R.I.A. 22 Magnum Revolver Range Report - NOT GOOD!

Rock Island Armory AL22MB .22 WMR revolver problems. From keyholing to binding internals, this revolver has it all!
Here is the link to the AL22B in .22LR that I mentioned in this video- • ROCK ISLAND ARMORY (AR...
This video was recorded at The Buffalo Range.
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Thanks to Greg Wilson and his daughter Megan for providing the banjo music. - • Buffalo Chimes
Disclaimer: My videos are for entertainment purposes only, imitation or the use of any instruction shown in this video is done at your own risk. Buffalo's Outdoors/BMCTrip or any other party involved in the making of this video will not be held liable for any injury to yourself (or others) or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in this video or any of my videos.

[@3wheelmannc860]

Sounds like RIA needs to offer you a quick rebuild or replacement. You are too good a shooter for that type and quantity of inaccurate stuff. Also, thanks for the honesty. They are tools and some are simply not going to work. It will be interesting to see how RIA handles this imperfect version.

[@michaelrania1985]

I would love to hear an update on this revolver when you have something to report. I don’t know anyone who has had to deal with RIA customer service department before. Keep up posted Buffalo! Love all your videos!

[@EspritBerlin]

Me too!

[@henrygarcia6078]

me too

[@johnjanoscrat8000]

About 3 years ago I had to have my dealer return a M1911 XT .22 WMR pistol shortly after purchase due to numerous light primer strikes, failures to feed, and failures to eject. After about a month RIA sent me a new pistol which is almost 100% reliable. I was pleased with their customer service. I am a big fan of the .22 WMR, shooting primarily Punch and Federal Game Shok 50 grain bullets, and the CCI 40 grain offerings.

[@wardroland270]

Me too.

[@1976Chinman]

Me too

[@taofledermaus]

I think it is haunted. That's the only thing that makes sense.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

HAHA! You might be on to something!

[@richavic4520]

... because rifling makes everything better

[@christopherch7307]

Bent/flawed ejector rod...lopsided rotation

[@averagejoeshoots]

Are you saying this could be a ghost gun? Is that what these leftists are scared of that I keep hearing about? Haunted guns?

[@bruceliggett8036]

Exactly!

[@GBGuns]

I wonder if maybe one chamber in the cylinder is bad. Edit: I see you addressed that later in the video.

[@mikeherrmann5360]

you said it b4 I could. that's not just a Keyhole that's in 2-3 pieces

[@Thorsaxe777]

The Pistol also has a mechanical binding with its internal lockwork, (The hammer gets stuck Cocked to the rear), and the cylinder release latch doesn't catch allowing the cylinder to disengage and swing out and open. Now, granted, this pistol isn't a Smith&Wesson Mod-17, however, it is modeled after one, it also incorporates some parts resembling a Charter Arms revolver. overall, it is an attempt to go after a consumer group that seeks budget-priced firearms, and that's great, however, the product must function trouble-free right out of the box it came in to meet VALUE.

[@tsc3576]

I was thinking my the same thing. Probably coming from the same chamber in Cylinder. Need to mark that chamber when it comes up.

[@carldeshazer7946]

I had the same problem with my R.I.A. model 206 38 revolver. I sent my back to R.I.A. with in 3 weeks I had my gun back fully repaired. Good luck Buffalo.

[@TheNoColo]

Please keep doing reviews like you are. It's important to show the real world conditions in which you're shooting. Sometimes stuff malfunctions. Have the same gun and haven't had this issue, but I noticed that it's taking a while to break in. Thanks for showing us your experience and let us know how RIA treats you. Good luck!

[@frankbrowning328]

IMO (and without inspecting it myself) I believe that due to the fact that you are able to shoot some very nice groups but then have an Un stabilized bullet regardless of the chamber it fired from it must be a timing issue that is random in nature. We saw the cylinder lock, unlock, remain unlocked or locked even though it would appear that the cylinder was put into battery correctly. This tells me that when the cylinder fired shoots the bullet un stabilized that the cylinder was under or over rotated (not properly aligned with the barrel) If it were a barrel crown issue all the groups would be poor, and you would not have just 1 out of 5 un stabilized. If it were an oversized bore, all the groups would be poor, and you would not have just 1 out of 5 un stabilized. If 1 of the chambers was too tight or too loose then only that chamber would produce the un stabilized round. If all of the chambers were too tight or too lose it would result in all of the bullets being un stabilized or every group would be large. You wouldn't be able to produce the tight clusters we see in some of the groups. Something is very wrong inside that revolver

[@comiketiger]

He takes the words right out of my mouth. (With 55 years of experience! Yes I was shooting S&W .22 lr. and .38 spl. with my dad). This sounds likely. Be sure to let us know.

