Once again proving that guns are complex mechanical devices and any firearms manufacturer can experience a design or production problem, Ruger has issued a product safety bulletin for some of their popular Ruger Precision Rifles. The cause for concern: Ruger says there is “potential for interference between the aluminum bolt shroud and the cocking piece” in certain models with aluminum bolt shrouds.
Here’s their announcement:
Ruger has issued a Product Safety Bulletin for certain Ruger Precision Rifles due to the potential for interference between the aluminum bolt shroud and the cocking piece. Although only a small percentage of rifles appear to be affected and we are not aware of any injuries, Ruger is firmly committed to safety and is offering replacement aluminum bolt shrouds for affected rifles in order to eliminate the possibility of such interference.
PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO THIS SAFETY BULLETIN
Ruger Precision Rifles (regardless of caliber) that have an aluminum bolt shroud and fall within the following serial number ranges are potentially affected:
1800-26274 to 1800-78345 OR 1801-00506 to 1801-30461 This Safety Bulletin does NOT apply to Ruger Precision Rifles with polymer bolt shrouds.
DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE
Some Ruger Precision Rifles may experience interference between the aluminum bolt shroud and the cocking piece (also known as the firing pin back). In rare instances, the interference can disrupt the firing mechanism and cause it to not function properly.
Possible results of this interference are light primer strikes or, in extreme cases, the rifle may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If the rifle fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, it may fire when the bolt handle is subsequently lifted.
In rifles where this condition exists, the issue often resolves itself as the parts wear and the interference is reduced.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR RIFLE IS AFFECTED
If your rifle falls within the serial number ranges above and has an aluminum bolt shroud, it is potentially affected.
Visit the Ruger Precision Rifle® Safety Bulletin website at Ruger.com/RPRSafety to look up your serial number and verify that is the case.
Although all rifles with aluminum bolt shrouds within the above serial number ranges are potentially affected, most rifles will never experience this issue. However, if you have ever experienced light primer indents
or failure to fire with your Ruger Precision Rifle®, you should obtain a replacement bolt shroud, which Ruger will provide FREE of charge.Alternatively, if you have fired more than 100 rounds through your rifle with no issues or concerns (light primer indents or failures to fire), your rifle is unlikely to be affected and no additional action is necessary.
If you are not sure whether your rifle has exhibited any light primer indents or failures to fire, or are in any way concerned about the safety of your rifle, please sign up for this offer and we will send you a FREE replacement bolt shroud.
For more information including what to do if your rifle is affected, click here.