P95 slide won't lock open after last shot is fired

[walton6467]

My two year old Ruger P95 has gotten to where when the last shot is fired, the slide does not lock in the open position. What can cause this and how do I fix it?

[56FordGuy]

Try a different magazine.

[Patrick Henry]

It is most likely the magazine and I will bet it is an after market one. The only magazines to buy are orig. manufacturer or Mec-Gar, who makes orig manufacturer magazines for many of the gun manufacturers, including Ruger, and Sig.

[walton6467]

I have 3 Ruger magazines and it seems to happen with all of them.

[Rightwinger]

Then your slide lock catch is probably worn. Number 33 on this diagram.

It's just a pin or detent that is pushed up by the magazine follower as the last bullet is pushed into the chamber and the slide comes back. You should be able to visually see that this is occuring by placing a inert case or snap cap in the mag and inserting the magazine in the frame with the slide off the pistol.

Replace/shoot.

Google Image Result for http://www.brownells.com/userdocs/schematics/r-p95dao.gif

[walton6467]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that and let you know.

[walton6467]

Ok, it looks like the spring in the magazine isn't pushing up hard enough to engage the slide lock. I DO have Ruger factory mags, but I do keep them loaded with ammo all the time, I suppose the springs are somewhat worn or weakened. I'll pick up another mag and see if it makes a diff. Otherwise, I'll replace the slide lock. Thanks again Rightwinger.

[Rightwinger]

Good deal. Springs will wear, and it's a good opportunity to learn a bit more about your Ruger. Let us know which way you ended up going. (having another mag won't hurt a thing anyway so I would go there first).