[cracked junior]

a guy i work with, has a p 89 for sale. probably in the 250 to 300 dollar range. he bought it new and maybe has 20 rounds put through it. comes with the case, case lock, keys, 2 clips. i am mainly looking for a handgun i can use around the farm i live one to get rid of animals that i dont want around. mainly raccoons, skunks, opossums, badgers and other varmints. also use it for target shooting, when i can. what grain ammo can these shoot. as in 115 grain or 125. i know they take 9mmx19.

if i get this gun, what is a good laser point site for it? i like the looks of the laser grips because it keeps it clean. but they are pricey, but then i like the tactical looks of the lasers that mount on the bottom of the barrel. i have found them with a little flashlight/laser sight combo. that looks sweet but also pricey, but i think finding a holster that can fit that laser sight without messing with the alignment would be hard. or can this pistol even hold a laser under the barrel. i really dont like the ones that mount to the trigger gaurd because it looks weak and easily to knock out of alignment.

thanks for any information, jeremy

[lee n. field]

Good price.

Crimson Trace (http://www.crimsontrace.com/default.asp?id=514) makes laser grips for the P series (all them that have grip panels use the same), but they'll be pricy. Without a rail I wouldn't muck around with something hung under the muzzle.

As far as I know, any commercially available 9x19 ammo can be fired through a P89.

[cracked junior]

so there isnt a rail under the barrel for accessories on the p89, well crappy but the model did come out before stuff like that was around. so has to be expected. looks i leave it be or fork out 300 bucks for laser grips.

[lee n. field]

If it was me, I'd leave it be and learn to use the sights.

For your stated use I wonder if a .22 rifle or a shotgun might not be better.

[cracked junior]

i already have a 22LR rifle and 22 mini mag revolver. the rifle is clumsy when have flashlight in one hand and rifle in the other. and both 22s dont have enough power to take out such animals with out blasting over 5rounds in a possum, and i dont wanna get near a skunk with the 22s. my 12 gauge and 20 gauge pumpers are even worse when used with a flashlight, even though shotguns do a nice job at taking out such animals. its hard to aim them with one arm. also have 30/30 lever action, 30-06 and a .270 bolt actions. id rather just have a more powerfull pistol that i can operate with one hand. open sights arent a problem for me. only the 30-06 has a scope. everything else is open sights. i want the laser sight for night time.

[kansas45]

I bought a P-89 awhile back to carry around in the truck for fishing trips & such. I've shot it quite a bit & it's really a pretty good gun. I think you'd like one.:)

[Whirlwind06]

I recently picked a used P89, after packing a steel full size 1911 this puppy seems light as air! Seriously considering adding it to my carry line-up

[lee n. field]

my 12 gauge and 20 gauge pumpers are even worse when used with a flashlight, even though shotguns do a nice job at taking out such animals. its hard to aim them with one arm.

Something like this (http://www.atigunstocks.com/items/STM1200.html#SMC1100) maybe, then. "May be used to mount mag extensions (see below) or 1 inch diameter flashlights or lasers to barrel. "

BTW, Ruger's recent revision of the P95 (http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=13013&return=Y) (plastic framed 9x19) has a frame rail (but that gets you away of what you can get for used prices from your associate).

[MCgunner]

Yeah, I'd carry a .22 rifle for said stuff and mount a flashlight to it. But, in pistols, I suppose the P89 would work. I get about 2-2.5" accuracy at 25 yards with my P85 (same gun, basically). My P90 in .45 ACP groups about half that big, inch or a little over, at that range. It really is amazingly accurate and has a better trigger to boot. The P85/89 is rugged to the max, only around 32 ounces on the hip, and never fails to go bang. Like all Rugers it's overbuilt and will handle any sane 9mm/9mm+P with no problems. I haven't fired a 9mm that does much better accuracy either. I've never fired one of the high end Euro guns, though. Glocks I've seen ain't much more accurate if any. This is more'n enough accuracy for it's intended purpose, though, and I reckon at 15 yards a possum wouldn't have a chance. :D

[lyricsdad]

get a beretta cx4 carbine! 9mm mount a red dot scope on it. I have been contemplating trading my p99 for one of these...