[@JRod-XD-mod]

Brother, I'm so very sorry you're having to deal with that. What a shame on rock islands part. Man, I've never seen this yet on a 22 mag pistol. Surely you would think RIA would own up and correct the issues. I hope they do make it right. Appreciate the video! God bless you and the family

[@PatRMG]

Best sold as an April Fool's joke....

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

The first thing I thought, if this man is having issues with a weapon, its DEFINITELY the weapon! All of us have seen you put many, many, many items through their paces. If there is one thing we all can agree on, if you say the gun has issues, no one here would ever think to argue with you! The next thing that crossed my mind.... Monday morning or a late on Friday gun in production!😆😄 I, like others are really curious how RIA is going to resolve this for you! Please keep us in the loop Amigo!

[@michaellane1661]

Donny Armstrong, do not respond to this comment from the 306-346 number. it’s not a giveaway and it’s not Buffalo. I just figured this out the hard way. 😡

[@davidjernigan8161]

Give RIA's warranty department a chance to make it good. As complicated as the mechanics are in a revolver one part out of tolerance could be the problem.

[@CloverTac]

yup, i have done a lot of work with them over the years, their lead gunsmith is great and they have always seemed to take care of business from my experiences anyway... gotta remember too, they do not make these, someone else does and they import them. so they might no be aware of little issues here and there and need to know that so they can let the manufacturer know to tweak the process a bit.

[@CloverTac]

i did some testing and stuff with one of these last year and ended up having an issue where the cylinder would lock up. after a little looking, it was obviously a cylinder stop issue. i talked with the gunsmith over at RIA, who has always been helpful and he told me how the cylinder stop was designed. i took everything aparts (the clylinder stop contains a spring, plunger, etc), cleaned it all out, put it back together and never had an issue again. my guess is that there was some machining shavings or gunk or something that worked it's way in the wrong spot. i never experienced any other weird issues with the one i had over the oh i would say 2K rounds put through it for testing, various ammo. that said, things can have problems... i am usually one of those lucky people who seem to always find the ones that work great.

[@CloverTac]

oh, duh moment but just remembered the one i played with was the 22LR... hmm.

[@hooktriggertrail]

Even if it is the 22 lr version you have experience with, I'm guessing his cure wouldn't be too far off. Better than my suggestion of an out of spec outside Cylinder diameter or circumference

[@jamorjr1]

I've had experience with RIA 1911 and they were real good and quick in responding. The importer I believe is Amscor in Nevada.

[@Leverguns50]

Hello Buffalo, looking forward to watching this video, thank you for sharing it with us

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Buffalo, you always try to find the best in the firearms you review. You always give a very fair review and obviously there are issues here that can't be totally overlooked. Thanks brother. 👍

[@michaellane1661]

Awesome Buffalo, thanks for sharing sir!🤘🏽

[@wolffzambelli2701]

Thanks Buff for another good ol' down home review. Been seriously considering this gun, but believe I'll holt off for a spell and see if they improve things.

[@michaellane1661]

Wolff Zambelli-please do not respond to this comment from the 346-306 number above, it’s not Buffalo and it’s not a real giveaway. I found out the hard way.😡

[@SoMDHarleyRider]

I thought that since it was only one out of every 5 or so shots, it might be a deformed or misaligned cylinder bore. However you were already checking that and painting those each time you had a keyhole. Now I think it is one or more interior components that are loose, broken or defective that affect the timing and are causing occasional misaligned cylinder bores and also locking up your trigger. Very strange, indeed.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

You might be right it makes more sense being out of time somewhat. I'll let RIA sort it out (hopefully).

[@michaeldaltonsr8954]

IMO; 1 chamber is mis-aligned just enough to cause the actual bullet to enter the leade of the rifling, thus causing a "yaw" entrance. The exit will vary slightly each time, thus each "key-hole" will not be exactly same area on target, but will consistently be off group. Short: replace cylinder/ problem likely solved. IMO. Scrap this idea!!! That gun is CURSED!! Maybe try exorcism!?!

