Ruger SR9 slide releases easily

[smoothjk]

Hey guys,

I've had my Ruger SR9 (331- serial number) pistol for months now, and I haven't had a single failure with it. Very well built and shoots straight.

But one thing I noticed is that when I load a full magazine at the range pretty hard, the slide will release on its own, chambering a round unexpectedly (this is after I empty a previous mag and it locks back). It kind of catches me off guard, but no biggie because I'm going to shoot anyway.

But then I wondered why it seems to go into battery so easily without me pressing the release or sling-shotting the slide. Whenever I disassemble the gun for cleaning, I have to stick my finger in and push down a lever, so I'm worried that the pistol could release the slide inadvertently or something...ouch.

Just a safety concern I guess. Other people complain about how their slide lock is so stiff, but mine seems to be a little too easy to release.

 

[mgmorden]

This behavior is referred to as "auto-forwarding". Most any semi-auto will do it if you slam the magazine in hard enough, but some will do so easier than others.

Overall, it's nothing to worry about, and isn't any safety problem. For any auto-pistol train to always expect to slingshot on a fast reload, but also be prepared for the possibility of an auto-forward and all is fine. As long as you know its a possibility and it doesn't surprise you it actually speeds up reloads a bit.

 

[1KPerDay]

As mg points out, it's nothing to worry about, smooth, and desirable for some people.

 

[smoothjk]

Great thank you guys, that's kind of a relief. =)

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I have had a number of pistols over the years that did this. "Auto-forwarding" doesn't hurt anything, but is not something on which to count, either. Always be ready to release the slide manually by whatever method you prefer. (I like to push the slide stop down with my thumb.)

 

[BigDaddyNEB]

The manual that comes with the SR9 states that the user should use the eraser end of a pencil when pushing down and forward on the ejector. You can use your finger ( I do ), but this would probably make you feel safer.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I had heard of "M1 thumb," but not "Ruger finger."

I wouldn't worry (much) about weak slide stop engagement causing the slide to snap shut on your finger anyway. Without a magazine, or with an empty magazine, the slide stop has a much firmer engagement with the notch than when you insert a full magazine.

 

[KZinOKC]

Whenever I disassemble the gun for cleaning, I have to stick my finger in and push down a lever, so I'm worried that the pistol could release the slide inadvertently or something...ouch.

I use my finger on the ejector, but at the same time keep my thumb pushing up on the slide lock.

 

[1SOW]

The top rd on a full mag with good springs, bumps the slide off the slide stop with a firm insert.

A lightened recoil spring makes this more likely.
Heavier weight mag springs make this more likely.