If you’re searching for a compact gun that’s comfortable, accurate, and most importantly, affordable, you’ve considered the Baby Rock 380. Even if it is a strong piece of work, there is a significant possibility you may encounter some typical issues.
Problems you are likely to face in Baby Rock 380 – are jamming, getting a single magazine, slide issues, and heavy trigger. There is no certainty that you will confront these issues. However, if you are going to experience any, they are likely to be the issues.
So, instead of wasting your time on the internet, I’ve already identified the problems and their solutions.
Features & Specifications of Smith & Wesson 648:
| Manual Safety | Yes |
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Weight | 1.47 ounces |
| Length | 6.62 inches |
| Capacity | 7+1 rounds |
| Barrel length | 3.75 inches |
| Finish | Parkerized Black |
Common Baby Rock 380 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solution |
| Jamming | Try different combinations of ammo/magazine/extractors |
| Heavy trigger | Take it to a gunsmith |
| Stiff slide | Lubricate the slide, deburr is required |
| Ships with a single magazine | Buy another one |
| Firing pin breakage | Send to manufacturer/gunsmith |
1. Jamming
This is such a broad problem that any element might contribute to it. However, in this instance, the stock magazine is usually to blame.
It might also be dirt, debris, mechanical failure, or something else entirely. As a result, identifying a single point of failure becomes exceedingly challenging.
The Fix:
When firearms jam, the most common causes are ammunition, magazines, and extractors. So, experiment with altering them and shooting in various combinations.
If this does not resolve the issue, it is most likely a design error, and you should contact the manufacturer.
2. Heavy Trigger
Armscor’s trigger pull standard has been adjusted to 7-9 lb. This is despite the fact that their current metric standard is 1.81 to 2.72 kg, which amounts to 4-6 lbs, but it appears that they just neglected to alter it.
However, actual firearms can have significantly heavier triggers than this.
Rust, damage to the trigger bar or connection, debris in between the trigger bar or connector, or even an accumulation of dried-up lubrication can all produce a gritty trigger.
The Fix:
A gunsmith can replace the connecting spring with a more finely tuned aftermarket trigger to remove creep and weight from the OEM trigger.
The sear will be cut and polished as well. This refines the sear’s interaction with the hammer mechanism.
3. Stiff Slide
Because the slide is new and has to “break in,” it might feel stiff at times. Other times, the user has weak hands and has difficulty racking the slide.
The slide’s stiffness can be attributable to one of two sources. First, the slide is either not lubricated correctly or is partially blocked. Second, the slide spring is stiff and must be “broken in” to ease the slide’s movement.
The Fix:
Simply squeeze a tiny quantity of oil onto the slide and slide rails to use. If gun oil doesn’t free the slide, try wiping it off and cleaning the slide and slide rails with a cleaning agent to remove buildup or small defects.
If nothing of these approaches helps to loosen up your slide, you may have burrs on the slide and/or slide rails. You’ll need a deburring tool and the weapon field must be removed.
4. Ships with a Single Magazine
This is not so much of a technical problem. But it is worth mentioning that this gun ships with only a single magazine. Which by today’s standard does not fit the trend.
The Fix:
There have been reports of faulty stock magazines. So, you might have to buy another magazine sooner or later. As this is how RIA planned to sell this gun, there is nothing to do for the customer.
5. Firing Pin Breakage
Poor metallurgy and/or heat-treating are the most typical causes of a damaged pin. Inconsistencies in inferior steel will result in breaking.
However, incorrect heat-treating will almost always produce a pin that is either too brittle or too soft. If the pin is excessively brittle, it will shatter when the hammer strikes the buttocks.
Improper fit, whether of factory pins or replacements, is another cause of fracture.
The Fix:
In case of a broken firing pin, the pin needs to be replaced. You have two options in this scenario. If you have a warranty left, then it would be best to send the gun RIA for repair. It will take time, but you can be sure the gun will work fine when returned.
In case you don’t like to wait, then you could take the gun to a gunsmith. It would not take much time for a skilled gunsmith to solve your problem.
User Feedback on Baby Rock 380
It’s a great piece of weapon. It does, however, have its share of issues. However, the issues are not as pervasive as they appear. Many clients have acknowledged their satisfaction with the machine’s components. However, there will be enough individuals on both sides of the debate.
There have been several reports of gun jams. There are several threads on various online sites. Such issues were reported by a 1911forum user.
However, most issues may be avoided with minimal effort. Here’s one user on taurusarmed who purchased a used baby rock that had already been sold. When the user changed the magazine, the pistol began to behave normally.
To be honest, the user of this rifle has a love-hate relationship with it. In most cases, this gun has a plethora of positive customer reviews.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Baby Rock 380
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard
It has drift-adjustable stainless-steel sights, a stainless barrel and slide, a takedown lever, and an exposed manual safety. Although it is more expensive than baby rock, the quality and performance make it worthwhile.
Remington RM380
The low-profile sights are practical, and the big slide serrations allow for easier slide manipulation when chambering a cartridge than RIA baby Rock.
Beretta Pico
That means the handgun may be concealed beneath light clothes and the stainless-steel slide is extremely robust. It has a 6+1 capacity like the other weapons here, but the slide is much easier to handle than the Baby Rock.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How good is the Baby Rock 380?
380 bullets are effective man-stoppers, especially when correctly targeted and fired from a 34-inch barrel. Because of the Baby Rock’s blowback construction, shooters with weaker hands may find it difficult to retract the slide.
How many rounds does a baby rock hold?
It has a maximum capacity of 7+1.
Are Rock Island guns any good?
The Rock has a decent reputation and considerable love among shooters. It is undoubtedly the world’s least costly 1911 with good dependability.
Why 45 ACP is outdated?
It is obsolete because it moves at a slower speed and cannot be carried in the quantities that the alternative can. The 9mm round is used by the vast majority of the world’s military.
Conclusion
No pistol is without flaws, and the Baby Rock 380 is no exception. The attributes that set it apart from the competition are comfort, concealability, accuracy, and performance.
After the break-in phase, the pistol becomes buttery smooth. Most of your difficulties will arise during this period.
Most RIA Baby Rock issues can be solved with minimal effort. And once you’ve resolved these issues, you’ll see why it’s so popular in the community.
