Ruger security 9 9mm pull back slide's problem

[stevenf]

I bought a brand-new Ruger Security-9 this past March, but there is a drawback I real dislike, how difficult it is to rack the slide? I often have to use a two-step motions (pulling it back, then pulling a little further ) I don't have much hand strength, and maybe people with stronger hands don't seem to have this problem. I’m wondering if there’s any solution ? This gun already was sent to Ruger once for another reason and they said everything no problem. By the way, Its slide stop is also a very poor design, just like that one of the S&W M&P Shield e'z
Thanks.

 

[the_leper_colony]

I'm getting arthritis in my hands, and I really liked how easy it was to pull back the slide on the Security-380, so that's the one that came home with me (I think the Security-9 Compact & Security-380 are assembled on nearly identical frames). I think the slide stop on both the Security-9 & Security-380 can be tough to depress to release the slide; that might get smoother & easier to depress with use, or you could have a gunsmith polish it up a bit. FWIW, on my Security-380 I generally just pull the slide back to release the slide stop.

As always FWIW, IMHO, YMMV, etc.

 

[Fox Mike]

I don't have the 9mm but do have the 380. They are basically alike . I can rack mine using two fingers and the slide lock/release is easy to use with my thumb. Either you are seriously weak-handed (no negative intent) or you have a problem with that pistol. Maybe it is a Montgomery County requirement that it be difficult (jk).

 

[stevenf]

I'm getting arthritis in my hands, and I really liked how easy it was to pull back the slide on the Security-380, so that's the one that came home with me (I think the Security-9 Compact & Security-380 are assembled on nearly identical frames). I think the slide stop on both the Security-9 & Security-380 can be tough to depress to release the slide; that might get smoother & easier to depress with use, or you could have a gunsmith polish it up a bit. FWIW, on my Security-380 I generally just pull the slide back to release the slide stop.

As always FWIW, IMHO, YMMV, etc.

I've tried pulling the slide button directly and releasing it immediately, without using the slide stop, but it didn't work. The ammo got stuck in the middle when I released it immediately. This method requires very strong fingers.

 

[meister mash]

There is an outfit that makes a gizmo called a slide racker.
It goes on top of the slide and helps you pull it back.

I have two kinds of arthritis and its in my hands but since I was stronger in the hands than most, I don't have an issue yet.
I have been gravitating to smaller handguns though.
Purchased a Bersa Thunder32

Own the security9 and security9 compact.
For the low amount of money they cost, its a fine handgun.

 

[Mobuck]

There are different ways of retracting (pulling back) the slide.
Rule of thumb: the smaller/lighter the 9mm pistol, the stiffer the recoil spring has to be and the harder it is to hand cycle.
There are some (S&W) pistols that tout 'easy pull' slide manipulation.
My Daughter has RA and finally switched to a 380 due to lack of hand strength.
Find someone with experience in handling a semi-auto pistol and maybe they can offer some one on one help.

 

[Yaworski]

When I was young and "strong like bull" I didn't have any trouble racking just about any gun. Now, I'm looking 70 in the teeth and I cock most of my guns before I rack the slide. The bolt on my CETME is a real killer.

 

[Mobuck]

OR, you can load it once and leave it loaded.

 

[stevenf]

I spent this afternoon repeatedly trying to pull the slide back hard and immediately letting go; although the success rate improved significantly, there were still instances where a round got jammed. If this gun were used for self-defense, that would be dangerous—a jam is no minor issue—so I’ll have to limit its use to the shooting range.

 

[Fox Mike]

I believe that I would contact Ruger and explain the situation. You shouldn't be having that problem. That model is one of the easiest guns I have ever 'racked'.

 

[arfmel]

You might try the S&W M&P Shield .380 EZ.
My elderly mother was able to rack the slide on hers.

Another option, of course, is a revolver.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

I picked up a Security-380 last week, wasn't planning on it (although I do have an unabashed affinity for 380's.) For a price that was just too good to pass on.
The slide is ridiculously easy to rack...I mean I can easily do it with minimum pressure using only two fingers on my weak hand!

 

[Nust485]

Yeah, the Security 9 has a notoriously stiff slide especially when brand new. Ruger saying it’s fine just means it meets spec, not that it’s easy for smaller weaker hands.

 

[stevenf]

There is an outfit that makes a gizmo called a slide racker.
It goes on top of the slide and helps you pull it back.

I have two kinds of arthritis and its in my hands but since I was stronger in the hands than most, I don't have an issue yet.
I have been gravitating to smaller handguns though.
Purchased a Bersa Thunder32

Own the security9 and security9 compact.
For the low amount of money they cost, its a fine handgun.

https://shopruger.com/Slide-Rack-Assist/productinfo/19997/
.I’m not sure if this Slide racker assist has been used on the Security-9 pistol, or whether there are different models for it or if a single model fits multiple pistols.

 

[Mobuck]

"I spent this afternoon repeatedly trying to pull the slide back hard and immediately letting go; although the success rate improved significantly, there were still instances where a round got jammed. If this gun were used for self-defense, that would be dangerous—a jam is no minor issue—so I’ll have to limit its use to the shooting range."
Is there a specific reason for not loading the chamber and leaving it loaded?