueing it.

My cost was $47 to UPS it next day air in accordance with gun shipment law.

I've owned five Rugers over the years, including this revolver from a trade this year. This revolver was made in 1977. How many companies stand behind their product 29 years later? That's what I call pride of product and company integrity.

Thanks, Ruger!  

:aok
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: storch on November 13, 2006, 10:46:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Halo
Thanks guys for your excellent advice.  Nothing like sending the product back to who knows it best: the manufacturer.

Got my Ruger Security-Six .357 revolver back from Ruger seven weeks after I shipped it to them.

Ruger fixed the shell extraction and keyholing by replacing the barrel, repairing the cylinder, replacing some internal components, and even refinishing and reblueing it.

My cost was $47 to UPS it next day air in accordance with gun shipment law.

I've owned five Rugers over the years, including this revolver from a trade this year. This revolver was made in 1977. How many companies stand behind their product 29 years later? That's what I call pride of product and company integrity.

Thanks, Ruger!  

:aok
I knew it would work out like that.  that's a nice revolver.  now go shoot it out and send it back again.  :D
Title: Revolver Shell Ejection Problem
Post by: lazs2 on November 14, 2006, 08:52:35 AM
I broke a cyl on a ruger super blackhawk that was 30 years old and had in excess of 50,000 rounds through it.  I told em I broke it with some really hot reloads and would pay for any repairs.. they fixed it free.

Ruger has some spotty workmanship... they seem to use cutters till there is nothing left of em.    If you get one with fresh cutters... it is smooth and accurate... a later gun will be rough.   As a rule tho.. they work.   revolvers normaly don't require any "breaking in"  most if not all semi auto manufacturers will tell you to expect stoppages for the first couple hundred "break in rounds"

you are probly pretty safe having your life depend on an out of the box revolver but no one in their right mind would trust an out of the box semi auto unless it was a custom gun... even then... you wouldn't know what ammo it would be capable of digesting.

lazs