Date: 29 Jun 94  16:59:41
From: Ed Harris
To:   Francisco Garcia
Subj: RUGER AUTOS

In a message of <Jun 27 15:36>, Francisco Garcia (1:109/519) writes: 

 FG>     Not too long ago, you wrote about how well-engineered (or should I
 FG>say, how well-over-engineered) the Ruger revolvers are (am I correct in
 FG>using the present tense here?).  Can the same be said of the Ruger 
 FG>autos?

Yes.  

 FG>I have seen a recent article about the Ruger P94, and I am very much
 FG>inclined to get one for my wife.  From the aesthetics standpoint alone,
 FG>that auto sure looks a lot nicer than the P89/90/91 generation!

You might find the following of interest:

Semi-Auto Pistol Safeties Explained

By Ed Harris

Many shooters are confused about the various safety
configurations on semi-auto pistols.  The following should
explain for you the differences between the various safety
configurations on the models.  The following is based mostly on
my experience in testing the various Ruger models, but the
principles are transferable to many others as well.

DA PISTOL WITH MANUAL SAFETY LEVER: (P.38, original S&W M39)

In the manual safety-lever models, the safety lever, when
engaged, drops the hammer, in the manner of a Walther P.38 or
early S&W M39's.  The safety lever does not rebound when
released.  If left engaged, the pistol cannot be fired, but the
slide can be cycled manually to clear a round from the chamber. 
When so manipulated the hammer does not cock, but simply follows
the slide down as it goes back into battery.

The optimal safe carry mode with safety lever models is to use
the safety lever to lower the hammer, then to immediately
disengage the lever, which requires a deliberate motion.  The
pistol may then be carried safely with the hammer down on a
loaded chamber, because the passive firing pin block positively
engages the firing pin until the trigger is pulled.  The pistol
can then be fired immediately.  If a weapon with a safety lever
must be secured without clearing, as when securing a weapon prior
to entering a courtroom or prisoner holding facility, the safety
lever should be engaged.

DA PISTOL WITH DECOCKING LEVER:

In decocker model pistols, the decocking lever rebounds
positively under spring tension to the safe-carry/immediate-fire
position when thumb pressure is released, as in the Walther P5 or
SIG-Sauer P220-series pistols.  The passive firing pin block
positively prevents accidental discharge, until the trigger is
deliberately pulled.  This model is the most popular choice for
law enforcement agencies which do not use where revolvers or
single-action auto pistols.

DOUBLE-ACTION-ONLY (DAO) AUTO PISTOL:

In "double-action-only" models, the hammer generally has no
cocking spur, and is completely recessed into the slide to
protect it from snagging or breaking (even if the pistol falls
and lands on the back of the slide).  In the Ruger models the
sear positively holds the hammer in 10 degrees rotation away from
the frame so that the hammer cannot contact the firing pin unless
the trigger is pulled through.  Although called a "sear," this is
no flimsy or delicate engagement, but a robust catching device of
deep engagement.

In a DAO pistol a passive firing block is the only safety
needed, because every round is fired double-action.  This makes
good sense for small departments which want to change from a
revolver to an autoloader to get more firepower, but who are
concerned about safety issues and don't have a big training
budget.  The DAO is the service pistol of choice for these users,
because a magazine can be inserted, a round racked into the
chamber, the pistol holstered, and it is safe, but ready to fire.
The DA trigger pull in a properly set-up DAO pistol is about
ten pounds, manageable by anyone used to a revolver, but the
longer firing stroke greatly reduces the risk of accidental
discharge, because it requires deliberate action.


Copyright, C. E. Harris, 1994, All Rights Reserved


In Home Mix We Trust, Regards, Ed
    

--- msged 2.05
 * Origin: Home of Ed's Red (1:109/120.3006)
 
 

