Loading issues with the new Ruger Single Seven .327 Federal Magnum

[Fergie]

I've seen several different posts from folks with this new pistol that are having issues with loading it via the loading gate.

I've got a 4-5/8" version, and have shot .32 ACP - .327 Federal Magnum in it, and aside from the .32 ACP, it won't load correctly.

When the loading gate is open, and I index the cylinder on the hand to the hand notch on the cylinder, the chamber cannot be loaded. In the second photo, that is as far as a .327 round will go.




If I rotate the cylinder and stop just as the chamber clears the gate, but before it indexes on the hand, I can load the pistol just fine.



The same goes for unloading the gun.

None of my other SA pistols (mal)function this way.

I've contacted Ruger and spoke with woman that thinks it might be the "pawl." I'm sending her some photos shortly, but I wanted to know who else was having similar issues and how you resolved them.

Thanks,
Gavin

[LUCKYDAWG13]

if the woman you spoke to name is raylin she is the one that just helped me be nice to her when you talk to her

[Fergie]

No, it was Patricia I believe. They were plenty courteous, we just couldn't get it figured over the phone, so the pictures should help.

[Jared]

Every one I have handled is just like that. On all new models, except the mid frames with the reverse indexing pawl, you can't go to the click and back up against it to load and unload like you can with an Old Model or a SAA.

[dragon813gt]

I've posted about this issue w/ mine. I've been busy all week and haven't had time to call Ruger. It seems that most are having the same issue. Once I figured out what was going on it's not a big deal. But it is annoying. If anything it's good for dummy drills because I just leave the cylinder empty if I go to far. Hopefully I have time to call them tomorrow.

[williamwaco]

Every one I have handled is just like that. On all new models, except the mid frames with the reverse indexing pawl, you can't go to the click and back up against it to load and unload like you can with an Old Model or a SAA.

Ditto. I have a .44 and a .30 Carbine. Both are like that.

[rintinglen]

Mine not only has that issue (cases binding on the frame while loading) but the hammer binds while cocking, resulting in a skipped chamber, since you have to lower the hammer and start over. Of course, it only does this while loaded. This action is as rough as a corn cob. I am very disappointed--My brother has a Bisley 32 H&R that is smooth as silk and loads without a hitch. That is what I was hoping for, but it sure ain't what I got. The 7 shot cylinder seems to be a bad idea, or poorly executed, or both. Mine will be going back to Ruger--their customer service has been excellent in the past for me and I hope will be so again.

[Jared]

Binding while cocking is normally caused by the base pin jumping. When the base pin isn't fully seated the plunger doesn't push the transfer bar back far enough to clear the firing pin.

For or some reason this model is very prone to have that problem. Both of mine do it, as does a friends. I think one of the prototypes I shot back in June had a few issues as well. A Belt Mountain base pin will solve that problem if you don't feel like dealing with Ruger.

[Fergie]

Well, I guess I'm confused as to why a firearm would be sold with this kind of issue.

It sounds like this is not uncommon with SA Rugers of this ilk, but I would expect that the QA/QC would be much better. Loading and unloading is kind of a critical function of a firearm, by my measure any way.

I received a response from Ruger stating that "My gun does not have an indexing pawl, so it is functioning properly." The mark was missed as to what the issue is. I'll pursue it further with them to get this all resolved, but for a new pistol, this sort of thing is mildly irritating.

[Char-Gar]

I don't have that particular model Ruger SA, but every other New Model Ruger I own or have owned required me to turn the cylinder a smidge by hand so the round could clear the frame and go into the cylinder. None of them have indexed properly when the cylinder clicked. I never thought anything about it, just rotated the cylinder until the charge hole was in the middle. I have always aligned every SA cylinder (Ruger OM, Colt, USFA etc.) by hand and eye to load the rounds. After all the years it is second nature and it never occurred to me that things should be otherwise.

As Shakespeare said, "Much ado about nothing", just Ruger 101. The Ruger NM SA is not designed to do what you want it to do. As with all mechanical devices, we just have to take what the designer thinks we should have. If you can't adjust your loading techniques to the design, then get rid of the pistol to avoid the angst.

As an aside, I don't like Ruger stainless SA pistols. Everyone I have bought or handled are rough as a cob when they come out of the box. That is compared to a carbon steel version of the same handgun. Below is the only truly smooth and slick Ruger stainless SA I have ever owned. However I did have to pay Gary Reeder a bunch of money to get it that way.

[rintinglen]

I have a half dozen Rugers--My BH Flattop is so accurate it is one of my favorite guns period--but none of them have the loading problem this one has. Look carefully at the 1st picture posted by the OP(great Pics by the by). Notice that the cylinder is locked by the hand from rotating backwards and that the frame blocks the charge hole on the cylinder. On mine this condition is even more pronounced. Viewed from straight behind, the charge hole is actually eclipsed by the frame. If you compare that with the similar sized 32 H&R guns, the charge hole wil be centered, or nearly so, in the cut out and loading is a breeze.
ps Char-Gar is dead on concerning the stainless Rugers: they come rough, and tough--that steel is hard. If you are patient, though, they will smooth out with use or the careful administration of lapping compound and stone. I still have high hopes for this gun.

