My Ruger SP 101

[Cofisher]

I went out for some target work about 6 weeks ago. Shot poorly with a couple 9mm pistols. No practice in a long time. I got out my favorite, a 357, 4" Ruger. I've had this revolver about 10 years. My first pistol. My favorite pistol. I always shoot the best with it.

First round, I got the dreaded squib. I immediately emptied the cylinder. One case came out with no bullet. But plenty of unburnt powder. The bullet was lodged in the barrel, just past the forcing cone.

I took it home. Decided a comprehensive tear down and deep clean were in order. After a total tear down, including cylinder, the first time for that. I drove the bullet back out. I proceeded to clean everything. Reassembly was not easy. It's been a long time. But, I got it together.

I found the cylinder did not fit correctly. It locks up, but does not rotate freely. Using the trigger to advance the rotation, it bound after 3 chambers.

I took it in to my LGS. An experienced man, he could not determine what was going on. He suggested sending it in for warranty repair. DOH! I didn't even think of that.

So, will be contacting Ruger to see how that works. Wish me luck.

By the way, my Henry just keeps choogling along.

[GFK]

[Hatchdog]

Please keep us posted on the progress with Ruger’s warranty. I hear they are great like Henry. I have an SP101 and will keep a sharp eye on it for issues. Bought it used and so far it has been fine.

[Cofisher]

Will do.

[rickhem]

Take a good look at that ammo too. Was it factory or a reload?

A "no-powder" reload will usually push the bullet forward enough to jam in the forcing cone, locking up the cylinder. An undercharge may push it past that, into the barrel, but there wouldn't be any powder left, the undercharge would all burn. Having there be unburned powder left, even after the primer popped and there was enough pressure to move the bullet, makes me wonder about that powder.

If it was a reload, is there a chance there was moisture in the brass when it was reloaded?

[Cofisher]

Rick, yes it was a reload. Living in Nebraska there is always a moisture content. But, I've been shooting reloads for years. I tend think you are right.
Makes me question a lot of rounds I have. Crap.

We will see. Thanks for your input.

[Cofisher]

Well, I got my first Contact with ruger. I sent in a form requesting a reply. Hopefully they'll have a good resolution for it.

[rickhem]

Rick, yes it was a reload. Living in Nebraska there is always a moisture content. But, I've been shooting reloads for years. I tend think you are right.
Makes me question a lot of rounds I have. Crap.

We will see. Thanks for your input.

I'd still shoot those reloads for practice, but be extra observant if no hole appears on the target, or if one feels "funny".

I have personal experience with "wet" reloads. I was preparing for a big ATA trapshoot a few decades ago, and shot a couple rounds of trap the day before as practice. I reload, and use Gold Medal hulls, and there were a bunch on the ground, so I picked them up. I loaded that night for the tournament the next day, and used those nice new hulls I found. The next day, in the tournament, one of my reloads gave me the dreaded "PFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTT" when I shot, and the shot and the wad just pooped out about 3 feet in front of me. Everyone laughed. One guy asked if there was a chance I reloaded hulls that were wet, or had some water inside. Yup, more than a chance, I have no idea how long those hulls were on the ground. Since the wad left the barrel, that cost me a target too. Oh well, live and learn.

[Cofisher]

I received an email with RMA # After I print the shipping label, I'll box it up. A little nervous about sending it back.

[BrokenolMarine]

I've had really good luck with Ruger. Back in the early 90s, before Virginia became a "Shall Issue" Commonwealth, a CWP was hard to obtain. Application was $200 and most often denied. My application was denied, I filed the appeal. $50. I was working with Juvenile Drug Dealers, who threatened my family and I every week. The appeals judge approved my permit. We had to specify the gun make, model, caliber, and serial number in that county. I chose my SP101. I practiced regularly. About a year in, the gun started to lock up if it was tilted to one side.

I called Ruger Customer Service, they put me through to a tech, he knew immediately what the issue was. Since I was a former Marine, a competitive shooter, and used to breaking down the guns, and he understood it was my carry gun... He overnighted the two parts and detailed instructions for their replacement. "Call me if you have issues."

Easy Peasy, the gun was back in full service.
I later moved to a different county with more relaxed CWP policies, different job in Patrol, and upgraded to a Colt Commander 45. The SP101 became a backup until it went to one of my kids as an adult.