[@thinkingbill1304]

I agree.

[@jennifernichols9468]

@@buffalosoutdoors it's the ejector rod that is loose. That's why it locks up and is out of time. Needs to be screwed down with locktite. You may also have a bad spring in the cylinder stop.

[@ceemichael1]

@@buffalosoutdoors any feedback from the RIA customer service department?

[@johnparson5719]

I like the shelter you put up. Surprised you didn't do that long time ago. I don't see any boiled peanuts on the table next to your soda. lol I really enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@chuckappel]

Possible metal shavings in the action could cause both a timing problem and the lockup. I'd remove the grip and then flush the action with Breakfree CLP in a spray can. This might get the the shavings out if there are any. Also try working the action with the grip removed. Sometimes grips can cause problems, Good luck.

[@dr.ryttmastarecctm6595]

Thank you for this review. While this one wasn't pleasant, your follow-up video of RIA's customer service AND the performance of the repaired/replacement weapon will be very important. Again, many thanks.

[@bullthrush]

You answered all my questions in the video. I see Clover Tac chimed in with a suggestion. Tough call.

[@jamesweaver9636]

Looks like RIA needs to replace your revolver. Like you said, it’s a sample of one so you have to give RIA a chance to make it right. Great demonstration of the issue Buffalo. Thanks again for another honest review.

[@keithwilliams2766]

Wow! Do some of these manufacturers not test what they make before they go to market? And this model is on the high end of MSRP for a 22WMR revolver. I honestly don't know what I'm going to buy for a 22 magnum revolver. Some of the ones I wanted, you can't find and some of the ones I find that are available, are no bueno. That's a shame, because it's really good looking. Thanks for saving me some money with your honest review.

[@brianscott7366]

I think it's a timing and spacing issue with the cylinder. the cylinder is not always lining up with the barrel because of that.

[@ironmikehallowween]

Yep. Out of time probably

[@PatriotNC1]

Thought the same thing, but if that were so, how come he has a tighter group with the other fired rounds, but has one that keyholes? If it was the timing, wouldn't it affect more than one round?

[@brianscott7366]

Not a gunsmith, but maybe the chambers aren't evenly spaced in the cylinder. Or the pawl and notches advancing the cylinder are out of whack. I wouldn't want to shoot this until the problem is fixed. Imagine if it was a .44, .500 S&W, etc, a keyholing bullet would be the least of your concerns.

[@PatriotNC1]

@@brianscott7366 I agree, I think that weapon has a serious problem and I wouldn't settle for anything less than a full replacement, or my money back. Oh gosh, a 44 or 500? I wouldn't want to imagine.

[@christian30061]

hopefully you passed this video on to the manufacturer or at least made them aware of the problems. I watch your videos and you are an experienced gun guy and a VERY good shot.

[@fyisense9312]

Yes he is. I didn't know how to shoot real accurately in double action until I watched his videos. I've been doing it wrong for at least 50 years.

[@FrankLadd]

I've had trouble with a couple of revolvers and the shops where I bought them sent them back with no cost to me. It took a while for each gun, but they came back fixed. I hope your shop and your manufacturer take care of this for you. Everyone can mess something up but the response to a problem show the difference in service.

[@patrickshannon4854]

When I experienced binding of the cylinder as you demonstrated, I found 2 causes. The revolvers were S&W. The 1st was a partially unscrewed ejector rod. The 2nd was caused by unburnt powder particles underneath the ejector star. I first had serious doubts concerning the quality of R.I.A revolvers when viewing a video by Justin Opinion. In the video it could be seen that the revolver was constructed with a 2 piece sleeve & shroud method. The shroud had a cheap, poorly fitted appearance with a gap visible around the muzzle. The lock work & severe accuracy problem is much more serious. Good luck on getting the problem straightened out.

[@comiketiger]

Good luck my friend. Sounds like a warranty issue. Also it appears to have some great accuracy potential! Hope this can be resolved. God bless all here.

[@michaellane1661]

Comiketiger- please don’t respond to the above comment from the 346-306 number, it is not Buffalo and it’s not a real giveaway. I found out the hard way.😡

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

I’ve had the same thing occur with a Heritage Rough Rider 22 after just over 500 rounds. By 600 rounds it started to keyhole about 90% of shots. It’s a bummer for sure when this happens, but cheaper guns can have these issues i’ve found.

