Finally shot one of my Ranger IIs ...

[RangerJim]

As I described in a previous post, one of my two EBs--#56--was completely non-functional right out of the box.  Similar to what others have experienced, I couldn't even cock he hammer to rotate the cylinder.  So, I put that one aside, and decided I would at least try to test fire #55.  Unfortunately, work and travel kept me occupied for the past two weeks, so I finally just made it to the range this past weekend.

I'm happy to report that #55 functioned very well.  I tested both Speer Gold Dots and Hornady Critical Defense--firing about 30-40 Rounds of each.  At 5 yards, POA was just slightly high and centered--which is quite acceptable, even good.  However, I noticed something very strange as I compared the two different brands of ammo ...

When I shot the Gold Dots, it looked like a fire-breathing dragon--with flames shooting wildly out to the sides.  Every single round I fired did the exact same thing.  The bullets landed true, and close to point of aim ... and the cylinder functioned flawlessly.  It was actually kind of fun to shoot a mini flame thrower!

With the Critical Defense, my experience was diametrically opposite.  There was absolutely no flame.  None.  And almost no smoke, either.  Again, every single round I fired did the exact same thing.  In this case, I had significant and consistent key-holing, and a wider spread on target ...  But far stranger than that, the cylinder would begin to seize up as I cycled through all five rounds.  In other words, as each bullet was fired, the hammer got harder to pull back.  It never actually failed to cock, but just got progressively harder.  So, then I would switch to Gold Dots, and it would work perfectly--just lighting up the range with volcanic fire.

I'm not quite sure how to explain these differences, but some of you may have some theories.  Either way, I thought I'd let you all know, in case you experience something similar.  I'll definitely be sending #56 back to NAA—but I'm not yet sure about #55.  I'll let you know what I decide.

[RogueTS1]

If I remember correctly the Hornadys are supposed to be made for shooting out of short barrel guns and low flash too.

[smokeless joe]

As I described in a previous post, one of my two EBs--#56--was completely non-functional right out of the box.  Similar to what others have experienced, I couldn't even cock he hammer to rotate the cylinder.  So, I put that one aside, and decided I would at least try to test fire #55.  Unfortunately, work and travel kept me occupied for the past two weeks, so I finally just made it to the range this past weekend.

I'm happy to report that #55 functioned very well.  I tested both Speer Gold Dots and Hornady Critical Defense--firing about 30-40 Rounds of each.  At 5 yards, POA was just slightly high and centered--which is quite acceptable, even good.  However, I noticed something very strange as I compared the two different brands of ammo ...

When I shot the Gold Dots, it looked like a fire-breathing dragon--with flames shooting wildly out to the sides.  Every single round I fired did the exact same thing.  The bullets landed true, and close to point of aim ... and the cylinder functioned flawlessly.  It was actually kind of fun to shoot a mini flame thrower!

With the Critical Defense, my experience was diametrically opposite.  There was absolutely no flame.  None.  And almost no smoke, either.  Again, every single round I fired did the exact same thing.  In this case, I had significant and consistent key-holing, and a wider spread on target ...  But far stranger than that, the cylinder would begin to seize up as I cycled through all five rounds.  In other words, as each bullet was fired, the hammer got harder to pull back.  It never actually failed to cock, but just got progressively harder.  So, then I would switch to Gold Dots, and it would work perfectly--just lighting up the range with volcanic fire.

I'm not quite sure how to explain these differences, but some of you may have some theories.  Either way, I thought I'd let you all know, in case you experience something similar.  I'll definitely be sending #56 back to NAA—but I'm not yet sure about #55.  I'll let you know what I decide.

Strange... that sounds like my experience with the CCI ammo. The critical defense was flawless for me. How about ejecting the ammo, how did that go?

[RangerJim]

If I remember correctly the Hornadys are supposed to be made for shooting out of short barrel guns and low flash too.

You're correct, Rogue.  Both the Speer Gold Dots and Hornady CDs were designed for short barrels.  I was just very surprised at the vastly different results.  I never experienced that in any of my other minis.   

