Redhawk Barrels Do Have the Tendency To Fly Off

**andyrping** · February 13th, 2011, 07:16 PM

Well folks, I was so excited that I was finally able to get myself a 5.5" Redhawk. And a brand new one at that. Just brought this home yesterday and it sure was not cheap. Went to the range this afternoon to eagerly try her out. Well, took my first shot, and it sure was different than what I'm used to, especially when I saw a shiny object tumbling down the concrete floor of the range. Went out to range officer and told him I have a problem. He asked what it was. I showed him my new Redhawk "snub-nose" and told him that my barrel is at the other end of the range and I need someone to get it for me. He said, yeah, it looks like you have a problem. Drew a bit of attention when he had to call a cease fire so he could retreive it for me.

So, going to give Ruger a call tomorrow and I'll let you all know how it goes. They've taken care of me in the past and I'm hoping they'll do it again.

Was a beautiful revolver otherwise... My bullet still hit the target too, it was about 2' below POA though.

**Steve_NEPhila** · February 13th, 2011, 07:35 PM

Shit happens, and machines break.

I am sure Ruger will fix it and or replace it for you. The barrel was probably over torqued from the factory. This is a great reason for us to be reminded to wear eye protection along with our ear protection.

**streaker69** · February 13th, 2011, 07:47 PM

You don't carry JBWeld in your range bag? Geez, unprepared.

**Guns N'at** · February 14th, 2011, 08:25 AM

Remember awhile back reading of the same issue with another brand of revolver, and a gunsmith who specialises in custom revolver making said that improper torquing of the barrel was the cause. Said prior to breakage the barrel will display a "distortion ring" inside the forcing cone/leade area, and the break happens at this point.

Here caught on video is a Taurus doing the exact same thing you experienced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vftq9...7CCAFC7499857D

Rest assured Ruger will fully take care of you in this embarrassing situation for them, and PITA/ potential loss of faith in their products for you.

**300plus** · February 14th, 2011, 09:01 AM

Very lucky for the OP the barrel failed on its initial trip to the range rather than in the woods on a hunt!. I can see that barrel smacking a tree and bouncing back at the shooter.

Ruger is a very good company and I have no doubt they will make this 100% right with you. Too bad the defect slipped through QC, but it does-as you've so graphically shown-happen.