SR22 slide replacement

[plinker49]

While cleaning my SR22 after an recent range visit I noticed some wear/damage starting to appear on the slide. There is a "dimple" forming at the aft end of the area where the slide catch lever rests when the slide is locked open, and evidence of the slide catch rubbing along the bottom (photos below). I did not find any vendors offering a replacement slide for this pistol so I'm assuming my only option is to send it in to Ruger for repair/replacement. However, just looking at the Ruger webpage regarding the cost of repairs it looks like I'd be on the hook for $30 (labor) + price of a new slide + $45 return shipping + initial shipping to return it: roughly $100 plus the cost of the slide which is not given on the Ruger site. Even a conservative estimate of another $100 for the slide itself gets me to roughly half the cost of just buying a brand new SR22. So, has anyone else experienced this kind of wear? Should I "bite the bullet" and send it in or just write this pistol off and start looking for another plinker?

 

[contender]

Instead of worrying about the cost,, why not give Ruger a call? Be polite & explain the issue. They may very well fix it for free.

 

[arcticruger]

Yep call Ruger. My bet is they will take care of it.

 

[davevabch]

Been there before. Not sure they will replace if for free anymore.

 

[plinker49]

Did you, by chance, replace the recoil guide spring in yours before noticing this damage? I installed the captive rod from TandemKross in mine and I've been wondering if that might be part of the problem.

 

[davevabch]

Did you, by chance, replace the recoil guide spring in yours before noticing this damage? I installed the captive rod from TandemKross in mine and I've been wondering if that might be part of the problem.

The Recoil spring had nothing to do with it.(OEM) Just a flaw in the production. Actually had to send it back twice, they ended up replacing it. I doubt they will fix the gun for free. I have had mine since they first came out. Later I called about something else and they would only repair it if I paid for shipping and they would send it back for free. Or send me the parts. I opted for the parts. Your gun may be newer than mine.

 

[sharpblade7777]

The Recoil spring had nothing to do with it.(OEM) Just a flaw in the production. Actually had to send it back twice, they ended up replacing it. I doubt they will fix the gun for free. I have had mine since they first came out. Later I called about something else and they would only repair it if I paid for shipping and they would send it back for free. Or send me the parts. I opted for the parts. Your gun may be newer than mine.

I've got 2 sr22's and have made it a point not to ever use the slide release to put a round in the chamber. Just pull the slide back and let it slingshot the round in the chamber. Maybe that will prevent premature wear and tear on them.

 

[plinker49]

I've got 2 sr22's and have made it a point not to ever use the slide release to put a round in the chamber. Just pull the slide back and let it slingshot the round in the chamber. Maybe that will prevent premature wear and tear on them.

If you examine the pictures for this particular problem you'll notice that the "wear and tear" here is not caused by using the slide catch lever to release the slide. The main damage is being caused by the slide impacting the catch lever and causing a dent or dimple in the slide. There is secondary wear along the lower edge of the slide that appears to be caused by the slide rubbing the catch lever and, while that might be attributable to releasing the slide, it is not the real issue.