[RangerJim]

But far stranger than that, the cylinder would begin to seize up as I cycled through all five rounds.  In other words, as each bullet was fired, the hammer got harder to pull back. 

Strange... that sounds like my experience with the CCI ammo. The critical defense was flawless for me. How about ejecting the ammo, how did that go?

Sorry, Joe ...  I forgot to mention that.  In all cases, the ammo ejected flawlessly--and I had no problem with the cylinder trying to lift out of the frame (as others have seen).  In fact, the shells actually started falling out more easily as more rounds were fired.  I was thinking the "seizing" might be caused by expansion of the round, but wouldn't that also make it difficult to eject?  Not so much ...  It's definitely a puzzle.   

[Clare44man]

It may just be the rims expanding a little.  If the frame is a little rough at the breach face, that would cause the cylinder to drag, and you don't have much leverage from the hand.  I'd check that and maybe polish it a little.  Should be fine after that!

[Canoeal]

Duh, heavier bullet - more pressure build up. Like I said earlier, pressure (hence the mag round) exacerbates the problem of the RII. A Longer barrel will have more pressure for a longer period. They need to fix all of it before moving to the longer barreled versions. I don't think the frame is rigid enough. JMO...Al

[RangerJim]

It may just be the rims expanding a little.  If the frame is a little rough at the breach face, that would cause the cylinder to drag, and you don't have much leverage from the hand.  I'd check that and maybe polish it a little.  Should be fine after that!

Thanks, Clare44man.  I think I'll send it back along with #56.  NAA can polish it for me, and hopefully function test it before sending it back.  Appreciate the suggestion.   

[RangerJim]

Duh, heavier bullet - more pressure build up. Like I said earlier, pressure (hence the mag round) exacerbates the problem of the RII. A Longer barrel will have more pressure for a longer period. They need to fix all of it before moving to the longer barreled versions. I don't think the frame is rigid enough. JMO...Al

Yep, that makes sense--since CD is 45 Grain and GD is 40 Grain.  But I still don't understand why I've never experienced this with any other mini.  I use both rounds exclusively, and have never seen this before.  I'm hoping it's just the expanded rim that's rubbing against a rough breechface, and a good polishing may help--as Clare44man suggested.  We'll see ...

[smokeless joe]

Well mine is at the factory getting the reboot. Hopefully it will be back at my lgs and in tip top condition when I return from Texas.

[Bigbird48]

Well I got to the range to shoot my Ranger after its second trip back to NAA. I put 50 rounds of Winchester Dyna points and 50 rounds of CCI TNT . The hammer did not lock up this time, the casings did not stick and the ejector worked like its suppose to. The cylinder did lift a few times when opening the gun , but my biggest concern mow is it shoots high and to the left. It always did and why it does is beyond me. Its almost like the whole frame is cocked a little left and up. I mean what else could cause this.? I have boot grips on the gun and holding it with 2 hands. Thoughts anyone.  

[45flint]

Your sent a pistol that doesn't even rotate out of the box?!! Sorry their quality control is broken.  I just don't see how that could happen especially on a EB model that they know will get scrutiny.

[Bj]

There have been a number of reports of shooting high and left.  I tried shooting from a rest and the result was high with about an equal number left, right, and center.  That surprised me.  Waiting for NAA response to my latest email.

[RangerJim]

Your sent a pistol that doesn't even rotate out of the box?!! Sorry their quality control is broken.  I just don't see how that could happen especially on a EB model that they know will get scrutiny.

Yeah, I'm not sure how it's possible that I could not even cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder out of the box ...  Very strange.  But I'm confident that NAA can fix it--now that they've dealt with a number of issues with the Ranger II.  I'll report back once I receive them back from NAA.

[Bigbird48]

I've been thinking about the shooting to the left problem and while cleaning my Ranger tonight I'm checking out the wobble at the pivot point. If I hold the barrel and wiggle it there is some play and when you lock the barrel down it looks straight , but is it? All it would take is to be off center 1 thousands of an inch and its going to shoot way off to one side or the other.

