I've had an LC9 for a few weeks. First few hundred rounds no issues. Then the mag pops out on recoil. Then again. I have big fingers, but when trying to reach my finger to push the mag release I can't do it without releasing my strong hand thumb and twisting my hand around. I've read in forums that some other have had the mag fall out. Wondering if anyone else is having this problem? Have a call into Ruger now too.
Ruger LC9 Mag Falling Out
- Thread starter Bmfflash
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The Lone Haranguer
Member
It could well be that the magazine catch has insufficient tension or is not fitted properly. Being sure to follow all safety rules, put a loaded (to put some weight on it and duplicate your malfunction) magazine in the gun, push the button and see how much pressure it takes to drop it. It should take a little bit of effort, even erring on the stiff side. If it only takes a slight touch, there is a problem. But this is a small, light and especially thin-gripped gun. Is there any possibility your thumb is hitting the button under recoil?
But that's when you're just holding it. The dynamic of actually firing it is different. It will tend to squirm and rear back in your hand.
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Nope
It is a piece of s*&6. Ruger used to produce the finest handguns ever made or close to it. But as is with the free hand given to corporate America they have now gone the way of the rest of our corporations, profit over quality. If you want a good Ruger buy a used one, five to seven years ago or earlier, revolver preferably. If not get you a Glock preferably a used one from before Gen four as they are headed the same way.
It is a piece of s*&6. Ruger used to produce the finest handguns ever made or close to it. But as is with the free hand given to corporate America they have now gone the way of the rest of our corporations, profit over quality. If you want a good Ruger buy a used one, five to seven years ago or earlier, revolver preferably. If not get you a Glock preferably a used one from before Gen four as they are headed the same way.
Reguardless of anyones opinion of the quality of your gun, you purchased a working model and even fired a few hundred rounds and have developed a problem. I would start by checking your mag release button for proper tension. There should not be play and should reset when you release. Next i would check your magazine, there is a notch about 1/2 inch to 1 inch down from top of mag that mag release catches, make sure this has not been damaged. Next is to make sure mag is fully inserted by slapping up on it after inserted, you should hear it seat .
Thanks for the input
I also thought that on recoil that my middle finger might be engaging the mag release, but it seems quite a stretch. I also tried putting pinky under mag which got my finger away from release, but who needs a carry handgun that one has to think where to hold it-very unnatural.
I also thought that on recoil that my middle finger might be engaging the mag release, but it seems quite a stretch. I also tried putting pinky under mag which got my finger away from release, but who needs a carry handgun that one has to think where to hold it-very unnatural.
My wife has an LC9 with roughly 700+ rounds thru it and so far no issues...I like it so much I'm about to get one myself...According to some of the guys over on the Ruger forum,some of them were released with a weak mag catch spring...If you call Ruger they'll send one right out to you...put it in,(simple fix) and you'll be good to go...IMO,they're awesome carry guns...
Papaster
Member
I, too, have 100's of rounds thru my LC9 without any problems like you're describing. Call Ruger. Their customer service seems to do a good job making things right.
LC9 Mag falling out
So, I sent the LC9 back to Ruger. Got it back with explanation that they replaced the mag latch. Brought 250 rounds to try it out. First 30 were fine. Then bingo! The mag pops out.
I shot strong hand only to remove at least the variable of the support hand. Worse.
There is no way I'm hitting the mag release.
I changed the mag base plate to the flat one. I still think my pinky is pushing so hard on the bottom of the mag plate that it is causing it to come loose.
I'm also going to pick up a new mag and try that (duh).
However, I'm now looking for a new CC. I like Bersa UC 9mm and 45. SA/DA with decocker. Might be a little big though.
I do want a DA no matter what.
I am getting a Glock 30 and getting a safety put on if I don't get the Bersa Thunder UC in 45. I carry in Colorado and do a lot of hiking. Had a bear try to break into our house last summer. Hunters have told me that other than 44 magnum, next best bet is 45 FMJ. For where I go and what I do, I do need the safety, DA, or decocker. For CC, DA works best for me...for now. When I grow up I'll go to SA.
IDPA gun is Glock 17.
For now S&W Bodyguard until I find the right replacement (in the next week).
I'll post back after I get the new mag and the flat mag base plate.
P.S. When I was asking the guy in the gun store about a new choice, he went up to the Rugers. I said "NO" for now. I know they make great guns...or at least they used to?
So, I sent the LC9 back to Ruger. Got it back with explanation that they replaced the mag latch. Brought 250 rounds to try it out. First 30 were fine. Then bingo! The mag pops out.
I shot strong hand only to remove at least the variable of the support hand. Worse.
There is no way I'm hitting the mag release.
I changed the mag base plate to the flat one. I still think my pinky is pushing so hard on the bottom of the mag plate that it is causing it to come loose.
I'm also going to pick up a new mag and try that (duh).
However, I'm now looking for a new CC. I like Bersa UC 9mm and 45. SA/DA with decocker. Might be a little big though.
I do want a DA no matter what.
I am getting a Glock 30 and getting a safety put on if I don't get the Bersa Thunder UC in 45. I carry in Colorado and do a lot of hiking. Had a bear try to break into our house last summer. Hunters have told me that other than 44 magnum, next best bet is 45 FMJ. For where I go and what I do, I do need the safety, DA, or decocker. For CC, DA works best for me...for now. When I grow up I'll go to SA.
IDPA gun is Glock 17.
For now S&W Bodyguard until I find the right replacement (in the next week).
I'll post back after I get the new mag and the flat mag base plate.
