Problems with a New Vaquero?

[Teancum]

I picked up a New Vaquero four days ago that is not only my first single-action, but my first revolver. Some things I like: Shoots to point of aim, or very close, at 10 yards; the action is very smooth when the hammer is pulled back; and the trigger is wonderful--I wish my rifles came with a trigger this nice, even if it has a tiny bit of take-up.

I have a few questions though: the left side of the hammer shows it is rubbing against the frame a little. Is it something to be concerned about? I've also noticed little lines or scratches of bluing wearing off just to the right of the notches on the side of the cylinder (Are they used to engage and spin the cylinder or to stop it from spinning?).  From the exploded view in the manual, it looks like the cylinder latch might be dragging either too soon or too long on the cylinder and is leaving these 1/4"-long scratches. Are these two issues 'normal' for a revolver/single-action/Vaquero? Finally, the bluing on the bbl. seems to be starting to get mottled, or slightly discolored in spots. Only using Hoppes and FP-10. What's up with that?

[buck]

howdy,

  It is normal for Rugers to have that scratch around the cylinder.  I dont know why they designed it that way except its probably easier and cheaper not to change it. ( for them)

As far as the hammer rubbing or the finish...if you contact Ruger they will make it right ( for free)  they have a very good customer service policy.  They want you satisfied.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

The notches in the cylinder lock up the cylinder when a piece from inside the frame, called the Bolt, or Cylinder Stop in Rugerese, pops up into the notch. Just to the side of the notch you will see a teardrop shaped cut in the cylinder called the 'lead-in'. With a Colt Single Action Army, or any Colt clone, the Bolt pops up under spring pressure directly into the lead in, and then eases into the locking notch as the cylinder continues to turn. Inside, a Ruger is nothing at all like a Colt, and although the Cylinder Stop pops up like on a Colt, to lock the cylinder in battery, it pops up much earlier on a Ruger, rubbing against the cylinder before entering the lead in and popping into the locking notch. It is part of the design, all Rugers develop a line around the cylinder because of this .Sometimes its called a Ruger Ring. For one thing, the notch is not in the same place on a Ruger as it is on a Colt. On a Colt, the notch is at the center of the chamber, the very weakest part of the cylinder. Ruger chose to move the notch away from the center of the chamber, where there would be more meat, contributing to the strength of the cylinder. I suppose it is possible to find a gunsmith who will alter the timing of a Ruger, so the Cylinder Stop pops up later, but it isn't worth it.

A hammer rubbing on one side is very common. I'm not saying it's right, but it is very common. I'll have to take a look at my Rugers to see how many have the hammer rubbing the side of the frame.