Ruger no longer servicing AC556!

[Krazyolman]

I just got off of the phone with Ruger and they stated that per a recent corporate decision, they re no longer serviceing the AC556. No repairs. No parts. No service. I am calling another person within the company, but that is what I just heard!

[CIB]

That ain't good!

[Glockdude1]

Other than a corporate decision, was any other reason given?

[Ge-mini-gun]

Not to call BS, but Ruger is about as worried about being sued as a company can be. I would think the lawyers (in the company) would put a stop to this ricky tick. But then again what the hell do I know?

[Krazyolman]

No other reason was given.

I have heard it from 2 customer service reps today. Call 603-865-2442, push 5 and ask for Brenda Page. I am on hold right now trying to get another person to confirm.

Update: Finally got through,,a third customer service rep says no, they have quit the service. On hold now to talk with Ms Page.
She would not answer. Rep came back on line and confirmed for the third time. No service, no parts, no warranty.

[xm15e2s]

Hold your horses.
Web site says contact for service for police carbines is in AZ .
You were calling NH. NH facility per the website says not for police carbines.

http://ruger.com/Firearms/Contact.jsp?Group=PS


Try and call (someone else besides krazyolman) the correct dept before everyone gets upset

[Krazyolman]

Not sure why the statement about Krazyolman.
I am just reporting what was told me me! When a person at Ruger tells me they are no longer servicing an AC556's, that's pretty much all I have to go on.
As far as AZ and NH, I would think a company like Ruger would have both offices on the same page.
Just reporting what I am hearing! I sincerely hope they were wrong in what they told me. I wouldn't have posted to mislead anyone.

[xm15e2s]

just looking for confirmation from another person besides you.

POLICE CARBINE may only refer to that PC pistol cal rifle that they sold.

It says on other places of their web site that the AZ facility will be for service for any out of production firearm.

Does anyone know when the AC-556 went out of production?
I thought it was less than 10 years ago??????

[Krazyolman]

I certainly wasn't, and amnot, trying to cause any misinformation o rupset anyone. I was on the verge of buying one. Had an email confirmation pending additional pics. It was a CT gun and the selector had been removed due to the "no burst" law there. ALl I have read about RUger on here wass good things. ANd I figured it would be worth th emoney to buy the gun and send it to Ruger.
I am calling AZ again in the morning to try and get the scoop. They may very well still service them, but like I said, I was just going on what NH told me.
I certainly do hope I was wrong, for all of our sake.
And if I caused unneeded alarm, I certainly do apologize.

[trgrhppy]

When i sent my AC to Ruger for repairs about 4 years ago, I sent it to NH.

[Krazyolman]

There were a couple of other guys told me they sent theirs there trgrhppy.

[sig-x]

I hope this is not true.:(

[ArevaloSOCOM]

No decent man needs a AC556.......

[Mr.Burns]

Another one bites the dust.

[Ge-mini-gun]

...the selector had been removed...

I don't think you need to worry about getting it fixed. If I'm correct, ANY modification to a factory gun voids the warranty...so with the selector removed your SOL.

[Krazyolman]

Okay,,,one more clarification so as everyone don't think I am intentionally trying to stir up crap.
I am new to ths board, and to NFA guns. But I am learning quickley I think.

Two of the reasons I was pursuing an AC is I just plain ol like the look of the guns, no matter how accuarte they are, etc, and the other reason is the only thing I had heard about Ruger was GOOD, how they take care of all the people needing support and will do refurbs and repairs at a very reasonable price. So, I was looking to make a deal on an AC556 and when I received the pics, the selector switch had been removed. I told the gentleman I needed to check with Ruger to see if it could be put back to its original configuration. I realized since the gun was "altered" they may not. The conversations yesterday with Ruger were regarding just merely repairing or refurbishing a gun.
The only reason I posted this info is because IF, and I repeat IF it is true, I felt the guys out there neded to know. And I felt if I talked to 3 people in customer service at Ruger, that all told me that Ruger does not do this any longer, I think it was information that merited being conveyed to the guys out there.

Update:

I did call AZ today and they told me to NH is who takes care of the AC556's. So it believe it is NH that does/did the service on AC556's.

I ended up talking to a lady (I will withhold her name because she was very very nice and supportive) that told me she would get the answers, period. At the end of the conversation, I asked he what her position was at Ruger. She stated she was the assistant to the VP and CEO. I will keep digging and hopefully get some good accurate information.

[smg-45]

just looking for confirmation from another person besides you.

POLICE CARBINE may only refer to that PC pistol cal rifle that they sold.

It says on other places of their web site that the AZ facility will be for service for any out of production firearm.

Does anyone know when the AC-556 went out of production?
I thought it was less than 10 years ago??????



Krazyolman, don't let a few posts like this upset you. I for one am thankful for you passing on info that you get from Ruger. OTHERS would rather rely on what the heard from someone who heard something from someone else, rather than getting off of thier asses and calling the Company directly as you did.

