Ruger SA: How to Remove Jammed Gate Detent Spring

Jackal11 · April 13, 2019, 06:55 PM

I wasn't looking while torquing down the Brownells Ruger Single Action Gate Detent Spring Clamp and accidently deformed and jammed the spring. See attached picture.

In this situation, what is the gunsmith-approved spring removal method?

Does not look like a punch can depress the spring-end, the spring is deformed jamming the spring-end between the frame and the trigger pin.
Could cut the spring, but what to use? I don't think a dremel is the best tool, on the other hand a precision very strong metal snipper might work if it fits into the frame.
Yanking out the spring with needle nose pliers looks like it would cause the non-jammed spring-end in the cylinder window to mar the external finish.

FrankenMauser · April 13, 2019, 11:47 PM

Photos required.

Scorch · April 14, 2019, 01:42 AM

Have you tried removing the grip frame and pushing the trigger and cylinder stop pins out? That's what holds the spring in. I see this at least once a year.

Jackal11 · April 14, 2019, 08:06 PM

I added a picture to the original post.
Spring is bent & jammed holding the trigger pin in place.

Scorch · April 14, 2019, 11:26 PM

The pin has a notch in it that the spring fits into. You have to push the spring down while pushing the pin. See if you can fit a punch onto the spring to push it down while pushing on the pin. And if this sounds like you need a 3rd hand, that would help.

FrankenMauser · April 15, 2019, 09:41 AM

Yep. Find a way to depress the end of the spring, in order to remove the pin.
Anything else is just going to damage the frame.

April 13, 2019, 11:47 PM	#2
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Photos required. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 14, 2019, 01:42 AM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Have you tried removing the grip frame and pushing the trigger and cylinder stop pins out? That's what holds the spring in. I see this at least once a year. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

April 14, 2019, 11:26 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	The pin has a notch in it that the spring fits into. You have to push the spring down while pushing the pin. See if you can fit a punch onto the spring to push it down while pushing on the pin. And if this sounds like you need a 3rd hand, that would help. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

April 15, 2019, 09:41 AM	#6
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Yep. Find a way to depress the end of the spring, in order to remove the pin. Anything else is just going to damage the frame. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 14, 2019, 08:06 PM	#4
Jackal11 Member Join Date: February 27, 2017 Posts: 15	I added a picture to the original post. Spring is bent & jammed holding the trigger pin in place.