[Beorn]

Okay, which is better, the P90 or the P97?

Let the games begin!:what:

[shooting4fun]

G'day Beorn,

Both are winners. Both fantastic shooters. Very reliable and accurate. There is a bit of operator training to get used to the Ruger triggers. Nothing too dificult. Both pistols are capable of hitting golf balls at 20yds consistently with good ammo and good technique.

P90
was the first. Can be considered to be full size. Full weight too! All metal frame.

P97
this is the new one. A bit more compact.
Polymer frame, lighter and less expensive. Also new magazines hold 8 rnds.

Best of luck in your information search. Cheers!

[Khornet]

but I'm perfectly happy with my P90 for the last 11 years. Nary a hitch.

[Kahr carrier]

I prefer the P90 ,I dont trust the Ruger polymer pistols yet.:)

[RobW]

Definitely P90! Throw a P90 and a P97 at a BG and compare!

Serious, get the P90 and fit them with Hogue wrap-around grips. If you don't have VERY small hands, they'll fit you like custom made gloves! Helps a lot to shoot well!

[VictorLouis]

The 90 just doesn't feel right in my hand, whereas the 97 does. That's the biggest difference next to the dramatically smoother trigger action the of the 97. You lose about 1/2" of bbl, IIRC, with the 97.

[USGuns]

Boy I've heard nothing but good things about the P97. Ruger had some initial problems with the slide stop and extractor and both those have been remedied. Ruger has fantastic customer service. Check out: http://www.rugerforum.com

[Beorn]

Well, I own a Glock 17 with a finger-grip sleeve over it. It is a little bit too small for my hands, but the non-slip sleeve feels good regardless of gloves or not.

I am going to rent both at the range and put some rounds through each and see what fits me best. The only thing, as I want to use it as a IDPA CDP category gun, I'd really like to have 8 round capability. Does P90 have 8 rounds cap like the P97?

[9mmepiphany]

i'd have to vote for the 97 based on "feel" alone. it just feels smoother, thinner and less "blocky".

i would think the 90 might be a bit stronger (how strong is enough, especially when speaking of rugers) as it was originally designed for the full power 10mm round. but with the low pressure .45, i doubt it makes much difference in the life of the pistol

[wildthing]

The the differences between the P-90 and the P-97 is how they feel in your hand.

They are both reliable and accurate. I had an early P-90 that was very accurate and had a great trigger. No malfunctions.

the P-97 is the same but the trigger is not quite as smooth.

for me it comes down to feel and the P-97 is the winner.

[mini14jac]

The P90 feels too big for my hand.
The P97 is next on my to-do list. :D
From what I have heard, the 8rd mags fit the P90, and the new P90s come with 8rd mags.