The Ruger American in 350 Legend has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters for its affordability and manageable recoil. However, like any firearm, it's not immune to potential issues. This comprehensive guide delves into common Ruger American 350 Legend problems, offering troubleshooting tips and solutions to help you keep your rifle running smoothly.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
This section addresses frequently reported problems with the Ruger American 350 Legend, providing practical solutions for each.
1. Feeding Issues: Failure to Feed or Eject
Symptoms: Rounds fail to chamber properly, resulting in jams or stovepipes. Spent casings may fail to eject reliably.
Possible Causes:
- Magazine Issues: Bent or damaged magazine lips, improper magazine seating, or insufficient magazine spring tension can all lead to feeding problems. Inspect the magazine for any damage and ensure it's properly seated in the rifle. Consider replacing the magazine spring if it's weak.
- Ammunition Problems: Using ammunition that's not properly sized for the chamber, has damaged cases, or is loaded inconsistently can lead to feeding problems. Try different brands or types of ammunition.
- Dirty or Damaged Action: Build-up of dirt, debris, or damage to the internal components of the action can hinder smooth feeding. Thoroughly clean and lubricate the action. If damage is suspected, consider professional repair.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Inspect the magazine for damage.
- Try different brands of ammunition.
- Thoroughly clean and lubricate the action.
- If problems persist, seek professional gunsmithing assistance.
2. Accuracy Problems: Inconsistent Grouping or Poor Accuracy
Symptoms: Shots are consistently off-target, exhibiting poor grouping at various ranges.
Possible Causes:
- Sight Alignment: Improperly sighted-in iron sights or optics can significantly impact accuracy. Verify your sight alignment and zero your sights properly.
- Ammunition: The type of ammunition used greatly impacts accuracy. Experiment with different brands and weights to find what performs best in your rifle.
- Barrel Fouling: Accumulation of fouling in the barrel can negatively affect accuracy. Regular cleaning is crucial.
- Operator Error: Poor shooting technique is often the cause of accuracy problems. Ensure proper shooting stance, grip, and trigger control.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Re-zero your sights or optics.
- Test different types of ammunition.
- Clean the barrel thoroughly.
- Refine your shooting technique, possibly with professional instruction.
3. Bolt Issues: Bolt sticking or difficult cycling
Symptoms: The bolt is hard to operate, sticks, or fails to cycle smoothly.
Possible Causes:
- Lack of Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication can cause binding and friction. Apply a high-quality gun lubricant to all moving parts.
- Dirty Action: Similar to feeding problems, a dirty action can cause bolt issues. A thorough cleaning is essential.
- Damaged Parts: Damaged or worn bolt components could require replacement. If this is suspected, a gunsmith's examination is necessary.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Thoroughly lubricate all moving parts of the action.
- Clean the action thoroughly.
- If problems persist, consult a gunsmith.
4. Extractor or Ejector Problems: Failure to Extract or Eject Spent Cartridges
Symptoms: Spent casings remain in the chamber or are only partially ejected.
Possible Causes:
- Worn Extractor or Ejector: These components can wear over time, leading to extraction and ejection issues. Replacements may be necessary.
- Excessive fouling: Dirt and debris can interfere with the extractor's function. Clean the chamber and bolt face thoroughly.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Thoroughly clean the chamber and bolt face.
- If the issue persists, have a gunsmith inspect the extractor and ejector.
Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Your Ruger American Running Smoothly
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preventing many common problems. This includes:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your rifle after each use, removing all debris and fouling.
- Lubrication: Apply a high-quality gun lubricant to all moving parts.
- Proper Storage: Store your rifle in a dry, clean place.
This guide provides a starting point for troubleshooting common problems with the Ruger American 350 Legend. Remember that if you are unsure about any repair, consulting a qualified gunsmith is always the safest and most effective approach. Safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms.
