New Ruger SRH Alaskan Problem, need advice

[ccjcc81]

Hey guys, I just bought this new Ruger SRH Alaskan in .44 rem mag, and when I cleaned it after the first shooting session I noticed a problem with the muzzle. The bore doesn't seem to be drilled correctly. It is out of alignment with the rest of the barrel. This really concerned me, and I intend to call Ruger about it, but first I want to get some info from some experienced people about it.

If you look at the bore from different angles, you can see that the dimensions are off. The sidewalls of the barrel are thicker on different sides. The bore hole seems to be low and left by almost 0.014" based on some crude measurements I've taken with my calipers.

Also, there seems to be excessive gas splashback. When I cleaned the gun, I noticed that the whole face of the frame where the back of the cartridges seats was covered with residue except for the firing position with the firing pin. This had me concerned. Is there a chance that the misalignment of the barrel is causing over pressure, or is this all in my mind. I was firing Winchester .44 rem mag 240grn jsp's.

Based on what I've read about Ruger's customer service, I'm sure that if there is a problem here, they'll fix it, but I wan't to venture forward informed, so please discuss your thoughts.

If you own a SRH Alaskan, will you please inspect your muzzle to see if yours is similar?

What would you do in this situation?

I've included some pics of the muzzle, and a crude drawing describing the problem in case you cant see the problem in the pics.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Mal H]

That does look very odd! How does it look from the forcing cone end?

What would you do in this situation?

Exactly what you say you're going to do - call Ruger. They will most likely want to take a look at it. Oddly enough the only other firearm I've ever seen with a bore drilled off center was also a Ruger - a Model 77 in 7mm Rem Mag. They replaced the entire rifle.

How did it shoot?

 

[Mr Woody]

Could be an optical illusion from the shape of the bore
Could be the crown was cut out of square
You may want to show it to the gun smith where you bought the revolver?

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Well I just looked at mine. Depending on you look at it or what angle you laak at it from it seems to be off center. Question is again how does it shoot. I also notice if I take pictures like you did it looks really bad like yours. Question is how does it shoot

I have shot factory federal and winchester X out of mine and have got very accurate with it, I did not even have to move the rear sight for it to hit center mass of the target. I also reload for mine and most of the time it is getting Ruger only loads recipes out of my lyman 48 and 49 manuals for plinking when I want to feel a bit of recoil. I am not one for hot rodding my reloads for a number of different reasons. My philosophy is if I need something hotter go to a larger caliber.

Having said all that the Winchesters produce a large amount of recoil and percussion but it is very accurate so again I ask how does it shoot?

 

[ccjcc81]

Thanks for your feedback guys.

It shot well enough, but being new to the .44 mag, I wasn't accurate enough with it to determine if it is accurate

It was fun to shoot though. I suppose I might need to shoot it again at a rest to determine if there is an accuracy problem before I call Ruger.

Another poster said that his bore is drilled off center as well, so is it possible that this is intentional?

 

[MachIVshooter]

That looks pretty bad from the pic, though it's hard to say if the hole is off or if the crown is severely uneven. Either way, I'd be rather unhappy.

As far as the rear of the frame getting dirty, that's pretty common with magnum revolvers. The ick gets past the cases on adjascent cylinders, and along the underside of the top strap. I wouldn't worry much about that. But you could mention it when the thing goes in about the muzzle issue.

 

[MartinS]

I would send Ruger that picture with the serial number.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Here is a picture of mine. Mine is a 454, I actually shot it today to do a review of it on my website here http://www.dayattherange.com

It shot great, the factory Winchester X 260gr was very stout but was very accurate. To my amazement the factory was more accurate than my reloads of mild 454 reloads, reloaded with 2400. It is usually the other way around. I have sent an email to Ruger with this picture and will let everyone know what the reply is. I will also be including it in my review.

 

[ccjcc81]

Mr.Revolverguy, thanks. Please do let me know what Ruger says about this. I'm very interested to hear it.

Thanks

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

I had similar concerns with my new GP100. Camphor appears to have chatter,but I decided that it must just be an illusion caused by the rifling. Anyone see a problem with mine?

Bill

 

[Mal H]

Nope, that looks fine.

 

[5532JWK]

Ruger has a great customer service dept. I would definitely contact them.

 

[batmann]

Same answer I gave on the Rugerforum. Call Ruger. If there is a problem, give them a chance to check it out.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

All,

My first interaction with Ruger Customer Support so far is good to say the least. I sent my email in last night got an automated reply stating they would be in contact with me within 3 days. Well I got my reply back today, that is less than 24 hours.

Ruger basically confirmed what I stated earlier. If you are not having an issue with the firearm like accuracy or timing there is no reason to send the firearm in. Though they did give me the address and instructions on how to ship but did not offer to pay for shipping. I believe if this was a serious problem that would affect the Alaskan platform they would have offered to pay for shipping. So I understand their position in why pay for shipping when they would probably get the firearm to find out there is nothing wrong with it?

My decision is going to be not to send this firearm back to Ruger as I believe there are no serious problems that would affect safety or functionality of this firearm.

Hopefully I will get a chance to finish up my review over the next couple of days of the 454 Alaskan and get it posted to my website.

 

[earlthegoat2]

when I cleaned it after the first shooting session I noticed a problem with the muzzle. The bore doesn't seem to be drilled correctly. It is out of alignment with the rest of the barrel

I think your answer is right here. You fired it. I assume it shot fine. If it was really tweaked I would think you would have noticed it as you pulled the trigger. MrRevolverGuy above here seems to be in agreement with Rugers response as well.

If you look hard enough at any new Ruger you will see factory imperfections. If this is unacceptable then buy a more expensive gun. The gun is apparently made to Rugers specs and Im sure Ruger's lawyers are looking over their shoulders every step of the way too.

 

[ccjcc81]

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