[Krazyolman]

Final Update:
I just received my call back from Ruger. Brenda Page, who manages customer service called and here is Ruger's position on the AC556's:



No new wood at all. In the past they would put new wood on an AC556. No longer.



No refinishing of wood at all



Limited barrels are available. No listing as to which ones, but no more are going to be produced



Very limited service available as very limited parts are stillin stock and no new parts will be made.



They will reblue your gun.

As far as doing work on, or repairing a gun that has been altered.

She will gladly accept the gun, but will not guarantee any work can be performed.
The gun has to be sent and their gunsmith's make the call. No matter what you say was done, the will not answer as to if the gun can be repaired. Another words, if you say it only has the selector switch removed for example (which I know isn't all), they still will not comment without seeing the gun.

Regarding the info I got yesterday, she told me that she had a meeting this morning with her personnel and quote "smacked their hand" for telling anyone that "Ruger no longer services the AC556". She confirmed to me that these folks did tell me that and that they were in the wrong, and have been "talked to".

I asked her if she would give me her email and phone number so I could stay in touch regarding Ruger's decision on continuing service of these guns, as she did make a comment that they are reviewing the continuation of this service as it does not remain profitable to manufacture any new parts for the guns. She abildged with her contact info and I will stay in touch.

Again, sorry for any confusion, but I was told what I was told, and to some extent, the info was correct as shown above.

Happy shooting!

[Krazyolman]

Thanks SMG-45.
Hopefully the last post will clear up any issues. Bottom line, other than bluing, all the other services are short lived.

[Tommy]

Just got off phone with ruger very few parts left and minimal service.I for one will never buy another Ruger firearm, f em, rant off.

[Nwcid]

Just got off phone with ruger very few parts left and minimal service.I for one will never buy another Ruger firearm, f em, rant off.


I hope you have a reason other then the fact that they are out of parts for a gun that has been out of production for at least 10 years and I am thinking longer.

One of the FEW good things Ruger has done was have great customer service. I have had to deal with a few different companies and customer service and Ruger has always gone above and beyond.

If your issue is just with the parts issue that is a very unreal view. Ruger will still service what they can. But like anything else there are only so many parts out there. The AC556 was not built in the numbers that some other guns were so there is going to be less parts from that standpoint too. Sure you can still find M1 Garand parts from 50+ years ago but the guns were made in the millions. How many AC556's are there? I am sure it is less then 100,000.

So you say ok well make another run of parts for an out of production gun. Great plan but the amount it cost to set up to run those parts again. Since they are not selling/servicing thousands of guns a month your parts are going to double, triple, higher for the company to even break even on just the parts and now you are going to be unhappy it costs so much.

Try going to Sears and finding a part for you lawn mower or trimmer 2 years after you bought it let alone 5 years or more. I know they are not the exact same thing but same concept.

.

[smg-45]

My thoughts exactly, you just beat me to the punch.

[JasonAC556]

Ruger switched to the series 580 models a few years ago for the Mini 14 line. There is nearly zero parts interchangeability from these rifles to the older ones. The transferable AC's out there are based on the 181-186 series Mini's which have been out of production since 1999. Most parts from these series rifles will easily interchange with 191 series AC's (transferrable).... op rods, bolts, firing pins, gas blocks, barrels, etc. So, you have to take into account that these parts are being drawn from for service on both semi and auto rifles.....out of production parts can't last forever. Full auto parts such as receivers and fire controls have been out of production since around the late 80's-early 90's for posties.

Let's just face it guy's....the party couldn't last forever. We will soon find ourselves in the same boat every other C3 owner is in as far as repairs on our weapons goes....no factory support. Still, there are a bunch of talented guys out there that can fix anything, so all is not lost.

Just my 2 cents.

[piratesover40]

Some enterprising person out there will make these parts. He may be a small shop out of his house. But there are people that are willing to fill the void when there is a need. Let's face it no more recievers can be made for FA but a lot of the small parts can be.

[Krazyolman]

Piratesover40,
I agree. With what the guys out there are doing for UZI, MACs and M16s, we alreay know the talent is there, just need the demand, or find the person.
So, on that note, I passed on the gun that was only full auto and with the selector removed. I did however, not let Ruger's statement hinder me. I found a gun in better condition, no markings except for one small # engraved on the stock, 95% or better, for the same money. Less the Ciener which isn't a big deal to me. I can pick one of those up readily I think for a bill and a half.

[JasonAC556]

David Spiwak has the Ciener kits in stock right now if you are interested.

http://www.davidspiwak.com/Ruger%20Conversion%20Kit.html

[ateamrob]

Ruger switched to the series 580 models a few years ago for the Mini 14 line. There is nearly zero parts interchangeability from these rifles to the older ones. The transferable AC's out there are based on the 181-186 series Mini's which have been out of production since 1999. Most parts from these series rifles will easily interchange with 191 series AC's (transferrable).... op rods, bolts, firing pins, gas blocks, barrels, etc. So, you have to take into account that these parts are being drawn from for service on both semi and auto rifles.....out of production parts can't last forever. Full auto parts such as receivers and fire controls have been out of production since around the late 80's-early 90's for posties.

