Ruger wrangler loose barrel

[someguy2800]

This is a very true statement. We definitely see more posts about people having issues versus someone having zero issues. And one single "Oh ^#&@" will wipe out ten "at a boy's"

For the OP, I would contact Ruger about what happened and see what they say.

For me personally this is 4 out of 4 ruger revolvers that have had issues right out of the box.

My first SP101 4.2" 357 would lock up in double action making it impossible to pull the trigger because the transfer bar would catch on the firing pin instead of riding over it. I took it apart and chamfered the top of the transfer bar myself.

My second SP101 had the same issue with the transfer bar and was also out of time. It would not advance the cylinder to the next cylinder stop about 20% of the time in double and single action. I fixed both issues myself.

My first wrangler has loose wood grips because the insert in the grips is pulling through the wood and cannot be tightened. Admittedly a minor issue, but an issue non the less

My 2nd wrangler is the one this post is about.

 

[chicharrones]

Ruger is Ruger.

I still own 6 out of the 7 I've bought with years of manufacture from 1982 to 2022. My 9.5" Single Six and Bearcat (made around 2011 to 2014) wouldn't seat ammo in the chambers properly. If I wasn't a fix it myself kind of guy, those guns would have gone back to Ruger.

So, call that a 28% "irritate me" rate.

I like Ruger a whole lot, but clearly their QC is also partially done by returns to Ruger. Just like a bunch of other firearms makers out there.

 

[chicharrones]

For me personally this is 4 out of 4 ruger revolvers that have had issues right out of the box.

My first SP101 4.2" 357 would lock up in double action making it impossible to pull the trigger because the transfer bar would catch on the firing pin instead of riding over it. I took it apart and chamfered the top of the transfer bar myself.

My second SP101 had the same issue with the transfer bar and was also out of time. It would not advance the cylinder to the next cylinder stop about 20% of the time in double and single action. I fixed both issues myself.

Good point about the transfer bar hanging on the firing pin. My Bearcat had the same issue when cocking. Fixed that myself, too.

 

[someguy2800]

Ruger is Ruger.

I still own 6 out of the 7 I've bought with years of manufacture from 1982 to 2022. My 9.5" Single Six and Bearcat (made around 2011 to 2014) wouldn't seat ammo in the chambers properly. If I wasn't a fix it myself kind of guy, those guns would have gone back to Ruger.

So, call that a 28% "irritate me" rate.

I like Ruger a whole lot, but clearly their QC is also partially done by returns to Ruger. Just like a bunch of other firearms makers out there.

I typically disassemble every gun I buy and slick things up or do a trigger job so it really doesn't bother me too much, but would be a big deal for someone with no mechanical ability or tools. I consider most guns to be partially finished kits. Before I bought my SP101 I rented one at a rental range and it had the same problem with the transfer bar. If you pointed the gun down you could not pull the trigger. So 3 out of 3 sp101's I've had in my hands did it. Hard to believe that ruger hasn't fixed loads of them in customer service for the same issue so its pretty amazing to me they don't make a production change to prevent it. But as you said, Ruger gonna Ruger.

 

[doubleh]

The thread about the super wrangler got me thinking about mine so I took it out today to shoot it a bit. I was confused to find I had to hold way right to hit anything and it seamed to be getting worse. Pretty soon I was holding like a foot right to hit at 15 ish yards. I was certain that wasn’t the case the last time I shot so I inspected and found at first glance the front sight appeared to be canted to the right about a millimeter. I thought I must have bent the front sight ramp so I took it to the shed and clamped the front sight in the vice to bend it back and the whole barrel turned in the frame with almost no effort. After removing the ejector rod assembly the barrel unscrewed out of the frame with 2 fingers.

View attachment 1144332

I already put it back together and timed the barrel so that the sights shoot to POA, but I think I’ll send it back to ruger anyway. I assume they will probably give me a new one, which I’ll probably sell and put that money toward a single six or bearcat.

I would send it in two pieces. Otherwise they may tell you it's in specifications and return it. Out of several Ruger revolvers I own the wrangler is their only dud for me.

 

[nofendertom]

chicharonnes --- I remember reading somewhere that gamblers back in old days would take the barrel off their Colts to have a hideout gun for shooting
across a card table.

 

[someguy2800]

I would send it in two pieces. Otherwise they may tell you it's in specifications and return it. Out of several Ruger revolvers I own the wrangler is their only dud for me.

That's a good idea.

 

[adcoch1]

That's a good idea.

I did that with my redhawk. Fit in a much smaller box that way. Pretty self explanatory what the issue is too.

 

[TTv2]

You used to be able to get the HRR in 32 mag as well. So therefore the Wrangler should be fine.

Those Heritages were steel frame tho.