Ruger P-series autoloaders?

Dorrin79 · February 12, 2002, 01:39 PM

Just applied for my CCP here in Texas and am looking for an affordable (but reliable) automatic. Was recommended P89 Ruger 9mm. Anyone on here ever used one, any thoughts on quality for price, concealability, etc?

Alternatively, would appreciate suggestions for other, affordable concealed carry autoloaders.

Thanks!

-Dorrin

ojibweindian · February 12, 2002, 02:01 PM

Try either the Ruger P95 or P97.

The P95 is, IMO, a better gun, in a smaller package, than the P89 . The P97 has received mostly favorable reviews on this board, too.

shermdo · February 12, 2002, 02:33 PM

I carry a Ruger P-90 in an IWB holster on a daily basis. This is Ruger's larger .45ACP. I very much like my handgun. The Ruger P-series handguns are very reliable, accurate and strong. For the money they are simply hard to beat. I personally would consider one of the .40 model before the 9mm but that is simply a personal thing. I tend to like the large calibers for CCW but I do own 9mm handguns as well. Good luck and Be Safe.

njoelhickson · February 12, 2002, 03:22 PM

My first Handgun was a Ruger P90. I love it. I will never part with it. I have never had a malfunction. It is easy to shoot, feels good, great price, and is an overall great gun.

Fred · February 12, 2002, 04:53 PM

not sure I would recommend it for CCW because of size and how bulky it is, but from a reliability standpoint can highly recommend it. The one I have has never failed to eat everything I've fed it - from very light to full house loads. Great gun for the price!

croyance · February 12, 2002, 09:15 PM

It seems bulky for concealed carry, but to each their own.

Rugers have a good reputation for durability and reliability. Nothing I've see or heard contradicts this, except for the P-85.

WalkerTexasRanger · February 12, 2002, 09:31 PM

Had a P-95, had reliability issue. I posted here several times, had FTF problems consistently after 50+ shots. Didn't matter what I did, how I cleaned etc.

I traded the P-95 for a Walther P99, and am now very happy.

Also, the P-95 is a little bulky for CCW, especially with the external safety etc. Seemed to snag easily compared with my G-26, and was much more difficult to conceal.

Simply my .02......

Mavrck · February 12, 2002, 09:37 PM

I have well over 1000 rounds through my P-95 with no problems. In my opinion the rugers and the cz are neck and neck for the best inexpensive auto's made.

Jason F · February 12, 2002, 10:31 PM

I'd have to agree with everyone else and nominate the P95- it's a great gun. Inexpensive, very reliable, and cheap to shoot.

It is a bit on the bulky side for CCW, but at this time of the year, it's not been too much of a problem yet. When it gets warmer, I'll have to break down and get a good carry holster for my brand new Kimber Ultra Carry, and I'll let that be my warm weather carry gun. (but goodness is 45mm ammo expensive compared to 9mm!! ugh!)

But I think the Ruger P95 is a great choice.

PDshooter · February 12, 2002, 11:00 PM

Like holding a "Brick" in your hand!!!:barf:
Not for Me!

chaim · February 13, 2002, 01:52 AM

I had a P89 and it was a very good gun. I traded it because I wanted a .45 and I regretted it within hours.

It is fairly accurate (though the Ruger .45s are much more accurate, but they are up there with guns costing 2-3 times as much), very durable, very reliable (1000-3000 rounds without ever having a FTF or FTE). Original capacity mags (15 rounds) aren't too hard to find and aren't overly expensive. Very inexpensive for what you get, probably one of the best deals in handguns (probably the CZ is the only better deal as you have all the Ruger pluses and better fit and finish for a similar price).

It is a little large and heavy for CCW duties but would probably work.

The P93 (9mm) and P94 (most are .40 but also in 9mm) are a little smaller. The P95 is the size of the P94 and is polymer so it is also lighter. All are also a bit bulky for CCW.

