Dan51

I just bought a like new P89 stainless this past Tuesday, and one thing I noticed is the slide seems to be sticking as I pull on the slide at the instant the barrel is unlocking. It's so bad, I have to push the slide against something to 'unstick' it.

After the barrel drops, the slide travel is smooth as silk.

Any ideas as to what is making this happen. I know this can't be normal. I field stripped it and lubed all contact areas (barrel to slide).

mrmike7189

try lubing the slide...the aluminum frame rails need grease or a lot of oil.
also try the recoil spring. it could be on backwards? they only go on one way and the spring is wider in the front of the gun

Dan51

I used Miltec grease on the barrel/slide contact areas (rear of barrel) and Miltec oil on the guide rod/recoils spring. This helped somewhat, but sticking still persists.

ETA: Slide rails were also lubed.

Dan51

This is the area where the 'sticking' is happening.
As mentioned, after barrel drops, all is well.

Dan51

After a few hours going over everything, I still can't find what's causing this problem.
I coated the guide rod and barrel with DYKEM and hand charged the slide numerous times. There is no rubbing marks on either.
I then removed the slide and inspected any parts that may show unusual shiny surfaces. NADA.

Here are some pics that show the slide out of battery when the slide is lowered easily by hand. NOTE: The slide will go into battery when released normally. The problem is it's a b%#&h to pull the slide back from battery. At this point, the barrel IS in it's proper locked position.

Hopefully someone can guide me in the right direction as to what to look for to solve this aggravating problem.

Ruger Redhawk

Since you bought it used you really don't know how much it's been fired. You said a like new P89. It might not have been fired much and all it needs is to be broken in. It's probably tight and needs to wear in. I'd suggest calling Ruger's customer service and tell them what you've been experiencing. They might want you to ship it back to them. They'll make it right.

Good luck.

Dan51

I just got off the phone with Ruger a few minutes ago. They seem to think it may be a recoil spring/guide rod issue. They said they will send parts free of charge, but backed up and said the guide rod is now obsolete. They said the newer barrel link, non-tipped guide rod and new version of the recoil spring will work in the older models.

I'm just going to order the parts and try the fix myself. $60 is way too much to pay UPS, Fed-Ex to ship it.

gmsoapy

I have a P89 with very few rounds thru it and it doesn't do that. Have you checked the areas on the barrel and slide where the lock together whien the gun goes into battery. They parts list on the P89 list the barrel as a factory fit. +1 to the contact Ruger Tec and see what they have to say.It may have to go back to Ruger to check the fit of the barrel to the slide. But it's wortth it. These guns are built like tanks no plastic here.

Ruger Redhawk

I'm glad you called Ruger. At least you have an idea what the problem is. I hate when Ruger discontinues models and parts dry up. You might check with Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories
They might have the obsolete factory part. Is Ruger going to send you the new revised parts to try?

It's gotten outrageous what it costs to ship a handgun. The dealer you bought from or any FFL holder can ship it allot cheaper. He can use USPS or UPS Ground.

Dan51

I don't know if you can see the pic above with the top portion of the barrel showing, but the barrel is in it's locked position. I thought it was binding there at first, but eliminated that as a problem.

One thing I didn't mention was when the slide release is pulled completely out, and the barrel and recoil assembly is in place, the slide moves freely past the problem area. Not knowing that much about this model, I'm wondering why it passes easily.

Dan51

Ruger told me they would send the parts but said they would rather I send it in so the Techs could look at it. I'm just going to order the parts, and see if that fixes the problem.
If that fails, I'll send it in for repair.

I'll check with Numrich and see what they have.

Thanks guys for the help and advice. It's appreciated.

Dan51

As I suspected, Numrich is sold out on the parts I need.

Ruger Redhawk

Figures. Isn't it always the way it goes?

Talk to your dealer and see what he'll charge you to send it back to Ruger. It was some years back UPS wanted right at 50.00 to ship a SRH back to Ruger. I went to my dealer and he said give me 10.00. Since you bought it from him he could at least ship it back for you.

Dan51

It's my luck.

My dealer charges $30 his fee + USPS Flat Rate Priority.
It would be nice if Ruger sent a UPS return ticket. Then I would cost me nothing to ship.
Spit in one hand, and wish in the other................. LOL

Ruger Redhawk

I think I'd be looking for a new dealer. it's not like you bought it somewhere else and asking him to deal with it. I'd take it back to the dealer drop it on the counter and tell him to handle it.
Ruger usually will not issue a shipping label if the gun is over a year old. I contacted Mr. Fifer about an issue on a Single Six I had for years and never fired. The next morning I got a call from Ruger and got a shipping label.