Ruger Forum

wheelyfun101 · August 3rd, 2012, 05:48 AM

My Vaquero Birdshead has the transfer bar "pinch" symptoms, as described by some of you....

I am just going to live with it, and hope that it does not present any troubles (especially in times of need...self-defense)...

Surely many Ruger revolvers have the "pinch" but do not experience transfer bar breakage?

I am not a machinist, do not want to send it to Ruger, so have no other option.

Anyone have the "pinch" but still going strong?

Iowegan · August 3rd, 2012, 08:52 AM

Nick0410, The "pinch" you described is exactly how the gun is supposed to work. When the trigger is pulled fully to the rear with the transfer bar lifted into position, the hammer face contacts the transfer bar and pushes the firing pin forward. In this condition, the hammer rests on the transfer bar, not the frame. It has to operate this way or the gun would not fire. If the transfer bar is "pinched" when the hammer is forward and the trigger is released, it means the trigger spring is too weak to reset. This condition is common in all Ruger SA revolvers when lighter trigger springs are installed and does not affect function because the transfer bar and trigger will release when you start cocking the hammer.

The reason why transfer bars fail has nothing to do with a "pinch", rather it is caused by a defect in the alloy or heat treating process at the factory, which could make it brittle and break when struck. This very rarely happens; however, like any other mass produced part, there's always a risk of failure.

I hope this dispels the "pinch" myth.

texagun · August 3rd, 2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowegan

Nick0410, The "pinch" you described is exactly how the gun is supposed to work. When the trigger is pulled fully to the rear with the transfer bar lifted into position, the hammer face contacts the transfer bar and pushes the firing pin forward. In this condition, the hammer rests on the transfer bar, not the frame. It has to operate this way or the gun would not fire. If the transfer bar is "pinched" when the hammer is forward and the trigger is released, it means the trigger spring is too weak to reset. This condition is common in all Ruger SA revolvers when lighter trigger springs are installed and does not affect function because the transfer bar and trigger will release when you start cocking the hammer.

The reason why transfer bars fail has nothing to do with a "pinch", rather it is caused by a defect in the alloy or heat treating process at the factory, which could make it brittle and break when struck. This very rarely happens; however, like any other mass produced part, there's always a risk of failure.

I hope this dispels the "pinch" myth.

Iowegan:
Thanks for that information. I think a lot of guys have been overly concerned about a problem that doesn't exist, or if it does, it is due to to defects in the alloy of the transfer bars.

Wally · September 7th, 2012, 03:40 AM

I keep spares. I have four different Blackhawks..three of them have broken transfer bars one me..over the years I've replaced them, replacing ten so far. The all break at a bend in the bar, a strategic "weak point"....where the metal is just too thin...IMHO. I have spares and replaced them in the field. Best to learn to do so ... just in case.

rclark · September 12th, 2012, 06:46 AM

I broke one (first one ever) just a month ago.... STILL waiting for the transfer bar from Midway. Brownells was backordered too.... Website says now 'next' month... Wish I bought a spare back in the 80s when I got the revolver ... might have it by now

. Not that I don't have other guns to shoot, but it is my 'test' revolver for .357 loads.

[update] Got one from a gunsmith (Bob Munden) here for free (has a bunch of extras from doing conversions). I fitted it and all is well. Then got one from Ruger last week so now have a spare. The spare should keep Murphy from breaking anymore transfer bars!