[Dollar An Hour]

Agree with the above poster about a 9mm carbine. Ruger PC9 maybe, or a Kel-Tec sub2000?

Also maybe a lever-action .357 rifle, you could shoot .38 Spl out of it.

Either one will give you better accuracy and range than a pistol... :)

[bowfin]

/*and both 22s dont have enough power to take out such animals with out blasting over 5rounds in a possum, and both 22s dont have enough power to take out such animals with out blasting over 5rounds in a possum, and i dont wanna get near a skunk with the 22s. */

The two species that would always find every trap of mine irrestible!:p

I think you might need to aim for the head or behind the front leg for the opossum. Most every opossum should readily succumb with a single, well placed .22 bullet.

For skunks I have found that a head shot should be avoided, as they usually end up spraying when hit there(!!). Try to hit it in the lungs, they have a much less propensity to spray if hit there, and it usually kills them quite quickly.

[New_geezer]

I have a P-89. Rock solid. Put some Hogue grips on (about $24) much prefered IMO over the basic. I initially thought it was a bit big and blocky but after many rounds and dry firing the action has smoothed out considerably. My accuracy with it has improved also. It's not a sexy 9mm but I think you'd be hard pressed to find one more reliable and trouble free.

[akjeff]

Over 7k rounds through my p-89. Never a jam, ftf or any other problem. Heavy but if you run out of ammo.......

[cracked junior]

if i could set traps, i would. i have traps of all sorts. but i have cats here and im not allowed to get rid of the cats. but i do have to protect them. also have 2 outside dogs(they are the ones that alert me to some animal being close, when they bark alot there is a animal, alittle barking is someone driving down the driveway). i have tried shooting the head but the 22 didnt do much. the possum was still was able to walk. i have read on skunks to shoot them in the middle of the back, that way it paralyzes the muscles that release the stink. i think i will get the p89 and add the fiber optic sights. i was also wondering what is considered a concealed weapon, i know nebraska just passed right to carry law. but i dont wanna go through the hassle. im planning on getting a pistol permit. i seen a pistol holster mount that can be mounted to the floor of a vehicle. im thinking on my f 150, the trannsmission tunnel is open except for the 4wd lever, so if i mount it next to the 4wd lever, would that be considered concealed weapon.

[JohnKSa]

To answer your question about ammunition, here's what the manual says:

"...no 9mmx19 ammunition manufactured in accordance with SAAMI, CIP, U.S. or NATO standards is known to be beyond the design limits or known not to function in this pistol."

The price range you quoted is pretty good. It's not a pretty pistol, but it works, it works well, and it will work pretty much forever.

[psychophipps]

The price range you quoted is pretty good. It's not a pretty pistol, but it works, it works well, and it will work pretty much forever.

It's amazing what you can get when you design 10mm pistols (about baseline .357 magnum energies with a bigger bullet) and then run only 9mm Para, .40 S&W and .45 ACP through them. ;)

Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )

[Whirlwind06]

It's amazing what you can get when you design 10mm pistols (about baseline .357 magnum energies with a bigger bullet) and then run only 9mm Para, .40 S&W and .45 ACP through them.

Could you give a bit more detail?

[psychophipps]

From what I've read, not saying that it's true as I havn't really asked anyone at Ruger about it, the P-series was supposed to start with a 10mm pistol to pick up on that rounds previous fame from being the round of choice of the FBI and such. When that bubble popped, as it will tend to do with "the bestest round EVAR!" (at least according to the gun rags), they had this pistol that could shoot 10mm +P ammo until the cows came home but no big market for the weapon. Pondering this a bit, someone said to themself, "Self, what if we took this here 10mm pistol and made it fire the 9mm Para, the new .40 S&W and the .45 ACP, all of which are popular with both civilan and LE markets, instead of the 10mm in decline?"

The rest is one of the most overbuilt, dependable pistols out there for a fraction of the cost of a SigArms or H&K...
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )

[lee n. field]

The way I've read the story, it was the .45 P90 that was originally intended for 10mm.

