Although the Ruger SR22 is not a new firearm, the company has discovered a potential safety issue. As a result, Ruger is issuing a safety bulletin for a certain range of SR22 pistols. Due to the potential risk of unintended discharge while decocking, Ruger is offering to retrofit pistols affected by the issue.
Ruger Issues SR22 Safety Bulletin
At the center of the safety bulletin are SR22 models with a serial number 369-40078 or lower (including those with an “SS” serial number prefix). The left and right frame inserts are not properly secured together in rare instances. As a result, the firing pin blocker lifter and hammer block can move independently of each other. This has the potential of rendering them ineffective.
In the event this situation occurs, the SR22 will intermittently exhibit a “slack” single-action trigger. Consequently, it has the potential to discharge if decocked over a live round.
“NOTE: A “slack” single-action trigger occurs if, while operating the pistol in single-action mode with a magazine inserted, the slide forward, and the manual safety disengaged, a trigger pull does not encounter resistance and the hammer does not fall.”
Ruger states that only a very small number of the pistols appear to be affected. However, they are committed to safety and would like to examine all SR22s that have ever exhibited a slack single-action trigger or discharge upon decocking.
If you have experienced either issue, Ruger asks that you immediately stop using the pistol and return it for retrofit. If you have not experienced either issue, you are not subject to the bulletin, unless it occurs in the future.
The company notes, that a slack trigger can occur under normal operating conditions. Such as, the magazine is removed, the slide is locked to the rear, or the manual safety is engaged. This bulletin only applies if you experience a slack trigger when the magazine is inserted, the slide is forward, and the manual safety is disengaged.
Next Steps
If you have experienced either of the two issues detailed above, Ruger asks that you take the following steps immediately:
- Keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Do not attempt to remedy the matter by engaging the safety lever.
- Remove the magazine from the pistol.
- Retract the slide and lock it back.
- Visually and physically verify that the chamber of the pistol is empty.
- With the pistol pointed in a safe direction, the chamber empty, and the magazine removed, carefully close the slide and engage the safety lever to decock the pistol.
- Do not use the pistol until it has been examined by Ruger. Store it safely until it can be returned to the factory.
- Sign up for the Retrofit at Ruger.com/SR22Retrofit or by phone at 336-949-5200. We will arrange for you to return the pistol for evaluation and repair, if necessary.
In the event you do need to sign up for the retrofit, Ruger provides three easy steps:
1: If you meet the criteria above, sign up for the retrofit at Ruger.com/SR22Retrofit or contact Ruger Customer Service at 336-949-5200.
2: Our Customer Service team will issue you a Return Material Authorization and send you a pre-paid shipping label to return your pistol.
3: We will evaluate your pistol and perform all required safety updates. We will make every effort to return your pistol within one week of when we receive it.
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