Ruger P97 DC help

[Mgderf]

A friend presented me a Ruger P 97DC that he wanted me to look over for him to make sure it was safe to shoot.
I've never held one, but it's built much like any other DA/SA semi auto out there so I told him no problem.
Well, I ran into a problem.
Mag out-check
Unloaded-check
Pull slide back and remove takedown pin- check
Here's the problem, the slide won't come off of the frame.
I've tried decocking, nope
Pulling trigger, nope
There isn't much else, but the slide stops in battery and trigger operates both single and double action, but the slide will not budge forward.
If you try to pull the slide back, it locks up on the frame and I have to hit the slide hard with the heal of my palm to get it to jump back into battery, but it still doesn't come off the frame.
What can I do?

 

[Hopper]

Maybe this link will help? Hard to see in the video but looks like you press something down inside the frame when the slide is locked back. This was a super quick search, probably better videos out there.

 

[Jaybird1980]

A friend presented me a Ruger P 97DC that he wanted me to look over for him to make sure it was safe to shoot.
I've never held one, but it's built much like any other DA/SA semi auto out there so I told him no problem.
Well, I ran into a problem.
Mag out-check
Unloaded-check
Pull slide back and remove takedown pin- check
Here's the problem, the slide won't come off of the frame.
I've tried decocking, nope
Pulling trigger, nope
There isn't much else, but the slide stops in battery and trigger operates both single and double action, but the slide will not budge forward.
If you try to pull the slide back, it locks up on the frame and I have to hit the slide hard with the heal of my palm to get it to jump back into battery, but it still doesn't come off the frame.
What can I do?

You let the slide forward some before pulling the stop if I remember correctly, might have notches onn the slide to line up.

I think the ejector needs folded down first.

It's been a long time though and I'm going by memory

 

[DoggyDaddy]

You let the slide forward some before pulling the stop if I remember correctly, might have notches onn the slide to line up.

I think the ejector needs folded down first.

It's been a long time though and I'm going by memory

I think you're right about folding down the ejector. Not crazy about this guy's presentation but I think he does show that.

 

[Mgderf]

I think you're right about folding down the ejector. Not crazy about this guy's presentation but I think he does show that.

Well, that helped, as bad a presentation as it was.
Between it and the advice you guys gave, I got the slide off by manually lowering the ejector.
I have never seen this and would not have gotten it on my own.
Thanks again Ingo!

 

[Jaybird1980]

I think you're right about folding down the ejector. Not crazy about this guy's presentation but I think he does show that.

I can remember 15-20 years ago, I just can't remember this morning.

 

[hopper68]

And after reassembly, the ejector will go back into place once a mag is inserted. P944 and P95 owner.

 

[hopper68]

And if you ever need a manual, you can download one off Ruger's sight for free.

Instruction Manuals

ruger.com

 

[Mgderf]

And if you ever need a manual, you can download one off Ruger's sight for free.

Instruction Manuals

ruger.com

Not my gun, but I will pass this info. along.
Thanks

 

[KRN123060]

Yep. That ejector step can be a frustrating learning experience. I bought a used one that had a bent one and I and sure that is because someone tried to force things.

 

[TheGrumpyGuy]

Same as the SR series, too

 

[Mgderf]

Yep. That ejector step can be a frustrating learning experience. I bought a used one that had a bent one and I and sure that is because someone tried to force things.

I've been around firearms for more than 40 years now and I had never seen, nor even heard of this feature.
Kind of wonky, but simple enough once learned.

 

[shootersix]

I have a early p85 and all their center fire semi autos have to have the ejector pushed down for disassembly, at least all the “p’s” did

 

[Mgderf]

I have a early p85 and all their center fire semi autos have to have the ejector pushed down for disassembly, at least all the “p’s” did

Learn something new everyday.

 

[Amishman44]

Yes...with the Ruger P-Series pistols one has to push (flip) the ejector downward and out of the way for the slide to come off. Kinda funky working, but it works well for it's design.
Overall, the P-Series pistols are great shooting pistols, they're remarkably accurate, they're reliable as heck, they're a tad on the heavy side for a polymer framed pistol, but they're also a life-long pistol if needed!

 

[Mgderf]

Yes...with the Ruger P-Series pistols one has to push (flip) the ejector downward and out of the way for the slide to come off. Kinda funky working, but it works well for it's design.
Overall, the P-Series pistols are great shooting pistols, they're remarkably accurate, they're reliable as heck, they're a tad on the heavy side for a polymer framed pistol, but they're also a life-long pistol if needed!

I was intrigued by the design.
I've disassembled many different semi-auto handguns but had not run across this, and doubt I would have figured it out on my own.
It is a little wonky, but seems to work.

 

[KRN123060]

And you need to make sure it's down before putting it back together. It can jam things up. They seem to have a habit of flipping back up when they are apart.

 

[Amishman44]

I was intrigued by the design.
I've disassembled many different semi-auto handguns but had not run across this, and doubt I would have figured it out on my own.
It is a little wonky, but seems to work.

My first P-Series pistol (back in 2010) was a P-97 DAO and I experienced the same headache the first time I took it apart to look it over...I ended up contacting a friend of mine in Ohio, who is a P-Series fanatic, and he explained it to me...crazy thing! I was a bit skeptical of the strength of the ejector, due to its design, but after 10+ years with reliable service and no hiccups, I'm comfortable with it!