[iShootStraight]

I've got one, the P89 is a good gun. The trigger isn't the nicest out there but over-all it is a brute. Mine had 1 failure to extract last time at the range, for the first time EVER, and I've had it for over 5 years. Sure surprised the hell out of me! I was shooting regular Winchester 115gr. and the gun was clean. I think it likes to be shot dirty. :banghead:

You can pick them up for less than $300. It is not light and it is a bit bulky.
If you want something light and easy to shoot spend a little more money and get an XD 9. Fantastic gun. Light, very ergonomic, with a SUPERB trigger. I don't take my Ruger to the range often due to the long spongy trigger pull.

[cracked junior]

today i went to a big town, 20,000 population compared to my town of under 200. for a doctors appt. while i was up there. i stopped at a gun store. i got to hold a couple other pistols. i got prices in writiing for each. for future use and signed by the store owner.

taurus pt92, it holds 17 rounds in the clip. 9mm i really dont need that much capacity. it fit my hand better then the p89 does. feels about the same weight. dont really like the shiny finish. the gun shop said 429.00 plus free box of ammo. has 3 dot sights, with the accessory rail. decock only

also smith & wesson 9 ve. 10 round clip. 9mm. fits my hand very well and weighs almost nothing compared to the p89 and pt92. is black polymer body with matte stainless slide. he said 360 for this one. has 3 dot sights, with a different style accessory rail, its got the rails, but the front of the rail is closed. so nothing can slide into it. it has to be put on from the sides. also has decock only. also free box of ammo.

i am sure i could get use to the bulk of the p89 but will take awhile. im thinking more towards the s&w since its lite and fits my hand good and is also cheaper. but is it cheaper because its not as reliable. or just less expensive. so now i need help on these other 2 pistols. both pistols are new. i know im probably asking for alot here. but thanks to all.

[iShootStraight]

You can get that SW9VE for $297 at Buds Gun Shop.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/220015

No tax, but you pay $25 shipping and another 20 to transfer to a local FFL.
If you are considering a polymer gun, spend the extra money and get a Springfield XD. The feel of the gun is much nicer and the trigger is excellent.
I own a S&W SW9GVE and will tell you the trigger is very stiff. After 3 boxes my finger is very fatigued to the point that it really affects the accuracy. If you plan to shoot the gun at the range at all you must consider this. I love the looks of it, but the trigger is not good.

XD9 - od green (no accessories)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/13343

Before you buy the sigma (sw9ve) TRY an XD. Pick it up and gently squeeze the trigger. You should be sold on it.

standard XD 9 complete package - gun, holster, mags, loader, ect ..
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/32473
One heck of a good deal.

Or for 60 bucks more you can get Heinie night sights. Excellent value.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/32549


To be straight forward, I am in no way affiliated with Buds Gun Shop. Just a great place to deal with.

[MCgunner]

Also maybe a lever-action .357 rifle, you could shoot .38 Spl out of it.

I got a Rossi 92 carbine and love it, but it ain't got any tacticool rails or anything for a light or laser or anything. I have a laser on a SKS that I bought a mount for that clamps to the barrel, might could do that clamping it to the magazine tube. Or, a Marlin 94 is drilled and tapped for a scope and a red dot sight or low power lighted reticle scope might work. Sure are handy, light weight, and easy to carry little carbines. I load a 105 grain light load .38 special to 900 fps out of that carbine that will do anything a 22 mag will do out to fifty yards. I've shot deer with this gun using 158 grain SWC loads in .357 magnum, very versatile and useful firearm around a ranch for sure!

[cracked junior]

i really like that xd series. the closest gun store that might have one in stock, would probably be cabela's, which is close to 60 miles away. and i really dont wannna drive up there just to look at that. i should be going up there in a couple weeks or so for other things.

