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Ruger SR9 version 1.1 (post recall edition)

Andrew emailed me photos of his SR9 that he has just got back from Ruger. You can see external changes made.

He got a free cap and two magazines, which is not much considering they had his pistol for 97 days!

Click to expand the photos.

075-tm Ruger SR9 version 1.1 (post recall edition) photo

077-tm Ruger SR9 version 1.1 (post recall edition) photo

Andrew posted this comment on the SR9 post:

I just recieved my sr9 back from recall work, ruger had it over 3 months,
I callled over 9 times wanting it back, mine was one that failed and failed hard. I have to say 3 months was making me disaponited that i didn’t wait for the new redesigned xd, but I have to say i took out the redesigned sr9 and the trigger pull is improved and it shots like a dream, also mag release is sweet. first 200 no misfires and great hold on target as always . Next step is to get xs 24/7 to make sights for us

Thanks Andrew for your time.

Posted by Steve on Jul 26th 2008 | Filed in handguns, photos | Comments (3)

Ruger SR9 recall update: will now feature Glock style trigger blade

Ruger have updated information on their website about the SR9 recall:

Picture 4-14
Click to expand or click here to download PDF.

According to Tom, who posted a comment on the SR9 blog entry, Ruger has said that they will be servicing 1000 pistols a week:

Just received an email from Ruger that the boxes are being shipped. They plan to service 1000 SR9? per week. They are sending out boxes in the order we registered with Ruger.

Hat Tip: John Snow and commenters Tom and David.

Posted by Steve on Jul 17th 2008 | Filed in handguns, news | Comments (7)

Ruger Recalls SR9 Pistols

SOUTHPORT, Conn. (AP) — Firearm maker Sturm, Ruger & Co. said Wednesday it is recalling Ruger SR9 pistols made between October 2007 and this month because of a safety defect.
The company said the guns could fire if dropped with the safeties in the “off” or “fire” position.

“As a responsible manufacturer, we want to make our customers aware of this safety concern as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.

The company will retrofit all Ruger SR9 pistols with serial number prefix “330″. SR9 owners can obtain information or register for the recall by contacting the company.

Shares of Sturm, Ruger & Co. rose 8 cents to $7.95 in after-hours trading after falling 45 cents, or 5.4 percent, to close at $7.86. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of $7.22 to $22.58.

From OutoorNewsWire:

The pertinent contact information for SR9 owners to obtain information or register for the recall are:
* Visiting the Ruger website at: www.ruger.com/SR9Recall/
* E-mail: SR9recall@ruger.com
* Fax: 928-541-8873
* Calling the Ruger SR9 Recall Hotline at 800-784-3701 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. EDT.

Posted by Steve on Apr 10th 2008 | Filed in handguns | Comments (0)

Magazine Safeties

The Unforgiving Minute has a post on the dangers of magazine safeties.
Images-8

Referring to the SR9:

It is the worst of the worst! With the magazine removed, the trigger functions normally, dropping the hammer, but the gun is prevented from firing. (…) It simply blocks the firing pin! Upon hearing a “click,” instead of a “bang,” the shooter knows little, because the pistol has told him little. Chamber might be empty. Might be a dud round. Magazine may be unlocked.

Being a Glock fan, I personally think the less external safeties the better. As mentioned in the article, a magazine safety should not be the only thing that separates your kid from firing your pistols.

More here.

Posted by Steve on Jan 6th 2008 | Filed in handguns | Comments (0)

New Ruger Products

Ruger have announced some new products.

Black Slide Ruger SR9 Pistol

I like the look but prefer the stainless.

The recently launched Ruger SR9â„¢ pistol, the first striker-fired pistol from Ruger, is now available with a blackened stainless slide. The multi-step blackening process improves both the durability and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel slide by creating a surface hardness of 68Rc. The extra hard finish also reduces scratching and holster wear.

 News Images 2007-12-17B-2

Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger

Ruger has finally sorted out the problems they were having with the Redhawk .480

 Firearms Images Products 56L

The Ruger Super Redhawk revolver chambered in .480 Ruger, specifically designed with the big game sportsman in mind, is back. Production had been suspended early in 2007 to address a fired case extraction issue. After a complete analysis, it was determined that to provide easy and sure extraction, all .480 Ruger Super Redhawk Revolvers, including the easy-to carry Alaskan, will now feature 5-shot cylinders. Beginning in 2008, they will also feature a Hogue® Monogrip® for added comfort. The Target Grey® All-Weather® version adds a low glare matte finish preferred by hunters.

The .480 Ruger cartridge offers handgun hunting performance without the heavy recoil experienced by other big game calibers. This cartridge offers power without excessively heavy recoil using Hornady’s .475” diameter, 325 grain XTP Magnum bullet. The .480 Ruger cartridge can produce a muzzle velocity of 1350 fps - nearly one-third more muzzle energy than the standard .44 Magnum cartridge, with substantially less recoil than the other big bore hunting handgun cartridges. This exciting cartridge developed by Hornady can be said to effectively “split the difference” between the powerful .44 Magnum and other super-powerful, heavier recoiling hunting cartridges.

