P90 Firing Pin Block? Reassembly Order?

[KMO]

I picked up a used Ruger P90 .45 Pistol with only one small problem...The firing pin block plunger was broken in two pieces. This is not a difficult or expensive repair, although the rear sight must be removed so the part can be accessed from the top of the slide.

So...Now I have my parts, and I have a question for anyone who has P90 experience...Does the firing pin block assembly install before or after the right & left side safety levers are installed? If it goes in first, it will be lower in the slide. If the safety levers are installed first, the assembly will be higher in the slide, with the rear sight actually functioning as a cap for the plunger. Anyone?

 

[gb6491]

I removed/cleaned/reinstalled the plunger, spring, and block on mine when I installed night sights. I didn't mess with the levers at all, so I would say do it after installing the safety levers. Be careful when installing the sight so that the plunger does not get sheared off. The set screw on the sight needs to be flush with the bottom of the sight (or remove it entirely and watch through the hole for the plunger; then, if necessary, depress and hold it down while pushing the sight over to cover it.
Regards,
Greg

 

[KMO]

Thanks Greg...Your description fits what I found when I disassembled it, but I was left wondering if the previous owner might have installed the parts in the wrong sequence, thus causing the broken plunger. Thanks also for the tip about the sight installation...not breaking my new plunger in the process...

 

[KMO]

Just a follow-up on this P90...What a sweet shooter! I know these were developed before the emphasis on "small-is-better" became popular, but as a truck gun or HD weapon, this pistol has made a believer out of me. I've poured 200 rounds through it, and it hasn't faltered in any way. I'm thinking I scored pretty well on a used pistol that only needed $11 in replacement parts to get it up to speed...

 

[clutch]

Glad you fixed your problem, it saves me for getting my gun out from where I keep it for late night home defense.

I wasn't crazy with with the P90DC when I started with it since I was used to borrowing my uncles 1911. That DA/SA transition is one more hurdle to deal with as far as shooting accurately.

But for home defense, it is awesome. Not as hair triggered as a Glock or my XDm, not a chance you are going to have an AD or ND holstering it and it is safe for improvised carry.

It is big though, that is why is stays at home most of the time.

As far as reliablility, I bought some cast bullets best used to reload .45 LC once by mistake, 500 of them in total. My trusty P90DC shot them all w/o a problem.

The only time I had a ftf was when I screwed up and used large rifle primers and then 95% or so went off, the rest except one, went off on restrike.

It is a gun that fills a niche, 2 Ben Franklins, you did good.

Clutch