Issues - Brand New Ruger SP101 3" 357

[Anonymous]

I'm new to this forum and new to Rugers.
I just bought a brand new Ruger SP101. Unfortunately I wish I had spent the extra $ for a Smith.
My attempt to test fire at a local range proved frustrating. There are two cylinder bores that will not allow a round to drop in. It appears to have some form of machining defect. I tried several different rounds from Winchester-Remington-Hornady. The rounds will go in but will not seat in completely - It has a visual lift of about 2mm. Just enough lift for it to interfere and preventing the cylinder to close.

What's the deal with my Ruger?
Frustrated that I will have to send in my SP to Ruger without even having had the pleasure of enjoying it.
Has this been a known problem with others?

Wish I had been able to post a more positive thread for my first post.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Sorry to hear you have a problem with your new gun. It does sound like a problem with the cylinder unless you have a 38special cylinder in there. For sure it says 357 magnum? Call Ruger and describe the problem. They will have you send the gun back for repair. Ask them to send you a pre-paid mailer. :shock:

...Jimbo

 

[beemermark]

Based on what I've been reading on the S&W forum and my friends S&W purchases maybe you should have bought a Dan Wesson.

Seems most new guns are crap.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Based on what I've been reading on the S&W forum and my friends S&W purchases maybe you should have bought a Dan Wesson.

Seems most new guns are crap.

Hey, hey, I've bought quite a few Rugers and had exactly "0" problems. They are wonderful working guns. I think that is the normal result of buying a Ruger, except maybe for some cosmetic problems. When new they all get a good cleaning and inspection inside and out. Most of my stainless guns needed the edges addressed. For what you pay for a Ruger I believe they are a very good gun value, not perfect but generally very good. :D :D

...Jimbo

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum,, and to Rugers.
Rest assured,, this isn't a normal issue. I'm sure a polite call to Ruger will get you a pre-paid return package and they will fix the gun quite well. Realize that they are human,, and they do make an occasional mistake. I own enough of them to know that in general,, they are still worth more $$$ than most S&W's.

 

[chg]

It's very fustrating to lay out money for a gun that does not work. I can understand that having once bought a Marlin 32/20 that would not chamber a factory round and once a Remington Modelseven with severe excess headspace right out of the box. I'm sure Ruger will make it more than just good. The SP is one of my favorite revolvers for everyday use. Give them a chance to correct the problem, it's not nice but sometimes it does happen.

 

[G2]

Not a common problem w/ Ruger. Fact is they mfg. thousands of guns that go and go and go, Have special notes in the reloading manuals that mention that you can load "Ruger ONLY Loads. Go ahead an put one of them ROL's in your Smith. As per Obama "Adios Amigos" about the only thing I have heard come out of his mouth that was "right".

Just like you bought the gun without checking it over for perfect form,fit and function, Ruger did the same. I trust they will defintly want to try and figure out where their mfg process went wrong, fix your gun, and do there best to make you feel whole.

I have a copy of the same gun that has been all slicked up. I really like shooting it. My CCW is a Smith M-60, guess I'm old fashion, but back in the day I couldn't wait to get me one, they were one of the hardest stainless guns to find. It's OK to shoot and has shot loose and sloppy, but does and has gone boom every time the trigger is pulled.

As Contender has mentioned, Be polite , , , , Ruger will make it right.

Welcome too, Kick your boots off and stick around, and keep us posted how it all turns out.

 

[Carry_Up]

...I trust they will definitely want to try and figure out where their mfg process went wrong, fix your gun, and do there (their) best to make you feel whole.

G2, I was struck by your enthusiasm and confidence in the manufacturer's commitment to excellence. These forums are literally full of examples of manufacturing defects in new gun purchases. More often than not, the product spends several months in the factory facility - I hesitate to use the word service - with no attempt at customer communication. I'm not sure I would call that commitment to excellence.

As Contender has mentioned, Be polite , , , , Ruger will make it right.

...maybe, eventually, if the customer tells them in detail exactly what needs to be done. That brings up a few red flags for me.
The problem is that a couple of chambers are undersize. They require finish reaming, which is a simple process that any skilled gunsmith can do. If a smith is available, I suggest having him take care of it. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.

Carry_Up

 

[bisleyfan41]

These forums are literally full of examples of manufacturing defects in new gun purchases.

I'm pretty sure these problems have existed for years. It's just now there's the internet and the ability to share real-time info to literally millions of people instantly. For example, when the GP-100 was intorduced in '85 or so, if there were problems with them, nobody but Ruger and the owners would have known. There was no net to spread the info.

As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for the net, I wouldn't believe Ruger guns had any issues. In all my years of shooting them, knowing others who shoot them, and selling hundreds of them at the gun shop, I've never seen one with any problems of any kind, at all, ever.

Also, you have to take into account that you mostly hear from those with problems. You seldom hear of the good and for good reason because if everybody posted everytime they bought a gun that it was great, you wouldn't have time to read them all.

Also, some people's definition of a problem doesn't jive with other's. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that's the case here. Not at all. There are those who make a mountain out of the tiniest blemish.[/b]

 

[Jimbo357mag]

...The problem is that a couple of chambers are undersize. They require finish reaming, which is a simple process that any skilled gunsmith can do. If a smith is available, I suggest having him take care of it. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.

Carry_Up

I think you are probably exactly right. Having a gunsmith look at it could save a lot of time and inconvenience and possibly some cost. A 357mag cylinder reamer has got to be the most common. :D :D

...Jimbo

 

[Carry_Up]

I'm pretty sure these problems have existed for years. It's just now there's the internet and the ability to share real-time info to literally millions of people instantly.... There was no net to spread the info.

I agree that the net facilitates instant communication. But net or no net, a reputation for good product and good service travels through the public like ripples in a pond. And, vice versa.

... and selling hundreds of them at the gun shop, I've never seen one with any problems of any kind, at all, ever.

I doubt that as a retailer you have the time to carefully examine each firearm that you sell. Just as a curiosity, check your stock and see how many of the revolvers have their front sight leaning to the right. If, in fact, you really do examine everything you sell, then I know where I'm going to make my next purchase!

Also, you have to take into account that you mostly hear from those with problems.

Concur. However there are countless posts about new firearms with relatively serious manufacturing defects.
Often, it is the same defect over and over again - which suggests that someone is asleep at his CNC machine or that the MBA's upstairs are all out golfing. I form these conclusions based on the overwhelming evidence, not from the occasional wacko with no firearms expertise.

CU