Transfer bar tips.
from "Flatgate".

Reducing Ruger transfer bar failure by testing and adjusting your hammer.

Testing your hammer for clearance.

"This has been my personal bench check for many, many years, the transfer bar needs a bit of room. The test is simple.

UNLOADED GUN, or, better yet, remove the cylinder.... and replace the base pin..

Cock the hammer. Pull the trigger and hold it in the "pulled position"..

Watch the hammer very closely and slowly allow the trigger to return to the "at rest" position. Does the hammer move forward as the trigger moves forward, pulling the transfer bar back down away from the firing pin? If the hammer moved forward then it's pinching the transfer bar.

It's my opinion that the hammer nose should contact the cylinder frame when the New Model revolver is fired. A properly fitted transfer bar, via adjustment of the hammer's transfer bar notch and also "detail" polishing of the transfer bar, will still provide the 100% reliability we count on with our Rugers, but, will also increase the life of the transfer bar many times over."



Condition exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
With insufficient hammer face clearance the transfer bar receives an unnecessary battering from the hammer (especially while dry firing). In time these stresses often cause the transfer bar to fracture, disabling your revolver.

With sufficient clearance the force of the hammer blow is shared evenly between the the frame and the transfer bar. The transfer bar is pushed forward enough to depress the firing pin without being battered between the hammer and the frame.

*Adjustment info and detailed photos coming soon*

The information presented in this article assumes familiarity with basic gunsmithing and safe gun handling principles. The use of improper procedures may result in the creation of dangerous conditions and may result in severe injury or death. Any questions should be referred to a competent gunsmith. Neither the author nor Cylindersmith.com assumes any liability whatsoever for the readers application or use of any of the information contained herein and all work is done at the sole risk and expense of the reader.