Need P97DC help

[resurgam3191]

I originally posted this on the Smithing section...
The De-cocker on my p97 occasionally malfunctions. When pressed the firing pin rotates up out of the way like it's supposed to, but the hammer only drops about 1/8 of an inch. Pressing the de-cocker again does nothing. The trigger is disconnected and the hammer must be fully re-cocked by hand before the gun will de-cock or fire. I have disassembled the slide and scoured the de-cockers, firing pin, and channel. After I oiled and reassembled the gun, I thought I had it, but it still hangs every so often. Any ideas??? Other than this problem, the P97 functions flawlessly and I really like this gun.
Thanks,
Rob

 

[vito]

I can't offer any ideas but I hope for your sake that you find the problem. This is a great gun and I would hate to lose faith in mine. I originally bought this gun about 15 years ago or so because I wanted a semi-auto 45acp and this one was relatively cheap and felt right in my hand. I knew nothing about it and even questioned if it was a good gun since it was so much cheaper than everything else they had in the showcase. The gun store owner looked at me and said there is nothing wrong with it, its a Ruger!

 

[ronin]

Maybe a burr on the hammer? Just a thought.

 

[pyth0n]

Just looking at the parts break down, my swag would be a problem with the sear p/n KV02220. The internal lever for decocking is on this assembly. The external lever pushes on this to drop the hammer. If it only happens while decocking, I'm guessing this is where the hang up occurs. Maybe not always traveling enough to release the hammer. Maybe a burr. Do you notice a lot of play with the external decocker lever? Another part in the same area is the blocker lever p/n KV02114, but not sure how this would effect the decocker function.

You can ops check the decock with the slide off. Take the slide off, move the ejector to the up position and cock the hammer. Then push down on the lever on the sear. It's the one on the left side of the frame. that should drop the hammer. You may be able to isolate the problem area.

 

[resurgam3191]

Thanks for all the advice. That ought to narrow it down. Right now its more of a nuisance than anything. I always watch it closely when decocking. After stripping and scrubbing the slide, it seems to be happening less frequently. I;ll check y'all's suggestions. Then if all else fails I'll give it a better scrubbing.
Thanks again,
Rob

 

[P94/GP100]

Why not just send it to Ruger? They'll thoroughly go through the entire gun.

Best, Jon

 

[resurgam3191]

UPDATE...
Disassembled and gave it another good scrubbing. Then oiled and reassembled. It now works fine. Third times the charm. When I picked it up cheap at a pawn shop, this pistol looked like it had spent its first few years under an oilfield workers truck seat and required extensive cleaning. I guess it is true that 99% of problems are fixed with a good cleaning. You just got to clean it hard enough.
Thanks,
Rob

 

[pyth0n]

Enjoy!