LC9 issues to look for

[nworker]

I am getting ready to purchase and LC9 for my first hand gun. I have shotguns but never owned a hand gun. I have seen several terms used on this forum that I am not familiar with. Wondered if someone could let me know what issues to look for when I do get the gun so I will know if I have a problem or not.

Not sure what stove pipe or light strike is.

Thanks much

 

[GKC]

A "stove pipe" is when the spent or fired shell casing doesn't eject completely, and is sticking up out of the ejection port...it gets its name since it resembles a stove pipe or chimney. It can be caused by a weak recoil spring, weak ammo, or a weak grip on the pistol (commonly called limp wristing.)

A "light strike" is when the firing pin or striker doesn't hit the primer with sufficient force to ignite the primer. It can be caused by a weak spring or dirt/gun in the firing pin/striker channel.

If you look through this section of the forum, you will find a lot of topics on the LC9 and various issues that some have experienced. I think the most common complaints I have read are about the heavy trigger (which I don't find all that bad) and light strikes.

Here is one of the longer threads about the LC9:

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=111765&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

 

[nworker]

thanks for the definitions. I will watch for these issues.

 

[nworker]

Should I be considering other ruger pistols and an optin for my first hand gun? I would like to use it a target ranges often. From reading it seems the LC9 is pretty popular.

thanks

 

[chkrdflg]

First I'll say that I am far from an expert, but if you want to use the gun a lot at the range maybe the SR9/SR9C might be a better choice. If you want to carry then the LC9 might be the better choice. Others may be able to give more informed opinions though.

Have fun- be safe.

 

[Captains1911]

Should I be considering other ruger pistols and an optin for my first hand gun? I would like to use it a target ranges often. From reading it seems the LC9 is pretty popular.

thanks

What do you plan on using the gun for? If it's primarily for range use and/or home defense than there are much better options. The LC9 is a lightweight compact 9mm pistol designed for concealed carry. The tradeoff to it's size and weight is it's not the most pleasant and/or comfortable gun to shoot, especially if you are new to handguns.

 

[nworker]

My plans for the gun are home protection and target shooting. I'm from Illinois and we do not have carry and conceal (hope that changes soon).

If another ruger has less kick or is more stable, I would consider that. I was leaning towards the LC9 based on a bunch a guys talking it up at gander mountain.

I'd love to hear suggestions. My hands are not small but not too large either. From tip of middle finger to bottom of hand is about 7 1/2 inches.

 

[Lateck]

nworker;
Welcome first off...

I have a friend that wanted the LC9 first also...
Then I walked him up to the SR9.... He liked my SR9c, but the full sized fit his hands better.... 8)
I recommend that you try out the SR9c before you buy a LC9!
Yes, the LC9 is a good carry gun but that is not what you want a gun for.
In my humble view the SR series would be better for you, BUT...
Try out a number of guns first! At a range if you can....

Good Luck and shoot straight!

Lateck,

 

[nworker]

I appreciate the comments. I agree. The LC9 is cool, but I really want a gun that I will enjoy shooting at the range and really have no need to conceal a small gun. I will check out the SR9 next time I'm over at Gander Mountain.

Thanks

 

[BrittB]

The LC9 is a good gun but it's not really all that fun to shoot at the range. SR9 and SR9C's are and their not too far off in price plus it's a drag having to reload the LC9 so often because of it's smaller magazine. For carry, the LC9 is great but you can carry the SR9C too without too much trouble.

 

[GKC]

I own a number of handguns, from 5" 1911s down to the LC9...including a SR9 and SR9c. I would certainly recommend considering the SR9 or SR9c for your intended purpose (HD and range/target shooting.) The LC9 is definitely designed for carry...and as others have mentioned, the smaller size (which is a benefit for carry) comes at a price: lighter weight (means more felt recoil) and lower capacity.

If you ever do get the ability to conceal carry, the LC9 will be a great choice...but for now, I would go with the larger pistol (SR9 FS or compact.)

 

[nworker]

Just found out our Big R Stores in town carry Ruger guns. I held the LC9, SR9 and the SR9C. I think I like the SR9C the best. Felt much better in my hand than the LC9.

Thanks again to everyone.

 

[GKC]

Just found out our Big R Stores in town carry Ruger guns. I held the LC9, SR9 and the SR9C. I think I like the SR9C the best. Felt much better in my hand than the LC9.

Thanks again to everyone.

The SR9c is a good pistol. In case you didn't know, the SR9c comes with one 13 round magazine, and a 17 round magazine with a grip adapter (assuming you aren't in a capacity restricted locale.) There are also videos here on how to remove the magazine disconnect...which is very easy to do. In fact, if yours comes full of grease like mine did, you will need to remove the striker to clean out the channel anyway...and the mag disconnect will literally fall out. (If I can do it, anyone can.)

I think you'll be happy with this gun. Good luck! 8)

 

[cjs1945]

Actually the SR9c ships with one 10 round and one 17 round magazine, the SR40c with one 9 round and one 15 round except in mag restricted areas. You will enjoy either the SR9 or SR9c for range and target shooting, and both are great for HD use. If you ever get concealed carry in Illinois the 9c is great in cool weather and the LC9 would make a great companion for warm weather catty.

 

[nworker]

Yeh, I like the options with the SR9c so that is the one I ordered.

Conceal and Carry doesn't look good for us in Illinois. Too much crime in the Chicago area. Bummer for us downstate.

Thanks

 

[explorecaves]

Yeh, I like the options with the SR9c so that is the one I ordered.

Conceal and Carry doesn't look good for us in Illinois. Too much crime in the Chicago area. Bummer for us downstate.

Thanks

Something tells me that crime would go down if people were allowed to carry.....

 

[carbonyl]

Criminals can’t get a CCW but that doesn’t stop them from carrying yet they prevent law biding citizens from conceal carry. Yeah that makes sense! :roll:

 

[welder]

FWIW, you may want to consider a P95 as well. A great home gun and target shooter with an excellent history of reliability. The price ain't too bad either.

 

[GeorgeP]

Okay, here's one more set of opinions that might help you make a decision. There's 3 pistols in the same class/price to consider... LC9, PF9 (Kel-Tec), and 709 Slim (Taurus). All three are single stack guns, holding 7+ rounds. The PF11 is the same as the PF9 but is a double stack, holding about 10+ rounds. Although I have a LC9 and really like it, I thought the 709 was the best shooter (but it got sold by mistake). The next step up could be a GLOCK 26, about the same size however for the same money you could get a GLOCK 19 - likely the world best known, best selling 9mm handgun out there. If you want to do much range/target shooting, don't go any smaller than GLOCK 19.

Made similar to the GLOCKs are the SR9 & SR9c by Ruger. I've never handled an SR9 but did own and shot several hundred rounds through an SR9c. It was a fantastic gun but I had to sell it because the recoil spring was SO heavy I almost couldn't rack the slide. Since the slide lock is just that, a lock, and not a release, racking is important. I have small grands around my house a lot so I never leave a round chambered so this made the SR9c impractical for me.

For home defense and range use Ruger makes some other mid to large size pistols you might want to check out.

 

[Scott]

I'll put another plugin for the SR9 for ya. I was in a similar situation as you a couple years ago - was looking for my first semi-auto, did the research(including much info from this great forum) and decided on the full size SR9. It has turned out to be a great starter gun; reliable, easy to disassemble/clean, economical, etc. right now it's my good old stand by for plinking, home defense, range, and CCW. I'm now trying to decide between the LC9 and the LCP for a dedicated CCW when I do need something smaller. Good luck and welcome to the forum!