Blow Out

[JET AV8R]

While at the range last week with my SR 1911 I had an unexpected event. I loaded the 7 rounder with some factory 230 grain FMJ ammo that was purchased last July. On the last round I felt a much larger than normal recoil along with blast effects on my hands and face. Glasses saved my eyes from the blast and powder particles. The magazine was blown out of the gun, the Ruger Medallions departed the grip panels, and the slide was jammed tight by the ruptured casing. My face was peppered a little, but nothing serious.

Took the gun to our local gunsmith and after clearing the gun and inspecting the internals his comment was "Good thing it was a Ruger".

Called Ruger CS and related the story of what had happen along with my guess that it was a double charge. They asked to inspect the gun to make sure it was safe and emailed a FedEx Label on their dime. They received the gun on Wed and shipped it out on Thu. Received the gun today with a new 7 round mag and new grip panels all at no charge. That is what I call outstanding customer service.

I also received a refund check from the ammo company for the ammo I had bought last year. They offered to do more, but I declined.

My advice to everyone is make sure you wear ear and eye protection. Without protection this could have turned out much worse.

 

[Jim Puke]

Glad you weren't hurt and I concur on the great CS and on ALWAYS wearing glasses and hearing protection.

I had a similar experience years ago...and it blew a pristine model 49 Smith and Wesson to pieces.

 

[HIP SHOT]

I had a similar indecent years ago when I was playing with 300g bullet in a 45acp for USPSA shooting.

It was totally my fault. My glasses saved my eyes. Stuff happens. Safety equipment is not optional.

Hip Shot

 

[pjvrefugee]

and that sums up my loyalty to the Ruger brand. product that lasts even through potential disaster combined with outstanding support from the factory. the other major loyalty for me is Dillon Precision. they have to me also performed to this level. there are several other manufacturers in the industry I suspect may approach these two but I will stay with the two of them.

 

[powder smoke]

Glad your OK guess you never know.
Care to share the ammo brand you were using?

 

[JET AV8R]

I was reluctant to name the brand in the OP for fear of creating an unjust stigma to a small company. I read a very positive article last year and decided to try it out. I ordered a 50 round box of their Performance Ammunition and a 100 rd bag of Factory Seconds. They informed me the reason they were seconds was cosmetic blemishes. I have not fired any of the rounds in the box and shot around thirty of the seconds. The label on the seconds does not have a lot number it only says mixed lot. The lot number on the box is 7475. The company is Pierce Munitions in Angola, NY. The ammo was described as new and not reloads. In the past they did reloads, but not now. The cases are either Speer or Winchester. Apparently they buy case for loading. I measured the OAL and found The Speer cased rounds were 1.33 to 1.42 and the Winchester rounds were 1.57 to 1.68. It was a Speer cased round that blew up. They assured me that my ammo was not reloads. They looked up my invoice and sent a refund and said I could dispose of the remaining ammo or if requested they send send a UPS label for return shipment. I asked for the label and advised that they should inspect the ammo. Just received the label this PM and will ship out the ammo Mon.

I feel that this was a rare occurrence and would not be afraid to try their ammo again, but would like to hear what they find if anything with the remaining rounds. I doubt that I will hear from them again on this issue.