SR1911 - Casting flaw on frame - common ?

[pctech]

piccolo,

My gun had considerably more rounds fired through it than yours, and I guess I have my doubts on whether Ruger could (or would) spend the time hand fitting a new frame to a slide that already had considerable rounds through it and a wear pattern from the original frame.

I also tend to like my guns kept completely original, and I know that I would probably never be completely happy with the gun knowing it had gone back for work and needed a replacement frame.

Finally, my SR1911 is a gun that I plan to keep forever, and someday pass down to my kids, so I'd just feel better knowing it's all original.

I imagine yours will be fine, just check it over carefully before completing the transfer paperwork. :-)

James

 

[piccolo]

piccolo,

My gun had considerably more rounds fired through it than yours, and I guess I have my doubts on whether Ruger could (or would) spend the time hand fitting a new frame to a slide that already had considerable rounds through it and a wear pattern from the original frame.

I also tend to like my guns kept completely original, and I know that I would probably never be completely happy with the gun knowing it had gone back for work and needed a replacement frame.

Finally, my SR1911 is a gun that I plan to keep forever, and someday pass down to my kids, so I'd just feel better knowing it's all original.

I imagine yours will be fine, just check it over carefully before completing the transfer paperwork. :-)

James

I certainly will check it thoroughly, including a field strip.
If this is going to be a forever gun for you and your kids I certainly agree it should as perfect as possible.
I'll post again when mine returns, which I don't expect until the week of 3/26

 

[pctech]

UPDATE:

I picked up my replacement SR1911 last night. It's a complete new pistol, not a replacement frame. Build date of 2/7/2012. Not sure why it needed to sit in the Ruger factory for over a month before being shipped to me, but I digress!

Some observations:

Slide to frame fit on the new gun is MUCH looser than my original; there is an obvious rattle when you shake the gun from side to side. I'm not too concerned about this, as I've had other 1911's with a loose slide/frame fit that shot great. Barrel to slide fit, and barrel/bushing fit is very good.

The new gun seems to have a lot more tooling and machine marks throughout than the original. I feel like I'm handling an older CZ 75B when looking at this gun. Machine marks, sharp edges, etc. I don't know if this is just natural variation from one gun to the next, or if Ruger has started cutting corners in order to push the guns out quicker. It is disappointing to me.

The barrel bushing, as well as the barrel itself, had several areas of discoloration that looked like they could be the beginnings of rust. A few minutes with a "lead away" cloth took care of this. I will keep an eye on these areas, as well as the whole gun.

Finally, this new gun has a VERY slight casting flaw right above the magazine release. Very shallow, could probably be buffed out easily but would still make a mess of the finish. I suspect it's going to be hard to find a cast frame that doesn't have some sort of small flaw somewhere on it.

Summary:
So far I've got mixed feelings, but if the guns shoots well, I will be happy. It will probably be next week before I have a chance to take it to the range, but I will post an update after I do. :-)

James

 

[piccolo]

UPDATE:
I picked up my replacement SR1911 last night. It's a complete new pistol, not a replacement frame. Build date of 2/7/2012. Not sure why it needed to sit in the Ruger factory for over a month before being shipped to me, but I digress!
Some observations:
Slide to frame fit on the new gun is MUCH looser than my original; there is an obvious rattle when you shake the gun from side to side. I'm not too concerned about this, as I've had other 1911's with a loose slide/frame fit that shot great. Barrel to slide fit, and barrel/bushing fit is very good.

The new gun seems to have a lot more tooling and machine marks throughout than the original. I feel like I'm handling an older CZ 75B when looking at this gun. Machine marks, sharp edges, etc. I don't know if this is just natural variation from one gun to the next, or if Ruger has started cutting corners in order to push the guns out quicker. It is disappointing to me.

The barrel bushing, as well as the barrel itself, had several areas of discoloration that looked like they could be the beginnings of rust. A few minutes with a "lead away" cloth took care of this. I will keep an eye on these areas, as well as the whole gun.

Finally, this new gun has a VERY slight casting flaw right above the magazine release. Very shallow, could probably be buffed out easily but would still make a mess of the finish. I suspect it's going to be hard to find a cast frame that doesn't have some sort of small flaw somewhere on it.

Summary:
So far I've got mixed feelings, but if the guns shoots well, I will be happy. It will probably be next week before I have a chance to take it to the range, but I will post an update after I do. :-) James

This is really disturbing. It sounds like this replacement is only marginally better that the one one you returned. If mine comes back in that condition it's going up for sale and that will be the last Ruger I buy.
BTW did Ruger reimburse you for the transfer fee ?

 

[revhigh]

Doesn't seem like they went very far out of their way to please you, especially given the delay you experienced. I would have thought they would at least have inspected it carefully before they sent out a replacement for your given issue.

Oh well ... at least you got a 'different' gun out of it.

REV

 

[pctech]

piccolo,

I must say I'm a little bit disappointed too. I really thought Ruger would go the extra mile and "hand pick" a replacement for me, making sure I got the best that Ruger was capable of producing. I think I just got another random gun off of the assembly line. Not the best, and not the worst.

