avjay

Just finished cleaning my new GP100 after putting the second hundred .357 rounds through it at the range. While cleaning I noticed the rear sight pivot pin protruding from the right side of the frame about a quarter inch. I reseated it with finger pressure almost flush with the frame and used a brass punch to tap it into place.

I assume that the pin is not supposed to work its way out from simple vibration associated with firing the gun. Defective pin? Or do I just see if this happens again? Help.

TMan51

It will happen again, without a doubt.

I use a small carbide center punch on these little devils. Remove the cylinder. Place a strip of masking tape on each side of the frame where the pin goes through, one strip in front of the pin, one behind the pin. Carefully place the frame on a solid steel surface, and with a small hammer punch the pin dead center. Turn the gun over and repeat the same procedure. This puts a tiny flare in the pin, and will keep it in place moving forward.

This has cured several "floating pins" on my Rugers over the years.

TRJeff

apply locktite, 290 wicking if you can otherwise blue and let sit overnight

laidlerj

If you use Locktite on the rear sight pivot pin, remember that the rear sight will likely stick if you ever have to adjust the sight upwards. Just give it a little nudge with your thumbnail after making the adjustment.

I had the same pivot pin problem on my new Mark III and dabbed a bit of blue Locktite on it. That stopped the pin from trying to back out quite nicely.

However.......a few weeks later, when I was adusting the rear sight to correct a tendency to shoot low, I discovered that no matter how much I unscrewed the elevation screw, the bullets kept hitting low. This farce continued until I managed to unscrew the elevation screw from the sight base. At this point, I realized that the Locktite was stronger than the elevation spring. I screwed the elevation screw back in and started the process all over again, this time giving the sight a little push to assist the elevation spring.

Jim

Exmilitary

Funny this topic came up. I have the same problem with my Blackhalk. I will try the locktite and see if that works.

Thanks:

Desert GP100

My GP100 had a loose pin when I first got it too. I used a very small dab of blue Loctite on each end of the pin and it fixed the problem. Recently I bought a new set of Meprolight sights and I was a little worried that the Loctite might make it difficult to remove the pin. I used a 1/16" brass punch and after a few gentle taps the pin moved and I was able to remove it and install the new rear sight, again with a very small dab of blue Loctite. I find Loctite to be an essential item for sight installation.

TMan51

Loc-tite, the duct tape of home gunsmiths.

Colt Seavers

I did almost the exact same thing, onl difference being I put only one dab at the end of the pin. Works perfectly.

Smithy

When I run into this problem, I remove the pin and lock it halfway in my vise jaws with the other half sticking straight up. Just a very light tap with a very small hammer (like a chasing hammer). You're looking for an ever slight bend in the middle of the pin. Then drive it in as you'd normally do. The increased friction from the now bent pin is enough to keep it in. Also it won't get stuck this way and looks the same externally. Smithy.

JaxCatm

I've observed the same problem numerous times on Ruger firearms. I tried the locktite method and it didn't work. If you don't like peening the frame in around the pin then there is another method of basically swaging the pin by using a 1/16 taper pin punch on both sides at the same time. No frame contact and no scratched. There is also the option of using a roll pin instead of the solid pin.

laidlerj

You know, I've owned a goodly number of Ruger handguns over the years and the only one that's had this problem is the Mark III I bought this summer. Is this a new problem with Rugers?

Jim