Is this a receiver crack or imperfection?

[natimblue]

This old Deerstalker arrived on Friday and has some evidence of Bubba working on the gun. All can be fixed, but then I noticed the small ridge on the receiver and immediately thought it was cracked. I almost through the old Ruger through the window but instead left it for a few hours to cool off. I have put in a few hours looking at the spot and it appears to be an imperfection and not cracked. You can only see it when held in the light at the correct angle. The "ridge" is only on the outside surface, it does not go to the back (inside the receiver) or on each end. There is no ridge in the ejection port or the side where the receiver slopes to the barrel. Any ideas? Can this be magnafluxed to be sure?
Thanks for any ideas,
Tim
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[mcknight77]

Magnaflux it to be sure.

 

[natimblue]

I spent another hour looking it over with a 10X loop and it still looks like an imperfection. There is no crack I can see, just that ridge. I have never had anything magnafluxed, can an automotive machine shop do it, or do I need to send it off?
Thanks, Tim

 

[blume357]

that's not a crack for sure.... if it had cracked and raised like that you would be able to tell and see a crack easily...

I don't even think it is an imperfection really.

 

[wunbe]

Looks like a a bad finish mark. I notice that there are other, more subtle, parallel striations on the same plane. They just were not machined smotth and the qiality control guy was dozing.

wunbe

 

[Hank in Indiana]

Looks like a tool mark to me. Shoot it!

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Looks like the guy opperating the grinder left a little ridge there. Is that stainless? Just stone it.

...Jimbo

 

[SteveRuger]

Looks like the guy opperating the grinder left a little ridge there. Is that stainless? Just stone it.

...Jimbo

All Deerstalkers were steel.. It looks like a finish flaw to me.

 

[mattsbox99]

Not even close to a crack... shoot and enjoy! Those carbines are fun!

 

[EVR]

Send it to Ruger.

I once cracked a 10-22 receiver bedding it, and Ruger replaced it for free. Not saying they'd do that for you in this case, but I'd send it in, NOW.

 

[SteveRuger]

Send it to Ruger.

I once cracked a 10-22 receiver bedding it, and Ruger replaced it for free. Not saying they'd do that for you in this case, but I'd send it in, NOW.

I would not send it in! Ruger has not made these for years! They do not have parts.... Plus it is not broke ....IMHO

 

[EVR]

Well, I don't think it is cracked either, as the pictures seem merely to indicate a finish machining irregularity, but since I'm not there and can't see it, I would say send it in if the poster is nervous about it.

If it is not cracked then Ruger gives it a clean bill of health which I think they will. If it IS cracked, who cares if they don't make parts. Would anyone want a rifle with a cracked receiver at that spot?

Weird stuff happens. When I flattened the bolt handle on my M77MKII 6.5x55 carbine I found a large occlusion no doubt the result of a problem in casting. Yikes! I drilled a hole thru it and left it. Kind of looks good there, but if it had been in the receiver ring, on a locking lug, etc, back to Ruger it would go. Which of course, unless a guy starts drilling holes all over a cast Ruger, he really doesn't know..............

Anyway, now the poster has every opinion imaginable and he can certainly decide for himself what he wants to do.

 

[BulkAmmo]

It doesn't look cracked to me but as others have said some markings from a tool. Since I'm not there to look at it though. Have a gunsmith take a look at it. If you are still worried about it I would just send it in to get inspected. The peace of mind should be worth your time, effort and out of pocket expense.

Good luck with whichever route you go.

_________________
bulk 38 special ammo

 

[donw]

you might try judicious use of a heat gun. if it's cracked you'll see it open or levels will change on each side of the "line"

 

[TnTnTn]

I don't think it is a crack either from what I see in the photos. Just put some gasoline or kroil on it for a few minutes then dry it off with a paper towel. It it is a cracked the solvents will continue to wick out and make a moist line for awhile. TTT

 

[Rat76]

I don't think it is a crack either from what I see in the photos. Just put some gasoline or kroil on it for a few minutes then dry it off with a paper towel. It it is a cracked the solvents will continue to wick out and make a moist line for awhile. TTT

After you wipe it dry, dust a little talcum powder on the area. That will make any moisture show up better. This is the "Poor man's" Dye Penetrant Examination.