Ruger slide doesn't stay open after last shot

[Haunt]

I have a Ruger LC380 (basically identical to LC9 in .380). The slide won't stay open after the last shot is fired. The slide also won't lock back with an empty magazine in it. I contacted Ruger and they said they would send me a new magazine lock and spring. I questioned them as to what sense changing the magazine lock would have to do with the slide not locking back. Even if I put upward pressure on the bottom of the magazine the slide won't lock back. Then they said maybe I should mail it in for them to look at it.
I am reluctant to send it back.
Has anyone had any experience with the slide not locking back like this?
Has anyone sent a pistol back to Ruger, how long to get it back?

 

[WileyX585]

Putting pressure on the bottom of the magazine won't necessarily negate the issue. The follower is what pops the slide release up and activates it the last round. So the new spring may make the difference.

However, I do know that magazines being loose is a somewhat common issue in the LC380 in the models made a few years back. Not sure if that has been fixed or not, how old is your model? That should have been able to be determined by holding pressure on the bottom of the magazine (which you did)

A few suggestions:

Make sure the mag spring is flipped the right way, so that the highest angled side is seated in the highest side of the follower

Also, try disassembling and cleaning the slide release. Does it feel gritty? Is there a lot of build up under it? It could be simply dirty.

I would try a real thorough cleaning and inspection, along with trying the new spring they are sending. If that doesn't work I would contact them again.

On last question.. do your magazines have the pinky extension? I know a common problem with the LC9s and added pressure from the pinky extension causing similar issues.

 

[Jmac00]

possible cause of the slide not locking back

Damaged slide catch lever.

Damaged/worn arresting notch in slide.

it could also be a weak spring, but that unusual

 

[spat]

I was reading about a flaw in the LCs where the last round hold open gets stuck on a worn magazine follower. Stops it from functioning, and also makes the magazine not drop free.

 

[Haunt]

It was made in 2012. I bought it as new, old stock. No repairs ever made. It never locked back with empty mag from day one. The magazines are a little loose, maybe 1/16" play up & down. Same way with and without the pinky extension. Maybe the new latch & spring will hold the mag up tighter. I'll take it apart and give it a cleaning. No wear on the slide notch or lever.
I will call them tomorrow and ask for the parts.
I never did it before, Any advice on how to get the old magazine latch and spring out to replace it.

 

[cardinalny]

Send it back to Ruger, they'll fix it for you and get it back to you in a couple of weeks. I believe you have to request mailing labels. I think I brought my handgun boxed up and ready to mail to a Fedex shipping center. I also requested to pick it up there once it was repaired.

 

[Haunt]

I was reading about a flaw in the LCs where the last round hold open gets stuck on a worn magazine follower. Stops it from functioning, and also makes the magazine not drop free.

It certainly is the function of the follower to push up on the slide lock lever so it gets caught in the notch. Just doesn't seem to have enough pressure to push it up. So it could be the play in the inserted mag (not being far enough up), weak magazine spring, too strong a spring on the latch. The magazines are pretty new so I am ruling out wear on the follower.

 

[Calculon]

You are allowed to send directly to Ruger for repair - no ffl needed. As has been said they should send you a label on their dime. Sent a Gen 1 LCP back on recall a couple years back - some Gen 1s were not drop safe. Made repair and got back to me in 1 week from day I mailed it.

 

[spat]

It certainly is the function of the follower to push up on the slide lock lever so it gets caught in the notch. Just doesn't seem to have enough pressure to push it up. So it could be the play in the inserted mag (not being far enough up), weak magazine spring, too strong a spring on the latch. The magazines are pretty new so I am ruling out wear on the follower.

This flaw had the lock lever get stuck between the follower and the body, rather than getting pushed up properly. Cant remember where i saw it though.

 

[GOPerfect]

I have a Ruger LC380 (basically identical to LC9 in .380). The slide won't stay open after the last shot is fired. The slide also won't lock back with an empty magazine in it. I contacted Ruger and they said they would send me a new magazine lock and spring. I questioned them as to what sense changing the magazine lock would have to do with the slide not locking back. Even if I put upward pressure on the bottom of the magazine the slide won't lock back. Then they said maybe I should mail it in for them to look at it.
I am reluctant to send it back.
Has anyone had any experience with the slide not locking back like this?
Has anyone sent a pistol back to Ruger, how long to get it back?

Ruger customer service is awesome. There turn around time is very quick. They will take the gun apart 100%, clean it, repair it and test it. I would send it back, again their CS is fantastic.

 

[Haunt]

This flaw had the lock lever get stuck between the follower and the body, rather than getting pushed up properly. Cant remember where i saw it though.

That is EXACTLY what is happening.
You guys convinced me, I'll call on Monday to request the mailing labels and get it back to Ruger.

 

[Haunt]

So, I mailed it in on 2/14 ($30 for fedex through Ruger since my pistol was made over 2 years ago). I got it back yesterday, 2/27. Total of 14 days. They replaced the magazine, magazine latch, magazine spring and the slide assembly! Very happy with the Ruger service.

 

[Robin]

I don't know what caused your problem but it reminded me of something I read a loooooong time ago in an article with the head guy at the customer service at a major gun manufacturer and read again a few years ago from a man that owns a high quality gun lock manufacturing concern. Both of them said pretty much the same thing, I vast majority of equipment returned for repair is caused by a complete failure to lubricate or improper lubrication. Take it for what its worth.
Robin

 

[Haunt]

I don't know what caused your problem but it reminded me of something I read a loooooong time ago in an article with the head guy at the customer service at a major gun manufacturer and read again a few years ago from a man that owns a high quality gun lock manufacturing concern. Both of them said pretty much the same thing, I vast majority of equipment returned for repair is caused by a complete failure to lubricate or improper lubrication. Take it for what its worth.
Robin

GUILTY, AS CHARGED.

 

[RugerGP]

Ruger customer service is awesome. There turn around time is very quick. They will take the gun apart 100%, clean it, repair it and test it. I would send it back, again their CS is fantastic.

I have heard the same thing. That is why one of my family members love Rugers....which influenced my GP purchase....and will make me buy others haha.