Let's just face it guy's....the party couldn't last forever. We will soon find ourselves in the same boat every other C3 owner is in as far as repairs on our weapons goes....no factory support. Still, there are a bunch of talented guys out there that can fix anything, so all is not lost.

Just my 2 cents.
__________________
SEMPER FI!!!!

Good point Jason.

I sent my AC556K to Ruger 2 months ago for a tuneup and I did send it to NH. So make no mistake.....NH was servicing the Ruger AC556s. Period. They replaced all the internals, did a safety check and test fire and charged me $0.00 for it. They really took good care of me.


thanks for the update on this guys. Good to know information.

[Krazyolman]

ateamrob,
Great to hear. I didn't let Ruger's statement to me swap me from going ahead picking up an AC. I did however convince me to drop what I thought was a deal and acquire one in the correct configuration, as I did not want to take a chance on when the parts would run out.

[ateamrob]

I hear you


good choice :)

[BDMerc1]

I just got off of the phone with Ruger and they stated that per a recent corporate decision, they re no longer serviceing the AC556. No repairs. No parts. No service. I am calling another person within the company, but that is what I just heard!
Wow! Did you get the name of the person you were talking with? This could be devastating to Ruger, since they have prided themselves on "Lifetime" support of all their products. Does this also include the Mini-14 and Mini-30?

[Krazyolman]

BDMerc1,
NIce package you have for sale. I wish I could afford to even negotiate with you! Very nice!

I just wanted to make sure you read this part of the post. It was from my conversation with Brenda Page. I laid out what she told me regarding bluing, wood, parts and service. They will still service the guns, but parts are limited and they do not plan on making more. Please read below:


Final Update:
I just received my call back from Ruger. Brenda Page, who manages customer service called and here is Ruger's position on the AC556's:

No new wood at all. In the past they would put new wood on an AC556. No longer.

No refinishing of wood at all

Limited barrels are available. No listing as to which ones, but no more are going to be produced

Very limited service available as very limited parts are stillin stock and no new parts will be made.

They will reblue your gun.

As far as doing work on, or repairing a gun that has been altered.

She will gladly accept the gun, but will not guarantee any work can be performed.
The gun has to be sent and their gunsmith's make the call. No matter what you say was done, the will not answer as to if the gun can be repaired. Another words, if you say it only has the selector switch removed for example (which I know isn't all), they still will not comment without seeing the gun.

Regarding the info I got yesterday, she told me that she had a meeting this morning with her personnel and quote "smacked their hand" for telling anyone that "Ruger no longer services the AC556". She confirmed to me that these folks did tell me that and that they were in the wrong, and have been "talked to".

I asked her if she would give me her email and phone number so I could stay in touch regarding Ruger's decision on continuing service of these guns, as she did make a comment that they are reviewing the continuation of this service as it does not remain profitable to manufacture any new parts for the guns. She abildged with her contact info and I will stay in touch.

Again, sorry for any confusion, but I was told what I was told, and to some extent, the info was correct as shown above.

[CIB]

If it is'nt profitable, perhaps they should charge more? They did'nt charge much to begin with, but I'd pay more to have factory service available. That's just me though.

[Krazyolman]

I am not sure what the demand of service or rebluing,etc is, but would think there would be a business balance there. Increase the pricing to break even on the parts cost, at least for a while to see if the demand will follow. Do parts and service like they always have at "break even" on the parts at minimum.
If it can remain a break even venture, then I think that would be a good business decision from a company standpoint. But, I am not in the gun business, so really don't have a clue.

[BDMerc1]

Just got off phone with ruger very few parts left and minimal service.I for one will never buy another Ruger firearm, f em, rant off.

After the way S&W treated me about getting my S&W 76 repaired: see if I ever buy another gun from them! They even have my warranty card on file! ( I'm hoping for better luck with Colt on refurbing my 1921 AC).

[sswikinger]

Krazyolman- Get the 22kit for your AC556. I've been keeping it in my AC. Fun and cheap shooting. Works great with my 22lr suppressor too.

[Krazyolman]

I think I have 22 kit locked up. I am looking for an extra barrel too.

[drbones2nd]

After the way S&W treated me about getting my S&W 76 repaired: see if I ever buy another gun from them! They even have my warranty card on file! ( I'm hoping for better luck with Colt on refurbing my 1921 AC).

Please tell me your joking about having Colt refurbish your 1921 thompson.

[KnightRider]

just buy a ac556 parts kit like i did.

[shawnr1]

just buy a ac556 parts kit like i did.


Where?

[KnightRider]

Where?

pm me your email i think this guy has a few left.