In a simliar size, price and quality there are a few other guns to consider. CZ, Taurus steel framed autos only (the PT 911/940 is noticably smaller, the PT 92/99 is a little bigger), FEG Hi-Power clone (probably cheaper, has a good reputation).

If you want a smaller gun there are a few good and inexpensive options. The Bersa in .380 is supposed to be a high quality gun and can be had in the $200-250 range. For under $200 you can get a Makarov or FEG PA-63 (well under $200) which are very good guns in 9x18 Makarov. The Firestorm .380 is the same as the Bersa, the 9mm I haven't heard as much about but it seems to have a good reputation as well. Kel Tecs have mixed reputations (it sounds like the older models had trouble) but most owners seem very happy and you can get an easily concealable 9mm for under $300 and a tiny .32 for under $250.

If you want a high quality but inexpensive gun check out the used gun displays as well. For the same price of a Ruger (or slightly higher) you could find S&W (some models are quite nice), Glock, Kahr, and if you're lucky Beretta, SIG and HK.

ojibweindian · February 13, 2002, 10:09 AM

I've carried my P95 during the hot Alabama summers. Wearing loose-fitting shirts and a good belt makes my P95 disappear.

tonyz · February 13, 2002, 10:28 AM

I have the Ruger 9MM model P95, The gun has 7.000+ rounds through it and looks and functons like new. It has been extremely reliable. It has no problem eating the differant types of ammo I fed it. Also it is easy to tear down for a detailed cleaning and reassemble. IMHO one great buy for the Price.

Tony

klh8 · February 13, 2002, 11:26 AM

I also have a ruger P-90.I love it.Never had a bit of trouble with it what so ever.

David Scott · February 13, 2002, 11:30 AM

I carry a P95. Never failed to operate as desired. Good gun, great buy.

MasterBlaster · February 13, 2002, 03:30 PM

Quote:

I've carried my P95 during the hot Alabama summers. Wearing loose-fitting shirts and a good belt makes my P95 disappear.

As long as you carry it barrel down, or you'll have to pour the sweat out of it before you fire.

kaBoom-splurt!

Deuce · February 13, 2002, 04:41 PM

ok, so everyone likes the rugers.

For CC, I'd highly recommend the Kahr P9 Covert with nite sights. I just got mine for $620. I've only put 13 rounds through it so far. I bought it based on high praise I've heard from others. It's tough to beat its size for 9mm CC.

http://www.kahr.com

nvrquit · February 13, 2002, 07:01 PM

Had owned an early P85 and found it to not be very accurate or as nice a fit as a Browning HP. Sold it off.

Later, bought a P91(full size .40S&W) and a KP94(mid-size 9mm). Both were better than the earlier P85. Used the P91 as trade material(I regret that now) and still have the KP94, which I use in IDPA. Both are(were for the P91 as I no longer own it) very reliable. Accuracy is adequate if not outstanding.

The KP944 is the same basic size as the KP94, except that the KP944 is .40S&W caliber. I believe that at least one aftermarket .357Sig barrel supplier is avaiable for the P944 pistol.

gumshoe4 · February 13, 2002, 08:23 PM

Likewise-own both the P95 and the P97 and think very highly of them both-good combat accuracy and highly reliable. Never had a FTF/FTE in the P95-had one FTF in the P97 in the first 50 rounds I put through it-never anything since.

Perhaps a little large for CCW holster carry, although I have carried the P95 concealed IWB with no problem. I most commonly carry these pistols in a fanny pack.

They aren't revolvers, but they're great pistols-you'll like them.

clown714 · February 13, 2002, 09:14 PM

like a brick in your hand!
maybe? 6"desert eagle?
imho,i like mine,but it has other things
going for it, besides, ccw

asleepinTucson · February 13, 2002, 10:13 PM

I have both a p-95 and p-97, Both are accurate, the 97 is single stack so a bit thinner and easier to conceal. It is however comforting to carry the 95 with a pre ban mag. 15 + 1 in 9mm 135G hydrashok is worth the bulk.

