Ruger Reliability

[protoolman]

Another thread got me thinking on complaints about Rugers in particular. Some guns fail because of poor design, weak parts etc. I contend most Rugers are over built so breakage and poor/weak design are not a factor. Mostly the complaints about Rugers end up being due to something missing a quality control inspection. Off center rifling, missed machining step, chatter mark, worn chambering reamer etc. Am I wrong?

 

[gunman42782]

I honestly can not count how many Ruger's I have owned over the years. I have had to send exactly one back, a Bearcat that the half cock notch broke on. They fixed it and it worked just fine after that. Even their cheaper guns, like the Wrangler, of which I own three, have been 100% trouble free. I also had a 9E that would not always pop the primer (light strikes) that a extra power striker spring took care of. That's it. Just a guess, but I would say I have owned over a couple hundred Rugers over the years and trouble with two of them is pretty dang good IMHO.

 

[Dan in MI]

I remember early in my handgun days someone commented Rugers are like a Timex. They take a licking and keep on ticking and Smith's a like a Swiss watch. They work great but you can't beat on them. (my early days were in the early silhouette days when Smiths didn't like the game...)

 

[gunzo]

Another thread got me thinking on complaints about Rugers in particular. Some guns fail because of poor design, weak parts etc. I contend most Rugers are over built so breakage and poor/weak design are not a factor. Mostly the complaints about Rugers end up being due to something missing a quality control inspection. Off center rifling, missed machining step, chatter mark, worn chambering reamer etc. Am I wrong?

No

 

[RoninPA]

Another thread got me thinking on complaints about Rugers in particular. Some guns fail because of poor design, weak parts etc. I contend most Rugers are over built so breakage and poor/weak design are not a factor. Mostly the complaints about Rugers end up being due to something missing a quality control inspection. Off center rifling, missed machining step, chatter mark, worn chambering reamer etc. Am I wrong?

You are not wrong at all. But people forget that things happen, it's not a perfect world and people, in ALL walks of life, miss/overlook things. I don't believe that people in all the steps of manufacturing things intentionally try to miss things, it just happens. And when it happens and is brought up by the consumer, I believe that the maker will do their best to correct it. And Ruger does do their best to make it right when it happens. But I think some people just want to gripe/b!tch and moan and get their 15 seconds of (fame?).

 

[GypsmJim]

My first 2 handguns were Rugers, as were my last one. With many S&Ws and other Rugers in between. All were bought new. I have yet to need to have one repaired.

 

[Mobuck]

I guess I've been lucky. I've never had to return a Ruger for a factory fault. Split the cylinder on a Blackhawk once upon a time and Ruger fixed it free.

 

[Mike J]

My SR 1911 had rust spots under the grips. They took care of it. Knowing what I know now I wouldn't even bother them. I'd just hit it with a scotch brite pad & go on. Other than that everything has worked. I just bought an American 2nd generation rifle for my son to hunt with this fall. I haven't shot it yet but I believe everything will work or they will take care of it. So far I've had better experiences with Ruger than I have with S&W.

 

[s4s4u]

My view is that the squeaky wheels get the grease. Those of us who have not had any problems aren't always primed to praise, but those few who have had issues will scream from the rooftops....

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I've had a pile of them over the years. The only one that got sent back was an SR9 that was recalled out of the first 100 that got sent out. Otherwise I'm good with the product I've received from them.
I’ve been carrying a Ruger since the early 70’s.

 

[gnappi]

I too have had many Ruger handguns over the years and only one that I bought used went back.

I guess I have a low bar for appearances and quality. I don't fuss over ill fitting grips, metal finish in places I cannot see and I do not "spec" them to death. If they work and shoot straight I'm good.