[kansas45]

XD's are really fine handgun's! I thought you wanted a P89?:what:

[cracked junior]

well the co worker has one for sale. i was asking about the p89 that he has. but after feeling the other 2 pistols. i dont think i want the p89because it really dont fit my hand well like other 2 did. i could reach all the levers fine but the grip is huge. so now to hold a xd. another question about the xd9. which color looks better, the all black or the bi-tone? i really dont like the OD green. it almost makes it look like a toy -IMO. also what do you think about the tactical xd, 5 inch comparted to the 4 inch. its longer so it could more accurate. i cant CCW so small size isnt a factor.

[iShootStraight]

Choice of slide is up to you. The stainless will be slightly more.. possibly $40 more. I prefer the all black. Tactical 5" is good for target practice, if it's going to be a range/home defense gun you might consider the tactical. Again its whatever you prefer, appearance may play a part in that decision. After you handle an XD you might consider ordering online, that'll save you some cash. You can probably save $75 or $80, or for the same price as an XD at a gun store, you could order the model with with night sights online. Night sights generally add $100 to the price, so it's well worth it.

If you've never ordered online here's how it works.
You send payment and a copy of a local shops FFL license, this is where you have it shipped. You pay 20-25$ shipping and another $20-$30 goes to the dealer accepting the transfer. Some gun shops charge as much as $45 for a simple transfer, so you might want to find a dealer in your area who charges the standard 20 dollars and prepay it.

[cracked junior]

i really dont have a local gun dealer. used to but the place closed up. im really in the boonies. its over 25 miles to a town that is around 5,000 population. its 60 miles to over 20,000. which is where cabelas outfitters is. so i might as well go there to get a gun. but now i think my extra money maybe gone to the doctor and the hospital. i had to get a MRI scan on friday and im not sure if my insurance will pay it. so my extra funds is being saved for that. which sucks. so now it will be awhile before buying a pistol. besides the wait for pistol permit. thanks again for all the help from everyone. what is a ffl anyways?

[JohnKSa]

You might also want to check out the Ruger P95. Seems like the grip is a bit smaller and it will probably be cheaper than the XD if money's an issue.

[cracked junior]

i was looking at springfield armory website. the xd's all come with that xd gear package. i dont get how that holster works. it looks like it dont have a hammer strap, so how does it hold the pistol in. i dont get it. even though i have to wait alittle while to see what insurance does. im still looking at my options.

[kansas45]

A lot of shooters think the holster that come with the XD's are junk. I think they are o.k. for casual wear. But they may not be good enough for fast paced carry. Rember, they came with your pistol for free(more or less). Anyway, they have a screw that add's or lessen's the tension to grip the gun. I think you would like the XD 9mm. Not too expensive & very reliable.:cool:

[cracked junior]

im now going insane. i was looking at the springfield website again. and that damn xd 45 acp is just calling my name. im like if im gonna get something, why not get something with some punch. but also i really dont need alot of punch. now on to my question concerning this post. does a powerfull round, also mean longer shots. as in can i shoot farther with the 45 acp or even the .40 s&w rounds then i could with the 9mm round? because you just cant walk up to the animal in question around here. so i may have to take like 30 to 50 yard shots. i have 4 or 5 wire barb wire fence and i dont wanna climb or jump over those with a loaded gun in my hand or in holster, which means placing gun on ground, then going over fence.

[Springfield Fan]

Three things to consider:
1. The XD 45 has a larger grip, the XD9 seems to fit most peoples hands better
2. 45ACP ammo cost$ nearly 4 time$ that of 9mm. Going to $hoot often?
3. Shot placement is more important than anything else

The XD9501HCSP06 package with factory heinie night-sights is a great value.:what:
Picture attached w/heinie night-sights

[kansas45]

What the heck are you SHOOTING at? Running, Jumping fences! Sound's like you should just use a rifle or something! Buy the XD 9mm Tactical, Then get a XD 45ACP Tactical. I did it backward's but boy have I enjoyed that 45! The gun shop guy told me tonight that my 9mm should be in by thursday. Can't wait!:) :cool:

[JohnKSa]

Actually, the 9mm will have a flatter trajectory than the .45ACP for sure and may also shoot a bit flatter than the .40S&W. I would expect the .40 and the 9 to be pretty close though.

