Redhawk problem

skookumchuck

skookumchuck

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Hi all, I have a problem with a new to me 4.2" Redhawk in .45. At the range yesterday I had a very difficult time closing the cylinder. On examination at home I find that the star on the ejector that the pawl engages is hitting the frame just below the bevel that depresses the center pin lock. There are also marks below the forcing cone from the beveled part of the crane hitting it. After cleaning I can't replicate the problem but I want to know if there should be contact at these two points. With the cylinder open it moves on the crane a small amount, maybe 1/8". Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance Andrew.
 
Possibly some crud keeping the parts from sitting where they should have? A good cleaning and oiling should almost always be the first thing to try debugging a gun problem.
 
I've been unable to close a couple of revolvers in the past because of unburned grains of powder lodged below the ejection star.
 
If these disassemble like the GP100, do a complete tear-down and deep clean. How many rounds through it? Maybe set up a scheduled PM for disassembly/cleaning?
 
There was some unburnt powder under the ejector. It was only a grain or two but from what I read that may be enough to cause the problem? I loaded some Campro 200 grains with Winchester 231. I've never used this powder before and there is a lot of unburnt powder even using magnum primers. I think the Redhawk action is different than the GP's. There is a spring tensioned pin that holds the trigger assembly in place that is more than hand tight right now. I wasn't able to get it off so I put oil on it hoping it will be easier when I try again. Anyone run into this? I may be able to get oil to it through the trigger guard but it could be messy.
 
Unburnt powder under the extractor star is definitely an issue with the Redhawk. When I clean, I always make sure that the underside of the star and face of the cylinder are clean and dry. Any oil here will make it easier for dirt and powder residue to stick and jam things up.
Also the 45 colt is a relatively low pressure cartridge with a lot of internal volume, which can make for more unburnt powder.
 
Is the 45 red hawk the same action/cylinder as the 44, except different chamber? I have a 45 rifle that gets loads equivalent to my 44 Blackhawk. I realize most aren’t fans of heavy loads, even in handguns that are strong enough, but could the extra leftover powder be used better if the load was stiffer?
 
bexan said:
Unburnt powder under the extractor star is definitely an issue with the Redhawk. When I clean, I always make sure that the underside of the star and face of the cylinder are clean and dry. Any oil here will make it easier for dirt and powder residue to stick and jam things up.
Also the 45 colt is a relatively low pressure cartridge with a lot of internal volume, which can make for more unburnt powder.
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Presently I am in the marked for a Redhawk or Super Redhawk for Bear Defense therefore I am concerned about your statement. I own several different .44 Rem Mag. Revolvers and Reload for all. Cant remember I ever had an issue with unburned Powder in a .44 Rem. Mag.

Thanks
 
It can be an issue with unburnt powder, or not removing all the case lube off of reloads that carries crap with it. Couple that with a primer sitting slightly proud, and my GP100 will lock up. Deep cleaning the extractor and not over lubricating is important. Too much oil makes it catch and hold crap.
 
Many years ago I owned a Smith & Wesson 586 . it jammed up on me and it was one flake of powder under the extractor . so the revolver is new to you . as in you bought it new or bought it used . if you still have problems after a severe cleaning it might have to go back for warranty work . lets just say I have seen and heard of QC problems with the newer Ruger products.PS if you bought it off someone else ask them face to face if they had any problems with it in the past . I have never had problems with 231. 800 X maybe .
 
Powder residue down around the extractor star might be an indication of excessively light loads not sealing the case to the chamber and letting burning powder blow back through there.
 
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