Thanks-and I'm suspecting exactly the same thing at this point, that retained blueing salts are causing the rust, and that the rust may be the causal factor for both the ISMI spring light strike issues and may exacerbate any powder/GSR blowback causing the binding. Obviously SOMEHING is going on inside to cause the issues I've experienced, and at this point I'm doubting it's the ISMI spring, at least in and of itself. The unfortunate reality is that this problem has probably quietly festering for years, possibly since the custom blueing was done in the 1998 timeframe, despite my maintenance, cleaning and lubrication protocols.
I guess the extent of it will determine Ruger's treatment, and unfortunately the most cost-effective solution might be simply to proactively replace the cylinder. Beyond the custom blueing, Chris Peters had hand-selected the cylinder for my gun, and had additionally provided the terraced ejector, chamfered the chambers, polished the ejector rod, deburred the ejector guide pins, and deburred the chamber necks. My suspicion is that the crane shaft will concurrently need to be treated/replaced as well, as the rust had begun to pit the end of the shaft.
In recent years, Ruger has changed the ejector and the cylinder flutes as well. Obviously, It's essential to have a functioning gun, but I'm hoping the aesthetics can be preserved in the repair process, but I'm not sanguine.
I recall that when Chris performed the magnificent work on my GP100, he and his bluer went round and round on the work the bluer had none, and Chris demanded that the blueing be redone. So there's the possibility of a resentful bluer and a double dose of blueing salt accumulation....
We'll see. I'll keep everyone posted. Ruger Customer Service is estimating about a month or so until I have it back, but I'd rather have a longer repair period than a quick fix.
Best, Jon
Last edited by JonInWA; 10-16-2021 at 07:22 AM.
I showed and discussed the blistering at the base of my thumb when firing full-house .357 magnum cartridges with my dermatologist. She echoed the recommendation for moleskin protection and padding at the pressure point. Got some on order, and when the GP100 gets bacfk from Ruger I'm looking forward to running it with the moleskin applied.
Best, Jon
Applied to what, you or the gun?
A friend wanted more traction on a Glock and got Talon grit instead of the rubber that I use.
That generated a hotspot in short order. Lacking tools at the range, she was rubbing the grit down under her thumb knuckle with a rock. It worked, traction with comfort.
Code Name: JET STREAM