15 +1 9mm or 8+1 45ACP tough choice but both fun to shoot and comforting to carry

I am more accurate with the 95 but I'm sure that it is my response to perceived recoil.

colorado · February 13, 2002, 11:32 PM

I put Hogue grips on my P90 and love the feel of it. It shoots under 2" groups at 25 yards shooting 230 grain Remington Golden Sabre at +P velocities (950 to 1000 fps). No FTFs a real safety with firing pin block. Hard to go wrong, I bought mine for $319 in stainless 2 years ago...

Pointblank2K · February 14, 2002, 04:48 PM

My Ruger P94 in 40cal is the best handgun I have ever owned...one I will never part with. Have never had a single problem with it...it feeds everyrthing I put in it and is very accurate,
Tony.

Ed2000 · February 14, 2002, 07:36 PM

I just dumped my P97 due to FTF with ball ammo and because the slide stop was not secure enough in the gun. I loved ruger autos until I got this lemon. It seems that I am not the only one who has been burnt by the P97. To its credit, it was accurate.

Robert J McElwain · February 14, 2002, 09:22 PM

Rugers are built like tanks. It's hard to hurt one. I've got a P93 , 9mm and it's the one I keep in the closet for the bad guys.

Bob

February 12, 2002, 01:39 PM	#1
Dorrin79 Junior Member Join Date: February 12, 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3	Ruger P-series autoloaders? Just applied for my CCP here in Texas and am looking for an affordable (but reliable) automatic. Was recommended P89 Ruger 9mm. Anyone on here ever used one, any thoughts on quality for price, concealability, etc? Alternatively, would appreciate suggestions for other, affordable concealed carry autoloaders. Thanks! -Dorrin

February 12, 2002, 03:22 PM	#4
njoelhickson Junior Member Join Date: July 6, 2001 Location: Colorado Springs, CO. Posts: 10	My first Handgun was a Ruger P90. I love it. I will never part with it. I have never had a malfunction. It is easy to shoot, feels good, great price, and is an overall great gun. __________________ Where would we be today if only Miller had shown up for his court date?

February 12, 2002, 04:53 PM	#5
Fred Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 1998 Location: CA Posts: 465	Have had a P89 for many years, not sure I would recommend it for CCW because of size and how bulky it is, but from a reliability standpoint can highly recommend it. The one I have has never failed to eat everything I've fed it - from very light to full house loads. Great gun for the price! __________________ Regards - AZFred

February 13, 2002, 10:28 AM	#13
tonyz Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Location: Wa Posts: 922	Reccomends P95 I have the Ruger 9MM model P95, The gun has 7.000+ rounds through it and looks and functons like new. It has been extremely reliable. It has no problem eating the differant types of ammo I fed it. Also it is easy to tear down for a detailed cleaning and reassemble. IMHO one great buy for the Price. Tony __________________ Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

February 13, 2002, 11:30 AM	#15
David Scott Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2000 Posts: 2,456	I carry a P95. Never failed to operate as desired. Good gun, great buy. __________________ "As I looked at my two young sons, each with his gun, and considered how much the safety of the party depended on these little fellows, I felt grateful to you, dear husband, for having acquainted them in childhood with the use of firearms." -- Elisabeth Robinson, in The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss

February 12, 2002, 02:01 PM	#2
ojibweindian Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2000 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 1,198	Try either the Ruger P95 or P97. The P95 is, IMO, a better gun, in a smaller package, than the P89 . The P97 has received mostly favorable reviews on this board, too.

February 12, 2002, 02:33 PM	#3
shermdo Member Join Date: February 12, 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 39	I carry a Ruger P-90 in an IWB holster on a daily basis. This is Ruger's larger .45ACP. I very much like my handgun. The Ruger P-series handguns are very reliable, accurate and strong. For the money they are simply hard to beat. I personally would consider one of the .40 model before the 9mm but that is simply a personal thing. I tend to like the large calibers for CCW but I do own 9mm handguns as well. Good luck and Be Safe.

