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Three screw missing cylinder

4129 Views 37 Replies 17 Participants Last post by  PEASHOOTER67
On Wednesday, my coworker brought in a 1960 Old Model Three Screw magnum-only for me to look at/see about fixing up. He knows I love rimfire stuff, which is cool, but this thing is plenty rough. It is quite rusty, is missing its cylinder and all 3 parts of the firing pin assembly. The stocks are hand-made, whittled out of what looks like a 2x4. I hosed it down with Kroil and let it sit overnight. I got the cylinder pin out OK, scrubbed out the bore (also quite rusty) and got the ejector rod moving somewhat. The bore is now a bit shiny and the rifling appears crisp, but I can’t tell how much pitting is evident. I accidentally left the batteries in my mini Maglite that I use as a bore light with the out-of-production fiber optic attachment, so I can’t get the bore well-lit to see what’s what.:confused:

My questions: will a magnum cylinder from a later-production SS fit/function? I have a fluted magnum cylinder that I sourced for MY beat up rusty SS that I got for free a few years ago.

So my research shows that most Single Sixes have the firing pin bushing pinned with a 1/16” pin at an angle through the frame. The ‘60 has no such provision. I believe I have found a correct firing pin setup, but am curious if the bushing is just a press-fit. If so, does anyone have experience installing one without damaging (further) the revolver?

The grip frame is pretty beat up too. Someone used it as a hammer sometime in the past. My understanding is that the XR3 casting is correct and one must source stocks specific to that casting.

Luckily the trigger/action seems to function really nicely. I love the trigger pull on this thing compared to my New Model. I am worried that if I DO send it back to Ruger that a) I won’t get the parts back to return the trigger back to its present awesome condition after they “fix” it and b) that Ruger will somehow know that the cylinder is not the same vintage as the revolver and insist on fitting a new one. I have emailed the repair department at Ruger, so we will see what they say.

I might be able to buy this thing from my friend. My plan (if the cylinder fits) is to send it back to Ruger to get refurbished, depending upon how much pitting damage is there. Keep in mind this still belongs to my friend, so I don’t want to do too much to it aside from assessing damage and seeking parts etc. I will see him Tuesday when he gets back from hunting in Montana, and can get a better read on his intentions. What is a fair price to offer? Bearing in mind my future expenditures to get it back shipshape. I’m thinking $50. Too low? Too high? He got it maybe 15 years ago and hadn’t done anything with it until now.

I will get some pics posted as soon as I figure out Imgur again. :rolleyes:
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Lots of rust from the bore. Even after lots of Kroil, the rust still came out powdery.
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Oh, to have the backstory

I cant imagine the life that has had to be in this condition!
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gcrank, it seems like somebody really wanted this thing out of commission, with the missing cylinder and missing firing pin. The hammer marks are another thing altogether!
The thinking process went something like this?
Oh, gee, I need a hammer......guess I'll just tear up this old revolver to make one!
:eek:
If you choose to send the gun to Ruger for service they will install the transfer bar and associated parts. They will also return the original parts. if you are concerned that they may not, just remove the original lockwork. I think it is worthwhile to restore this old magnum marked Single Six.

https://ruger.com/safety/announcements.html
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If you choose to send the gun to Ruger for service they will install the transfer bar and associated parts. They will also return the original parts. if you are concerned that they may not, just remove the original lockwork. I think it is worthwhile to restore this old magnum marked Single Six.

https://ruger.com/safety/announcements.html
Dan,
Those are my thoughts exactly. Will know more Tuesday.
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Will Ruger fit and supply another 22LR cylinder?
Will Ruger fit and supply another 22LR cylinder?
Hey Little "r"!

I'm certain they will, but that would be cost-prohibitive, IMHO. Plus the new magnum cylinders are not fluted like the old ones. If the magnum cylinder from a New Model fits, I can install my fluted one easily enough. I'm more concerned about finding and fitting the firing pin assembly. I have asked Ruger if they still have/manufacture the old-style firing pin bits. I'll let you know what I hear from them. :t:t
It is my understanding that Ruger will not deviate/add from the original chambering as marked.
Since the grips have to be replaced anyway....I'd sand down the hammer damaged metal, to remove the dents, that replace the grips, and sand them to match.
Since the grips have to be replaced anyway....I'd sand down the hammer damaged metal, to remove the dents, that replace the grips, and sand them to match.
Certainly that is in my plans, once it becomes mine or I agree to help my friend get this back shipshape. :bthumb: If I remember correctly, if you send your Single Six back to Ruger, they do NOT refurb the grip frame.
I actually think that pistol all roached up and beat to heck is kinda cool. I'd be inclined to get to a point where I can test shoot it safely. If it is accurate, I'd keep it's aesthetics as is.

What ever you do with it, best of luck with it.
Many moons ago, a co-worker showed me a Ruger SS that had been his father-in- laws. It had been with him on a hunting trip, and was "Lost" for a day or two under a bloody elk hide in the back of the truck. The FIL washed it down and then just left it in the glovebox of the truck for a year or 10...The co-worker wanted $50...I gave it to him, and then went to town cleaning and polishing and Big45 pad scrubbing and then I took it to a smith and had it blued and when done, it was a beauty...

I made the mistake of showing it to the co-worker and he wanted it back.. so for my cost and a little for my time, he bought it back and he promised to keep it nice and clean.

Bring that old Ruger back to life...:cool: :bthumb:
There is a seller on Gunbroker called “Gunbusters” that sells parts guns. These are firearms where the legally registered part has been destroyed but all the rest is offered for sale as a lot. They have a new list every Sunday night. I have often seen parts single sixes available - usually with cylinder and grips included.
Good luck!
There is a seller on Gunbroker called "Gunbusters" that sells parts guns. These are firearms where the legally registered part has been destroyed but all the rest is offered for sale as a lot. They have a new list every Sunday night. I have often seen parts single sixes available - usually with cylinder and grips included.
Good luck!
Thanks! I will check it out. :t
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