My Ruger P97 is not feeling well. :(

C

CZ_

New member
Well, this is an update from a previous Ruger Forum thread that I posted in. After Ruger sent me replacement parts to hopefully fix the occasional problem of the slide stop popping out and locking the gun up, I finally had a chance to test the gun out today with the new camblock, recoil spring and rod installed. Out of about 270 rounds, the slide stop popped out twice (not all the way out of the gun though), which locked up the gun and prevented it from feeding correctly. It did this once with Load-X reloads, and once with Speer Lawman 230 grain. Needless to say, I am not happy. I did find a way to fix the problem, but its not a good solution. I figured that if I repositioned my grip and put my left thumb on the slide stop (exerting pressure), it would not pop out and this proved true. Even with this fix, I don’t trust the gun because in a SHTF scenario I would likely forget to use that grip and knowing my luck the Ruger P97 would lock up when I need it most (due to the slide stop coming half-way out). I’m not sure what to do. It is a great shooter (accuracy is awesome, and it has never experienced a “normal” FTF or FTE), but when it locks up it is essentially out of commision until I line up the slide/frame “line” and push the slide stop back in. I am beginning to lean towards trading it in or selling it, because no matter how accurate it is I cannot trust a pistol that occasionally locks up due to the slide stop coming partially out. Considering that Ruger was unable to fix it the first time (by sending replacement parts), I am not confident that they will be able to fix it at all.
 
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Serial #

Oh, BTW my serial number is in this range:

663-xxxxx

I am curious if this problem might only apply in certain serial number ranges?
 
It almost sounds as if the hole for the slide stop was drilled at an angle, and the link is slowly working the slide stop out of place. Send the whole thing back to Ruger. Whatever it is, they owe you big time!
 
Was all of the ammo that this happened with 230GR FMJ ?
The same thing has happened with my P97 but only with ball ammo; never with HP or flat point reloads. I figured that the longer rounds were 'bumping' the slide stop, while the shorter rounds don't.
Would like to know the answer to this for sure though.
 
Yes, all the ammo was 230 grain ball.

BTW, I think everyone has convinced me to send it back to Ruger.

2 things though:

1. Anyone else having this problem, would you please post the first 3 #'s of your serial #? It would be helpful to know if this is limited to a run (serial # range), or if its just a random thing.

2. Also, do you think Ruger would replace the gun with another model (assuming they decide to replace it)? I'm not sure I'd want another P97 if this is a common problem.
 
try rugerforum
CZ_, you might try posting your questions over at www.rugerforum.com also. I've read over there of people having similar experiences with this otherwise excellent handgun.
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Re: Rugerforum

I forgot my password there, and the password retrieval function doesn't seem to be working. I filled out the password retrieval function at Ruger Forum last night, and it still hasn't sent me the info. If someone can post a link there to this thread, I'd appreciate it. :)
 
CZ---if you forgot your password------why not just re-register under a new name???
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Dual usernames are against policy, and is a banable offense at most boards. If memory serves, you have to have your old username deleted before you are allowed to get a new one (or you risk a ban).
 
CZ,

My P97 starts with #663. It is a new gun with only 50 rounds through it. When I get some time after Thanksgiving I'll have to put more rounds through it to see what happens.
 
I think they all start with the 663-xxx serial number prefix.

What are the next two numbers in your serial number? That should reflect the range.

Steve
 
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