M77 chambered in Ruger Compact Magnums

I could be wrong but I think this is the first rifle to be chambered in the new RCM cartridges.

 News Images 2007-12-17B-3

The Ruger Compact Magnum cartridges, developed in conjunction with Hornady Manufacturing Co., are extreme cartridges for extreme hunting. Based on the beltless .375 Ruger, the .300 and .338 RCMs are engineered to offer .300 and .338 Win. Magnum performance in a more compact package. With their short actions and 20” barrels, the M77 Ruger Compact Magnums are today’s “mountain rifles and brush guns.”

The new cartridges are chambered in the compact action Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles with features that include the smooth and crisp Ruger LC6â„¢ trigger for improved out-of-the-box trigger pull, and a red rubber recoil pad that provides more effective recoil reduction. Other features of the Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles appreciated by knowledgeable shooters are the Mauser-type controlled feeding and powerful claw extractor, 3-position safety, hammer forged steel barrels and free Ruger patented scope rings. The design of the patented steel floorplate, which bears the distinctive Ruger logo, provides easy unloading and eliminates accidental “dumping” of ammunition.

Two compact-action models of the Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles chambered in the new Ruger Compact Magnums are available. The matte blued version features the M77 Hawkeye’s slimmer walnut stock with wrap-around cut checkering on the forearm and more rounded contours on the bottom of the stock and top of the pistol grips. The matte stainless version features a synthetic stock with a new recoil pad.

The new cartridges designed by Hornady Manufacturing provide unmatched ballistic performance in compact rifles, less felt recoil, longer barrel life, and superior performance at all temperatures. The .300 RCM is available in 150, 165 and 180-grain SST offerings. Each .300 RCM load exceeds comparative .300 Win. Magnum loads from a 20″ barrel. Muzzle velocities for the .300 RCM are 3,170 fps, 3,030 fps, and 2,900 fps, respectively – from a 20″ factory barrel. The .338 RCM is available in the newly developed 200 gr SST, and 225 gr SST offerings. Velocities for the .338 RCMs are 2,850 fps and 2,710 fps respectively, easily out performing the .338 Win. Magnum at equal barrel length.

Posted by Steve on Dec 21st 2007 | Filed in ammunition, handguns, rifles | Comments (0)

Ruger likely developing an AR-15

Ruger has just released their disastrous third quarter results. Their share price fell 37.71% as of Wednesdays close!

 News Images 2007-10-24-B-1

This graph shows the last three months of Ruger (RGR) trading. Click on the graph to expand it.

Rgr  Basic Chart For Sturm Ruger And Co - Yahoo! Finance

Their CEO, Michael O. Fifer, wrote a letter to Ruger shareholders. He had this to say:

For decades, Ruger introduced innovative designs on a regular basis, stimulating consumer demand. That strength has waned in the past few years with the passing of Bill Ruger, Sr. and a weakening of the product development resources at Ruger.

Nothing new here. It has taken them 20 years to clone the Glock pistol and produce the recently released SR9 striker fired pistol.

He goes on to say:

Ruger has not participated in some of the fastest growing segments of the consumer firearms market. These segments, which include AR-15 style rifles, compact carry pistols and revolvers, and striker-fired, auto-loading pistols, have recently been the engines of growth in the consumer firearms market.

Several of our top distributors have experienced growth rates in one or more of these categories in excess of 40% for the first nine months of the year. We plan to develop products for several of these markets. We recently had a very successful launch of our new striker-fired, auto-loading pistol, the Ruger SR9.

They have already launched a striker fired pistol so that leaves compact carry pistols and revolvers and AR-15 rifles.

Remington, one of their major competitors in the rifle market, have just announced their first line of AR-15 hunting rifles, the R-15.

The Remington R-15

Picture 2-5

I think Ruger will announce an AR-15 hunting rifle this time next year.


Ruger Ar-15 Rifle

(The above photo is a photoshop I made… obviously. Not to mention the ‘evil’ 30 round magazine that Ruger will never sell.)

It makes perfect sense. The black, or more politically correct, camo rifles are what is selling.

Posted by Steve on Oct 27th 2007 | Filed in rifles | Comments (16)

Ruger SR9: New polymer-framed 9mm

Ruger has just announced their new polymer-framed 9mm pisol the SR9 and SR9-10

It features:

  • Polymer Frame
  • Slim Profile
  • Striker-fired
  • 1911-position manual safety
  • Fits in Glock holster (UPDATE: See holster list below)

Sr9-1

Read a review here.

Watch a video of it here.

