I have been looking for some info on loading an SA so an empty chamber is under the hammer without having to look into the front of the cylindar. I read about it years ago but can't remember. I haven't done any experimentation yet but I may yet. My dad just gave me his 3 screw SBH. It dates back to 1963. I already have a new model I hunt deer with. I'm looking forward to this next season.

load one, skip one, load four

You do know that Ruger will convert the gun free so you can use all six chambers? They will return all the old parts so you do not lose the value of the original. Call them!

but Jim, it surely does mess up the action on one.

Sadly, I sold my original flat top long, long ago so I just know what I read from the ruger info.
Can you tell me what happens?

The New Model actions just don't compare to how smooth the Old Models are. Just doesn't feel like the same firearm after the new parts are installed.

I agree completely. I only have one 3-screw left, and there's no way in hell it will ever see the Ruger factory again.

I sold my original 3-screw 44 mag (I'm stupid, I know). I have a buddy with a 3-screw 44 that developed a timing problem. I told him not to send it to Ruger, warned him what they would do, but he sent it anyway. He didn't want to "pay" a smith to fix it, when Ruger would "fix it for free".

Yup, they converted it. Might as well throw it away now. Action feels like crap, all clunky and binding up on the hammer cock stroke. Not the same gun AT ALL! Trigger sucks now as well. Boy was he pissed. I don't remember him getting his original parts back though?

Damn shame.

Just load 5 and keep the hammer down on an empty chamber. You'll be fine. Never loan it out to anyone. You don't want them to load 6 and drop it, and get hurt or killed with your "dangerous" gun. They may "lawyer up" and sue you.

As long as you keep your wits turned on and use it properly, you'll never have a problem.

Hitman, thanks. That's what I wanted to know. I couldn't remember exactly and thought there was another step. bfrshooter. I already have a new model. I don't want to convert this one. This has a lot of sentimental value for me. It's the one that sparked my interest in handguns and the .44 mag in particular back in '63. My new model has had some mods done and it feels real good, but the old 3 screw is tough to beat. Besides, it really sounds great when you cock it. Nothing beats the music of those clicks. As far as 5 rounds goes, I'm going to hunt some Iowa whitetails with it.

Slowpoke. I let people shoot my guns when I'm out, but will loan to no one. People just don't take care of stuff they borrow. Like I said, this one has great sentimental value for me. I've put a new trigger spring and clipped the hammer spring on the new model. Clipping the hammer spring may sound hokey, but it works. I've never had an ignition problem. Also, I was reading an article on Rugers a while back about installing a trigger stop. Just a small set screw drilled and tapped into the trigger that touches the frame at the end of the pull. No overtravel. That works too. A little locktite on the screw holds it real well. I also had replaced the grooved trigger with a smooth one. The grooved trigger kept biting my finger. It's curved more than the one on the 3 screw and I's sure that was what caused it to bite. The curve caused the corner to dig into my finger. Anyway, my new model has a very nice trigger pull with no overtravel. Thanks for the input guys.

quote:

Posted 19 May 2009 20:43 Hide Post
Hitman, thanks. That's what I wanted to know. I couldn't remember exactly and thought there was another step. bfrshooter. I already have a new model. I don't want to convert this one. This has a lot of sentimental value for me. It's the one that sparked my interest in handguns and the .44 mag in particular back in '63. My new model has had some mods done and it feels real good, but the old 3 screw is tough to beat. Besides, it really sounds great when you cock it. Nothing beats the music of those clicks. As far as 5 rounds goes, I'm going to hunt some Iowa whitetails with it.

I have to agree. It is still hurting that I sold mine. And that applies to the Marlin 25-20, the Winnie 71, the 94, the model 12 and on and on, because I never had money to keep and buy too.
I envey you that you have a great gun.
I would be rich beyond my dreams if I would have never sold a gun and I am not talking about money.

Are there any here who practice against loading six no matter how the gun's constructed? When you're sitting fifteen feet or more up in a stand, the thought can cross your mind, what if...

Although not an SA, it didn't go unnoticed once when I was busy leaning over to clean a deer and the fully loaded S&W .41 Mag slipped out of its shoulder holster (a gun show find with no tie down strap). It fell heavily with the butt striking hard ground and the muzzle pointing you know exactly where. Just because of that I went to putting the gun on the ground beside me at such times. I eventually called the holster company and they sent me free of charge a strap for it. That was probably a pretty smart business practice on their part.

I usually load however many holes there are in the cylinder. This is not an invitation for debate, nor is it to be the start of a flame war. Merely a statement of fact. Other people keep the hammer over an empty chamber and I am fine with that.

I have several New models. I've looked at the transfer bar mechanism very carefully. The only way these revolvers will fire is if the trigger is pulled. The hammer NEVER touches the firing pin. The hammer impacts the transfer bar which impacts the firing pin. As long as you don't cut away the trigger guard it's as safe as you can get. I carry my New model SBH in a bandolier holster when hunting and have had it slip out when I got in a hurry and forgot to snap the safety strap. Wake-up call! With the hammer safely resting on the frame, I wasn't worried about getting shot, only damaging the gun. I am thoroughly sold on the safety aspects of the transfer bar, but will not have the 3-screw converted. It's a 5 shot.

Not to belabor the point, but I'll throw this in too, only because a few here might actually have need to be reminded. A favorite small game handgun of mine has always been the .22 H&R Model 999 "Sportsman". It's that 9 shot top break with the vent rib and Webley look to it. It was my first handgun and I've owned several. Anyway, there're two versions that are outwardly identical. The real main difference is the early version had the firing pin directly on the hammer and the later one had the flat hammer/transfer bar.

If you have one of these make sure you understand which version yours is and don't get them confused if you are used to owning the other one. Mine have been afield a lot for rabbit and squirrel, so there are plenty times when what I'm trying to warn about could be relevant. This issue on Rugers has been much publicized and discussed, but the 999 almost never is mentioned and that's why I'm pointing it out. So, just take this in the helpful spirit intended.

I heartily agree. NEVER take anything for granted. BE SURE. Outwardly, both my Supers look the same, except for the 3 screws and pins. An empty chamber in either would work well, not so with all six loaded. Too many people don't treat guns as if they are loaded at all times. Take too much on faith. We had a young couple in Omaha who played a "house clearing" game with each other and a shotgun. She's now dead. Stupid! Let's not loose any of our fellows.