[@seanomeirs8362]

I'm glad that I read this comment before I commented. I bought the Heritage Rough Rider 4 3/4" barrel a few months ago, and the first couple of times that I fired the magnum rounds, I was getting mostly keyholes. The .22LR was fine, and accurate, but I haven't shot any more magnum rounds since. I thought it might have to do with the twist rate. My 6 1/2" Heritage is fine with the magnum rounds. All of the screws were very loose, so I have used thread locking on all of them.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

@@seanomeirs8362 mine is a 4-3/4” barrel as well and came with both LR and Mag cylinders. It fired both LR’s and Mags with pin point accuracy out of the box. Timing is good, but something is up with the barrel.

[@callawayken650]

I bought a second Heritage with both cylinders. The 22lr was way off to one side, as were many other video channels reviews, but the 22Mags would not even hit the target at 10 feet. Two shooter and the same result. I sent it back, Taurus destroyed the gun and sent a replacement after several months. The new one is still in the box as I don't care about shooting it any longer. I have another an it was fine. I am done with these cheap guns.

[@jpb1231000]

Well... That's one off my list... Been wanting an Inexpensive 22 mag Revolver,,,, BIG HOPES for the Diamond Back Sidekick...

[@Thorsaxe777]

Buffalo, Thanks for the "Buyer Beware" on this pistol, I believe that it takes a special person to come back to a product that once was given the "It's a good deal" review and let people know that it wasn't such a great product. all too many times people have touted the "Best deal ever" and after a while, with normal or limited use the thing turns into a ruble faster than you can un-ruble it. falling apart, jamming, and undue fouling are all signs of a pistol made in a country where its own citizens can't own them because their Government believes "It's for the Greater good". in the end, people suffer, and not just people of that country, people who buy their products no matter what it is all over the globe. -Dave

[@michaellane1661]

Thor’s Axe- Do not respond to this comment from the 346-306 number, it is not a giveaway and it’s not Buffalo. I just figured this out the hard way. 😡

[@TimEdwards-s6c]

Hope to see you shootin a new magnum n record your first shots for us. I was just lookin into RIA 22 magnums. Im just now gettin my gransons n great gransons into shootin. Enjoy your vids

[@anthonyguidas2012]

I’d love to see a follow up video to see how you decided to handle it 👍

[@johnelder4273]

It sounds like there are multiple problems including a bent ejection rod, a timing issue, and a bad trigger return spring or like the other follow suggested, "the gun is haunted." I'm sorry you had to deal with it but I do appreciate the warning!

[@marcthomas2482]

That is a bummer. I just got a Heritage that is giving trouble. Found a big piece of metal loose in behind the hand this afternoon leftover from machining I think. I guess if we buy enough of them we will get a lemon now and then. Great video as always Buffalo.

[@sackett68]

Thats a strange one. Hope you get it figured out. If you do please do a follow up video. Thanks for the honest review.

[@jacksavage4098]

Thank you for warning us about this problem child. Really appreciate your opinions.

[@richki.24]

My pops has a S&W 38spl revolver from when he entered the police academy about 1962 and it has never failed and he probably cleaned it 10 times over the years ... guess they don't make them like that anymore ...

[@terryschiller2625]

Hi Buffalo, wow that is a strange problem. Wonder if the lock up and timing are out of wack. One thing is for sure it's the gun with all the ammo you used! I thank you for your honesty with the review. Keep us informed on what happens and if you find out what the problem was.

[@eronavbj]

I have a new RIA 38 special. I wanted a nightstand gun, and at $249 this was an easy choice. After 100 rounds I’ve noticed no problems, but this video has caused me concern. I intend to swap mine in for a Ruger 32 magnum. Same capacity from a reliable company.

[@IBTJn]

I would contact RIA (Pahrump, NV). In my experience with warranty they were outstanding. One of my 1911's had ejection & cycling issues. They emailed me a FedEx 2nd Day label, and 2nd Day back...they had it back in my hands repaired in literally 10 days (including shipping time). It's been flawless since. The revolvers I'm not so sure of, but my experience with their services exceeded my expectations. Maybe it's an opportunity for both you & them? I'd sure be interested in the 22 mag version...one that doesn't keyhole that is. Let us know how it goes, and thanks for the video.