If you're looking at taking long shots at small targets with a handgun, you might want to check around to see if you can find some accuracy numbers for the handguns you're considering.

I can tell you that I have not been able to get tight groups at 25 yards with a Ruger P95 or P89. Could be I haven't found the right ammo yet or that I happened to get a couple that don't shoot as well as the norm--I can only tell you what I have experienced. My experience says that I wouldn't take a shot at a cat at 40-50 yards with either of my centerfire Ruger autopistols unless I was just trying to scare it. Hitting a cat sized target at that distance is right at the limit of my ability with a handgun anyway--I'd be hard pressed to do that with any handgun unless I had several shots.

[MCgunner]

I can tell you that I have not been able to get tight groups at 25 yards with a Ruger P95 or P89. Could be I haven't found the right ammo yet or that I happened to get a couple that don't shoot as well as the norm--I can only tell you what I have experienced. My experience says that I wouldn't take a shot at a cat at 40-50 yards with either of my centerfire Ruger autopistols unless I was just trying to scare it. Hitting a cat sized target at that distance is right at the limit of my ability with a handgun anyway--I'd be hard pressed to do that with any handgun unless I had several shots.


My P85 and my departed P95, groups with best loads were about 2.5" at 25 yards. That's 2 1/2 times bigger than my phenomenally accurate P90 in 45ACP (one reason that P90 is my favorite autoloading handgun), but still not bad combat accuracy and plenty accurate for IDPA shooting. It's not real tack driving accuracy, but for carry it is more'n enough.

Accuracy and horsepower and versatility are the reasons I prefer revolvers for anything, but self defense or games and I often use revolvers for games and self defense. But, afield or for running off an animal or dispatching him, I always reach for an accurate revolver.

[cracked junior]

well if the niner will shoot more flat, then thats what i want. i live on a farm so have lots of ground to cover just around my house. the farm house sits on a qaurter section of square mile so 160 acres, also have another 1,500 acres of land to farm, pasture, hunt on, thats just whats in the family, also have alot of other peoples land that i can hunt. i dont need to go to a actual shooting range. i just step out my front or back door and shoot guns when i feel like it. i have a nice shooting range setup. its dried up pond. with a 15 foot high dam on the south end, then its probably 20 ft thick. behind that is a hill. i walked it off with long steps so almost a yard. it was 123 steps long. my closest neighbor is 3/4 miles away, i cant see his house, but i can see the top of his trees, due to a big hill.

[JohnKSa]

My P85 and my departed P95, groups with best loads were about 2.5" at 25 yards.That's pretty impressive--what kind of ammo were you using?

[Plink]

For the same money, you could get a Hi-Point Carbine and mount a cheap chinese "tactical" light and red dot sight on it and use it day or night. You could mount a Minimag light also. The little carbines don't recoil enough to bother the Minimag. I have one on a Marlin Camp 9.

[OhioPaints]

<<<Last time I looked, one or more of the Ruger P's had three different trigger actions depending on the model number>>>

Can you tell us more about this? I've often heard that the P90 (45) is a lot better than the P89 (9mm). I had a P90 (stolen) and it did seem better to me but I had never heard that there where different triggers in the Ruger P series.

Ken

[cracked junior]

ok i am finally back. after having my labtop computer get rain water in it from the motorcycle ride home last friday night from work. and after taking it apart till no more screws, and drying it out. and putting it back together, the damn thing actualy works. on saturday i did manage to get to cabelas and feel the xd9. i like them, light and comfy in my hand. they average in price about 440. the one i really like is the tactical, black, with the little light in the box, they want 540 for that one, and the light is 99 by itself. so i think im just gonna have to see what i like more. when i get the pistol permit going and some more funds. i also handled a used 9mm carbin at cabelas. and i dont like them. i think i would rather have a pistol, already have enough rifles.

[cracked junior]

ive made up my mind. im going to get the xd9. in tactical 5 inch, all black. now my next question. is there a holster that can holster the pistol, but is also capable of putting the pistol in it with the light or laser sight attached. i know the xd gear package has the rail for carrying a light on the outside. but what about not having to detach it. even though it takes like 2 seconds to do that.