February 12, 2002, 09:15 PM	#6
croyance Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2001 Posts: 3,604	It seems bulky for concealed carry, but to each their own. Rugers have a good reputation for durability and reliability. Nothing I've see or heard contradicts this, except for the P-85.

February 12, 2002, 09:31 PM	#7
WalkerTexasRanger Member Join Date: November 30, 2001 Location: Houston Posts: 87	Had a P-95, had reliability issue. I posted here several times, had FTF problems consistently after 50+ shots. Didn't matter what I did, how I cleaned etc. I traded the P-95 for a Walther P99, and am now very happy. Also, the P-95 is a little bulky for CCW, especially with the external safety etc. Seemed to snag easily compared with my G-26, and was much more difficult to conceal. Simply my .02......

February 12, 2002, 09:37 PM	#8
Mavrck Junior Member Join Date: October 16, 2001 Location: Fayetteville, Ar Posts: 7	I have well over 1000 rounds through my P-95 with no problems. In my opinion the rugers and the cz are neck and neck for the best inexpensive auto's made.

February 12, 2002, 10:31 PM	#9
Jason F Member Join Date: September 27, 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 20	I'd have to agree with everyone else and nominate the P95- it's a great gun. Inexpensive, very reliable, and cheap to shoot. It is a bit on the bulky side for CCW, but at this time of the year, it's not been too much of a problem yet. When it gets warmer, I'll have to break down and get a good carry holster for my brand new Kimber Ultra Carry, and I'll let that be my warm weather carry gun. (but goodness is 45mm ammo expensive compared to 9mm!! ugh!) But I think the Ruger P95 is a great choice.

February 12, 2002, 11:00 PM	#10
PDshooter Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 607	Like holding a "Brick" in your hand!!!:barf: Not for Me!

February 13, 2002, 01:52 AM	#11
chaim Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,095	I had a P89 and it was a very good gun. I traded it because I wanted a .45 and I regretted it within hours. It is fairly accurate (though the Ruger .45s are much more accurate, but they are up there with guns costing 2-3 times as much), very durable, very reliable (1000-3000 rounds without ever having a FTF or FTE). Original capacity mags (15 rounds) aren't too hard to find and aren't overly expensive. Very inexpensive for what you get, probably one of the best deals in handguns (probably the CZ is the only better deal as you have all the Ruger pluses and better fit and finish for a similar price). It is a little large and heavy for CCW duties but would probably work. The P93 (9mm) and P94 (most are .40 but also in 9mm) are a little smaller. The P95 is the size of the P94 and is polymer so it is also lighter. All are also a bit bulky for CCW. In a simliar size, price and quality there are a few other guns to consider. CZ, Taurus steel framed autos only (the PT 911/940 is noticably smaller, the PT 92/99 is a little bigger), FEG Hi-Power clone (probably cheaper, has a good reputation). If you want a smaller gun there are a few good and inexpensive options. The Bersa in .380 is supposed to be a high quality gun and can be had in the $200-250 range. For under $200 you can get a Makarov or FEG PA-63 (well under $200) which are very good guns in 9x18 Makarov. The Firestorm .380 is the same as the Bersa, the 9mm I haven't heard as much about but it seems to have a good reputation as well. Kel Tecs have mixed reputations (it sounds like the older models had trouble) but most owners seem very happy and you can get an easily concealable 9mm for under $300 and a tiny .32 for under $250. If you want a high quality but inexpensive gun check out the used gun displays as well. For the same price of a Ruger (or slightly higher) you could find S&W (some models are quite nice), Glock, Kahr, and if you're lucky Beretta, SIG and HK.

February 13, 2002, 10:09 AM	#12
ojibweindian Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2000 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 1,198	I've carried my P95 during the hot Alabama summers. Wearing loose-fitting shirts and a good belt makes my P95 disappear.

