6 Unwritten Ruger LC9s Problems (How To Address Them)

As an avid shooter, I have a ton of quality firearms stored in my gun safe. A pocketable 9mm gun, Ruger LCP9s is my EDC, garnering recognition for its better trigger.

However, there are countless cases of users who say they’ve had problems with the Ruger LCPs striker-fired pistol.

In this article, I’ll share the easy fixes I did to my LC9s to address these problems. It now impresses.

Here are Ruger LC9s problems & solutions

For some reason, many gun users report several Ruger LC9s problems.

The common Ruger LC9s problems are related to magazine, hollow point feed, side rock, jamming, trigger, rust, and more.

These potential problems have their solutions.

1. Feeding problem

The most frequent issue with the Ruger LC9s is a failure to feed properly, which is one of the Glock 19 Gen 5 problems, too.

Misfeed problems occur when a round from the magazine doesn’t enter the chamber correctly.

I’ve also seen my colleagues, particularly the best shooters, complain about this problem. The LC9s is what I use during my CCW class, regardless.

Possible causes:

• A dirty chamber: Ensure your firearm is clean and well-lubricated.
• Weak magazine spring: Consider replacing the magazine if the spring is weak.
• Wrong ammo. Incorrect dimensions of certain ammunitions.
• Limp wristing. The limp wristing by certain users can cause this feeding problem as well.

Solution

To resolve this issue, clean, polish, and lubricate your pistol to ensure the magazines are in good condition. Make it a routine.

Additionally, using high-quality ammunition can minimize the risk of feeding problems occurring most of the time.

Your next step should be to prevent limp wristing. Watch this video for better understanding.

2. Failure to eject

I’ve seen some cases of ejection issues with my LC9s pistol after about two years of usage, which basically goes hand in hand with feeding problems.

Your gun won’t eject when the spent casing is not properly expelled from the chamber.

One user indicated in Rugerforum that the failure to eject problems and the inability to go into battery forced him to retire his LC9s.

This will make your firearm less dependable.

Possible causes:

• Fouled chamber: Failure to clean the vital parts of the pistol can lead to this.
• Damaged recoil spring: The problem can develop if the recoil spring is weak or damaged.

Solution

First of all, maintaining regular maintenance of any of your firearms is the solution to many problems. By this, I mean paying a close check to your gun before use.

Clean your LC9s to see if this problem remains or not.

If you find some roughness, the next stop should be to oil and lube it. Lastly, low-quality rounds can contribute to ejection failures.

Use the recommended ammo as per the user manual.

3. Accuracy and precision issues

I love my Ruger LC9s. Unfortunately, problems with pistol accuracy frequently annoy shooters.

Accuracy is the position of the group of shots relative to the point of aim. So, Inaccuracy is where shots land off-target.

While you expect the gun to be a fine precision instrument, many things within it must work correctly.

Inconsistent accuracy can frustrate you in critical scenarios – when you need your gun the most. I noticed this to be among Rugel LCP Max problems, too.

Possible causes:

Many things can affect the LC9s accuracy. They include:

• Damaged muzzle crown. Many crowns get beat up through years of use in the field, causing rifle inaccuracy.
• Barrel corrosion. Any corrosion or imperfection will cause serious problems down the range.
• Improper sight alignment. When your dot sights aren’t correctly aligned.

Solution

The first thing you need to inspect when your LC9s are shooting poorly is the muzzle crown system. Crowns are meant to avoid damage to the vital gun parts.

Ensure the crown is uniform and has no dings or dents. Do the same to the sight.

Proper gun maintenance is a mandatory first step that should be done regularly. This makes your gun safe.

Maintenance is more than just having a clean gun. It’s about lubricating it periodically before use. This solves anything to do with barrel corrosion.

These are the things you can do by yourself at home. Others require a gunsmith intervention.

4. Jamming issue

The Ruger LC9s pistol occasionally experiences jamming issues, a common problem encountered by firearms enthusiasts.

Possible causes: 

Jamming in the LC9s can be attributed to several factors, including:

• The use of incorrect ammunition,
• inadequate maintenance, and
• the break-in period required for new firearms

Solution

Using the manufacturer-recommended ammunition is crucial, as the LC9s is designed to function optimally with certain types of bullets.

Regular cleaning and proper lubrication reduce the likelihood of jamming by removing accumulated debris. It also ensures the smooth operation of moving parts.

Lastly, like many pistols, the Ruger LC9s may have a break-in period during which cycling issues gradually diminish as the parts wear in.

5. Slide not locking

A slide not locking back on a firearm after the last round is fired usually indicates an issue with the magazine, the firearm’s slide lock mechanism, or user operation.

Possible causes 

This could be due to a weak magazine spring, an improperly seated magazine, a worn-out slide lock lever, or even the shooter inadvertently applying pressure to the slide lock lever while firing.

Solution

An obvious solution is to ensure the magazines used are in good condition and compatible with the firearm. Worn magazines can cause the slide not to lock.

Inspecting the slide lock mechanism for any damage can also resolve the issue.

Additionally, shooters should be mindful of their grip to ensure they’re not inadvertently applying pressure to the slide lock, preventing it from engaging.

Regular maintenance and using high-quality ammunition can also help in preventing this issue.

6. Heavy trigger pull

Another issue I faced is the “heavy trigger pull” problem, which refers to the excessive force required to discharge a firearm. This not only makes shooting uncomfortable but can adversely affect accuracy and speed.

Possible causes: 

The underlying causes can range from manufacturer design choices to lack of maintenance or the accumulation of debris in the trigger mechanism.

Another cause could be the presence of corrosion in the trigger mechanism. This is due to improper storage or exposure to moisture over time.

Solution

It may also be necessary to adjust the trigger pull weight, which is the amount of force required to pull the trigger. This can be done through various methods, such as changing springs or adjusting the sear engagement.

However, it is important to note that any adjustments should only be made by a qualified gunsmith.

Proper grip and stance can also play a role in reducing heavy trigger pull.

A firm grip on the firearm helps minimize any extra movement or tension in the shooter’s hand, resulting in a more controlled trigger pull.

Maintaining a stable stance can also aid in reducing unnecessary movements that can affect the trigger pull.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Ruger LC9s different from the original LC9?

The Ruger LC9s differs from the original LC9 in its trigger mechanism. The LC9s features a striker-fired system, which provides a lighter, smoother trigger pull in comparison to the hammer-fired mechanism of the original LC9. This change enhances the shooting experience by offering better accuracy and ease of use.

Is the Ruger LC9s suitable for concealed carry?

Absolutely. The Ruger LC9s is designed with concealed carry in mind. Its compact size, lightweight, and slim profile make it an excellent choice for discreet carry, fitting comfortably in various holsters and carry positions.

Can the LC9s be equipped with a laser or light attachment?

Yes, the LC9s has several options for attaching lasers and lights. There are models available with pre-mounted laser units from the factory, and the integral accessory rail on the frame allows for the attachment of aftermarket lasers and lights, enhancing its versatility for defensive use in low-light conditions.

What type of ammunition does the Ruger LC9s use?

The Ruger LC9s is chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge, which is widely available in a variety of bullet weights and types. This makes it easy to find suitable ammunition for range practice or self-defense.

How does the safety system work on the LC9s?

The Ruger LC9s includes several safety features designed to prevent accidental discharge. It has an integrated trigger safety that prevents the trigger from moving unless pressed directly.

It also offers a manual thumb safety and a magazine disconnect safety, which prevents the gun from firing unless a magazine is fully inserted, adding layers of security for the user.