Ruger P85/89

[Big D]

Hey yall. I'm looking to get an inexpensive 9mm, and since I know my dad's P90 .45 is solid, I figured I'd give the P85/89 series a look....I've already found a few good deals, and just want to get a general opinion of 'em before I put down some cash. What is the deal with the P85? Any replies would be appreciated.

 

[Handgunner]

I bought a P89DC in 1991 and carried it daily as a LEO for 3 years. I have used every kind of non +P ammo in it that I could find over the years. It has been as dirty as an old gravel road, and it has never once failed to go bang when the trigger is pulled. Not even a FTE.

It is still does nightstand duty to this day.

It ain't the prettiest or lightest pistol out there, but I trust my life and my wife's life with it.

If you are looking for a boringly dependable D) pistol, you won't be sorry with the 85 or 89.

 

[rbernie]

I think that the P95 (P89 with a polymer body) is the best deal in semi-auto hi cap 9mm pistols around. They're selling locally for around less than $350 out the door, and they simply WORK.

 

[swiftak]

My P89 is probably the most dependable 9mm I own. It fires reloads, and factory ammo all without a hiccup. I bought it a long time ago and have fired thousands of rounds thru it. Its big and some say ugly but it works.

 

[Blue Brick]

Look here...

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=2

 

[Crazy Fingers]

Built like a brick ****house and about a pretty. What it lacks in looks it makes up for in reliability. I think it's clunky as heck and it doesn't fit my hand very well, but for their used price, there probably isn't a better deal going.

Look at the bright side, if you ever run out of ammo, it's probably the best pistol-whippin' piece out there.

 

[tbtrout]

I had a P85. The gun was reliable, solid and shot anything I put through it. I only sold it because I did not like the trigger and it sat in my safe never getting to come out and play. A friend wanted it so I sold it. He loves it.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

Pretty much what they said. They're heavy and clunky, but incredibly durable and reliable. I tried one, and it wasn't a good fit for me. But if it fits you, then go for it. Hard to beat it for the money in 9mm.

 

[Otis]

I also had a P85. It was the first handgun I owned and loved it while I was learning with it. I also got rid of it because it just sat in my safe with no play time except when I took friends shooting that did not own guns. It was solid but the trigger was crap. I sold it to a good friend of mine for $200 with the contingency that he would sell it back to me if he ever decided to get rid of it.

Great gun for the price.

 

[rbernie]

As an aside - everyone talks about how 'clunky' or non-ergonomic the Rugers are and yet I find them no less ergonomic to grasp and fire than my Berettas or Sigs. The slide is chunky (due to being cast) but in general I find them no more offensive in the ergonomic dpartment than I do most any other full-size double stack semi-auto.

 

[JR47]

I still own the P85 that I bought new in '87. Pre Mark, it had the recall done after I'd had it for a year or so. The gun has never FTF or FTE in that time. Thousands of rounds down-range.

I don't find them as clunky in my hands as a Glock. As far as appearance goes, it's a matter of personal preference. There are certainly more ungainly guns for sale, but few that will last as long, or provide the service that the 85/89 is known for.

 

[shooter58]

I have a P89 DAO. I dearly love this gun. Talk about dependable....unbelievably dependable. The gun feeds anything I put in it and never fails. Beauty is as beauty does.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

P89dc

I loved my P89DC. I paid $250 for it used in the '90s. It shot great and was very accurate (just ask several dead copperheads). I only traded it off because I was given a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 rem.mag. in excellent condition w/ Bianci leather shoulder rig PLUS 50 rounds of ammo for it!

 

[PT92]

I have the P95 (very similar) and it's a tank.

-Cheers