Single Six: how do I remove the base pin latch nut?

Six-Gun

At the urging of my fellow Ruger Single Six owners, I bought an installed a Wolff replacement spring kit to lighten both the trigger puller and hammer resistance. I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the results: MUCH better trigger feel (though some creep is still there) and remarkably easier cocking. However, the third and final spring in the kit is for the base pin latch and I have no clue how to get the thing to uncrew. Truth be told, I really do see a need to replace this spring as it functions fine as is. However, knowing that I paid for it and that I don't know how to use it will drive me nuts. As it stand, the latch nut just sort of floats there with nothing to unthread it against. Is there a special tool required to do this job?

Thanks for your help.

Weatherby

Are you asking about the pin that holds the cylinder in?

Six-Gun

Weatherby wrote: »

Are you asking about the pin that holds the cylinder in?

I'm looking to remove the spring-loaded latch that actually holds the cylinder pin in place - it's the thing you push sideways to get the cylinder pin out. That part needs to come out in order to install the replacement spring, but there's nothing to "unscrew" it against. It's a free-spinning part with a slot and two depressions on the opposing piece that appear to be for some sort of special tool. I'm hoping that there's a workaround for that little detail.

Again, this isn't exactly a showstopper by any stretch. At this point, if I'm able, I'll put it in and see what it offers me. If I don't like it, back in goes the factory spring. The lions share of improvements already came with the spring/hammer replacements. I just want to know how to do this base pin business purely for the sake of knowledge.

NN

That spring is not going to make a difference in how the gun performs, leave it alone and put the extra spring in your gun parts bin.

It is common for a spring kit to have a spring you do not need, at least not needed for the original purpose the spring kit was purchased.

NN

Base Pin Latch/Nut and Spring: The nut must be held firmly (with jaw-protected
pliers) while the latch is being unscrewed. Don’t lose the spring. When
reassembling, be certain the nut and spring are on the left side of the frame. (See\\

http://www.ruger.com/products/_manuals/newModelSuperSingleSix.pdf

Six-Gun

NN wrote: »

Base Pin Latch/Nut and Spring: The nut must be held firmly (with jaw-protected
pliers) while the latch is being unscrewed. Don’t lose the spring. When
reassembling, be certain the nut and spring are on the left side of the frame. (See\\

http://www.ruger.com/products/_manuals/newModelSuperSingleSix.pdf

Thanks, NN! That spring certainly seems like a toss-in bonus. As long as I know how to manipulate it, I feel fine leaving it in there. I just hate not knowing something that I've been challanged to understand. You seem to have solved that for me.

mkk41

The kit spring is actually heavier than stock and ya really don't need it on a Single-Six. Blackhawks in hard kicking calibers do occasionally have the base pins and plunger jump under recoil. The heavier spring stops this.

BTW, the big screwdriver kit from Brownells has the 'spanner' screwdriver bits for the nut.

Or McMaster-Carr - http://www.mcmaster.com/#screwdriver-insert-bits/=g0ez7t

jbohio

Yep. Midway sells the little spanner drivers as well. I have one in my shopping cart at Midway, I've got 3 of 'em to put in!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/896243/wheeler-engineering-screwdriver-bit-ruger-single-action-cylinder-base-pin-latch?cm_cat=Cart&cm_pla=ProductDesc

Six-Gun

Ah, that's good info right there. I figured there was a special tool that would make this a whole lot easier and that spanner is it. Hearing the rationale behind the replacement spring for this particular part, on this particular gun, and in this aprticular chambering, I'm just going to leave things as they are. No sense in taking something apart for a function that isn't necessary with a low-recoil loading.

tv_racin_fan

AHHH nice to know those bits in my screw driver set really do have a use...

mkk41

Be careful and remove the grips and hold the grip frame in a vise.

Don't remember if it was Ruger or Colt that actually peened the threads after the plunger was assembled.

Sniper234

I took a screwdriver from a nanch screwdriver kit and used a dremel to make a slot in it to fit the nut.worked great. I highly recommend the kit at around 20.00 and you will wonder how you ever got along with out it. Get it at Amazon.

Jay

This thread is almost 8 years old...

earlyagain

Its one that's gotten better with age. Dusted up my screen a bit, but it was worth it.

Sniper234

I'm a FNG

Six-Gun

No sweat.  I’m all for new guys searching the forum. I appreciate you
looking out!

GunNut

Sniper234 said:

I'm a FNG

It’s all good.  Welcome.

Jay

Sniper234 said:

I'm a FNG

Well, pull up a chair, grab a cold beverage and feel free to introduce yourself to the rest of the of the crazies in the asylum... 

earlyagain

Sniper234 said:

I'm a FNG

I like your holster.

Yours is made for the wrong hand though?