3 Position Safety on the Gen 2 Ruger American

[Bowhunter57]

I own a Gen 1 Ruger American in 450 Bushmaster and am interested in installing the Gen 2 3-position safety on my rifle.

Is this possible by ordering it from Ruger and installing it myself or does it have to be sent back to Ruger for them to do the installation?

This has been the most accurate large bore rifle that I've ever owned! It has been a deer killing machine.

 

[contender]

Well, I haven't seen this question before,, so it's likely not a common request.

I would suggest a call to Ruger & let them give you the direct info,, because I doubt anybody else here has tried it.

 

[Bowhunter57]

@contender
I'd rather install the safety or have it installed, rather than purchase another rifle. In the end, it would be less expensive.

I've already sent an email to Ruger, asking about this situation. I may end up calling them on Monday, just to get clarification for what I'm attempting to accomplish.

 

[Bowhunter57]

I got an email reply back from Ruger Customer Service, which in general was a product liability denial. I'll have to call and talk to a real person to get a legitimate answer. Either way, I'm not buying another Ruger rifle, just for the 3-position safety.

 

[Mobuck]

I'd seriously doubt Ruger (or any other gun maker) would sell you parts for modifying a safety. Maybe some third party machinist????

 

[Bowhunter57]

I'd seriously doubt Ruger (or any other gun maker) would sell you parts for modifying a safety. Maybe some third party machinist????

Understandable, but you'd have thought they would've offered their services to install a Ruger safety, in their Ruger rifle by their Ruger gunsmith.

 

[Mobuck]

^^^Not if 'they' saw an opportunity to sell another, newer model rifle???
Since I'm not familiar with the 'Gen 1' vs 'Gen 2' safety difference(s), does the 'Gen 1' safety lock the bolt when engaged? I understand the 2 position (fire-safe w/bolt lock) and 3 position safety (fire-safe-safe + bolt locked) concept just not sure of the difference in the two models.

 

[contender]

"Understandable, but you'd have thought they would've offered their services to install a Ruger safety, in their Ruger rifle by their Ruger gunsmith. "

What you may not know or see,, it the fact that there could possibly be other changes inside the gun that makes it harder to change the safety.
Remember,, gun makers make changes to their models all the time. And some SEEM easy & such,, but there is a good possibility they are not that easy.
Plus,, doing a "one off" modification changes the original model configuration. That causes issues with the legal dept and that dreaded thing called "LIABILITY." The legal dept can defend a model,, and even show why a different model was built. But to go in & take one model,, (your current one) and modify it to the newer 3 position safety could be ruled as a "A recognition of a safety flaw in the design," by a judge. All it takes is one lawsuit to cost a company a LOT of money.

I'd say your response is spot on.

But if you can find an aftermarket safety,, or a take off or whatever, AND get a local gunsmith to modify it,, YOU become the "liable party" in a lawsuit, not Ruger.

At the NRA Convention this past weekend,, I spent some time talking to the Senior Legal VP at Ruger. It's very enlightening to discuss the various things people TRY & sue Ruger over.

 

[Bowhunter57]

@Mobuck
That's exactly why I'd like to change out the safety. My Gen 1 safety will not lock the bolt down, while in the "Safe" position. The Gen 2 offers a 3-position safety that will lock the bolt down.

I would think they would want, if not offer the change out of the safety.
Apparently, Sales are more important than customer safety.

Summit Tree Stands does something similar. The won't sell you a platform or a hand climber, separately. You have to purchase another entire tree stand.

 

[Bowhunter57]

@contender
I agree with you on the legal issue area of this "can of worms". People can be such idiots if they think it'll get them a quick buck. ....and the attorneys aren't any better, enabling them with the suit.

 

[Mobuck]

OK, I understand your desire but will withhold my response.
Save yourself some hassle and just make the trade to a 'Gen 2'.

 

[pisgah]

So in essence... you don't want a new axe, just a new head and handle...

Want the safety, buy the rifle.

 

[contender]

I can appreciate the desire to have a different (or potentially better) design of any firearm. And yes,, it's easy to say; "Buy the Gen 2" to some.
But the OP has a gun he truly enjoys. It's accurate, & he has a "history" in it's use. His desires are understandable. While the American Rifle line has a stellar reputation of accuracy, especially at it's price point,, buying another one is always a gamble.

Many of us lament the loss of the OM action in the SA revolvers. But we'll never see Ruger build them again. Lawyers & liability will prevent that. Let's not forget WHY we have the stupid-person billboard warning on our Rugers now. A lawsuit.

If the OP truly wants a Gen 2 safety for his rifle,, he can discuss it with a gunsmith. If the parts swapping isn't too complicated, or requires major modification to the bolt etc,, then he can be on the look-out for a used Gen 2, buy it,, and have a gunsmith do the work. Then he could sell the "parts donor" gun, and be happy!

And while it may APPEAR that Ruger would WANT to upgrade existing Gen 1's with a different safety,, if it was a really big deal, OR,, a lot of people wanted it,, then they MIGHT consider it. I seriously doubt that many people consider the safety as an issue in the different models.