New Ruger SP101 Snubby-Fail!

[EdC]

I'm starting to think that I'm not supposed to own a snubnose. Had all kinds of problems with a Charter Arms .38 which I'm still in the process of working out with Charter.

Decided to get what I wanted, and bought a new Ruger SP101, .357 with 2 1/4" bbl. Can't go wrong with that, right?

About 75% of rounds, .357 or .38 sp. failed to fire, due to light striking. After examination, found out that the firing pin protrudes less than half the distance between the frame and cylinder when fired. When I manually push the transfer bar, the firing pin travels more than half way.

Of course, I got it from a great place, Bob at Plainfield Shooting Supplies, so I'm not worried. Just sad. At least it's heavy enough to use as a club, and I might even get off a shot or two.

 

[sjstill]

New or used? Almost sounds like someone tried to 'improve' it.

 

[Dawall]

Sounds like someone tried to lighten up the action and went to far or did a cheap shotcut. Send her to the factory or a real pistolsmith.

 

[IndyGunworks]

Send her to me and ill get her hitting hard in short order.

 

[Eddie]

Don't give up. SP101's are great guns. Used to carry one as my backup when I was a LEO. Take Indygunworks up on his offer, get her running right and try again.

 

[printcraft]

Yes, again new or used? Someone might have put a spring kit in it
to try to improve the trigger and went overboard.

 

[rev500ss]

I'm starting to think that I'm not supposed to own a snubnose. Had all kinds of problems with a Charter Arms .38 which I'm still in the process of working out with Charter.

Decided to get what I wanted, and bought a new Ruger SP101, .357 with 2 1/4" bbl. Can't go wrong with that, right?

About 75% of rounds, .357 or .38 sp. failed to fire, due to light striking. After examination, found out that the firing pin protrudes less than half the distance between the frame and cylinder when fired. When I manually push the transfer bar, the firing pin travels more than half way.

Of course, I got it from a great place, Bob at Plainfield Shooting Supplies, so I'm not worried. Just sad. At least it's heavy enough to use as a club, and I might even get off a shot or two.

says he bought a new Ruger SP101. at least with it being new you have the warranty and can send it off for repairs. unfortunately your without your new toy for a few more days. Hope it works out for you in the long run.

 

[andyrping]

Send it back. Ruger has phenominal customer service.

 

[EdC]

Yeah, just bought it new, today, from Plainfield Shooters Supply. The sympton is exactly what happens when someone installs lighter springs. I eyeballed the spring and it looked like it was installed ok.

 

[JohnP82]

wow, sorry to hear about all the bad luck. i am sure the ruger will get taken care of and you will be all good. keep us posted and good luck.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

As soon as I read the thread title... Then read who the poster was...

I was like "Man, this guy can't catch a break!!"

I hope you can get this one worked out!

VERY very VERY surprised that the Ruger was giving fits. Their revolvers are known to be built like tanks and run forever and ever and ever..

-J-

 

[Joe Williams]

Every gun company lets a bad one out the door now and then. The two brand new factory guns I've had that were crap were a S&W and a Glock, not exactly in keeping with either of their reps!

Before getting too down, though, you may want to try spraying some solvent down the firing pin hole, if you haven't already. Could be some of the crap they put all over their guns for shipping has gotten into the channel and is impeding firing pin operation. Worth a shot anyway.

If that doesn't do the trick, Ruger will surely make it right. Their customer service reputation is outstanding.

 

[TheLoneRaider]

Are you going to try S&W next? Thats strange most revolvers are good to go.

 

[shooter521]

you may want to try spraying some solvent down the firing pin hole, if you haven't already. Could be some of the crap they put all over their guns for shipping has gotten into the channel and is impeding firing pin operation.

I had a Saiga-12 that suffered from that very issue a few years ago. Bought it new; it ran OK when I first took it out of the bag at the range, but after being out in the cold awhile, the gunk inside congealed enough to restrict the movement of the firing pin and I started having all kinds of failures to fire. A buddy suggested hosing the bolt down with Gun Scrubber, and you should've seen the black goo that came outta there! Ran like a champ after that, and continues to do so. I never even thought about the possibility of stuff being in the firing pin channel, because the exterior of the gun was completely dry.

My

 

[rimfire_crazed]

Ruger is running 2-3 weeks behind on warranty repairs. If you want it done quick and right, get it serviced locally.

 

[EdC]

Are you going to try S&W next? Thats strange most revolvers are good to go.

Funny you should mention that. I had a S&W 442 (worked flawlessly) that I traded a while ago (for a 686 P). Maybe I'm being punished for my misdeed. The 442 was just a little too light for me.