LCR-357 back to Ruger

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:10 pm

At some point, the screw that holds the crane release button had backed out some. I noticed yesterday, and tried to put it back in, no go. So I thought I'd take it out and clean it. No go.

In the process of trying to budge it, The screw slot broke out. Ouch.

Called Ruger this morning, and they actually took some blame. Said it should not have been that tight, probably too much threadlock. ??? I didn't realize it was threadlocked, since mine backed out, and I've read of several others.

I guess some application of acetone first might have made things easier?

Ruger emailed a shipping label, and the LCR is on its way. Return will supposedly be three weeks.

I have several scuffs and scratches below the latch, no big deal on a carry gun. But, I thought if it wears off that easily, maybe I'll Scotchbrite it to a usual Ruger brushed finish stainless.........

charlesb · Post by **charlesb** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:19 am

The Scotchbrite thing works good for me.

Make sure that its a new piece though, that has never been used on carbon steel. - I used an old piece once that introduced rust spots to the stainless.

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 9:07 am

You have had terrible luck with that LCR. Scratches on a carry gun are a given. The type of holster has a lot to play into this, the reason I use a liner in mine. My Kimber UCII with the Ceremic coating has held up well. no scratches. ION Bond is another coating that is extremely durable.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:52 am

blue68f100 wrote:You have had terrible luck with that LCR. Scratches on a carry gun are a given. The type of holster has a lot to play into this, the reason I use a liner in mine. My Kimber UCII with the Ceremic coating has held up well. no scratches. ION Bond is another coating that is extremely durable.

The 22 LCR was defective and the replacement was slow. This 357 was fine until now. I did the finish damage wrestling with the screw.

I don't understand Ruger using all these coatings on stainless steel. Like an uncle of mine who painted his redwood house white.

I prefer my 357's Target Grey (not a coating) cylinder over the 22's Ionbond coated one. I suppose the 22's aluminum frame is okay coated, but not the 357 stainless. I'd just as soon both guns had stainless frames, uncoated.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:54 am

What a PITA it is to have to send a gun back. So far with my LCR 38+ it's
been all good. Hope it works out for you. Are these common problems with the LCR?
Haka

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 11:30 am

Hakaman wrote:What a PITA it is to have to send a gun back. So far with my LCR 38+ it's
been all good. Hope it works out for you. Are these common problems with the LCR?
Haka

I see some mention of the screw backing out on LCRs and others. None about it getting stuck. Ruger CS's first thought is it was over-threadlocked, either too much or wrong type. I think maybe a metal shaving in the threads.

I'm not minding the return, just wish it had not been necessary. I probably won't have decent shooting weather until after it's back, anyway.

I feel sorry for the tech removing that tiny screw. It won't be the easiest thing he does that day.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:06 pm

Ruger called Tuesday and said they could not repair my LCR, so they will replace it. They couldn't get the broken screw out? Or they did worse than me trying to get it out?

Ruger seems overly generous these days, giving out replacements. They eat the profit on the gun, plus shipping both ways, and reimbursing FFL fees. Including the time they spend examining the guns, doing paperwork, etc., that's a chunk of change.

The usual two weeks to "order" one and get it. I never understand why they have to order guns and wait two weeks, when they are at the same address?

I'll lose the Target Grey cylinder, which I liked better than the newer Ion Bond DiamondBlack coating. No big deal, just so it performs as well as the first on the range. I've got 1k .38 rounds, I guess I can shoot a box when it comes back.

If the weather ever picks up? 30 degrees now, 20 tonight and forecast of 40 with possible light snow Sunday. Crazy Spring weather.

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:49 pm

SS can gall up and become one piece. Using proper lubricants are a must. I have had many SS screws and bolts gall and seize up requiring me to drill them apart. For it to back out the seize up something was not right.

I hope you have better luck with your next one.......

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 10:36 am

I partially disassembled the LCR to work on the screw. It's obvious that the cylinder frame is immersed in whatever chemicals produce the dark gray finish. So that would include the screw hole.

I have spares of the screw, and they show me that it is coated also. With both coated, that would make the threads a pretty tight fit. Over the years I've buggered a few gun screw heads, but always got them out and replaced. Never had one this bad.

I've looked online everywhere, and could not find a hollow ground driver to fit the screw. The slot is 1/16th inch by .020. I've got an electrician's screwdriver filed to fit.

I feel sure the replacement will be okay, the 357 has been out plenty long enough to be bug-free with consistent quality. Best guess from what Ruger told me, I'll get it the first week of next month. I wouldn't mind a little sooner!

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:43 pm

I think my Brown & Sharp Jeweler Screw driver set has 1 that size.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 11:39 am

blue68f100 wrote:I think my Brown & Sharp Jeweler Screw driver set has 1 that size.

You inspired me, Blue. I dug thru my screwdriver drawer last night. One in a KR Tools set fits great, even looks to be hollow ground. I had not thought about it, came from a bargain rack at Sears for $8. Poly handles with swivel tops, not bad.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 2:26 pm

I have had good luck with mine, sorry about your difficulties. One poster in the
attached forum stated he shoots about 20-30 rds an outing and that's it. I don't
know if that has any value or not, but who knows. There was one lcr that had the
frame cracked by shooting his +p reloads (maybe they were +++P loads, if you
get my drift?). Right now, it is one of my two carry guns, it and my pm9, and I
have a hard time choosing which one I prefer.
Check out some of these posts:

http://www.northwestfirearms.com/handgu ... usted.html

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 1:34 pm

Seems like you've been there before. Getting to be a well worn trail.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:42 am

I have sometimes wished Ruger had both 357 and 22 SP-101s in snub nose, and I had bought them instead of LCRs. Maybe they'll still work out okay, I like them when they're good.

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Mon Mar 25, 2013 1:53 pm

ruger22 wrote:I have sometimes wished Ruger had both 357 and 22 SP-101s in snub nose, and I had bought them instead of LCRs. Maybe they'll still work out okay, I like them when they're good.

Yeh. The SP101 .22 is too long in the tooth for me, too. I suppose a good saw could fix that.....but then the problem with front sight rears it head. Still the LCR 22 is lighter and a delight to carry.