Two Ruger rifles, two different QC/warranty headaches — done with the brand
Sharing a couple recent experiences in case it helps someone else.
First was a Ruger American rifle. Out of the box it looked fine, but during actual shooting it showed a clear and repeatable POI shift as the barrel heated up. Cold bore would group in one place, then as the barrel warmed up POI would noticeably walk. I went through enough range time to rule out shooter error, optics, and ammo. It was consistent enough that I wouldn’t trust it for anything where conditions change or you’re taking more than a couple shots.
Second was a Ruger 10/22 that arrived defective before it was ever fired. Sent it in, and Ruger determined it needs a receiver replacement (new serial number). They offered to replace it under warranty, which on paper is fine, but since it requires a new serialized receiver it has to go through an FFL transfer again.
That turned into:
- Initial transfer fee paid
- Shipping cost paid
- Another transfer fee required just to receive the “fixed” rifle
So the rifle is “warranty replaced,” but the customer eats multiple transaction costs because the original gun was DOA.
Ruger support was polite and did offer a replacement receiver at no charge, but the overall experience has been frustrating enough that I’m just stepping away from the brand entirely.
Two rifles, two separate issues, and both ended up costing time and money to get resolved. Not worth continuing that pattern.
These will be my last Ruger rifles.