[redhawk4]

I've been thinking about the shooting to the left problem and while cleaning my Ranger tonight I'm checking out the wobble at the pivot point. If I hold the barrel and wiggle it there is some play and when you lock the barrel down it looks straight , but is it? All it would take is to be off center 1 thousands of an inch and its going to shoot way off to one side or the other.

I made the same point some time ago in one of the many Ranger II threads, with the rear sight on the frame and the barrel setup I'm inclined to think it will affect both accuracy and POA,

[Bigbird48]

I must have missed tha post, we have so many new threads on the ranger its impossible to keep  up wish we could just get one thread going and keep it all there. It can be done . We have a thread going in our laser forum thats been going for almost 3 years its over 100 pages and over 1500 replies  but everyone can keep up because its all in one place too bad we can't do it here instead of 50 threads about the same thing

I've been thinking about the shooting to the left problem and while cleaning my Ranger tonight I'm checking out the wobble at the pivot point. If I hold the barrel and wiggle it there is some play and when you lock the barrel down it looks straight , but is it? All it would take is to be off center 1 thousands of an inch and its going to shoot way off to one side or the other.

I made the same point some time ago in one of the many Ranger II threads, with the rear sight on the frame and the barrel setup I'm inclined to think it will affect both accuracy and POA,

[Bigbird48]

Oh I forgot. I got an email from Jessica today about the accuracy problem. She says they don't check accuracy when they test fire the gun. She is consulting one of the gun Tech and will let me know what he says, but thinks it might need a new barrel  which would mean a third trip back to NAA. I had mentioned this problem to them before and don't know why it wasn't looked at in one of the previous trips back.Seems it should have been taken care of all ready.

[Bj]

What is the process to send it back, like does the metal box go back, do they send you a mailing label, how is it packed for shipping back?

[RangerJim]

What is the process to send it back, like does the metal box go back, do they send you a mailing label, how is it packed for shipping back?

Hey, Bj:
I just sent mine back today.  You simply call Jessica (1-800-821-5783,) and she will have Rachel Noah send you a prepaid label--no cost to you.  You will simply need to complete a one-page form with some basic information.  They ask that you not send back the metal box, because of weight.  I just wrapped mine up in paper towels, and sent it back in an Amazon box.  That's all you need to do.  Hope that helps ... Good luck!

[RangerJim]

Oh I forgot. I got an email from Jessica today about the accuracy problem. She says they don't check accuracy when they test fire the gun. She is consulting one of the gun Tech and will let me know what he says, but thinks it might need a new barrel  which would mean a third trip back to NAA. I had mentioned this problem to them before and don't know why it wasn't looked at in one of the previous trips back.Seems it should have been taken care of all ready.

Thanks for the update, BB.  Please let us know if you send it back ...   Hopefully a new barrel solves the problem.   

[Canoeal]

Duh, heavier bullet - more pressure build up. Like I said earlier, pressure (hence the mag round) exacerbates the problem of the RII. A Longer barrel will have more pressure for a longer period. They need to fix all of it before moving to the longer barreled versions. I don't think the frame is rigid enough. JMO...Al

Yep, that makes sense--since CD is 45 Grain and GD is 40 Grain.  But I still don't understand why I've never experienced this with any other mini.  I use both rounds exclusively, and have never seen this before.  I'm hoping it's just the expanded rim that's rubbing against a rough breechface, and a good polishing may help--as Clare44man suggested.  We'll see ...

I think the pressure from the round causes the frame to flex, allowing the pin to move and the hand not to lock up. JMO...I am not a gun smith.
But if that is the case, then it is strictly a RII issue. In the other guns the top strap acts to stiffen the gun.Think about the flex in the old convertible cars... The sticking in the cylinders is till related to the heat generated in the boring process that is not sufficiently polished out.

[Gobbletn]

Well mine is at the factory getting the reboot. Hopefully it will be back at my lgs and in tip top condition when I return from Texas.

