Reeder Custom Guns - 44mag Redhawk smithing question

I had an unsettling experience this morning with one of my 44mag Redhawks (NOT a GNR product). I shot one cylinder full of Garrett's yesterday at the range (which is not uncommon) and today I noticed that the while cylinder locks up tight when in battery,(hammer back and fully cocked), with the hammer down, just a moderate force push and the cylinder rotates past the hand. WTF?! Before I disassemble, I was curious to learn from any one familiar with Redhawks what this symptom indicates. Broken spring? Damaged hand? Sure seems like something gave way somewhere. It is definitely unsafe to shoot in this condition, and I feel lucky I didn't have had a catastrophe unfold at the range. Thanks!

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revolver. The hand is probably worn to the point where it doesn't lock up in the locking notch. It shouldn't be a problem at all but as it is part of the trigger assembly your best bet is box it up and send it to Ruger. They will fix it and get it right back to you, normally no charge.

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when that happens it due to the shooter slamming the hammer back trying to "fan" the gun.

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That hand can spin it pretty fast with notable force. The little spring pushing up on the cylinder bolt pops it into the notch and suddenly stops the force. It’s a little bitty part with lots of exertion. Not to mention slamming everything around with those heavy loads.

But you may have one of the best platforms to manage it, no doubt. It’s robust. Gary is right, send it to Ruger with a note how it’s never been shot uphill or into the wind, please make it right. Lol

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- No text -

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he sent me detailed photos of his incisions and coached me some. LOL So I'm cancer free as far as anyone can tell. I even did a TV commercial for the Hospital, UAMS Arkansas for THV Channel 11. Everything still works! I went to High School with the surgeon, probably one of the best in the nation. James had it worse than I did, and was 12 yr. older than me. I sent him a book to help him. I was diagnosed way before him but had the surgery after he did. I'm good. If I blow my nose too hard I pee a little. LOL. That's not too bad.

I certainly pray you and your family are well.

Those RH, I think I have (3), are so beefy. From what your link says the bolt tip is contoured to better fit the notches. I fitted two or three cylinder and crane assy. to Redhawks. Two more or less dropped in, but one, oh my. So many dimensional influences, X,Y,Z. I'm not a machinist but I finally got it all hand filed with Swiss files and lamp black. The GP and SP platforms are basically "baby versions" but may not have that offset. They can really benefit from polishing the internals to reduce friction. I don't like messing with the older model trigger spring as it's also the hammer spring. Really artsy to tune. But the SRH and other DA are very similar, dual springs for hammer and return trigger.

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Whoever designed that hand is definitely a master. I'm just relieved that the Master at shop that built it isn't concerned about it. Good enough for me. It doesn't lock up like an FA but it's pretty close. So I'll keep on truckin' until something really weird happens - which I don't foresee. It was just a weird feeling when that cylinder moved by me just pushing on it. I thought I blasted it out of tune for sure. But apparently not. I had a bout with the Big C last year. Long story short, my surgery went well (6.5 hours) and my annual checkup showed cancer free. I'm hoping Elon and his AI models will solve this Cancer riddle once and for all. You take care, Amigo. Keep the wind in your face.

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Thanks for the quick response, Gary. No fanning or abnormal usage. I'm not that guy. :-)

Our mutual acquaintance at BCA did the Alpine customization. I bought it used years and years ago so I'm sure Ruger would punt back to him. Sent HB an email this morning regarding the repair. More as I learn it...

Hope you are feeling okay. I turned 74 yesterday and fully realize now that every day was, and is a blessing.

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bolt-nose geometry is the likely reason. If the gun is otherwise functioning normally, it's likely okay to shoot. He offered to take a look at it if I so chose, but he didn't appear alarmed with the symptom. What a fine gentleman he is!

Here's a link for more info on bolt-nose (cylinder latch) geometry on RedHawks. Pretty informative, and infers how the symptom might occur.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bolt-nose+geometry+on+redhawk+revolver&sca_esv=17f5...

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44mag Redhawk smithing question

Greg. That is not common but it can happen with any

Greg, I forgot to mention this. Normally

Of all revolvers that’s a big heavy cylinder spinning..

Thanks, WB. Hope you are well!

Hey Greg! Yeah I'm fine. I had surgery after James

I felt the same way

Thanks, Bwana

HB returned my email already