[@Miohunter444]

Yes there warranty department is awesome, I've dealt with them and no complaints at all!!

[@Miohunter444]

Yeah Rock Island will definitely help you Buffalo, there pretty good with there warranty service, I lost a part for my 1911 and the sent me two replacements no charge.

[@ditchdigger93]

If your gun shop will trade it for another one, I believe I'd go for that and see if the next one has the same problems. You can get a lemon with any gun. I recently had it happen with a Bersa Thunder Plus. (15+1), It fell apart and stopped working on the second magazine ever in it and I couldn't even get that magazine out of the gun. Sure, it was a problem with the goofy magazine safety. (Why they ever put one of those on any gun is beyond me). Took it back to my dealer, Fort Scott Gun and Pawn and they did me right and traded it for the Regular Bersa Thunder (8+1) they had in stock, and it works wonderfully. It shoots and functions perfectly. Very accurate and a joy to shoot. We are talking .380acp here by the way.

[@tommyt2854]

Looking forward to a follow- up video, thanks.

[@Nutty.357]

Hope you can fix it or get it fixed! Looks like it would be a nice revolver if it would work! Maybe the spring inside the handle is loose or something minor that needs tightened/adjusted! I know they make a 22WMR 1911 that isn't a good one to get, maybe RIA just don't do 22 magnum well! Good luck! Thanks for sharing!

[@Nutty.357]

something is definitely sticking

[@jennifernichols9468]

The ejector rod worked it's way out. Had that happen to me 25 years ago with a Smith and Wesson .357 model 66.

[@billbaker3565]

I would recommend contacting RIA customer service and sending a link to this video. Hopefully they’ll correct this issue.

[@timadams7467]

If I had to guess without looking, (accuracy wise)I would say you have a timing problem . The fact that it has some obvious lock work issues kinda confirms that. Hand may be binding on the ratchet, bolt may not be locking; etc. Only has to be off a tiny bit. Unlike a 6 shot…8,9,10 shot 22 revolvers have a lot going on in a very short arc. Probably needs a good deburring. Just my 2 cents. Love your videos btw👍

[@johndilday1846]

Send R.I.A. the revolver and a link to your video. It’s great that your gun shop owner is such a stand-up guy that he wants to make it right, but honestly, it’s not his fault. And it would make for a great follow-up video to show how they handle it, either by repair or replacement. They should also send you some ammo that they recommend using in it. It’s the least they can do. And perhaps a holster.....Thanks for sharing, we’re all watching to see how they take care of you.

[@macintyrerose6843]

I'd send that thing over to Target Suite. He had a similar problem with a Single Six. It was quite impressive to see him get to the bottom of it.

[@darikdatta]

It is statistically odd the number of times you had exactly 1 flyer in a 5 shot group. Makes me think it's somehow related to cylinder rotation. Like there's some play when you close the cylinder which means it will index badly within 180° of rotation. Because if it was just a 20 percent failure rate, you wouldn't have such consistency. I suspect what's really happening is it almost always fails once in the first half turn of the cylinder.

[@garyK.45ACP]

I'm always here for a Buffalo revolver review, but OUCH! A bore problem (oversize/undersize) would tend to affect more than one shot in five. Twist rate would affect one bullet weight more than others. The mechanical issues are bad enough in themselves. Too much to sort out, Buffalo. Send it back. 👍 PS I appreciate the honesty of your reports!

[@michaellane1661]

Gary K, DO NOT respond to this comment, it is not Buffalo and it’s not for real! There is no “Prize”

[@michaellane1661]

Yeah, they already withdrew it. Ridiculous scammers 😡

[@Mbartel500]

I think the problem is in the internal lockwork. It could be a burr, a small part that is out of spec, a bent or damaged part, or a combination of these. The lockwork issue could be causing the random cylinder timing issue. Opening the cylinder to load/unload will cause a random chamber to be first in line each time. This is why all chambers will be marked as “bad” eventually. You were right about that. The key holing is caused from a bullet entering the forcing cone crooked. Another cause could be a slightly bent cylinder pin, or an out of spec hole through the cylinder axis. This could explain why the cylinder sometimes won't lock up tight. I hope you get a satisfactory resolution for these issues.

