Problems with Ruger Mark 1

[dannylj]

I have an old Mark 1 that I disassembled and can't get it back together (You've heard this before ?). The mainspring housing was very hard to get out. After working with it a while I printed a manual from Ruger (Mark II) but after following all directions when I get it back together I can't draw the slide back more than 1/4" and the safety will not engage. I'm not doing something right and I don't have a clue. I have taken these guns apart before and am a long time shooter. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Danny

 

[.45 Vet]

Take it down again, this time on reassembly, hold your tongue to the left side of your mouth, lightly curling it. Oh yeah, make extra sure to get the hammer strut installed properly...