New GP100 Match Champion DOA

[Carry_Up]

Match Champion GP100 is a nice looking revolver. I just picked it up, and went for an initial checkout at the range. I barely got 12 rounds through the gun, then the cylinder locked up. I'm glad I discovered the problem early, really early. The b/c gap on this gun is 0.00". That problem, unfortunately, happens quite often with new GP's. After firing a few rounds, the parts expand a little so I'm left with a minus (or interference) fit. Other new GP's I've seen might have .002" or so which takes maybe 20-30 rounds before the cylinder won't rotate. New guns.

This particular gun goes one step further by having a 0.00" fit between the cylinder and the cylinder yoke. The cylinder turns with a lot of resistance if the yoke is open. Making these parts fit with no tolerance totally disables the gun. On the plus side, they screwed on the barrel straight with the frame. Yay!

Yes, I know I can send it back for repair, which I will certainly do. But no applause, how did it get through the production line? I'll report back.

Carry_up

 

[contender]

It got through production because they do not "work the action" in new guns to avoid putting marks on cylinders & such.

Call Ruger,, explain politely what you have discovered, and they will make it right.

 

[rugerguy]

yep, needs to go back,,,,,S&W learned long ago , back in the 60s when they started using stainless alloys in their duty guns ,this happened as stainless does NOT expand and contract at the same rate as 4140 chrome-mol;y does, so if your gun is stainless may be why, and if its blued steel, then it was built on a Friday, end of the week, either way bottom line it ain't right, call them up, get a return order, those are a very nice revolver when "right"....... :cool: ;)

 

[Carry_Up]

I can partially understand the sentiment that no human hand has touched this revolver. That point of view might surely apply to those who purchase the firearm, put it in their sock drawer and forget it. Personally, when I purchase a firearm I expect it to work as it should. Not after 5000 rounds, not after "a good clean and lube". I would greatly appreciate any adjustments that a Ruger technician would make to provide me with a working firearm that I do not have to immediately send back for repairs.

In the past, I have observed the extent to which some are willing to go to prevent or eliminate the turn ring on their cylinder. The scientific fact is that almost all revolvers will show a turn ring after normal use. Please, Ruger, give me a turn ring showing that the firearm has been expertly adjusted, dry fired or better yet shot at their proofing range. B/c gap, end shake, and headspace - those are the 3 critical dimensions on any revolver. Yet, some are willing to forgo a properly adjusted firearm to something that does not fire.

Yup, that's my personal opinion, not held by everyone. I know there are some Ruger technicians that post in this forum so I am politely requesting that when my GP100 comes across your bench, please perform the necessary adjustments, no matter how many times the cylinder has to rotate during testing.

Many Thanks!
Carry_up

 

[contender]

I own a Match Champion,, and it's been flawless.
But I've also been to a Ruger plant, and personally witnessed how guns are made. At each assembly station, they are checked for the part(s) that are installed & them moved to the next station. At the end of assy, they are test fired 1 or 2 rounds, then boxed for shipping. As long as they pass this final step,, they are considered good to go.
And I can say that the assemblers are interested in production and their station running w/o stoppages. And I said "assemblers" because MANY of the employees at Ruger (and other gun makers) are NOT gun people or serious technicians. They are hourly employees working in a manufacturing plant, trying to meet production demands.
Then,, go to a gun shop, pawn shop or anywhere & see a gun advertised as "New" and yet,, you see visual marks on a gun indicating it's been handled or "used" and most people will want it discounted because it has wear. Most will not accept a "new" gun showing wear.
And not all guns get a turn line. The Old Model SA line if properly handled,, do not get one. But the DA's & the NM's do if "operated." It's because of their action design.

When you send your gun back, the good folks at Ruger who are gun people, can & will go over your gun & fix things. And you'll likely get a short description of what they did.

BUT,,,,,,, your comment; "I know there are some Ruger technicians that post in this forum" is incorrect. Company policy is that an active employee can NOT post on forums & such. So, no, there are not any Ruger factory technicians who post here or elsewhere. Yes,, past or retired or whatever employees have been known to visit forums,, but not currently employed personnel.