[@cyrilgomez8587]

Even I shot you in your head you can't kill

[@noahcount7132]

Based on your good experience with the .22 LR version of this revolver, it's doubly disappointing that this .22 WMR version is such a lemon. Thanks for the honest review, Buff!

[@michaellane1661]

Noah Count, do not respond to this comment. You did not win any giveaway and this is not Buffalo. Trust me, I just went thru it all!😡

[@cavemanlovesmoke4394]

@@michaellane1661 brother if you see any kind of what's app numbers it's an automatic scam/spam bot . There's sooo many channels where this is everyday occurrence with this scammers and their bots program. They make fake accounts and literally will talk to eachother (last cpl years crypto investing was one way they would do this - same thing , they all have whatsapp numbers smh)

[@jpb1231000]

~ 10:37.... Your INTEGRITY is UNQUESTIONED as far as any Metric I KNOW.... You are ALWAYS HAPPY to show a Great Product and fair 4 in all Judgements.... You even Hi Lighted the Glock 22 lr Failures and tried to give them a Chance!!! That's why GUN Channel Groupies Love your style!!!

[@jpb1231000]

Did I MAKE it on time and do it Right!!!! I'll still be a fan but PLEASE let me be in the Drawing!!!!

[@johnnash9072]

Is it possible that there is a bunch of "grit" in the storage grease in the fire controls. Maybe you could clean it out with some aerosol CLP or degreaser and then re-oil? I hope you get it sorted out to your satisfaction. I saw something sort of similar with a firing ping failing to strike the primer, because the guy thought he could just run his new rifle ( less than 1 hour as the owner) without cleaning out any of the shipping grease. After about 20 rounds he started getting light primer strikes and after less than 40 rounds the firing pin and BCG were essentially glued together. I broke down his BCG and cleaned it up for him but noticed the grease was "gritty". The grit was brown in color, which threw me off my original thought of unburned powder. I think it may have been a fine sand or coarse dust like from cardboard. I was happy to see he had no metal shavings yet. I use lint free white polyester cloth for my cleanings so I can see stuff like this and better understand what caused my issue or if i have metal shavings anywhere.

[@chrisgabbert658]

That’s a bummer but it happens even to the top line stuff, hopefully they will make it right.

[@l.a.3887]

Crazy gun it would be interesting to find out exactly what's wrong with it thanks for the video I hope no one else gets a hold of one of those things

[@Leverguns50]

It seems like one of the chambers in the cylinder may be slightly off from the other four because it’s very consistent only one round is tumbling so I think one of your chambers is probably messed up

[@paladinhill]

POSSIBILITIES: 1. CYLINDER STOP(s) is TOO SMALL or your CYLINDER STOP NOTCHES are TOO BIG, resulting in a loose cylinder. This is causing the cylinder to not be aligned exactly with the forcing cone. Hard to detect lead shavings using copper jacketed 22 WMR bullets. 2. CYLINDER STOP SPRING is too weak and not locking the cylinder into place PRIOR to start of hammer falling, causing misalignment of cylinder and forcing cone. 3. YOKE IS BENT AND CYLINDER IS NOT TRUED UP. This could cause problems with opening and closing the cylinder. Check for drag marks on front and sides of cylinder and on the yoke. 4. EXTRACTOR ROD not screwed in all the way will make it difficult to open/close the cylinder. I think you may have 2-3 issues here. The keyholing issue is one; opening/closing the cylinder is two, and the issue with the trigger/hammer is three. You can test for the keyholing issue by personally checking that the cylinder is locked in place AFTER you have cocked the hammer AND using a slow motion video to verify the cylinder has NOT rotated AT ALL AFTER you have pulled the trigger. IF the cylinder rotates after pulling the trigger from the cocked position, the chamber and forcing cone obviously will not be perfectly aligned. A 22 cal range rod from Brownells attached to any cleaning rod will help you diagnose the above issues quickly. It is fantastic way to find out where the problems are and at what point in the shooting process, and it is not expensive. I have 'em for 22, 357 and 45 caliber. Regardless, I would return this revolver for a new one, as the quality control on this one doesn't exist, and if you touch off a 22 mag with a serious misalignment you will be in pain and possibly serious injury. I am very interested to hear what R.I.A. said the problem(s) were. TANGO-6 out.

