Ruger American Rimfire .17 HMR heads-up.

[9x19]

I bought a compact model today, $255 + tax.

When I got it home and put it in the cradle to add Weaver bases, I found a problem... Ruger has changed the receiver plug screws from a standard slotted screw to a Torx T6 screw. That's not a big deal as I have a good set of Torx bits.

Unfortunately, I could not get my T6 bit to bite in the front two screws... the bit recess in the screws appears to be really shallow. The rear screws were no problem.

Went back to the shop, but the other one they had was the same way...

I called Ruger and confirmed the screws are T6. I told the tech it looked like Ruger had installed the screws (and they were high), then polished the receiver with the screws in place and in the process polished off the top of the screws leaving the bit recess very shallow. The tech said that was quite possible... and issued a return for mine. They also asked for the shop's phone number so they could call and pick up theirs as well.

UPS should pick it up tomorrow... I'm sure Ruger will handle it, and I'll let y'all know how it turns out... if you're looking at one, check the plug screws closely.

 

[Hoji]

Ruger has always had top notch CS when I have had to call them.

 

[itchin]

That's a great price. I wouldn't mind one. Thanks for the heads up on the screws.

 

[9x19]

Well, it seems somebody in Ruger's Service Dept. dropped the ball, as UPS did not pick up my rifle and still didn't have a pick-up request in their system as of Friday.


So... I decided to just handle the issue myself today.


After verifying the receiver top was planar, I drilled a 1/16" hole in both of the front plug screws, then wedged a T6 bit into the hole and extracted them.


Mounted my scope, now just waiting for the 1/2" of ice we got today to melt so I can sight it in... already ordered the long/high stock module from Ruger.

 

[35Remington]

That's pretty. What's the overall length? That's the gun that takes 10/22 mags when you buy it in the .22LR configuration, right? I sure want one of those.

 

[9x19]

The compact is 35.8" out of the box, but I like the full size stock module and adding it makes the OAL 37".

These do use the 10/22 magazines.

 

[9x19]

I picked up some ammo locally and had the rifle out back this morning. It shoots better than the .22s, though that's not a big surprise as inherent accuracy is one of the reasons the HMR gained such popularity.

Then I got an email from Graf's this afternoon... they had Hornady ammo in stock and on sale, so I ordered a bit more to have a good supply on hand.

I'm really happy with all three rifles.

 

[Gopher711]

The compact is 35.8" out of the box, but I like the full size stock module and adding it makes the OAL 37".

These do use the 10/22 magazines.

Ruger would have kicked themselves in the balls if they used an oddball mag !