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Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2018 9:38 am
by starman65536
I have run about 800 rounds of range ammo (Fiocchi 95 grain FMJ) through my RM380.

My regular routine is to clean and oil (Remoil patches) it after each visit to the range. As I was cleaning it on Saturday, I noticed what I think is substantial wear because of the nice shiny aluminum patches:

1) along the slide rails (probably normal unless it causes drag of the barrel block?)
2) guide rod pocket (concern)
3) barrel locking block pivot point (probably normal unless it causes failure to feed?)

Question to the gallery at large... is the wear "normal"?

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 10:09 am
by starman65536
I sent a note to Remington, they replied with a note about the break down pin NOT being a problem...
Obviously, they either did not read my e-mail, or they mixed up my e-mail with another response.

I responded to their bogus response, including the photo in the original post... no reply yet (it's Friday).

I also sent it to Brandyn at Galloway Precision, who says it's pretty much normal wear, but if the slide is bottoming out against the frame during cycling, that I should replace the recoil springs.
Fiocchi is not listed as +P ammo, but maybe an increased spring rate would slow down the quote unquote normal wear? It's only 800 rounds...

Does the RM380 have a 1000 round service life?

Anyone have photos and round count to compare?

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 7:05 am
by DavidR22
I have 850 rounds through my RM380 and I will try to post some pictures for you this weekend.

Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 9:46 am
by DavidR22
850 rounds through mine. Lots of wear.

From day one I've used the Galloway recoil springs that are heavier than stock. I replaced the recoil springs again with Galloway at about 750 rounds. I have never used ammo with a +P designation.

Image

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 6:10 pm
by starman65536
Thanks for the photo...

I guess it's "normal" wear.
It really makes me wonder what they consider the number of rounds be for a "lifetime" on a gun, because it seems like ours are very similar. I only just ordered the Galloway recoil springs because of this...

Is there any way to harden aluminum to make it wear better? Probably not.

Maybe I'll blue the contact points and see how they fare with the new springs.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Tue Apr 23, 2019 4:24 pm
by marine69
Same wear on my RM380 and Just received a MSG from Remington. They reviewed the photo's and they responded with and I quote "That appears to be just normal wear and tear right there". Off to the range for a few more hundred rounds before I backup carry it. This gun beats my SW Bodyguard 380 and Ruger LCP 380 and I really want to like it.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 1:54 pm
by starman65536
Personally, I did not like the way the locking block created wear patterns up above the recoil guide rod seat. I felt like every time I fired a round, I was losing gun material ... even though the Authorized Repair Shop inspected it and decreed it to have "normal" wear.

It seems that they should have placed steel wear plates if steel was to have wear points on soft aluminum. Or something.

I've sold the gun to someone who will not use it as a range gun. I liked it, but I am not interested in a "disposable" pistol (I won't mention another handgun made in Kentucky). I am now looking for another 380, made in the USA, made with a higher grade material, and hopefully a double stack magazine.

I have my eye on one at least...

Thanks to all who chimed in on my post.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Sat Apr 27, 2019 5:06 pm
by mauser9
Don't blame ya starman. I like the looks of the RM but many report shortcomings. Think I'll stick with my S&W CS-9.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 7:48 am
by JR956678
This was a frequently observed issue with the precursor to the RM380 - the Rohrbaugh R9 - which is a very similar design but chambered for the higher pressure 9mm cartridge. When the question would be asked the answer was always similar - it's normal and not really a problem. One observation often made was that the aluminum of the frame tended to work harden and "wear rate" would diminish over time; I can attest that I saw this on my own R9 and after a while it got no worse. I never heard anyone report that this caused a problem with the function or reliability of the pistol. I suspect the same is true of the RM380 - it grabs one's attention but doesn't really cause any problem.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 7:30 pm
by 9026543
If'n you want them to keep looking like new don't shootem. All of my guns show wear but after use they usually don't keep getting worse.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 11:07 pm
by Pistolero
if you really like the pistol [i do] buy a second one for carry only. they are one of the cheapest little pistols available. i bought a second one. by the way, i bought an owb holster for mine made by Exarchy in Parker Colorado. it is a kydex hybrid holster and the quality is top shelf. it is priced reasonably. my carry RM380 has the Veridian instant on green laser and Exarchy builds the holster for that setup. it is a Veteran owned company.

Re: Frame Wear @ Recoil Guide Rod

PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2019 6:06 am
by 9026543
My EDC holster. All leather with thumb break very comfortable and concealable.

https://www.amazon.com/REMINGTON-outsid ... ems&sr=1-2