[DougGuy]

If it's the pawl, you can get a free spin pawl from Midway or Brownell's, or you can simply use the one it has and modify it. Here is a pic of the free spin pawl, this should help the problem of getting the charge hole aligned with the loading gate:

[9.3X62AL]

I'm largely in Char-Gar's camp as far as Ruger BH or Single-6/7 quirks go. The charge holes need to be aligned "just right" or loading gets interfered with. Over the years I learned to quit fighting the things and just "go around again" as needed. These aren't defensive tools for most buyers, so this Rugerism isn't one I lose sleep over. Colts and their Uberti repros are less critical, for me at least. The Colt SAA system was the next major step after loose powder and roundballs, but it sure as h--l wasn't as convenient as the S&W top-breaks like the 44 Russian or 45 Schofield.

[Char-Gar]

I'm largely in Char-Gar's camp as far as Ruger BH or Single-6/7 quirks go. The charge holes need to be aligned "just right" or loading gets interfered with. Over the years I learned to quit fighting the things and just "go around again" as needed. These aren't defensive tools for most buyers, so this Rugerism isn't one I lose sleep over. Colts and their Uberti repros are less critical, for me at least. The Colt SAA system was the next major step after loose powder and roundballs, but it sure as h--l wasn't as convenient as the S&W top-breaks like the 44 Russian or 45 Schofield.

Yep..and if the charge holes are not aligned correctly you can have problems with the ejector rod binding as well. As far as I am concerned any stripe of single action is an eyeball affair and clicks don't matter. If you misalign a charge hole then just go around again and pay attention this time. I have been doing this so long, it never occurs me to try and turn the cylinder backwards.

I understand that split seconds can be important to Cowboy Action shooters, so in that case a free spin pawl would make sense, but for me it isn't worth the money to buy one or the time to modify the one in the gun.

I have never been a true single action fan, much preferring the Colt and Smith and Wesson double action revolvers, but I have to agree with Rintinglen that my Ruger FT 45 is the best made and most accurate single action revolver of any make that I have had in my hand. I read in another thread that a fellow with a stainless steel version was not all that happy with it, but mine is a carbon steel crackerjack.

[9.3X62AL]

This thread's under-subject, stainless steel Ruger SAAs, caused me to think......and I can't recall ever owning a stainless SA of any stripe. I far prefer the blued guns. We'll see how the bluing holds up 4 blocks from the surf at the new place.

[Char-Gar]

I have lived on or near the Gulf coast most of my life and had not had much trouble with rust on guns. If they are in an air conditioned house it doesn't matter how close you are to the surf. If taken for a walk near the water, it is good to wipe them down with an oily rag when they get back.

For long exposure to salt air, like in a coastal buck blind, I give the guns a coat of liquid car wax (Turtle Wax) and wipe it off. I have always considered stainless steel to be a solution to a non-existent problem for the guy who takes care of his guns. Stainless if for the guy who does not.

[30calflash]

I'm largely in Char-Gar's camp as far as Ruger BH or Single-6/7 quirks go. The charge holes need to be aligned "just right" or loading gets interfered with. Over the years I learned to quit fighting the things and just "go around again" as needed. These aren't defensive tools for most buyers, so this Rugerism isn't one I lose sleep over. Colts and their Uberti repros are less critical, for me at least. The Colt SAA system was the next major step after loose powder and roundballs, but it sure as h--l wasn't as convenient as the S&W top-breaks like the 44 Russian or 45 Schofield.

I recall the same with a Single Six 32 H&R, not as much with an SBH.

I think it has to do with crowding the larger caliber into the 22 frame. just go around again as mentioned.

[wrench man]

Mine's subject to all the above complaints!??, I'm pondering relieving the frame as to the loading issue?, I don't think it would take but a few thousandths?, as to the free spin pawl, maybe I didn't read it right?, but the single seven uses a different pawl than the single six?, and it too has been subject to the base pin jumping?, have never had this issue on any of my other Rugers?

[High Desert Hunter]

Unless it has the reverse indexing pawl, which most rugers don't, this is normal, have been loading Rugers this way for more than 2 decades. My Flattop 45 has a reverse indexing pawl, and it works how you are thinking, as does my Freedom Arms, the other 4 Rugers don't have the reverse indexing pawl and so I load them when the chamber clears the frame, it I wait for the click, I've gone too far.

[rintinglen]

I tore mine down Friday night and gave it the thorough cleaning I ought to have given it in the first place. I got two minuscule metal chips out of the frame, but after lubing and reassembly, the cocking problem seems to have gone away. The loading issue may be intrinsic to the design, but a slight change in the cut out on the recoil shoulder would go a long ways to easing the loading-unloading issue. I have cycled the action hundreds of times and either it is getting smoother or I am getting stronger. I hope to get back over to the range tomorrow to do some more testing.