Sorry to hear you missed fathers day but, if you asked you family they'd say every day is. Anyway the take down screw is a 1/4x28 stove top or round head machine screw. material is steel. Mind is the last year of product and all I have is a star lock washer mind didn't call for the receiver spacer washer on the inside depends what year manufactured(page 27 LL manual). Mind hasn't backed out yet I've only put a little over 200 rds. for it's first outing and that was at a box of factory at 1160 fps and my mixes at 1163 and 1245fps jacketed

 

Thanks 3Recon! I just noticed my original post said "taken" screw, you correctly guessed I meant "Take Down" screw. This is what you get when you type on an iPhone with fat fingers.

Can you tell me the length? Just the threaded portion?

Also, I am thinking about using Locktite on it so this doesn't happen again. Factory says red Locktite is OK. I am sort of reluctant to do this because I will have to break it loose every time I clean it. Anybody do this? Any thoughts?

 

threaded portion is .625 long. The factory screw has a non treaded area of .210 +.415 treaded=.625 just thought I'd mention but, one completely thread wouldn't matter. I think trying without the locktite at first and recheck after a mag. and if you do decide to LT just a touch at the first couple threads (it goes a long way) and I believe blue is for removing. If you don't have any clear nail polish does the job (racing trick).
IMO Star lock washers don't usually back out just make sure the threads are clean

 

Great, thanks for the info!

 

So now I know that I am looking for a 1/4 by 28 machine screw with a pan head, 5/8 of an inch long to replace my takedown screw. Not having any luck finding anything close locally. Closest I could get was a hex head either 1/2 or 3/4 of an inch long.

I found the screw on Brownell's website, but it is no longer available. Called Ruger, same story. Anyone have any ideas, either for the original take down screw or for a generic screw that is closer to the original and won,t look two dorky on my PC4? Anyone know of a good hardware website with lots of hard to find screws where I could look?

Thanks,

FoundFather

 

I did a quick Google check do you need 500 of them anyway I see you’re in the bay area. Any Home D or Lowes reasonably close? We have a couple (few) places you can buy 1 or twoies. Won't promise, only due to where I'll be messing off tomorrow(first year retiree) I'm sure we can get something at your door for under 4 dollar(est. the most) Is the .75 socket head close to you and under a dollar? I haven't checked the thread depth. This could be a temporary fix so you can shoot it. I have to go out today I'll try to check the HD I buy from. Phone calling your HD might work its hit and miss catching someone knowledgeable the luck of the draw.

 

I've tried Home Depot and Lowe's as well as a pretty good local hardware store. Was able to buy a hex hold bolt in correct thread, bought one .5 inches long and the other.75 inches long. Both were cheap. I have the .75 one in now and it sticks out. I expect the .5 inch one will look better, but I don't know if it will be long enough to function properly.

I am sure someone must have a screw that's closer, I just need to find it.

 

I have the .75 one in now and it sticks out. I expect the .5 inch one will look better, but I don't know if it will be long enough to function properly.

I am sure someone must have a screw that's closer, I just need to find it.

If it were me, I'd bring out the hack saw.
Good luck finding the right one! I've always found Ace Hardware very helpful in this regard.

 

Success - Sort Of

OK, so I finally found a hardware store locally that had a 1/4 by 28 machine screw 5/8 long to use for the take down screw. Works fine!

But it has a hex head Looks really dorky and bubba-fied. This is a shame because the PC4 was otherwise pretty pristine and has the desirable accessories (butt stock mag holder, ghost ring sights).

I thought I would try one more time. Anyone know where I can get:

1 An authentic Ruger take down screw; or, failing that

2. At least a pan head in the correct size?

Thanks all.

 

Find a pan head screw that is the correct size even if it's a little long. Install it and take your Dremal tool and cut it off flush with the nut. Then use a little cold blue on the cut and your good to go. DIY fix.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, Falcon II. If I can find a pan head of any length, I think I will just cut off the excess at the threaded end. So far, no luck finding a pan head. The hex head works just fine in the meantime, but, buy does in look bubbafied.

 

is there a Mc Fadandale hardware store in your area ? the one here in Corona
has about everything in hard to find items.

 

I will be going to this store in the morning I will see if I can find
one for you

 

Thanks for the tip, CKR. Apparently the nearest store is about 400 miles! Maybe I can get their attention on the phone. It definitely looks like the kind of place that would have it.

 

Ruger Comes Through!

When I first called Ruger about my missing take-down screw and washer, they sent the washer right away at no charge but said they were out of the screw. Understandable, since the Police Carbines have been out of production for six years. I asked if they could tell me where I could get one, and the person in customer service said the guy who could answer that, in Engineering, was on vacation.

So I waited few weeks and called the guy in Engineering (I don't want to publish his name because I don't want him to get swamped), left voicemail. I got a call back, asked for any leads on where I might be able to find this screw online. Instead, he offered to send me one, again no charge. I love these guys!

I guess in the meantime they had ordered few more from their suppliers. A dozen of these will probably last hem years. I am really impressed with Ruger customer service. My PC4 was made in 2000, and the model hasn't been made in years. They don't really have any obligation to do this. But I sure am happy they do! Thanks, Ruger!

 

thats great news

great that they could help you. I've found them to be very helpful too.
My PC4 was 1st year 1997 and going strong, but good to know that they will fix it if i need!

 

Try calling Numrich Gun Parts Corp for your screw. Phone # (845) 679-2417. They have more discontinued gun parts then anyone else I know of. Have your gun close by as sometimes they need the serial number due to changes at a paticular serial number.