Ruger SR9 w/Ghost Rocket 3.5

[.950jdj]

I recently purchased a Ghost trigger bar reset. I meant to purchase the Ultimate version which requires no fitting and just drops in. Instead I received the Rocket version which requires fitting. I was hesitant to take on any project that involved removing material and maintaining a certain angle but today I decided to give it a try. After 6 rounds of stripping and grinding then testing I finally shortened the TCT to the point that the striker releases with 0 over-travel. I also polished the part of the striker that comes in contact with the trigger bar.

I have always loved my SR9, more so than the Glock 17 gen 3 I used to own purely for the ergonomics. Both are 99.99% reliable. I always felt the Glock had a better trigger though. The Glock had a better reset and felt less spongy.

While I have not live-fire tested the SR9 with the modification, it seems that I can have my cake and eat it too now. The trigger feel GREAT, the pull weight has been at least halved. It is also has a MUCH better reset and 0 over-travel.

I do have one question for anyone that has any experience with this modification. Now that I have no over-travel, is it possible through wear or grime accumulation that the striker will not be released? In other words, is it dangerous to be right on the line of 0 over-travel and the firearm not going bang? Should I go in and shorten the TCT just a bit more to give myself some wiggle room?

I have had my SR9 since 2011 and have a conservative est. 6000 rounds through it. I use it for everything from carry to IDPA to plinking.

 

[hentown]

Had no idea that Ghost made anything for Rugers. That ought to cheer up the Ruger owners. I'm using the Ghost Ultimate in a Glock. I tried the Rocket, but the pull was just too mushy for me. I would suggest leaving a smidgen of overtravel. Wouldn't take much to cause your pistol not to fire, if you're actually on the edge of 0 overtravel.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I have either the same kit, or a variation of it.

I was going to install it myself, having done Glocks, but found that the Ruger fire control assembly was very complex with a lot of parts -- and I'm not the best with many tiny pieces. Had my gunsmith do it -- along with a printed copy of the instructions from the Ghost website.

I'm glad I had him do it -- as he said the instructions, while good, didn't mention a part or two; he could figure it out, I'm not sure I would have.

The finished trigger was much better, very crisp, no sludge, no big takeup, but still a bit heavier than I'd like. Worth the time and money, even though I paid to have it installed.

The SR9c trigger may be just as good, and the newer SR9s seem to have better triggers than the early models -- neither may be as good as a Ghost kit, but pretty good.

I'll probably eventually have my gun modified by a local (Asheville, NC) gunsmith who specializes in Rugers, to lighten the trigger a bit.

 

[hentown]

The only experience I've had with a Ruger centerfire pistol was with my brother's .45acp Ruger. I believe it was a P89, but that might not be correct. Whatever it was, it had THE WORST trigger I ever pulled on a pistol.

On-the-other-hand, I am totally enamored with my two 22/45s. I replaced the entire trigger mechanism of my first with the complete VQ kit. Only replaced the trigger of the second, and did the honing and polishing of the sear and hammer engagement areas myself.

Both have good triggers, but the VQ kit provided the better of the two.