i just got a new sp101, when i check cylkinder lockup it has a very slight play in the cylinder. its the same and consistant on all chambers, i called ruger they said if its slight play that it was normal. the barrel to chamber is perfect when checked. is it ok to have slight movement in the cylinder?, as i said it barely moves but does. thanks
slight cylinder movement?
- Thread starter old fart
- Start date
My Ruger Super Redhawk had slight play in the cylinder after lockup since I bought it NIB.
With a Ruger the lock-up won't be rock solid like say a S&W or a Colt but so long as its just a hair this way or a hair that way its nothing to be worried about. I too worried about that when I first bought my Super Redhawk... prior to that my only other revolver was also a Ruger (Single Six) and that gun had and still has a rock solid lock-up. That's an older gun though - I think it was purchased brand new by its original owner in the late 70's.
Since I bought my Super Redhawk I've run about 5,000 rounds through it of varying pressures etc. No malfunctions to date and I don't expect any in the foreseeable future.
With a Ruger the lock-up won't be rock solid like say a S&W or a Colt but so long as its just a hair this way or a hair that way its nothing to be worried about. I too worried about that when I first bought my Super Redhawk... prior to that my only other revolver was also a Ruger (Single Six) and that gun had and still has a rock solid lock-up. That's an older gun though - I think it was purchased brand new by its original owner in the late 70's.
Since I bought my Super Redhawk I've run about 5,000 rounds through it of varying pressures etc. No malfunctions to date and I don't expect any in the foreseeable future.
g.willikers
New member
More info is needed.
What kind of movement, rotational, or for and aft?
When the hammer is cocked or not?
When the hammer is cocked and the trigger is back, too?
With the hammer haven fallen and the trigger still back?
Since it's a moving part of the gun, some movement is normal.
It depends on what kind, when and how much.
It sounds like it's rotational.
As long as the cylinders line up with the barrel when the hammer falls, it's probably within manufacturer specs.
What kind of movement, rotational, or for and aft?
When the hammer is cocked or not?
When the hammer is cocked and the trigger is back, too?
With the hammer haven fallen and the trigger still back?
Since it's a moving part of the gun, some movement is normal.
It depends on what kind, when and how much.
It sounds like it's rotational.
As long as the cylinders line up with the barrel when the hammer falls, it's probably within manufacturer specs.
Aguila Blanca
Staff
Consider that it is infinitely better to have slight rotational slop than it is to have 100 percent lockup with the chamber slightly off the barrel axis ...
Crazy88Fingers
New member
Normal for a Ruger. If you want a solid lock-up you'll have to pay the extra money and get a S&W or Colt. But the Ruger will still do anything those other guns can do, and save you some cash in the process.
While we're on the subject, if a cylinder gets a bit too loose over time, is there a way to tighten it back up? I ask because my Security Six has a bit of play in the cylinder. Not too bad now, but it might need attention in the (distant) future.
While we're on the subject, if a cylinder gets a bit too loose over time, is there a way to tighten it back up? I ask because my Security Six has a bit of play in the cylinder. Not too bad now, but it might need attention in the (distant) future.
Crazy88Fingers
New member
My old model 64 sure doesn't have any. 
But then I suppose they don't make 'em like they used to.
But then I suppose they don't make 'em like they used to.
Actually, it depends on the Colt, and how old it is, but you are mostly correct, in that the higher end models(thinking Python especially), had solid lock up, but that same function can cause timing problems over time. At least that is what my friends that are long time Python owners have told me over the years.
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Dfariswheel
New member
Most double action revolvers are specifically designed to have slight rotational play in the cylinder.
This is to allow the bullet passing from the chamber to the bore to force the chamber into alignment with the bore.
This includes the S&W, Ruger, Dan Wesson, Taurus, and the newer Colt's like the Mark III through Anaconda guns.
The only DA revolvers that lock tightly are the old Colt actions like the Detective Special, Python, etc.
Pulling the trigger and checking for rotational play on a S&W, Ruger, etc is NOT a valid test for anything. That's only valid for the old Colt's.
While a revolver may seem to be tightly locked with the trigger pulled, there's enough backlash built into the design to allow the cylinder to move enough to align with the barrel.
Bottom line, Your Ruger is designed to be slightly loose.
This is to allow the bullet passing from the chamber to the bore to force the chamber into alignment with the bore.
This includes the S&W, Ruger, Dan Wesson, Taurus, and the newer Colt's like the Mark III through Anaconda guns.
The only DA revolvers that lock tightly are the old Colt actions like the Detective Special, Python, etc.
Pulling the trigger and checking for rotational play on a S&W, Ruger, etc is NOT a valid test for anything. That's only valid for the old Colt's.
While a revolver may seem to be tightly locked with the trigger pulled, there's enough backlash built into the design to allow the cylinder to move enough to align with the barrel.
Bottom line, Your Ruger is designed to be slightly loose.
Shadi Khalil
New member
My Vaquero has a little bit of play but nothing I've ever worried about.
Kreyzhorse
New member
It's okay as others have pointed out.
i fired the sp101 today, didn't spit any that i could tell. accuracy was quite good at 7yds, my wife said she couldn't see any thing coming from the cylinder to barrel gap. which reminds me the gap is very close, can't see much light at lockup between barrel and cylinder. but i'm fine with that i don't shoot alot at one time anyhow. thanks
gearhounds
New member
Perfectly normal.
Back when we carried revolvers, my agency allowed any that fit the current criteria (6 shot, adjustable sights, American made). None had perfect tight lock up after several thousand rounds, although my personally owned GP100 was the best over time for both lockup and timing. The damn 686's would bee sting everyone around them with shaved particles!
Back when we carried revolvers, my agency allowed any that fit the current criteria (6 shot, adjustable sights, American made). None had perfect tight lock up after several thousand rounds, although my personally owned GP100 was the best over time for both lockup and timing. The damn 686's would bee sting everyone around them with shaved particles!
Nakanokalronin
New member
Normal and better then many current production S&W revolvers. My GP100 and SP101 locks up like a vault but my older Redhawk has a hair amount of play which is nothing at all.