Lc9s aluminum frame insert wear

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There are exactly 210 rounds through this LC9S. Cleaning today I noticed wear through the finish at the front of the rails (both sides), on the rear left rail, and in the interior (in the recoil spring channel and adjacent to the chamber). That interior wear is roughly symmetrical.

My sense is that this is likely normal for the aluminum part of the frame 0219192059b.jpg 0219192101.jpg 0219192101a.jpg 0219192100.jpg
But wanted second and third opinions.

On the pic of the interior, there is a strand of a patch, which may look like a scratch ...

Thanks.
 
I just broke my LC9S down to compare. Mine has thousands of rounds through the gun and does not show that wear. However, It does look like the wear I had with a number of LCP's that did fully crack. With only 250 rounds through the gun, I would have to say this does not look right and I would send it back to Ruger. I also have a Ruger SR22 that had to be replaced that looked similar to what you are showing. Mine got worse and again, Ruger replaced it. Why Ruger has not gone with a modular design is something that has disappointed me with their small pistols.
Example of LCP
61GHNiG.jpg

hy8SEEF.jpg

My SR22 started off with a scratch going down the frame like yours. And on this one the Post started wearing away. I think they tried to repair it once and them more problems and they replaced the SR22 and I have not had any problems. Runs great.

SpohieX.jpg
I would send your gun in. Something is not right and may get worse.
 
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Got an actual person within 3 minutes. Emailed them pics, and they agreed that it looks like atypical wear. They are providing a return label and told me to send it in.
That’s the Ruger customer service that I’ve come to know. Quick response and a postage paid label!

Stay safe.
 
Sig uses aluminum frames for lots of stuff, and they have always recommended grease on the rails. Once this is fixed, I wonder if greasing the rails would be a good preventative step....
 
Sig uses aluminum frames for lots of stuff, and they have always recommended grease on the rails. Once this is fixed, I wonder if greasing the rails would be a good preventative step....

I do use grease. I'd hate to see what it would look like if I ran it dry, or lightly oiled.
 
I received confirmation from Ruger that they received the pistol today. The form email also projected a typical turn-around time within a week. Quick.
 
I received confirmation from Ruger that they received the pistol today. The form email also projected a typical turn-around time within a week. Quick.
Once mine was fixed, I shot the heck out of it. It is one of the first runs.A about 6 months ago, I had a issue, the firing pin was worn down or broken. Ruger told me that since it was so old, that I would have to pay for shipping for a repair and they would send it back at no charge, or they would just send me the parts. I opted for the parts and runs great. I would think that Grease would gunk up. I have always used Ballistol and never a problem. In fact use ballistol milk in my Sonic cleaner. Cleans Fantastic, I then just blow out the firing pin channel with a can of Air.
Ballistol leaves a very fine film on all the parts and does NOT gum up.
 
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I have gone off track many times to try out other gun cleaning products. Had one that was very slick, but my gosh it became so thick and hard, had to tear down each gun to remove the crap. That was the last time, I every strayed. As I mentioned, love it in my Sonic Cleaner. When I bought the Sonic, I also ordered some very expensive cleaning fluid and and another specialty product for Lubrication. I decided to use Ballistol first. Have never even opened the other products. No need to. Plus I can use Ballistol many times before replacing. One cleaner and lube vs using two products. Does a great job on mags.



https://ballistol.com/uses/firearm-cleaning-lubricant/

Ballistol cleans and removes all types of bore fouling. Cleaning with Ballistol will save you time, minimize the need for brushing, and also form a protective film on your firearm. Due to its slight alkalinity, Ballistol neutralizes and dissolves black powder and corrosive ammo residue. In addition, Ballistol will beautify gun stocks, and prevent them from drying out. As a lubricant, Ballistol will never gum up or harden. With Ballistol, your entire firearm will stay lubricated and protected.

Does Ballistol resinify or harden?
Ballistol does not resinify. Most other lubricants are subject to relatively fast aging and oxidation. They harden in time - a process which is called “resinification.” The oil begins to thicken, becomes sticky, gluey, and finally turns into a hard resinous substance. By contrast, Ballistol contains a combination of anti-oxidants and medical oils, which together make it much less susceptible to the process of aging than other lubricants. Read more about Ballistol's longevity.
 
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Update:

I called in to Ruger today and was told they considered it normal wear to the frame insert. Said they touched it up, which was unnecessary, were going to function test it today and then send it home tomorrow.

Honestly, when I first posted this, I thought it would probably be considered normal -- but it may be a case of the pictures making it look worse than it is -- prompting Ruger to request the return.

I have been more than satisfied with the communication with Customer Service, and I appreciate that they care enough to check things over, and pay for postage, even if it wasn't necessary. And it looks like it will only be gone for about 2.5 weeks ...
 
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