[@r.a.facklam4851]

Paladin Hill, I think you've got it right.

[@realtorsatwork]

I have a 6 inch model in stainless. The keyhole target says it doesn't like the ammo. I have great results with Winchester dyna points with 8 shot groups of one and a quarter inch at 31 yards, which is about match box size. CCI Maxi mag hollow points shoots one or two on the target and some others keyholes more than a foot away form the target at 15 yards. The revolver simply wont stabilize the bullet. I tried to sand them to a smaller overall length but that too did not help, so I guess its the bearing surface of the bullet that doesn't lend itself to be stabilized by the twist. The lockup of the trigger and so forth could just be the trigger return spring that gets jammed one way or another. Open it, clean it and check the workings when open. These are great revolvers with excellent machining, but like any other rimfire you have to find the ammo that works.........

[@NCLUSA]

Great video. I would find the chamber that is producing the key holes, it must be the chamber, because the barrel stays the same, the only thing that changes is the chambers when the cylinder turns. I would guess that the chamber that is the problem is a bit on the large side as to be letting the bullet strike the side of the forcing cone cutting a piece of the bullet off as to make it wabble, just my guess.I made my comment before I watched the whole video, with all of the problems going on with this gun it must be the gun it's self, a lemon ?

[@A65Driver]

If the rifling looks OK, with the locked up cylinder issue almost certainly it's either a timing issue or something goofy with the cylinder itself. RIA should repair it without any problems, they're well established. I've never had function or accuracy issues with any of my RIA products.. sometimes in mass production a problem gets past QA.. once ordered a Rossi 22 rifle, inspected the bore when it arrived and there was no rifling in the barrel at all (reminder to check the bore on any firearm you buy, even a new one).. Rossi replaced it immediately.

[@garageguy879]

Good honest review as always.I think if that was mine,I'd send it in and when it was returned,,use it as a trade in.

[@claytongross5657]

That was really strange that all shots but one were on target, it looked like it was like more than 4 inches away too. I was totally gonna suggest to mark the cylinder that shot wild. Kudos to you for that.

[@stevesaunders6672]

I have this gun. And so far, I haven't experienced any of these issues. I have two 22 mag revolvers, and both do not cycle, browning ammo, apparently the rims on the ammo. Is thicker than other brands, and tends to bind between the cylinder and the frame! the other gun is a ruger! I hope it works out for ya!

[@eduardohermoso150]

RIA Armscor has been making revolvers since the 70s. I was disappointed when I learned that the 22 magnum and 357 magnum revolvers were made in Europe. The old revolvers Armscor made in Manila are still serviceable. They are used mostly by private security agencies and private individuals. Its sad to note that they are having problems from guns made outside our country.

[@georgecowand5700]

Back in the early 70’s the S&W mod 19 had issues with the cylinder seizing up when it was fired several times. Turned out that when the cylinder got warm from shooting it rubbed the forcing cone. The tolerance was so close. Fixed problem by filing the cone down to ease the tolerance. Maybe that’s the problem….maybe not.

[@michaelherrell5381]

Good show. Thanks for the info. You are the best.

[@PassivePortfolios]

I had the same problem with my muzzleloader. It turned out to be too much lead in the rifling would cause some of the lead bullets to fail to engage the rifling and keyhole. Others would be right on target. So my guess is the barrel on your revolver could have shallow rifling which fails to stabilize some of the bullets.

[@paulstan9828]

That’s a shame. Especially considering the other one in 22LR worked so well.

[@tedh7543]

Your sample must have been made on a Wednesday. Stinks you're having all these issues. Hopefully Rock Island will make it right. I'm glad you have a couple different options.

[@timcarter7616]

It is binding up so the regular timing issue might be cured by something as simple as a dip in a gunshop's ultrasonic solvent tank for a thorough cleaning, and a re-lube. It's new, there may be an errant chip or other debris somewhere in the action.

[@tomgensel4134]

Sorry about this, but I appreciate your time and vlog. Hope they make it right 👍 Please let us know how it goes 🇺🇸

[@Leverguns50]

I would mark the cylinder with the sharpie on the one that keyholed and see if it’s the same chamber that key holds every time

[@patrickrossetti7109]

Appreciate your honest reviews. Great rid of that lemon! Good vid👍!