P.S. When I was asking the guy in the gun store about a new choice, he went up to the Rugers. I said "NO" for now. I know they make great guns...or at least they used to?
End of the Story
So today I went to the range with the LC9. I bought a new mag first. Then i took off the mag base with the pinky grip and replaced it with the flat base. I also thought to really hammer the mag in just in case it hadn't been catching properly. I knew how hard to hammer it in. If a round popped out of the ejection port, then I was hitting it too hard. Two boxes of 9mm Luger and no mag problems. So, I put the mag base back on that has the pinky grip. Another box went fine. I then shot another gun for a while and spotted a guy using a laser. So, I thought about trying the laser on the LC9. Loaded the mag. Hammered in the mag. Three rounds and the mag pops out. I then hammer the mag back in and two rounds later it pops out again. I immediately went in to the store manager and asked about trading it in. Which I've done.
I know Ruger is a great name and the LC9 is a great gun. But, for me, it hurts my hand to shoot it. After three boxes of 9mm my trigger finger was starting to form a blister or something. I was gripping at the joint for DA. That was starting to hurt, so then I went to the middle of my finger. That was still a problem. And, being a little near sighted, the sights are really bad.
So the LC9 is history and any interest I had in the Ruger 1911 is gone.
I'm going to send Ruger a letter to let them know what went on.
It's supposed to be a great gun, but just didn't work for me for whatever reason.
So today I went to the range with the LC9. I bought a new mag first. Then i took off the mag base with the pinky grip and replaced it with the flat base. I also thought to really hammer the mag in just in case it hadn't been catching properly. I knew how hard to hammer it in. If a round popped out of the ejection port, then I was hitting it too hard. Two boxes of 9mm Luger and no mag problems. So, I put the mag base back on that has the pinky grip. Another box went fine. I then shot another gun for a while and spotted a guy using a laser. So, I thought about trying the laser on the LC9. Loaded the mag. Hammered in the mag. Three rounds and the mag pops out. I then hammer the mag back in and two rounds later it pops out again. I immediately went in to the store manager and asked about trading it in. Which I've done.
I know Ruger is a great name and the LC9 is a great gun. But, for me, it hurts my hand to shoot it. After three boxes of 9mm my trigger finger was starting to form a blister or something. I was gripping at the joint for DA. That was starting to hurt, so then I went to the middle of my finger. That was still a problem. And, being a little near sighted, the sights are really bad.
So the LC9 is history and any interest I had in the Ruger 1911 is gone.
I'm going to send Ruger a letter to let them know what went on.
It's supposed to be a great gun, but just didn't work for me for whatever reason.
memphismark
Member
Hey Bmfflash. I got the same problem with my LC9. I was so glad to hear from others on this forum because I joined just for this reason. My mag was dropping every 2 or 3 rounds when it was at it's worst. I'm hoping the notch is 'seating' better on the release pin as it breaks in, and it has gotten better, but I still may have to send it back to Ruger for a fix. I really love this little gun though. Perfect for conceiled carry. memphismark 
I have had the same problem with mine. I had shot the LC9 quite a bit with no problems at all but, after I started carrying it in my pocket holster it has been an issue. I bought a new magazine and that did not help. I'm going to send it to ruger and see if they can correct the issue.
Bought my LC9 in December as well as an extra magazine from Midwayusa. Had issue with magazine falling out while shooting. I called Ruger and they said they are aware of issue with magazines made in USA. They sent me out a replacement (Made in Italy) which I took to range yesterday. Put 5 rounds of speer gold dot +p through it and had the magazine drop out twice! I also proceeded to put 100 rounds of Blazer Brass through it without any malfunctions. I just called Ruger today and they said it may be a problem with the magazine catch. They are sending me out a new magazine catch/spring. They did not seem to have an issue with the +p ammo I was shooting only that the extra pressure may have exaggerated the issue with the magazine catch. Keeping my fingers crossed this will fix the issue!
The magazines made in Italy are made by Mec-Gar and their products are absolute top quality. They in fact are the OEM supplier of many brands of magazines. All the magazines of my wife's SR9, SR9c and SR40 are made in Italy. The same is true for the additional Ruger brand magazines we've bought. Looks to me Ruger has learned a lesson.
But it's a shame a USA-made product seems to be substandard.
But it's a shame a USA-made product seems to be substandard.
problem with lc9 mags
Mine was doing the same thing and I fixed it myself. It's not what people think it is. There is so much up and down play in the mags that if the mag is pressed upward while inserted in the well it contacts the slide. When the gun cycles the fast push on the top of the mag causes it to pop out.
FIX: file top of mag down just enough so that it does not effect feeding but keeps the slide from hitting it when cycling.
Don't believe me? Load up a mag with the slide closed, insert it, push mag up while racking and feel if you mag moves violently when chambering
Mine was doing the same thing and I fixed it myself. It's not what people think it is. There is so much up and down play in the mags that if the mag is pressed upward while inserted in the well it contacts the slide. When the gun cycles the fast push on the top of the mag causes it to pop out.
FIX: file top of mag down just enough so that it does not effect feeding but keeps the slide from hitting it when cycling.
Don't believe me? Load up a mag with the slide closed, insert it, push mag up while racking and feel if you mag moves violently when chambering
Catpop
Member
I'm die hard Ruger with 6 in the stable. I certainly hope you are wrong about their attitude. I have a LC9 and other than a S. & B hard primer issue, it has functioned flawlessly even with my lrn 115 reloads. And I bought mine used, so somebody else had already had a go at it-good or bad!
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