UPDATE:

More info at Ruger.com:

Models: SR9 (17+1 capacity) SR9-10 (10+1 capacity)
Price: US$525 for both models

Features:

  • Weighs 26.5 oz., in a package of just 5.52″ H x 7.55″ L x 1.27″ W
  • Reliable, striker-fired ignition
  • Easy, “Semi-Double Action” trigger-pull - 6.5 pounds.
  • 17+1 Capacity. (Note: 17-round magazines are not available in all states and locales; 10-round magazines are available where required to meet state and local regulations limiting magazine capacity.)
  • Chambered in 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19).
  • Short trigger reach.
  • Unique reversible backstrap (flat or arched) to accommodate grip preferences.
  • Slim, ergonomic grip features a 17-degree grip angle and three, 22 lpi checkered panels that provide a sure grip without being abrasive.
  • Patented Ruger camblock helps absorb recoil.
  • High-visibility 3-dot sight system is click adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage.
  • Picatinny rail accepts modern sighting devices (lights, lasers, etc.).
  • Ultra-slim stainless steel slide.
  • Ambidextrous magazine release.
  • Ambidextrous 1911-style manual safety.
  • Internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, and magazine disconnect.
  • Visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.
  • Suggested retail price of just $525, including hard case, extra magazine, magazine loader, padlock, and instruction manual.

SR9 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 17+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.5 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

SR9-10 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 10+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.25 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

Picture 3-3

More here.

UPDATE:

Ruger has posted a list of compatible holsters:

Hunter Leather:
5029 Belt Slide
5229 Open Top
5129 Shoulder Holster
1300 #13 Inside the Pant 1300

Galco:
CT5224B Cop 3 Slot
84122 Fletch Holster
84155 Classic

Bianchi:
7001 Thumpsnap - Holster-Size 13
7115 Thumpsnap Duty - Holster-Size 13
105 Minimalist-Size 13/15

Uncle Mike’s:
Nylon All Size 15
9521 Pro-3 RH and LH
9821 Dual Retention
9921 Tactical Thigh

Safariland:
4062-23-21 Inside the Pant
527-836 Belt Slide
070-383-161 SS111 Duty Holster

The list is here.

UPDATE: Some more photos:

The safety on and off:

Picture 4-3

The back of the striker is visible when the action is semi-cocked. Nice.

62.Pdf (43 Pages)

Loaded chamber indicator:

Picture 5-2

Stripped:

Sr9

The manual can be downloaded here (I have mirrored it on this site because the ruger site is *very* slow at the moment).

UDPATE:

The Unforgiving Minute has a less than positive review:

CAUTION: Dry firing your RUGER SR9 with the magazine removed may result in damage or unnecessary wear to the striker blocking mechanism.

Didn’t we just go through this with the P345? Guys, if you just HAVE to include a mag safety, at least go to the trouble of engineering it so the damn thing won’t break like that.

More here.

UPDATE:

Some videos about the SR9.

Ruger SR9 History

Picture 9-5

Ruger VP Bob Stutler explains the 20-year journey Ruger has taken in the evolution of their handguns to the new SR9 starting with the Ruger P85 centerfire autoloading pistol.

Watch it here.

Ruger SR9 Features
Picture 10-5

Ruger VP Bob Stutler points out the various features of the new Ruger SR9 including the reversible backstrap, low-profile sights, ambidextrous safety, and high capacity 17-round magazine.

Watch it here.

UPDATE

GunBlast have done a comprehensive review:

While on the subject of the SR9 trigger, I have heard early reports from those who have handled, but not necessarily fired, the SR9 that the trigger pull is somewhat gritty. Mostly this is due to dry-firing the weapon without a magazine in place. Ruger warns SR9 owners to not dry-fire the pistol without the magazine in the gun. The SR9 has a magazine safety, which is located in the slide… The trigger pull on my sample gun exhibited these same traits when dry-firing the pistol without a magazine in place. However, while actually firing the pistol, it has a pretty decent trigger pull… After shooting the SR9 extensively, the trigger pull has also improved somewhat. It compares favorably with the trigger pull on other pistols of its type.

The sights on the SR9 are a very good design. The front is drift adjustable for windage, and the rear is adjustable for windage and elevation. They are much better sights than those that are supplied with most competitive pistols.

I like many features of the SR9. It is very user-friendly to left-handed shooters like me. It is slim. It is reliable, rugged, and backed by the famous Ruger reputation for customer service. I like the thumb safety. I like the large trigger guard that can easily accommodate a gloved finger. I like the steel magazines. I love the slim grip! I also like the fact that it is American made.

More here.

UPDATE

Ruger are now offering a version of the SR9 with a blackened stainless slide

The recently launched Ruger SR9â„¢ pistol, the first striker-fired pistol from Ruger, is now available with a blackened stainless slide. The multi-step blackening process improves both the durability and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel slide by creating a surface hardness of 68Rc. The extra hard finish also reduces scratching and holster wear.

2007-12-17B-2
Looks nice, but I think the stainless slide looks better.

UPDATE

I came across a video of an SR9 in action

UPDATE

A very nice photo taken by ScaredOnce and posted at PAFOA

Ruger Sr9

UPDATE

A OD green frame model is now available. Looks nice.

365L

Posted by Steve on Oct 18th 2007 | Filed in handguns, photos | Comments (239)