February 13, 2002, 11:26 AM	#14
klh8 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2002 Location: WV Posts: 120	I also have a ruger P-90.I love it.Never had a bit of trouble with it what so ever.

February 13, 2002, 04:41 PM	#17
Deuce Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Posts: 94	ok, so everyone likes the rugers. For CC, I'd highly recommend the Kahr P9 Covert with nite sights. I just got mine for $620. I've only put 13 rounds through it so far. I bought it based on high praise I've heard from others. It's tough to beat its size for 9mm CC. http://www.kahr.com

February 13, 2002, 07:01 PM	#18
nvrquit Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2002 Location: Bernville, PA Posts: 185	Ruger P-series semi-auto pistols... Had owned an early P85 and found it to not be very accurate or as nice a fit as a Browning HP. Sold it off. Later, bought a P91(full size .40S&W) and a KP94(mid-size 9mm). Both were better than the earlier P85. Used the P91 as trade material(I regret that now) and still have the KP94, which I use in IDPA. Both are(were for the P91 as I no longer own it) very reliable. Accuracy is adequate if not outstanding. The KP944 is the same basic size as the KP94, except that the KP944 is .40S&W caliber. I believe that at least one aftermarket .357Sig barrel supplier is avaiable for the P944 pistol.

February 13, 2002, 08:23 PM	#19
gumshoe4 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2000 Posts: 266	Likewise-own both the P95 and the P97 and think very highly of them both-good combat accuracy and highly reliable. Never had a FTF/FTE in the P95-had one FTF in the P97 in the first 50 rounds I put through it-never anything since. Perhaps a little large for CCW holster carry, although I have carried the P95 concealed IWB with no problem. I most commonly carry these pistols in a fanny pack. They aren't revolvers, but they're great pistols-you'll like them.

February 13, 2002, 09:14 PM	#20
clown714 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2001 Location: ga Posts: 395	ditto!on what he said! like a brick in your hand! maybe? 6"desert eagle? imho,i like mine,but it has other things going for it, besides, ccw

February 13, 2002, 10:13 PM	#21
asleepinTucson Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Hampton Roads, VA Posts: 107	I have both a p-95 and p-97, Both are accurate, the 97 is single stack so a bit thinner and easier to conceal. It is however comforting to carry the 95 with a pre ban mag. 15 + 1 in 9mm 135G hydrashok is worth the bulk. 15 +1 9mm or 8+1 45ACP tough choice but both fun to shoot and comforting to carry I am more accurate with the 95 but I'm sure that it is my response to perceived recoil.

February 13, 2002, 11:32 PM	#22
colorado Member Join Date: February 4, 2001 Posts: 78	Hogue grips I put Hogue grips on my P90 and love the feel of it. It shoots under 2" groups at 25 yards shooting 230 grain Remington Golden Sabre at +P velocities (950 to 1000 fps). No FTFs a real safety with firing pin block. Hard to go wrong, I bought mine for $319 in stainless 2 years ago...

February 14, 2002, 04:48 PM	#23
Pointblank2K Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2001 Location: So. California Posts: 184	My Ruger P94 in 40cal is the best handgun I have ever owned...one I will never part with. Have never had a single problem with it...it feeds everyrthing I put in it and is very accurate, Tony.

February 14, 2002, 07:36 PM	#24
Ed2000 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2000 Posts: 174	I just dumped my P97 due to FTF with ball ammo and because the slide stop was not secure enough in the gun. I loved ruger autos until I got this lemon. It seems that I am not the only one who has been burnt by the P97. To its credit, it was accurate.

February 14, 2002, 09:22 PM	#25
Robert J McElwain Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2001 Location: Kansas City area Posts: 241	Rugers are built like tanks. It's hard to hurt one. I've got a P93 , 9mm and it's the one I keep in the closet for the bad guys. Bob __________________ Robert J. McElwain "The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." ~Thomas Jefferson