Ruger is Replacing my Brand New Blackhawk with a New Gun

[Racer X]

I sent my unfired 4-5/8" stainless 45 Colt Blackhawk back to Ruger a couple of months ago because it came from the factory with a chipped recoil shield (bushing where the firing pin protrudes). I bought the gun new in July of 2007.

Ruger sent me a letter saying the gun is irrepairable and will be replaced with a new gun of "current manufacture". I understand Ruger recently made some design changes to the Blackhawks, something to do with a new safety mechanism in the gripframe and the use of cheap plastic grips. Is my understanding correct?

I would appreciate someone telling me what design changes Ruger recently made to the Blackhawks, and, if these changes were for the better. Also, has Ruger improved the fit of more recent guns (e.g., cylinder throat diameters and tighter chambers)?

[Ken ONeill]

The warning has been moved to the bottom of the barrel. I believe that the stainless guns all still have wood grips at this time. The lock was phased in, but probably all have it by now. If it was me, I'd welcome the replacement.

[BlkHawk73]

  The stainless ones don't have the locks yet.  Not a big deal to me either way. Never had any issues with the fit/finish of any of my Rugers.  Haven't heard the throats have been cut differently.  Never really had accuaracy issues due to that except with some lead loads. 
  Remember it's a $400 Ruger not a $1400 Freedom Arms.

[Tallwalker]

My fairly new Blackhawk .45 Colt has the lock under the grips, plastic grips, and the warning moved to the bottom of the barrel. The throats on my cylinder were a snug .452 as received.

[Brett]

If you are dissatisfied with your replacement Ruger after you have received it I'ld be happy to take it off your hands for $100 and I'll even pick up the shipping cost. 

[Racer X]

I finally talked to Ruger today. The Blue Blackhawks have the new Internal Locking Mechanism, the stainless ones do not yet, but probably will eventually. The stainless guns also still have wooden grips.

Ruger confirmed they cannot replace a damaged recoil shield or firing pin and that is the reason they are giving me a new gun. I find this odd as Hamilton Bowen replaces firing pins on Redhawks as part of his reliability package. Could it be that some of the custom smiths have more capability than the factory?

[SLAVAGE]

nope but ruger has that liability kinda thing with the lawyers and such so they go by the book .. i say call them up see how much it would cost you to go from a blue one to stainless