INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR S BLUED STEEL CALIBER 9mm RUGER LC9 ® TM LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT 9MM PISTOL READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM © 2011 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. This manual may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. For Product Service on This Model Please Call: (928) 778-6555 (See p.
State-By-State Warnings Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following: California: WARNING ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
Maine: “ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.” Maryland: “WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury.
New Jersey: “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” New York City: “THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARM STORAGE. FOR INCREASED SAFETY FIREARMS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
WHY ARE WE INCLUDING A FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE WITH EVERY RUGER PISTOL AND REVOLVER? Certain states and jurisdictions require that all newly manufactured pistols and revolvers must be accompanied by a cartridge case, which has been test fired from that gun at the factory. The case must be placed in a sealed container bearing certain information concerning this test cartridge.
Use the Correct Lock: While the basic locking device is substantially similar for all Ruger® firearms, due to the different shapes of the many Ruger® firearms, some firearms utilize different locking devices. The lock with a 5” shackle is used on the LC9TM. It is very important to use the correct locking device! To Install the Factory-Supplied Locking Device: 1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your fingers outside the trigger guard at all times! 2.
FIREARMS SAFETY - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your LC9TM properly. Please contact us if you have any questions. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live ammunition.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Lead Exposure Ammunition Manual Safety Loaded Chamber Magazine Disconnect Firing Handling 6 9 12 12 13 15 16 18 18 Unloading Slide Retraction Malfunctions Disassembly Lubrication Storage Shipping Parts Purchasers 19 20 21 26 28 28 29 30 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
NOMENCLATURE Slide’s open top design minimizes possibility of jamming, enables shooter to clear any malfunction easily by hand. Cartridges can be loaded singly if desired. Dovetailed front sight. Loaded chamber indicator. Dovetailed rear sight adjustable for windage. Takedown pin. Flush profile hammer is visible in the readyto-fire, semi-cocked position. Manual safety. Slide Hold Open allows the slide to be locked to the rear to positively view the cartridge chamber.
Action:The strong locked breech action of the RUGER® LC9TM utilizes a tilting barrel design in which the barrel and slide are locked together at the moment of firing. After firing, the barrel and slide recoil to the rear a short distance while securely locked together. After this initial movement, the barrel is cammed downward from its locked position, permitting full recoil of the slide and the extraction and ejection of the spent cartridge case.
Note on +P Ammunition: Although the RUGER® LC9TM is capable of functioning with 9mm +P ammunition, a steady diet of +P ammunition will shorten the endurance life of the RUGER® LC9TM. You should never shoot 9mm +P+ ammunition in your RUGER® LC9TM. There are no SAAMI or CIP pressure limits on 9mm +P+ and use of this ammunition could result in serious injury. Do not use “+P+” ammunition.
When the safety is moved fully upward to the “safe” position, the red oval on the left side of the frame insert will be fully covered by the left safety lever and a white oval will be visible. If any red is showing, the safety is not in the “safe” position. Do not attempt to engage the safety while pulling the trigger. The safety mechanism provides that the trigger cannot be pulled unless the safety is disengaged.
OPERATION OF INTERNAL LOCK Never rely upon any safety mechanism or mechanical device to justify unsafe or careless handling of a firearm. When securing your pistol or to prevent unauthorized access, you should completely unload the pistol and store it in a gun safe or use the key-operated external locking device supplied with your pistol. (See Page 6.) However, for added security, and to comply with certain state and local laws, your RUGER® LC9TM pistol is also equipped with an internal lock.
OPERATION OF LOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR You should always treat every gun as though it is loaded and always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never rely upon any safety or mechanical device to justify unsafe or careless gun handling. In order to assist you in determining the presence of a cartridge in the chamber of your RUGER® LC9TM pistol, and to comply with state laws, the LC9TM is equipped with a loaded chamber indicator. The indicator appears on the top of the slide. (See “Nomenclature,” p.
OPERATION OF MAGAZINE DISCONNECT Your RUGER® LC9TM pistol is equipped with a magazine disconnect. This device prevents firing if the magazine is removed from the pistol. You will not be able to use your LC9TM pistol as a single loader (unless you place one cartridge in the magazine and insert it into the pistol) or to fire the pistol with the magazine out of the pistol. REMEMBER THAT A ROUND MAY STILL BE IN THE CHAMBER AND THAT THE PISTOL MAY STILL BE LOADED EVEN IF THE MAGAZINE IS REMOVED.
5. Hold the pistol firmly in the shooting hand but do not touch the trigger. Keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction. With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand grasp the top of the slide and pull the slide to the rear as far as it will go (see Figure 5A, below). Use care to not place any part of your hand in front of the muzzle (see “Slide Retraction Warning,” p. 20). When released, the slide will fly forward to strip the top cartridge from the magazine and chamber it.
WARNING - FIRING The slide automatically opens and shuts quickly while firing. Keep face and hands away from rear. Hot brass is ejected quickly and can burn you. Always wear shooting glasses, hat with a brim, and hearing protection. SLIDE OPENS FAST HOT BRASS EJECTED 9. Immediately following the firing of a shot, and if a subsequent shot is not to be fired at once, remove the magazine and lock the slide back using the slide hold open. Be sure the chamber is empty.
