New SP101 Ejector Rod Binding

[radjxf]

I just took delivery on a brand-new SP101, .357 with 3 1/16" barrel.

Couldn't locate one anywhere, so picked one up on the dreaded Gunbroker.

Brand-new gun, but seller stated "AS-IS" no returns. Stupid me took a chance, since I could not locate one anywhere....

I get the gun home, and the ejector rod binds. Sometimes it won't push in at all, other times it won't return fully (within about a 1/4") so that you cannot close the cylinder.

Furthermore, there are significant "milling marks" on the left side of the frame. Guess every maker is cranking out guns as fast as they can make 'em, and not checking too many over before they go out.

Has anyone experienced this before? Just wondering if it's an easy fix, or if I should send it back to Ruger. Hate to be out of a gun for months, and potentially pay shipping as well.

Thanks guys.

 

[shaffe48]

No, I didn't have this problem with mine but here's my two cents from owning the GP and SP: The ejection rod is pretty flimsy...is it bent? My SP-101 you can take the extracter rod and housing out of the cylinder. Can you tell what is wrong when you do this. Ruger will send you a free part with about a one week turn-around if you can identify the part you need. Otherwise, you can contact the seller to trade you or fix the problem (if they are a shop with a competent gunsmith) or accept a return since the product was not as described. Or else, as in or else you dirty their name with numerous bad reviews for selling you a gun that has obvious problems and was not as described.

Or, Ruger will fix it at the factory.

 

[contender]

FIrst, try to see if by chance, the rod needs to be screwed back in. Sometimes they get loose.
Otherwise, a POLITE call to Ruger, to tell them of your issues, And a polite request for a pre-paid return shipping carton will do wonders.

 

[radjxf]

Thanks for the replies.

I made a [polite] call to Ruger and they offered to send a new ejector rod and spring.

I'll give that a try first, then return the gun if I have to.

Anyone know how to replace these? Suppose I could ask this in the 'smithing section....

Thanks again.

 

[DGW1949]

Last time I looked, GunBroker has a mandatory "3-day inspection/return" policy for every gun that's sold on their site, which the seller aint got no wiggle room with.

DGW

 

[shaffe48]

Yep, a [polite] call to Ruger got me a free base pin for my single six. A [polite] call to the seller to get them to honor their product might have worked to. If not, a [polite] notification to all potential buyers from this business that they are likely to get screwed by this business and not repatriated for obvious flaws in the firearm would at least have kept others from making the same mistake with these guys.

 

[shaffe48]

And, by the way, the SP-101 3 1/16 is a great gun in my opinion so it's worth the heartache. The longer barrel does preclude pocket carry and make the OWB holsters a little longer but the advantage in ballistics and shootability (as I remind myself) is more than worth it. The only change I made is the Mexican Bocote wood grip inserts ($30-40) which make the plain looking SP-101 look real sharp!

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Sometimes stuff, dirt, shavings, etc. can get into the ejector. Flush it out real good with some Blaster or Gun Scrubber and lubricate again and see if it doesn't get better.