Ruger SP 101 Instructions

[Hi-Speed]

I had purchased a Ruger SP 101 stainless 2.25” revolver. Its instructions state the following when shooting cast bullets:

“If lead bullet loads are fired extensively, lead build-up may cause cylinder
binding. Lubricate the cylinder crane gap with Break-Free® CLP or some other
lubrication which meets mil. spec. Mil-1-63460 to prevent this condition.”

Is it best to disassemble the SP 101 (which is fairly straightforward) remove cylinder, crane assembly, and then apply the CLP on the crane rod where the cylinder pivots ?

Appreciate your help.

[Hi-Speed]

Issued in error

[LUCKYDAWG13]

When my sp101 was new the cylinder would bind after 100 rounds of anything that I shot. I disassembled and cleaned everything. Also replaced springs with wolf springs kit has a wonderful trigger and no more binding

[Tatume]

It is not necessary to disassemble the gun before lubricating. Also, it is a good idea to lubricate this area often, as the crane takes quite a beating. Oil slightly cushions the blows and helps remove combustion byproducts. This is independent of the choice of lead or jacketed bullets, BTW.

When shooting cast bullets, revolvers build up lead on the frame around the barrel breech. Lead buildup will eventually reach a level at which it interferes with cylinder rotation. It is easy to remove with a sharp pocket knife. Don't touch the face of the breech or the cylinder face with any tool; only work on lead that is attached to the frame of the gun.

[Hi-Speed]

It is not necessary to disassemble the gun before lubricating. Also, it is a good idea to lubricate this area often, as the crane takes quite a beating. Oil slightly cushions the blows and helps remove combustion byproducts. This is independent of the choice of lead or jacketed bullets, BTW.

When shooting cast bullets, revolvers build up lead on the frame around the barrel breech. Lead buildup will eventually reach a level at which it interferes with cylinder rotation. It is easy to remove with a sharp pocket knife. Don't touch the face of the breech or the cylinder face with any tool; only work on lead that is attached to the frame of the gun.

Thank you Tatume and Dawg

No build up of lead observed…the cylinder binds when out of the frame. I’ll add a drop of ATF (Ed’s suggestion) in crane/cylinder gap and see how it goes this morning with some cast loads (38 Spl 4.0 grs W231, 168 gr 358429 Lyman 2 metal).

Appreciate all the kindness over the years…this old man appreciates it here.

[Hi-Speed]

My trusty Ballistol remedied the SP101 cylinder binding fully…Mil Spec CLP doesn’t work…the Ballistol is the way to go. I’ve tried everything including ATF, EWG grease, Bearkfree, G96 CLP, Slip 2000, etc, nothing worked as well as Ballistol to eliminate the binding.

This morning:
50 rounds - 158 gr/6.5 grs Unqiue 357 Magnum (“Larry Gibson Load”)
25 rounds - HSM 148 gr DEWC 38 Spl
25 rounds - Federal 38G 38 Spl +P 158 gr LSWCHP

Cyclinder spun without binding…

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I forgot too add that I found some metal shavings in the hole that the crane fits into. I use a drill bit by hand. To deber it

[rockshooter]

I pretend I'm shooting black powder and put a fingertip of gun grease on the shaft running thru the cylinder. Keeps the crud from cast bullets softer and easier to wipe off.
Loren

[Gtek]

I have become very much a fan of Red and Tacky Grease. Big and little M1 stuff, bolt lugs and shroud threads, all inside what you cannot see on my my revolvers and especially all internals and surfaces on my percussion revolvers.

[trapper9260]

I do not have that problem . I just keep everything lubes with gun oil and have work for me . Yes I had work done on it for the springs and polished up. to make it easier for me to shoot it double action . for how my hand is . it works for me so far . just to give what works for me.

[Hi-Speed]

I pretend I'm shooting black powder and put a fingertip of gun grease on the shaft running thru the cylinder. Keeps the crud from cast bullets softer and easier to wipe off.
Loren

I’m looking at that Militec TW25 grease (if I got it right)…may get some but heck it’s expensive

[Larry Gibson]

"lead build-up may cause cylinder binding."

Key word in the instructions is "may".