[North country gal]

Was plinking with my New Bearcat, today, when it locked up on me. ???? I examined the little guy closely, rather than force anything, when I noticed that the little pawl plunger spring (PR-50 in the manual) sticking out off the back of the gun, next to the base of the hammer. Apparently, the Pawl spring retaining screw, PR-56, had worked itself loose and fallen out. No idea how it could, but it did. Just my luck, I was standing on a thick bed of pine needles when it happened. That is one pawl spring retaining screw that will never be found.

Not a big deal. I ordered another one from Brownell's because I need some other stuff, anyway, but thought I would mention this to you other Bearcat shooters. You might want to check that screw and apply a touch of loctitie to it if you find that yours is loose. That's what I will be doing with the replacement.

 

[North country gal]

So you're ready when it comes, that pawl spring screw takes a 1/16th inch allen wrench.

I found on both of mine, when new, that the screw was not screwed all the way in. I ran both screws in snug, and they have been fine that way.

I didn't loctite 'em, since that tiny allen screw would be so easy to strip the head if it was really tight. I check them when they've been shooting, and neither has yet to back out.

Just in case, a couple of those pawl screws and springs are part of my spare part stash.....

I suspect that was the case. I just never thought to check. Not a big deal. Heaven knows I have plenty of other guns to shoot over the couple of days for my new part to arrive. Still, I do feel a little lost with out my little pal. Guess I'm well on the way to becoming a bearcat addict.

 

[North country gal]

Pulled the elevation screw out once on a S&W rear sight (not knowing what it contained) and launched that little detent pin into another dimemsion...

Found it later that day with a powerful sub woofer speaker magnet.

YMMV

Thought about trying a magnet, but it could have dropped out over such a wide patch of ground I could be out there for days. I did get down on my hands and knees and try my best in the area I was last shooting, but figured it would be quicker just to order one and get it on the way. That screw should be here, tomorrow or the next day.

 

[North country gal]

I'm going to look for one next trip to town. Thanks, guys.

By the way, the part arrived, today, and the Bearcat is back in business. I'm a happy camper!

 

[North country gal]

Ncgal, Too bad about your inconvenience on loosing the retention screw. Your attitude, that it's no big deal and just deal with it, is admirable. (As much as I'd like to make a Conservative vs. Liberal political comparsion here, I'll refrain. )

I understand that you had other items you needed and that you wanted an extra couple of the retaining screws so an order to Brownell's was a simple solution. But, I'll bet a call to Ruger Service Department would have resulted in them sticking one (or 2) in an envelope and mailing it to you "no-charge". I've found them to be excellent in this regard on the few occasions I've needed to contact them.

Thanks, Quiet 1.

It was no big deal for me simply because I typically have one or more guns in a partial state of assembly/disassembly, anyway, since I like to do mods on some of my guns and, mostly, because I am not gun poor, not by a long shot. I've also been around guns for forty plus years, so I know stuff happens. Lastly, I'm at an age where it's either roll with the punches or check out.

One of the reasons I have always been a Ruger fan (check my signature) is Ruger's customer service. I know I could have given them a call and been happy with the results, but I can't honestly blame them for me not noticing a screw coming loose. Rest assured that I will give them a call if something major develops, but in forty years of shooting Rugers, it never has and I doubt it ever will.

As for politics, don't let my attitude fool you. I was raised to take care of problems on my own. Just goes against my grain to ask for anything for free, even something so minor as a tiny part on a gun.

 

[North country gal]

Thanks for the 'heads up' NCG. Just checked my sweetie's bearcat and got about 3/4 of a turn on the screw.

Never would have thought of it, either, if it hadn't happened to me.

This whole experience has taught me a lesson: I need another Bearcat as a backup or maybe another two or three ...