[@AC-jh3pn]

Buffalo gives me asmr vibes this channel makes me sleepy

[@wbwills2]

You know 1 shooter in 1000 would notice something was wrong with the gun & do all the ammo testing ect. Good thing you gave some feedback so they can fix the problem. Companies love your kind of feedback. Your like an employee that they don’t have to give a check on Friday.

[@Fudmottin]

That's rather unfortunate. I thought all RIAs were made in the Philippines. It was a surprise to me to see that was made in the Czeck Republic. I was under the impression that they were good gun makers. I'd lend my vote to testing RIA's warrantee service. They were good when I got my M206. That was pre-Covid and things change.

[@EVILDR235]

I can't tell by looking at the video, but does that revolver even have a forcing cone. Years ago I bought a Rossi model 518 22 lr double action revolver that was spitting lead real bad. Turns out it had left the factory without the forcing cone being cut. I went to Brownell's website and bought the tool to cut a forcing cone. The Rossi is a good, non lead spitting revolver now.

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

I would also love an update when there is one. RIA would be crazy not to deal with this problem - fast .

[@stevedouglas5443]

Years ago I had a Smith and Wesson 22 revolver act similar to this. I also had a Taurus that was junk.

[@bossman1974]

Good review, that is why I only buy the very best top quality guns like S&W, Colt, Remington,....

[@professorpewpuew]

Odd. That seems to be something I would expect from my NAA Minis, which don't have the greatest grown and prefer some grain weights of ammo over others. It seems to me that there is an out of spec chamber throat that is messing up one round.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

That's what I was thinking too but after I started marking each chamber that gave me a keyhole on the target it turned out to be random. I had high hopes for it since the 22lr version does so well.

[@mikewalters5653]

I had a 22lr double action revolver once upon a time that was intermittently having some of the same issues and finally found that it was unburned or partially burned powder flakes getting between the cylinder face and the extractor star and not allowing the extractor star to fully seat. This was enough to cause the double action trigger pull to seemingly double or triple in pull weight and tie up or almost tie up the cylinder when I tried to unlatch and swing out the cylinder. Started carrying cotton swabs to the range to wipe the cylinder face and under side of the star whenever the problem occurred and this always fixed the problem for that particular revolver. Probably not the cause of YOUR problem but just my 2 cents.

[@jeffreybishop9478]

You’re so honest 👍🏻

[@CornCod1]

I think that there may be something screwy with .22 Mag revolvers in general. I have a Charter Arms Pathfinder snubby in .22 Mag and it keyhole too!

[@everydaycarrymonkey2691]

Had to slap it to get the trigger to deploy? Hey you got the world's first Hi-Point revolver there, Buffalo! 😁

[@chuckaddison5134]

Well most of my questions you addressed during your explaination. I suspect the chamber alignment/forcing cone/barrel is good, otherwise you wouldn't get the tighter grouping of the non-keyholing rounds. So maybe timing, spring tension, cylinder stop, crane, ejecter rod? Let RIA figure it out.

[@rickandrews5105]

Great job

[@lylealexson8680]

If it locks up again, I would send it back to RIA in the locked up condition, so they can see what it's doing. They should replace it for you. I'm sure you didn't pay that, but it lists for $669 on Rock Island's website. It's not a cheap firearm and should last a long time.

[@kylejohnson1308]

I hope we get an update on this gun later. I need closure lol. I figured it was out of time but the locking up is weird for that. 🤔

[@murphymmc]

There definitely is a problem with the timing lockup. Some bad tolerances on the thing. That thing needs RIA to send you a swap.

[@A.J.Collins]

It is probably the Coriolis effect. lol

[@kurtrobinson3454]

Lockwork is bad. Fire the revolver with some paper facing the cylinder barrel gap. It is an intermittent cylinder /barrel alignment issue causing the keyhole issue. Given the multiple issues, definitely lockwork.

[@frankhinkle5772]

I hope that you send it back for warranty service and then retest it for us. If after the service, if you don't like it, then you can get back to the gun shop and see what they will do for you. It looks like an interesting gun.

[@marknelson9069]

I've got one and it's been flawless for 500 rounds thus far.

[@bradhewitt5742]

Thanks for the heads up ✌

[@bpri9880]

I had the same problem with a .22 revolver made by Heritage (Taurus). Sent it back to them and they said the frame was out of wack, they then destroyed it and sent me a new one.