I picked up a brand new Ruger Super Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel a couple months ago, and I was very impressed with how tight everything fit together. There was no cylinder end shake and the rear sight did not have the dreaded Ruger rear sight wobble. I have since put between 100 and 200 rounds through it of various factory 240 gr loads. Now she has major play in the rear sight for windage and she has developed about .003 cylinder end shake leaving a .005 B/C gap when maxed out.
So what do you think, should I consider getting it fixed, or shoot it like I stole it?
I know about dimpling the side of the sight and sanding it to fit tight, but those Bowen rear sights sure look nice. Anyone have one laying around that needs a home?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Semper Fi.

How does it shoot now that it exhibits end-shake? If it still shoots well, I wouldn't concern myself in the least.

Just took notice to it the last time I cleaned it, so I haven't got back out yet to see. I will try to get out tomorrow to see how it does. I will dimple the rear sight to eliminate that from the equation.

Come on guys, am I the only one thinking it?

'More than 3 times and you are playing with it'

That's what I've been told...

Dogsbreath

Unless you start experiencing accuracy issues I don't believe those clearances are out of line for a Ruger (I could be wrong). She's just getting broke in. That's one of the things I like about Rugers. There is a little room for "dirt".

Exactly!

Awesome. Thanks guys. And no more than three times, got it.

Semper Fi.

Range report, I got out on Saturday with my new hunting tripod and some factory 240gr loads. I was able to keep 2"-3" groups from my stool with the tripod and 5" or less groups from the standing position, all at 20 yards. I have a feeling I need a lot more practice. Definitely need to focus on keeping a consistant, firm grip. Before I can judge the gun, I will need to work on my pistol skills.
So can anyone else make a 100 yard shot with a 4 5/8" barrel single action?

Hey Bras,
Far and away, the biggest variable in my firearms is that loose nut behind the trigger. Just define your hunting range to what you can hit, and you can hunt ethically, in my opinion.
'Sides, practice is fun.

Dogsbreath

Bras you might want to try some 44 special loads or if you reload load it down abit untill you get a good feel for it.No reason to shoot full snort loads untill your comfortable with it.

One thing to remember is to put a dab of oil on ratchet and opposite end of the cylinder (bushing area). It helps to keep the metal from battering during recoil.

That sounds about spec. I had a bit more in a Redhawk and simply put an endshake bushing on it and all is well. I like a tight gun too but you do need some play.

Bras,

Another thing to consider would be a Belt Mountain Base pin. They are reasonably inexpensive, and if doing nothing to help, look pretty nice.

They usually need to be ever so slightly fitted for diameter, and usually do take a little play out of what you measure as end shake. Sometimes the endshake has a component of misfit or "wiggle" between the pin and cylinder hole. The new basepin and grease at the front and on the ratchet should clean up a little of what you measure, and most of what you feel, if it is bugging you.

Craig

As mentioned, sometimes some play is good. If they aren't linebored, it doesn't hurt for the cylinder to move a little to help line things up as the bullet goes to barrel

Thanks for all the good advice guys. I installed a Belt Mountain Base pin the first day I got it, and that is actually the tightness that I referred to. I also keep the front and rear of the cylinder well greased too. The endshake bushing is a good idea, and I may look at those. I will monitor the play in the cylinder as I continue to shoot it. If it gets worse I will get the bushing and go from there. For now, I will try some of the recommended 44 special loads to help me improve my shooting skills. Thanks for all your help guys.