New Ruger GP 100 Issues

[Surefire]

Two of my recently ordered new GP 100s have the following issue:

When you cock the pistol into single action, one or two of the chambers hesitates and feels like its rubbing right before going into single action mode.

What could this signify?

Is anyone else running into this problem with new GP100s?

 

[rnovi]

Having put some 10-15k through my GP100, the only time it does that is when I have some raised primers on my handloads.

Does your GP do this unloaded, or loaded only?

 

[Surefire]

Unloaded. And I can also feel the rubbing when pulling the trigger in double action (the last few millimeters of trigger pull on especially one chamber begins to rub or grind).

My best guess is that its due to lackluster metal work (lack of polishing/consistency) in the star?

 

[treebeard]

I got a new GP100 last week and while I admit I don't know squat about revolvers, I don't feel the same time of hesitation nor do I feel any type of rubbing when the gun is unloaded.

 

[rnovi]

I'd give Ruger a call on this one. If it is indeed the Star that is causing the binding, then Ruger should be the one to fix it.

Have you checked the front of the cylinder for any fouling or buildup? It could be that your gun has a tighter than normal cylinder gap and by firing a few rounds through it, it's gotten dirty?

 

[treebeard]

I agree. No harm in giving them a call.

 

[fletcher]

If I understand your problem correctly, I had this happen before. A thorough cleaning (including taking the cylinder off and cleaning in & around there) remedied it.

 

[w1423]

It sounds like the condition in S&W terms called "doesn't come up" meaning the hand that raises and engages the star on the back of the cylinder to raise the cylinder so the next chamber is lined up with the barrel is rubbing the star enough to make it bind a little. Probably not fitted just exactly right.
Or
Does the ejector rod unscrew in the manner that S&W's do from the star. If so check and make sure the ejector rod is screwed in tight, but know which way the threads turn (Clock wise or counter clockwise - I know nothing about rugers as I don't shoot them)

Since it is new, call Ruger this condition should have been caught by the finial inspection before leaving the factory. This is on them to fix.

 

[slick6]

GP100 ejector rod!

No, the GP100 doesn't have a traditional ejector rod that screws in and out! And, it has it's own crane lock at the front(Similar to an S&W Triple Lock revolver)! The GP100 ejector rod plays no role in the cylinder lock-up-as it is only used to eject empty casings! The problem has to be elsewhere. The ejector rod is not the problem, in view of this!

 

[w1423]

Thanks Slick6, I didn't know about the ruger ejector rod. Then it has to be in the hand/star engagement and raising/turning the cylinder.

 

[Surefire]

Let me clarify, both are new and unfired (unfired because I am concerned this could be a safety issue). I'm hesitant to send back to Ruger, because in the past Ruger sent me the guns back with the same exact problem as when I sent it to them. I might have a local gunsmith take a look, it will cost more but at least it will work after the first fix. I will at least write Ruger to let them know that they need to watch QC a little more.

I'm a little disapointed with Ruger's QC--I get the impression that this has slipped significantly the last 5 years (I've NEVER had issues with them before 5 years ago). About half of my recent purchases have had at least one bug that needed to be addressed before safely shooting. I guess in the future, I will make sure I examine Rugers at a gun store, rather than simply ordering a model not in stock.

I use to think really high of Ruger, but my recent experience has been at best "50/50"...

 

[JNewell]

I hear what you're saying, but I'd send it back to Ruger anyway. If someone outside the factory works on the gun and there are issues down the road, or if they goof the job, Ruger will understandably not stand behind the gun and you may wind up holding the bag (and not much more).

 

[Surefire]

If I understand your problem correctly, I had this happen before. A thorough cleaning (including taking the cylinder off and cleaning in & around there) remedied it.

In your particular case, was this with a brand new out of the box GP 100?

I will give this a try first. I find it hard to believe that my luck would be so bad that I'd get TWO GP 100s with the same mechanical problem (one seems much worst than the other, but both exhibit the hesitation). If its just that Ruger left too much grease or grime on the mechanism, I can live with that. I will try to disasemble and clean, before taking more drastic action.

 

[Surefire]

I took an LED and watched the front of the cylinders on each pistol (when no light comes through, its obvious that there is no gap). Both are rubbing against the beginning of the barrel for a couple chambers. This implies to me that the cylinder on both pistols is wobly in some way. What a pain in the butt, I'm going to have to send BOTH in to Ruger, if I do go that route.

 

[Surefire]

I've come to a decision, I will send them back to Ruger...giving Ruger a chance to fix the problems. If Ruger can fix the issue the first time, great. If not, I'll put them on consignment at the gunstore and let the buyer know that they need some work done.