Problems with Ruger 77
Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 9:06 am
This isn't my gun nor is it a .204 but please bear with me. I'm describing the problem with the gun which is a 17 Hornet for a friend who doesn't do much stuff on the computer.
He purchased the rifle new last year as a squirrel gun. The first time out shooting it with factory loads, he experienced difficulty work the bolt after firing the shot. The bolt works fine on the ammo until it's fired then it would be hard to open.
He contacted Ruger about the problem and they wanted him to send it back so he did. He had to make a box and pay for the shipping but it was returned to Ruger.
When he got it back the repair invoice said they replaced the bolt handle and had done test firings with a 5/8 group (no details as to how the grouping was performed)
I went with him to our favorite squirrel ranch to check out the repairs and hopefully shoot some rats. He loaded with factory ammo (not sure of the brand) and after the first shot the bolt was so tight you could lift it but not pull it back. We finally got the bolt pulled back after a few minutes of cooling and inspected the fired brass for damage but didn't notice anything out of ordinary. We did this 3 more times and left the fired brass in the chamber on the last shot.
I don't know how Ruger can say they test fired the rifle after replacing the bolt handle when they obviously didn't unless they used a different type of ammo. My friend is pretty upset with Ruger as they are making him pay to send it back. I offered to send this message out to the group to see if anyone has a suggestion as to what the problem might be. He may have it fixed by a local gunsmith instead of sending it back as it may be cheaper.
Thanks for any help! Randy.
He purchased the rifle new last year as a squirrel gun. The first time out shooting it with factory loads, he experienced difficulty work the bolt after firing the shot. The bolt works fine on the ammo until it's fired then it would be hard to open.
He contacted Ruger about the problem and they wanted him to send it back so he did. He had to make a box and pay for the shipping but it was returned to Ruger.
When he got it back the repair invoice said they replaced the bolt handle and had done test firings with a 5/8 group (no details as to how the grouping was performed)
I went with him to our favorite squirrel ranch to check out the repairs and hopefully shoot some rats. He loaded with factory ammo (not sure of the brand) and after the first shot the bolt was so tight you could lift it but not pull it back. We finally got the bolt pulled back after a few minutes of cooling and inspected the fired brass for damage but didn't notice anything out of ordinary. We did this 3 more times and left the fired brass in the chamber on the last shot.
I don't know how Ruger can say they test fired the rifle after replacing the bolt handle when they obviously didn't unless they used a different type of ammo. My friend is pretty upset with Ruger as they are making him pay to send it back. I offered to send this message out to the group to see if anyone has a suggestion as to what the problem might be. He may have it fixed by a local gunsmith instead of sending it back as it may be cheaper.
Thanks for any help! Randy.