The included packing slip did have a note that said "FIRED 30 ROUNDS BEFORE SHIPPING, NO MALFUNCTIONS". So, at least the gun should function fine, and it is very nicely finished on the outside, aside from the very small imperfection right above the mag release.

If it shoots as accurately as my original one, and doesn't show any unusual wear after 1k or so rounds, it will probably be a keeper.

I own many Ruger handguns, and internal tooling/machine marks are the norm, not the exception on most of their products. I think what surprised me was the contrast between my original gun and this one. Granted, they're not likely to ever cause problems, I was just surprised to see them.

James
ps- Ruger has said they will reimburse me for the FFL transfer fee. I will need to send them a copy of my receipt, which I will probably do next week.

 

[pctech]

By chance, does anyone here have the email address for Ruger CEO Mike Fifer?

I know there is a contact form on the website, but you're very limited in the amount of text that can be entered.

Thanks,
James

 

[piccolo]

By chance, does anyone here have the email address for Ruger CEO Mike Fifer? Thanks,

It's probably well guarded and I can understand why.
After I get my replacement back (regardless of it's condition) I intend to write the CEO a letter using the postal service.
I think they need to take a close look at the current level of QC in the 1911 line and also the Customer Service procedures that take 6 weeks to, not repair, but simply replace a flawed product.

 

[piccolo]

I think they need to take a close look at the current level of QC in the 1911 line and also the Customer Service procedures that take 6 weeks to, not repair, but simply replace a flawed product.

This probably explains their recent lapses in QC:
Sturm Ruger said it received orders for more than a million firearms in the first quarter of this year.
The Southport, Conn.-based company said it received so many orders that it was temporarily suspending acceptance of new ones.
The company said that despite attempts to increase production, the rate of incoming orders has exceeded its capacity to fill them on a timely basis. So it was forced to put new orders on hold. It expects to resume accepting orders by the end of May.

 

[piccolo]

......I think I just got another random gun off of the assembly line. Not the best, and not the worst.......

pctech I agree about the random pick off the line. I received my replacement frame today exactly 6 weeks since they got it in their shop.
The fired bullet is dated 1/12/12 just 16 days (12/28/11) later than the original frame that I returned. Note that this date is earlier than your replacement even though they had yours first! Random indeed.
I examined it carefully under a strong light using a magnifying glass and I’m relieved to report finding no imperfections on the frame exterior or interior.
The inside was also free of the usual roughness found in most Rugers. No machine marks or rough edges that I could discern.
The work order states they fired 28 rounds with no malfunctions.
I have to say I’m pleased with the outcome.

However there is one bone to pick with customer service. When I sent it they suggested putting it in the rug that came with the gun for shipping protection.
When they returned it - no rug and no packing of any kind. The gun was rattling around loose in that big box.

 

[pctech]

piccolo,

I'm glad to hear that your replacement frame seems to be a good one.

How does the slide to frame fit seem now? With the hammer back and magazine out, hold the frame still, and try to wiggle the slide from right to left. Is there much, if any, play? My first SR1911 had virtually no play, while my new one has considerable movement. At first this annoyed me, but if the gun shoots well, as I suspect it will, I honestly don't mind too much. I've owned 1911's with a loose slide before, and they shot well. It also enhances reliability, should I ever decide to carry this gun.

I will be busy this weekend, but hope to be able to test fire my replacement SR1911 next weekend. Will post an update.

Regarding your missing gun rug -- call customer service, or the contact person you've been dealing with, and explain that you need them to send you one. I'm sure they will take care of you. Also, make sure you're reimbursed for the FFL transfer fee. I still need to send in a copy of my receipt. Will take care of that on Monday.

James

 

[Richbaker]

However there is one bone to pick with customer service. When I sent it they suggested putting it in the rug that came with the gun for shipping protection.
When they returned it - no rug and no packing of any kind. The gun was rattling around loose in that big box.

Interesting, when I had to send a 50th Anniv. Single 6 back a few years ago, I was specifically told they couldn't guarantee I'd get it back with whatever box I sent it in, so I should use one I didn't care about.... Sounds like you need to send another email to the CEO. Don't forget to include your address.... hopefully, they'll toss in some swag.

 

[piccolo]

.........

How does the slide to frame fit seem now? With the hammer back and magazine out, hold the frame still, and try to wiggle the slide from right to left. Is there much, if any, play? ......
Regarding your missing gun rug -- call customer service, or the contact person you've been dealing with, and explain that you need them to send you one. I'm sure they will take care of you. Also, make sure you're reimbursed for the FFL transfer fee......James

Slide to frame fit is OK - very slight play. Actually I'm not too concerned with "bullseye" accuracy, all my practice these days is point shooting from the holster. If I'm at all near center mass on the target at 7 to 10 yds. I'm good to go.
I did mail in my transfer receipt for reimbursement and requested a replacement rug- will probably take another 6 weeks!!

 

[MYREDTAIL]

How does this stuff get past Rugers Quality control,? Before the final inspection, Going into the Box for sale.? :(

 

[piccolo]

.....I did mail in my transfer receipt for reimbursement and requested a replacement rug- will probably take another 6 weeks!!

Got my replacement rug 2 weeks ago and my reimbursement check for the transfer fee yesterday.
And so ends this episode with Ruger that started on Feb. 17,2012 !!