SR9 Changes/Improvements - Which one to look for?

[oldiron1]

Hi Guys,

As I'm learning more and more about SR9's wanting to purchase one, I'd really like to find one with the blackened stainless slide, however it doesn't look like that version is currently being produced by Ruger?

Although I'm not completely sure why, I've always had it in my head to look for the later SR9 with the "D" shaped mag release button. What improvement does the D shaped button mean this pistol has? (trigger related?) When did Ruger change to the D shaped release?

What other changes have been made to the SR9 over the years?

What other things/quirks should I be looking out for when looking at used pistols?

Thanks in advance for any education!

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

The newer SR9 (with the D-shaped mag release) has the fire control group from the SR9c. Many report a much better trigger out-of-the-box compared to the original SR9 trigger group.

 

[22/45 Fan]

As I'm learning more and more about SR9's wanting to purchase one, I'd really like to find one with the blackened stainless slide, however it doesn't look like that version is currently being produced by Ruger?

Did Ruger ever produce an SR9 with a blackened stainless steel slide? All the literature I've seen from Ruger said the silver slides were stainess steel but the black slides were blackened carbon steel.

 

[oldiron1]

[/quote]
Did Ruger ever produce an SR9 with a blackened stainless steel slide? All the literature I've seen from Ruger said the silver slides were stainess steel but the black slides were blackened carbon steel.[/quote]

Yep, a blackened stainless slide was an option until approx. late 2010 from what I can tell. Now, the choice is either shiny stainless or a nitron coated alloy.

 

[Ruger Nut10]

Not many changes to worry about. As long as you get one with the D shaped mag release it will be fine.

 

[Conn AK]

The SR9 updated version is simple to identify, D-shaped mag release and a bladed trigger=improved version. The original version had neither. Ruger repaired free of charge the FCG groups on the original model. You rarely see the SR9 with the original trigger as most people had them replaced with the bladed trigger during the recall. I have never found an SR9 with the original trigger in the extensive inventory of used guns locally. It has been a few years since Ruger replaced the FCG and changed the mag release. The inventory of new SR9s has been updated for more than a few years. If buying used, look to see if it has the bladed trigger and D-shape mag release. A guy at the range I shoot at has the original SR9. He bought it as soon as it hit the stores. He did have Ruger replace the trigger (FCG), but it functions fine with the o-shaped mag release with no issues. By the way, my OD Green SR9 purchased new less than 2 years ago has a black stainless steel slide.

 

[TXRuger]

I bought the stainless SR9 with the D shaped mag release in late 2010 and I loved it so much that I also bought the stainless SR9c about a year ago. Both are excellent 9mm handguns and I never had problems with either one of them.