RPR 338 Lapua Problem

[Odinspapa]

Hello, I'm a new member, and basically never had the need to ask questions before, because every Ruger I own has ALWAYS worked. I have a Mark II 22 pistol, 3 RPR rifles in 6.5 Creedmore, and now I have an RPR in 338 Lapua...........and now I have a problem, so I thought I'd ask for help here.

I outfitted my new RPR 338 with the same items as my other RPRs: American Rifle 10 MOA scope base, Vortex Razor 6x36 Gen II HD, and a Magpul bipod. After zeroing at 100 yds, I went to my usual range, and started shooting at the 1000yd plates. It performed admirable for about 70 rds, and then started missing the plates in random forms (some above, some below, some to the sides). I had stopped to check my scope for looseness, when I realized that the handguard/barrel shroud was loose. I checked the screws holding it in place, and realized THEY were loose. I attempted to tighten them, and that's when I realized that 4 out of the 6 screws would not tighten, just spun.

I quit for the day, and went home to take a better look. What I found was that the base that the barrel shroud/handguard bolts to, had stripped screw threads. This base seems to be part of the barrel tightening nut (from what I can see).

In the opinion of the members here, what is the best approach towards repairing or resolving this problem? I appreciate any feedback.

 

[hittman]

Contact Ruger
Send it back

Welcome to the forum

 

[Odinspapa]

Thank you for the reply. I've not contacted Ruger yet, because I was looking for advice (like you just gave me). I looked through all my Ruger manuals (that come with each gun), but couldn't find a hard answer to what kind of warranty Ruger provides with their firearms. Like you said, I'll call them and hopefully speak with someone that can give me more information on how they handle these situations.

 

[Donnieweps]

I'd bet Ruger will tell you to ship it back and will pay for shipping to and from and your gun will be properly repaired.

 

[Odinspapa]

Wow! That was correct! I called Ruger, explained the problem, and without any farther questions they asked for my data, told me to send it back, and sent me (email) a prepaid FedEx shipping label!. That simple!.
Quite different from another company I had the misfortune to deal with in the past. Thank you for the advice. I will post how long it takes to get the rifle back, and how it turned out!

 

[Odinspapa]

In case anyone is interested in how Ruger has handled my warranty claim, here it is:

I shipped the RPR rifle to Ruger, and 2 days later I received an email that it had been received, and was scheduled for a tech to review the problem.

Four days after that I receive another email that the rifle had been assigned to a tech, and was being worked on.

Two days after that I received ANOTHER email that the rifle had been repaired, test fired, cleaned, and was being shipped back to me. Later that day I was sent FedEx tracking details.

I received the rifle two days later (signature required from FedEx), with an attached sheet detailing parts replaced and work done, plus a target showing five shots fired. First I checked the barrel for possible obstructions or debris: it HAD been cleaned (I know because I had sent it in dirty). I then put all the furniture back on I had removed for shipping (scope, bipod, handguard weights), and headed to the range to check out.

This time the handguard stayed solid. The note from Ruger stated that the handguard nut, bushing, and screws had been replaced. 100 rounds later it was still hitting the 1000 yd gong like the gong owed the rifle money.

So, compared to previous experiences with another company regarding warranty work, this was everything a customer would want if they had the misfortune of needing a warranty repair. I know who'll be getting my money on future firearm purchases now. It was not just the fact that they repaired it with no hassle, but how I was kept updated the entire time as to what was being done, what to expect, and when to expect it back.

Can't ask for better customer service than I got. Thank you, to those who responded to my thread for the guiding help.

 

[Richard76]

Glad it all worked out