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This is for anyone whose had experience with this sort of thing. My trusty old '53 has the pin that holds the trigger come a little loose. Also, I get the smallest bit of play if I push the barrel backward. I can feel the mainspring move a hair. It's probably been shot so much in 56 years that it's loosened up.
My question is: has anyone ever returned their gun to Ruger for a tune up? I would want them to replace worn parts and springs, etc. I'd hate for them to reblue it or otherwise screw it up. Suggestions?

The trigger pin is held in place by an 'E' clip. It may move a little but won't come out.

Sounds like your frame is a little loose. It can be tightened by compressing the sides of the frame (wings) but it is easy to over compress. Better to make a shim out of an aluminum can for the front lug. JJfunk posted this on how to make a frame shim: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/sh ... ast+Shield

Ruger does excellent refurbishing work but may not have all the parts for your '53'. You can check with them and see.

R,
Bullseye

If you return your vintage pistol to Ruger BE SURE to remove any after market parts and let them know not to reblue.

Ruger has an awesome repair facility and they will go above and beyond when returning a vintage piece to serviceable condition, but they routinely replace ALL internals and have often thrown in a 'free' re-bluing if you do not let them know you do not want one.

I had some work done years ago and it ended up with Ruger replacing the lower receiver on one of my MKIIs. Since the bluing no longer 'matched', they threw in a free re-blue before returning it to me. Needless to say, I was quite pleased.

I had a buddy that was having problems with accuracy right after he had completely replaced all the internals with Volquartsen items. He returned the pistol to Ruger and they replaced everything (no charge) and returned it to him fully functional (and very accurate once again). When he found out all his after market items had been replaced, he contacted them and they told him they routinely replace everything and dump the old items.

Just so you know.

TeeJay

If you do contact Ruger about a refurbish job, let us know what they had to say. Also, if you send it in, give us an after-action report.

Good luck with it

Ylee

Called their service dept. and told them I'd like to have the gun refurbished, but not re-blued. The said send fed-ex or ups along with a letter explaining what I need. They'll then call and give me a quote on what I need. I say yes/no and two week turn around. Strip it of mag, grips, and UNLOAD it. I'll follow up when I get more. TJ

I just received my "estimate" from Ruger. Sadly for me, at least, don't do things for free. But any way: a Barrel/Receiver Assy; Bolt Assy Complete, Disconnector; Ejector & Rivet; Hammer Assy; Safety Complete: Sear Sprng; and Trigger Pivot Lock Washer for the grand total of $136. Well, it is an "oldie." What do you think?

There's not a whole much left to replace after all that. Sounds like you are really fond of the old pistol so it sounds like a bargain to me.

R,
Bullseye

I must love the thing because it's like I'm buying it twice. Well, a "new" 1953 Ruger Standard Automatic. Are MII parts interchangeable with an early pistol like I have? TJ

Sounds like you will have a new gun to put your magazine in. Sounds like they just about replaced everything in it.

blue68f100 wrote:Sounds like you will have a new gun to put your magazine in. Sounds like they just about replaced everything in it.

Ha ! Yes, I'm trying to look at it as if I've bought a brand new '53 pistol for $136. Since I will never part with it, I expect good things next range session. TJ

Called Ruger to make sure that the Barrel/Receiver were not replaced. As "Blue" has pointed out, that would make it a new gun and new serial number. They assured me that that they were not replacing it, just refurbishing it. I will receive the same pistol I sent, just new parts, non-cosmetic. That had me going for awhile. I didn't want to lose the old '53. TJ

Other than blueing, how do you refurbish a barrel/receiver?

Not really sure. Maybe they mean to disassemble the gun, check out the barrel-receiver replace any parts that may come off (?) and oil it up. They can't give you a new one, because that changes the S/N. Got me stumped. The extractor and firing pin, etc. is OK by me. I just don't want them messing up my favorite .22. I don't think they will. TJ

Well, I am happy to report that I just received my old '53 back from Ruger's repair shop. I couldn't be more pleased. Nothing on the outside has been touched, no re-blue. I did get an old style bolt, complete and looks new. They sent the old one back complete with springs, ejector and everything. Got a new hammer, safety, safety detent plunger and spring, and sear spring. They put and old pair of grips with logo on the safety side (which I replaced immediately with it's walnut grips). She cycled just as an old pro should. Beautiful. I'd do it again. TJ

Excellent