Was about to buy a used Ruger LC9 today...

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Hammer059

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and then I realized it wasn't functioning properly.

When you pull the slide back all the way and release it (like any other semi-auto), the slide would go forward.
Then I went to dry fire it and pulled the trigger… there was a slight "click" from something but the gun didn't dry-fire on the initial trigger pull after properly racking the slide. But after that, it would dry-fire normally and I could see the hammer being pulled back as I pressed on the trigger. Each time I would rack the slide and go to fire the gun, on that first trigger pull it wouldn't dry fire. The magazine was inserted properly.

I showed the employee, who tried for himself, and then showed the manager (who happens to be my neighbor). They both agreed it wasn't functioning properly.

If I were the manager/owner, I'd be unhappy that whichever employee bought this used gun didn't pick up on this before they bought it and then put it on the "used" shelf. They were as disappointed as I was. He told me they'd get it fixed and call me when it was ready to see if I still want to buy it (which I definitely won't). I was gonna get it for $200 and I was pretty bummed. I'm just gonna buy a new one now, probably the LC9s.

Anyway, has anyone else with an LC9 experienced this? For those of you that have a much greater understanding of firearm mechanics than I do (which is a lot of folks on here), any idea what was wrong here?
 
Is there a difference in reliability or durability between the original LC9 (hammer fired) and the LC9s (striker fired)? I'm leaning towards the LC9s now for multiple reasons
 
If the price were right I'd have bought it. Then sent it to Ruger. It would have come back in perfect working condition.
 
Finish was pretty good. Only came with one magazine. I guess once they get it back in working order I'll go check it out… for $200 plus tax I'm still tempted
 
If it were fixed properly, $200 would be a great deal in my neck of the woods.

I have an LC9 without the "s", and I have had no problems with it.

Its trigger is okay but not great, but I am plenty accurate with it at realistic SD distances.
 
For those of you that have a much greater understanding of firearm mechanics than I do (which is a lot of folks on here), any idea what was wrong here?
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Either what rcmodel said about needing cleaned and oiled.

Or there is a misalignment between the trigger bar and the hammer.

Something is causing the trigger bar tab to not catch the hammer each time.

There were some people that have tried to copy Galloways' trigger bar modifications.

The trigger bar tab serves two purposes. One is to fully cock and release the hammer. The other, is to depress the firing pin blocker as the hammer is in forward motion.

There is only maybe .020" or less of a difference in contact with the bar/hammer/blocker as to whether all of the mechanics work reliably.
 
Thanks for the input guys.

I've been thinking about it and I'm leaning towards the LC9s now. I like the fact that the trigger pull is better, the LCI is non-existent, and that I'd be buying the gun new and not dealing with someone else's problems.
 
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I'm not sure if the LC9 is one of them, but several of Ruger's semi-auto pistols have a magazine disconnect safety.

Could this be the problem?

I'm not a fan of the mag/safety and personally tend to avoid models with that feature.

Edmo
 
For $200 it may have been worth taking home and cleaning it up or arranging the repair yourself.

I would circle back and try the used one out, even with 1 mag. Even if not like NIB condition, seems low risk.
 
Sounds to me like it is having an issue with the magazine disconnect safety. Ruger should have that taken care of in no time with one phone call. I would jump on it.
 
Have any LC9 or LC9s owners had an issue with the mag release button being accidentally pressed while carrying? I've read a review or two where this was an issue. Planning on carrying IWB (I have a different firearm for pocket carry)

I'm thinking the Glock 43 mag release would be less likely to be engaged while carrying. It also doesn't have a stupid mag safety. And I have slightly more confidence in it's reliability. Now I'm thinking Glock 43, but now we're talking $500 after taxes and stuff :(
 
Hammer059 said:
Have any LC9 or LC9s owners had an issue with the mag release button being accidentally pressed while carrying? I've read a review or two where this was an issue. Planning on carrying IWB (I have a different firearm for pocket carry)(
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Yes, several times I discovered my magazine had been ejected in the holster (Crossbreed, Triple K, Desantis). Called Ruger and received a shipping label immediately. My gun was returned in 4 days in perfect condition, no issues since.

You can find similar stories with nearly any gun you're considering. The difference is in the manufacturer's customer service. You cannot go wrong with Ruger.
 
The LC9S is definitely the preferable one, but at a good enough price the original LC9 would still be on my radar.

Ruger's CS is second to none - I wouldn't hesitate to buy it personally. They'll fix the gun no problem, and you'll probably get an extra mag out of it. So long as you don't need the gun in a hurry it'd be fine.
 
It was actually $225 originally, I offered $200 cash and they accepted. I guess $150 would have been worth a shot but I'm probably gonna get the LC9s or Glock 43 now anyway… It was one of those "in the moment" things; now that I've had time to think I'm kinda glad I didn't get it. Still, I was shocked that the gun store didn't catch the problem before the bought it or before they put it on the shelf!
 
Update:

I actually ended up getting the LC9 today. Paid $250 for the gun and a new magazine (now have two). I'm satisfied with my purchase. I figure if anything goes wrong (which isn't likely) I can always send it to Ruger, and I have great faith in their customer service.

Thanks to all those who shared their thoughts and experience
 
Did they get it fixed? Will be curious if a good cleaning-lube remedied it. Let us know how it shoots. :)
 
Yes, they fixed it. It was more than a good cleaning and lubing, but that's all I know.

Shot it today for the first time. It seems to be very reliable and well built. The trigger is LOOOOOOOOONG. And since it has so much recoil (for a 9mm anyway), my hands end up shaking because I'm trying to squeeze the gun in my hand while pulling a ridiculously long trigger.

All in all not bad. I'm definitely good enough with it for self-defense purposes, but it's obviously a far cry from shooting my Glock 17. It's gonna take some practice, for sure! Very happy with my purchase. Fits in my pocket (in an uncle mikes #3 pocket holster that I formerly used for a 642) perfectly.
 
Hammer059 said:
Yes, they fixed it. It was more than a good cleaning and lubing, but that's all I know.



Shot it today for the first time. It seems to be very reliable and well built. The trigger is LOOOOOOOOONG. And since it has so much recoil (for a 9mm anyway), my hands end up shaking because I'm trying to squeeze the gun in my hand while pulling a ridiculously long trigger.



All in all not bad. I'm definitely good enough with it for self-defense purposes, but it's obviously a far cry from shooting my Glock 17. It's gonna take some practice, for sure! Very happy with my purchase. Fits in my pocket (in an uncle mikes #3 pocket holster that I formerly used for a 642) perfectly.
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I don't really consider the LC9 to have that much recoil but it's a person to person thing I suppose.

I have a Galloway trigger in mine, it makes that trigger pull soooo much nicer.
 
I guess muzzle flip would be a more accurate term than "recoil". Either way, for ME, it will take some getting used to. Recoil doesn't bother me, I love shooting heavy .44 mags. But this is just a snappier, more upwards type of recoil that I'm not used to
 
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