Ruger Revolver help/info

[Doc Moses]

Does anyone know the thread count on the screw that holds the ejector rod  housing on the barrel of a New Vaquero?  I am making a New Vac a 3.5 inch and I have not had a lot of experience tapping for new screws. I have an old surplus barrel to practice on but any real info would be appreciated. (Thread count, drill bit size for the pilot hole, etc)

I have a tool to tell me the thread count but I am not wanting to trust my eyes only.  Also, I have cut barrels before so I am comfortable with that part. just got to get the ejector on correctly.

Thanks

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

8-36

 

#29 pilot drill and you must use a bottoming tap.

 

Look at the hole in the factory barrel very carefully and take note of it's shape and depth.  Not much material there.  You might want to consider making the hole with an end mill and custom grinding the bottoming tap so it will go to the bottom of the hole.

[Dusty Devil Dale]

Don't underestimate the technical difficulty of measuring and  boring a (hopefully true,  round) hole to precise depth on a cylindrical workpiece.  A tiny side shift on the cylinder or flex or dullness in the bit  could cause the edge of your bit to break through into the pistol rifling. 

Larsen's advice about boring it with a rigid end mill is very good advice.  

 

If you do not have a milling machine with very precise x-y positioning and  precision boring depth control, I would consider spending a few $$ and having the boring and tapping done by a qualified gunsmith. 

 

At the very least, make a solid, accurate drill guide and practice on scrap round stock until you can get it right every time.

 

Just my $0.25 worth.

 

[Doc Moses]

Of course...it can't be easy.