Issue with New Ruger SR1911

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cox3497

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Howdy All,

Been a while since I posted on the forum. Good to be back.

Need some advice from you distinguished ladies and gents. ;) I just picked up a Ruger SR1911 at the local Farm and Ranch store. Being a little excited to actually see one of these in person, I quickly picked it up (it was brand new). Unfortunately, there is one little issue.

Let me preface all this by saying that I am extremely picky about my guns and believe in doing things the right way. I'm not certain why (I think it may have to do with the fact that some Ruger employees aren't familiar with assembling 1911's since they've never built them before), but my pistol has the dreaded 1911 idiot mark associated with the slide release. I did not notice this in the store before I purchased the weapon (after all, you don't expect to see this on a brand new pistol), only upon dissassembly back home. Here's the thing. I know it was done at the factory because you can tell it was scratched before they bead blasted the stainless to give it the matte finish (making it a little harder to see on the assembled pistol in the store). I attached a couple photos with the post for ya'll to see. I'm debating whether or not to send it back to Ruger. If I do though, they'd have to re-bead blast the frame (which has the serial number on it), meaning they may just give me a new gun. I hate to do this, but I hate having an idiot mark on my brand new 1911. I know it's one thing that turns me off when I'm looking as used 1911's, because it's a sign that the previous owner didn't know anything about his pistol. What say you gurus?

Thanks for any and all advice (and letting me vent)!

Best,
cox3497

EDIT: UPDATED WITH LARGER PHOTOS. PLEASE SEE POST BELOW. THANKS!
 
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Well, those are bigger. The photos make it look a little smoother than it actually is, but it isn't as obnoxious as a usual idiot mark being that the bead blasting was done after they scratched it.

Thanks!
 
I hate to upset the direction of the thread, but I am curious what an idiot mark is... I plan on owning a 1911 in the future, and would hate to cause the mark of the idiot to magically appear on it.
 
Hey Ruger,

Yeah, that's what I'm thinkin'. I'm not the type to complain, but I did just pay $750 for a brand new pistol.

Sore Shoulder,

An idiot mark occurs when the slide stop is reinstalled carelessly upon reassembly of the disassembled pistol. If it isn't pushed straight in (but instead pushed against the frame and slid upward), it leaves an arcing scratch on the side of the pistol. Such a mark is indicated in the photos above. I would have hoped the guys building these things would have known about that. The only reason mine isn't more apparent is that it was bead blasted after it was scratched...
 
You could probably ask for a voucher or something, like "good for 1 bead blasting service".

That way you can shoot your 1911 first, and when you accumulate more marks/wear, it'll be worthy of the shipping costs and services.
 
I hate to upset the direction of the thread, but I am curious what an idiot mark is... I plan on owning a 1911 in the future, and would hate to cause the mark of the idiot to magically appear on it.
Click to expand...
If you look at the pictures posted, you will see a groove/scratch on the frame where someone assembled the gun carelessly.

One can modify the slide stop with a very small round file that will enable the slide stop to cam the plunger away from the slide stop so the slide stop can be pushed straight in instead of up. Thus avoiding a resulting scratch.

It was my impression that the SC1911 came with the round groove modification.
 
Hank,

I'm not sure if they could re-bead blast it is the thing. I'm thinking it would wash out the serial number/other lettering on the gun. It may require a new pistol.

Dahermit,

I'm not quite familiar with the round grove modification, but I am familiar with the idiot mark, and this 1911 definitely has it. As to the price, I'm exaggerating a bit (literary license). :) I paid $699 plus tax. I didn't figure it was necessarily the cheapest price, but it was cheap enough for me.

Thanks!
 
Call Ruger and see what they have to say about it. If it were me I'd probably be a little miffed about it but not enough to send it back. My advice, shoot the snot out of it. If it's going to bug you everytime you look at the gun though send it in to Ruger. I'm sure they will make it right if you contact them about it.

Stu
 
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