Ruger American in 243 bolt

[Ruger243]

first time poster

I just purchased a Ruger American in 243. I am concerned there is an issue with bolt and bullet cycle.
When I try to load a round I must apply some serious pressure to get the bolt to turn down. If I go slow it will not turn down at all.

I could not find reviews that mentioned this problem, so I joined here to get some help.

Thanks,

 

[BlackEagle]

Did you clean it well before you tried to load it?

 

[Ruger243]

Define well please.

Rifle was purchased in 10/30/13
The bolt is really clean.
I have not taken it apart to give it a thorough cleaning though.

 

[BlackEagle]

Did you clean the chamber and bore?

 

[Ruger243]

I just inspected it and it is shiny clean inside. Bore is nice and clean as well

 

[Ruger243]

With no bullet the cycle action is easy. I have tried two different types of ammo and it still the same. I feel like I am slamming the bolt into the barrel

 

[TnShooter83]

The bolt may be slightly harder to close with a round chambered.
But it should not be ALOT harder to close. If it is you have 1 of 2 problems.
The ammo is out of spec, the chamber is out of spec.

 

[Ruger243]

The bolt may be slightly harder to close with a round chambered.
But it should not be ALOT harder to close. If it is you have 1 of 2 problems.
The ammo is out of spec, the chamber is out of spec.

Since I tried two different brands of ammo the the chamber is out of spec.

I guess I need to contact Ruger on Monday morning to see what they can do to resolve this issue.

Thanks

 

[Bearhands]

I have one in 243 also... Everything about the gun has functioned flawlessly, smooth as silk... I would call Ruger too

By the way, I LOVE it and wonder why it has taken me so long to go "243"

 

[Cedar Creek]

I have a .243 and a .308 Compact - they both load & chamber easily and all the cartridges fired in both are handloads.

Good Luck!

Cedar Creek

 

[oilcangary]

I have one in 308 and it has a little resistance as the bolt starts to close. It sort of snaps past this spot and closes smooth .

 

[Tensaw]

I have two M77's - in .243 and .308. The first few times (10-12 rounds) I shot them they both felt a little "stiff" and not near as smooth as my Winchester model 70. (But nothing like you are describing.) After a few more trips to the range they both have really smooth actions.

I think you should definitely contact Ruger.

 

[Ruger243]

Thanks for the feedback.

Andrew from Ruger stated that it should take more force to close the bolt because the action was different from their other rifles. I explained to him that it should not take this amount of force to close the bolt.

RMA number has been issued and UPS will be picking up the box 2 to 3 week turn around time

 

[oilcangary]

Thanks for the feedback.

Andrew from Ruger stated that it should take more force to close the bolt because the action was different from their other rifles. I explained to him that it should not take this amount of force to close the bolt.

RMA number has been issued and UPS will be picking up the box 2 to 3 week turn around time

I guess mine isn't as bad as yours because I'm just going to let mine wear itself in.