SRH top strap.

[wapitibull]

Hi to all! My first post here!
I’ve been looking to pick up a SRH 454 Toklat and noticed that on one that a local gun shop has, that where the top strap is machined on the bottom, cylinder side, on about 2/3rds of its length. Another SRH in 44 they have has it’s top strap underside completely machined, and a SRH Alaskan in 44 mag that it’s top strap was just barely touched at all with any machining. It’s like when they were cast, there wasn’t quite enough metal in the mold, or the mold should have been a little bigger or cleaned out. Anyone ever notice this? I’m pretty sure it’s only cosmetic, but when laying out the $ they are getting for that model, I’d like a fully machined top strap on all surfaces, top, bottom and sides. Thanks!

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!

The casting process doesn't allow for tight tolerances. But by using that process,,, it cuts down expenses and makes a strong frame. The amount of machining & polishing required is reduced by this process,,, BUT,,, they have to maintain certain dimensions. If the underside of the topstrap isn't as polished as you'd wish,,, it's likely it met the minimum structural dimensions,,, and they stopped polishing it.

If it bothers you,,, there are a few options. One, look for a example that pleases you, or two, get one close & hand polish it yourself.

Once you start hand polishing it,,,, you will see the time it takes to do this type of work, and when you are in a factory, production is important,,, and time is money. Bill Ruger did many things to reduce the time in production to which, saved expenses,, which in turn allows guns to be sold for less than they would otherwise.
High Standard made an excellent .22 semi-auto. Mostly machined, and hand worked. The cost to build one was more than the listed retail of a Ruger .22 semi-auto. While HS was a very good quality piece,,, Ruger put them out of business because the consumer looked at his cost to buy a gun. Skilled labor costs money, and as such,, it drives up the cost of a firearm.

So,, I'd suggest you look around & buy one that pleases you in looks.

 

[wapitibull]

Sounds good! Thanks for the input.