I’m here to talk about the Ruger P90; I’ve had the chance to test it out extensively in the field. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a solid gun; however, during my time using it, I’ve encountered some issues that, frankly, needed addressing.
I’ll walk you through some of the common problems I’ve experienced with this weapon, from double-action issues to misfeeding and even slide-stuck troubles.
I aim to discuss these problems and offer some tried-and-true solutions to get your Ruger P90 back on track. We’ll tackle each issue one by one, so by the end of this article, you’ll have a better grasp of what to watch for and how to fix it.
Overview of Ruger P90 Problems & their Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Double Action Issue | Check spring and reassemble the trigger bar. |
| Recoil Spring Issue | Replace the recoil spring. |
| Misfeeding Issue | Switch to a 7-round magazine and clean the case. |
| Jamming Issue | Clean and lubricate moving components. |
| Magazine Falling Out | Properly seat the magazine and adjust thumb placement. |
| Slide Stuck Issue | Use a hardwood surface for assembly and adjust grip. |
Top 6 Ruger P90 Problems & Solutions
1. Double Action Issue
So, let’s start with the double action issue, a real annoyance I’ve faced in the field. After a short period of usage, I noticed the Ruger P90 was acting up, only working in a single action.
It threw me off, honestly. Whether it’s a spring out of place or an issue with the trigger bar assembly, something was definitely off. Heck, even a broken part could be the culprit.
So, it’s more than just a minor inconvenience; it can seriously affect the gun’s performance.
Solution
Alright, let’s get to fixing this. First, I checked the spring of the sliding sight, ensuring it was where it should be. If that’s not the issue, look at reassembling the trigger bar; that worked for me.
A good cleaning and lubrication session for the inner workings can also go a long way. In some instances, the extended single spring wire was the issue, so a quick trip to the gunsmith sorted it out.
Trust me, taking these steps made a world of difference.
2. Recoil Spring Issue
Let’s jump into another major hiccup I’ve run into—recoil spring issues. When I was out in the field, I felt that the recoil wasn’t what it used to be.
Cartridges weren’t ejecting properly, and even the accuracy took a nosedive. It was frustrating. Whether it’s due to regular wear and tear, bad maintenance habits, or simply not replacing the spring when needed, this problem can’t be ignored.
Trust me, it’s not just a minor annoyance; it can lead to more serious complications.
Solution
So, what’s the game plan? For starters, consider replacing the recoil spring entirely. I did that, and the difference was night and day.
If you’re not up for replacing the spring right away, give cleaning and lubrication a go. I’ve found that proper maintenance can work wonders.
Of course, if things don’t improve, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Consult a gun technician or a certified dealer; they know what they’re doing.
So tackle this issue head-on, and you won’t regret it.
3. Misfeeding Issue
The misfeeding issue is next up, which is just as aggravating as it sounds. I was out in the field, and guess what? The last cartridge in the magazine refused to feed, and I even had trouble with the first bullet.
I mean, come on! What’s going on here? It seems like a mismatch between the size of the magazine rounds and the Ruger P90 itself could be the culprit.
Don’t even get me started on how a dirty magazine case and a faulty spring can mess up the feeding process. It’s a real hassle, especially when you’re counting on the reliability of your firearm.
Solution
So, how did I tackle this problem? First things first, I switched to the 7-round magazine with a polymer follower. Fits like a glove! Cleaning the magazine case’s interior also made a big difference. Seriously, give it a try; it helps.
Now, about that spring—either replace it or gently extend it, then put everything back together. And don’t forget to check the feed lips for any bending.
Once I took these steps, the misfeeding issue was pretty much history.
4. Jamming Issue
Let’s talk about something we all dread: the jamming issue. I experienced this firsthand with my Ruger P90, especially after firing around 300 rounds of .45 ACP ammo. What happened was the cartridge would eject, but the next one wouldn’t fully load.
It’s beyond frustrating, let me tell you. Several factors could be at play here: improper cleaning and lubrication, gunk on the feed ramp, or even friction due to a lack of proper greasing on moving components.
Using subpar ammunition can also lead to stoppages, and nobody wants that.
Solution
So, how did I fix this headache? I started cleaning and polishing the magazine area, focusing on the feed ramp. Next, a gunsmith properly greased all moving components.
It worked wonders for me. If you still face the jamming issue using .45 ACP ammo, consider switching ammo types.
Once I did these things, I noticed a significant drop in the number of jams.
5. Magazine Falling Out
Let’s get into another pesky problem: the magazine falling out while using .45 ACP cartridges. It happened to me, too, right in the middle of a shooting session. The magazine just popped out! Several reasons could be causing this.
One is accidentally placing your thumb or other fingers on the mag catch while shooting. Another is a faulty or damaged magazine catch spring.
Sometimes, it’s because the upper receiver part isn’t extending correctly beyond the lower front magazine well. Annoying? Absolutely.
Solution
So, what did I do to solve this? I took extra care to seat the magazine correctly. I wrapped the bottom of the magazine forward in the well with my palm and made sure it was snug as a bug.
I also checked that the lock was fully compressed, applying a bit more pressure than just pulling the magazine up.
Thumb placement was another focus. Being precise with where I placed my thumb while shooting with .45 ACP cartridges seemed to keep the magazine where it belonged.
Trust me, the right thumb position makes a world of difference.
6. Slide Stuck Issue
Okay, let’s tackle another issue I encountered: the slide release jamming about 1/4-inch from the battery. That’s nearly all the way ahead, folks. It’s not fun when you’re in the heat of shooting.
The culprit? It could be scratches on the surface of the sliding sight, a misplaced finger grip around the trigger, or even inserting an empty magazine.
Solution
So, onto the fix. Use a hardwood surface for your work area to prevent any scratching on the slide. I aligned the slide just above the barrel’s top, exposing the muzzle.
Now, this next part is crucial. Remove your finger from the trigger area. Got it? Press forward firmly with both hands on the grip. You’ll feel the slide yield and retract.
At this point, I grabbed the slide to keep it from going forward again and activated the slide lock. Finally, always ensure your magazine is loaded before firing.
It’s a straightforward fix but essential. Safety comes first, always.
Final Verdict
In wrapping up, the Ruger P90 is a formidable firearm, especially considering its price point. It’s got a solid build and commendable accuracy.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. It has its share of challenges, from double action hiccups to recoil spring problems and the annoying slide jam. But what sets the Ruger P90 apart is how manageable these issues are with a bit of know-how.
My time in the field testing this weapon revealed these problems but demonstrated that most of them can be remedied with focused attention and the right fixes.
So, is the Ruger P90 worth your time and investment? Absolutely, as long as you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and handle its minor setbacks.
FAQ’s
What year was the Ruger P90 made?
It was introduced in 1991.
Is there a recall on the Ruger 57?
Yes, serial numbers 642-26274 or lower are potentially affected.
What is the Ruger P90 made of?
Stainless steel slide and aluminum alloy frame.
