Bent Cylinder Pin

[Jethro "Black Jack" Harris]

Don't know if i should post this here or in DarkSider's Den or both. I bought a "NIB" Ruger Old Army 3 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago I took it to the range. I had the proper .457 balls for it. The first cylinder I tried to load was tough, the ball didn't want to seat, so I pressed harder. The cylinder pin came out some and bent in the process. The ball was partially out so I couldn't spin the cylinder. I had bought some pyrodex (I live in CA) pre-formed pellets in 30 gr, so I couldn't yank the nipple and unload the powder so as to push the ball out from behind. So, I had a partially loaded gun. After a time I got the bright idea of taking a mallet and punch and pushing the ball down further. That worked. Then I could spin the cylinder. So, I checked the indexing as best I could and it looked good, so I fired that cylinder. I know, took a chance of blowing my hand off. It was stupid and dangerous and I deserve whatever your gonna say. Point is, what do I do now? I can't get the thing apart to try to replace the pin cuz the rammer is jammed tight. This is my first Ruger. The serial number indicates it was made in 2005. I've been assured it was never fired (hard to believe). Does anyone think Ruger would help me out here? They've got a good rep for standing by their product.

Thanks in advance (and don't flame me to too hard on shooting it),
Black Jack

[Smokin Gun]

Black Jack where do you live in CA? I'm in Palmdale...
Man that got mangled. Have ya looked into a new cly pin just the pin part?
I have a SS pin that I was still in the process of fit checked had a slight bend. Noticed your loading lever is bent up too.
I see a couple on Gunbroker.com from time to time.

[Deadeye Dick]

BJ,
I and most Ruger owners that have used Ruger service in the past have been very satisfied. If it were me, I'd box it up and put a note in telling exactly what you said here and send it in to Ruger for repair. The worst you could lose is your shipping costs and the best is a completely repaired gun. If for some reason they want you to pay for the repairs you could make a decision at that time.
I see your original request was posted in April. This advice may be too late for you, if so what did you do?
I think Ruger service is tops.
Deadeye Dick

[Jethro "Black Jack" Harris]

Thanks, pards. I posted a request on the Ruger service website, got a brand spanking new base (cylinder) pin in the mail in 10 days and was out on the shootin range the next weekend! I also appreciate Ruger service. It is the tops! 

Smokin' Gun...I'm up north of San Francisco...

JBJH