[ugaarguy]

CrackedJunior,

I'm not sure on that specific pistol and light combo, however I know of a few good general sources.

www.safariland.com
www.blackhawk.com
www.brigadequartermasters.com

What you're looking for is considered a tactical holster, so perhaps a google search for "XD9 & holster" or "XD9 & tactical & holster" will yield good results.

Congratulations on the new pistol too! Post some pics and a range report when time allows and let us know what ya think of it.

[cracked junior]

i called 2 other guns shops. both are 60 miles away, in same town as cabelas is. price for xd9, tactical, all black with the gear package. is 509 and 510, plus shipping costs since neither has it in stock. now the cabelas tactical, black that has the little springfield flash light is 540. so which one do i get. do i get the xd with the holster, speedloader and 2 clip holder plus shipping cost. or do i get the one with holster and flashlight, springfields website says the flashlight is 99 dollars. and cabelas has it in stock so no shipping costs. i know someone will say to buy over the internet but that is a pain for me since i am 60miles away from a gun shop. so i would probably end up paying the differance in fuel costs,shipping and transfer fees anyways. i got the pistol permit today so i am good to go.

[BrokenArrow]

The P85 was designed around the 9mm.

The P85 MkII fixed some safety issues.

The P89 was a further update and improvement and part of platform design that would accomodate the 9/45/10. Then along came the 40, so we ended up w the P89 in 9mm, the P90 in 45, and the P91 in .40 instead of 10mm.

All very reliable and durable guns in any caliber.

I've got a P89 and P91 that have been shot every week since 1992 w/o any problems at all. Can't say that about some of the Glocks, SIGs, HKs, Colts, SAs, and Kimbers I have had. ;)

[cracked junior]

i got the xd45 acp tactical. with the gear package. i went to cabelas tonight to get that 9mm with the little flashlight. and they sold it. i really didnt want to drive back up there in a few days after they ordered the same one. it was the only tactical they had. so far i really like it. i shot 3 rounds through it so far. and the only complaint so far. it is freaking really loud. so im gonna start wearing ear muffs with it. the recoil isnt as bad as what i thought it would be. it was almost dark with alittle light from the yard light. i see the white dot sights. i shot a 9 inch thick firewood log. and it had 3 holes out the back of it. at about 25 yards.

my brother is joking around with me about it. as they are 1 or 2 escaped convicts (depends one what story you listen to)from a kansas jail that are running around here somewhere. so he is saying it was goodnight to get a gun. i said i might be sleeping with it.

[ugaarguy]

Congrats on the new pistol. Indeed it does sound like a good night to have it, and hopefully not need it; always better than needing and not having.

[kansas45]

It's great that you got the XD45. I really enjoy my XD45 Tactical! When you get ready to shoot a lot, save some money & get a 9mm also. You can buy a lot more ammo for it to eat without killing your wallet. AND, always wear ear protection when you are at the range or you may not be able to hear those excaped convict's break into your house!:cool:

[gandog56]

so there isnt a rail under the barrel for accessories on the p89, well crappy but the model did come out before stuff like that was around. so has to be expected. looks i leave it be or fork out 300 bucks for laser grips.


Just got one for my P85 for $245 on ebay.:rolleyes:

[cracked junior]

actualy so far i have found that the 45 and 9mm arent that far from eachother in price. and im thinking that after i get good at shooting at this beast, the bullet craving will go down. i got a 100 round box when i got it monday night. and i have 12 lefted right now. but will have more friday. when my parents come down for the weekend. or else i may try to find some local stuff.

last night i wore ear plugs, it helped. shot 50 rounds. but this morning when i woke up. my ears were hurting. so tonight i wore ear plugs and ear muffs.

they caught the guys yesterday or something like that. im not sure if they were in the area after all. it was one prisoner that was out on work release. his friends and him had a plan that he would leave his work release, and they would leave in a stolen car. but they escaped some where in phillips county,ks and were caught in smith center,ks, which is probably 45 mintues to an hour from me. but i heard the local sheriff deputys were chasing them around the lake. which is 4 miles from my house.