Just curious, why are you having your Ranger sent back to your LGS and not your Home? Just to make sure someone is there when it arrives? It can be sent directly to a home... correct?

[smokeless joe]

Well mine is at the factory getting the reboot. Hopefully it will be back at my lgs and in tip top condition when I return from Texas.

Just curious, why are you having your Ranger sent back to your LGS and not your Home? Just to make sure someone is there when it arrives? It can be sent directly to a home... correct?

Because I'm currently out of town and this way he can sign for it and keep it safe til I get home. Even if I weren't away I would probably do that. Not comfortable with them leaving a package containing a firearm at my door where someone might walk away with it.

[boots]

If they send to a home address it will require an adult signature.

[Gobbletn]

If they send to a home address it will require an adult signature.

Yes, I agree... adult signature release is required... just wanted to verify it could be sent directly to our home...

[Bigbird48]

I'm having mine held at the local fedex drop off store they don't charge anything and I can pick it up at my convenience, not having to waste a whole day waiting till fedex shows up last time they didn't come till 430 pm   

[LHB]

Not sure which delivery service, but my local FFL has drivers leave stuff, including firearms, on his porch all the time, they just hit the electronic signature, and it says that he signed for it, even if he is not there.  My two Ranger IIs were left on his porch, while he was at the doctors.

[Bigbird48]

 Yikes and if someone walks off with them your out a 1000$

Not sure which delivery service, but my local FFL has drivers leave stuff, including firearms, on his porch all the time, they just hit the electronic signature, and it says that he signed for it, even if he is not there.  My two Ranger IIs were left on his porch, while he was at the doctors.

[smokeless joe]

Yikes and if someone walks off with them your out a 1000$

Not sure which delivery service, but my local FFL has drivers leave stuff, including firearms, on his porch all the time, they just hit the electronic signature, and it says that he signed for it, even if he is not there.  My two Ranger IIs were left on his porch, while he was at the doctors.

Yeah not a good practice in my opinion

[Porschedog]

I'm still trying to find a Ranger. Kinda cranky that NAA won't sell to me; that's how I got my Bond arms and Wilson Combat products. Just sayin

[Ruger]

Just back from vacation.  I received my FedEx shipping label from Robin on Feb. 1 for #85, the day I left.  Cold not ship until I got back.  Packed it up with the conversion cylinder and dropped it off at a local Walgreen's.  Tracking show it has left Ohio.  I asked Robin whether or not to send the conversion cylinder, but did not receive a reply, so I felt it best to ship it.  #86 works well and is keeping me happy while #85 is off to the clinic.

[Bigbird48]

They will sell to you if you special order from them, a custom serial number.Has to be sent to FFL tho.

I'm still trying to find a Ranger. Kinda cranky that NAA won't sell to me; that's how I got my Bond arms and Wilson Combat products. Just sayin

[Gobbletn]

Oh I forgot. I got an email from Jessica today about the accuracy problem. She says they don't check accuracy when they test fire the gun. She is consulting one of the gun Tech and will let me know what he says, but thinks it might need a new barrel  which would mean a third trip back to NAA. I had mentioned this problem to them before and don't know why it wasn't looked at in one of the previous trips back.Seems it should have been taken care of all ready.

Hey Bigbird48... my Ranger is still back for its first repair. mine would not cock after 3-5 hammer pulls. Never fired a round before it went back. I hate that yours might go back a 3rd time. I don't think I will be as patient as you...

[Bigbird48]

patients is a virtue 

Oh I forgot. I got an email from Jessica today about the accuracy problem. She says they don't check accuracy when they test fire the gun. She is consulting one of the gun Tech and will let me know what he says, but thinks it might need a new barrel  which would mean a third trip back to NAA. I had mentioned this problem to them before and don't know why it wasn't looked at in one of the previous trips back.Seems it should have been taken care of all ready.

Hey Bigbird48... my Ranger is still back for its first repair. mine would not cock after 3-5 hammer pulls. Never fired a round before it went back. I hate that yours might go back a 3rd time. I don't think I will be as patient as you...