WARNING - UNLOADING Removing the magazine does not unload pistol! To unload, first remove magazine, then pull slide to rear, eject chambered cartridge, and visually inspect chamber to be sure it is empty. Always point the pistol in a safe direction when loading or unloading. Removing the magazine should prevent the pistol from firing – but never rely on this or any other mechanical safety device to justify careless handling of any firearm.
WARNING - SLIDE RETRACTION The slide should always be pulled rearward (“retracted”) by pulling the rear portion of the slide. Always keep fingers away from trigger! Never put any part of your hands or body over the muzzle while retracting the slide for loading, unloading, inspection, or clearing a malfunction. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM MUZZLE AND FINGER OFF TRIGGER 4. To close the slide, again check to be sure the chamber and breech-face are empty. Pull the slide to its rearmost postion and release it.
2. Thoroughly clean the chamber and the extractor as often as necessary. If an empty magazine is in the pistol when the slide is being hand retracted to extract a cartridge, the cartridge may drop on top of the magazine or remain held to the breech-face by the extractor. Then when the slide goes forward, the cartridge will be chambered again! Remember — always remove the magazine before clearing the chamber, and visually ensure that no cartridges remain in the gun. TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”) 1.
TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”) 1. If it appears that the jam was caused by the type of ammunition being used, try another brand, type, or lot number. Remember — use only factory ammunition of the correct caliber. 2. If changing ammunition does not at once eliminate malfunctions, then the following steps should be taken: a. Thoroughly clean the pistol, paying particular attention to the removal of accumulated grease and dirt.
2. Pull slide to the rear and lock in the open position by pushing upward on the slide hold open. (See Figure 7) Keep Hand Away From Muzzle! FIGURE 7 3. Inspect the chamber and verify that it is empty (see Figure 8). 4. Retract the slide slightly and release it (see Figure 9). This will disengage the slide stop and allow the slide to move fully forward.
5. Using a finger or a “soft” tool, push the takedown plate down (see Figure 10A) to expose the takedown pin (see Figure 10B). Takedown pin exposed. FIGURE 10A FIGURE 10B 6. The slide must be pushed back approximately 1/16” before you can insert the Ruger key into the slot on the right side of the frame (see Figure 11A). Now push the takedown pin out the left side of the pistol (see Figure 11B). FIGURE 11B FIGURE 11A 7.
8. Compress the recoil spring assembly slightly to disengage it from its seat against the barrel lug, and remove it completely (see Figure 13). FIGURE 13 9. Remove the barrel. It will be necessary to move the barrel forward slightly and then down and back to extract it from the slide (see Figure 14). FIGURE 14 10. The pistol is now disassembled for cleaning (see Figure 15).
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY 3 2 1 Always unload a firearm before cleaning, lubrication, disassembly or assembly. UNLOAD BEFORE DISASSEMBLY TO REASSEMBLE 1. Be certain chamber and magazine are empty. 2. With slide held upside down, replace barrel and push it rearward into its locked position. 3. Replace the recoil spring assembly into position. The rear end of guide rod seats against barrel lug. 4. Replace slide onto frame and place in its “closed” position, as if the pistol were fully assembled. 5.
When cleaning is necessary, use a solvent that will not rust the metal components or adversely affect the magazine body. After the magazine has been soaked to loosen foreign matter, be certain to shake it vigorously (with the loading opening away from you) to remove solvent or residue from within the magazine.
WARNING - LUBRICATION Firing a pistol with oil, grease, or any other material even partially obstructing the bore may result in damage to the pistol and serious injury to the shooter and those nearby. Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on ammunition. If the powder of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may not be ignited, but the primer firing may push the bullet into the bore where it may be lodged.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY If you have any questions with regard to the performance of your RUGER® LC9TM pistol, please write or call (928-778-6555) our Product Service Department in Prescott, Arizona, fully describing all circumstances and conditions involved. If you should return your pistol to the factory for repair, or order parts for it, please comply with the following suggestions for prompt service: WARNING—BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT AND ITS MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED.
All work performed is subject to a minimum labor charge and charges for shipping and handling. Most models can be reblued, but custom gunsmithing service or nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Product Service Departments. Please contact the Product Service Department for pricing information. WARNING - PARTS PURCHASERS It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed.
RUGER® LC9 PARTS LIST TM Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice. SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERING (See Exploded View on Page 33) Key No.
RUGER® LC9 PARTS LIST TM Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice. SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERING (See Exploded View on Page 33) Key No. 37 38 39 40 41 * 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 Part Name Firing Pin Blocker Spring Rear Sight 8-32 NC -2A X .187 Hex Soc Flat Pt – With Patch Firing Pin Spring Takedown Pin Barrel Magazine, Complete, 7-rd.
RUGER® LC9 TM EXPLODED VIEW 33
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
, 8. DON T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being moved or placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should be used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .
NOTES
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
