I'm in the market for a new 9mm pistol. I've never owned a 9 before, having always favored the .45. After some shopping I'm feeling a little boggled. Man...there are a LOT of choices out there. I like the looks of the CZ's and the glocks and XD's are very nice. I've owned and used plenty of Rugers before in the Mk.1 and 2 formats as well as the single sixes. The Ruger 9's don't look too bad...a little chunky maybe, but not bad and the price is pretty attractive too. How do Y'all feel about the Ruger nines? Are they a good option?
Why NOT a 9mm Ruger?
- Thread starter Riphalman
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Nanook
Member
As you noted, they are kind of chunky. I did not like the trigger on the P89 I had, but the gun shot everything I put into it without a single problem.
I wound up selling it and replacing it with another brand 9mm. This is not at all a slam on Ruger, I own several other of their guns and like them all. I especially like the Mark II target and the 10/22. And you just can't beat their revolvers.
To your original question, if you haven't shot a CZ75 check one out. You'll be pleasantly surprised. IIRC the price range is similar to the Rugers, around 320 dealer.
I wound up selling it and replacing it with another brand 9mm. This is not at all a slam on Ruger, I own several other of their guns and like them all. I especially like the Mark II target and the 10/22. And you just can't beat their revolvers.
To your original question, if you haven't shot a CZ75 check one out. You'll be pleasantly surprised. IIRC the price range is similar to the Rugers, around 320 dealer.
Is the pistol that you replaced the Ruger with equally reliable? Also, how do you feel about the polymer frames? Any issues? My ccw is presently a gov't .45 and it does get sweaty in warm weather. Rust isn't a real big concern, but maybe polymer would eliminate that concern altogether.
The SS Ruger P95 is a nice gun. It is very corrosion resistant and not as bulky as some of the other Ruger autos (P-89).
I compared the P95 to the H&K USP compact 9mm and I really feel that the Ruger is made better. It at least has a metal trigger and controls! I can't believe that H&K is asking the price they are and they out that cheap flimsy plastic trigger on them.
IMHO the Ruger P95 is every bit the equel of the H&K for less than half the price!
Get a used one and save some cash. Not much goes wrong with them so you don't have to worry.
I compared the P95 to the H&K USP compact 9mm and I really feel that the Ruger is made better. It at least has a metal trigger and controls! I can't believe that H&K is asking the price they are and they out that cheap flimsy plastic trigger on them.
IMHO the Ruger P95 is every bit the equel of the H&K for less than half the price!
Get a used one and save some cash. Not much goes wrong with them so you don't have to worry.
TheFrontRange
Member
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- Jan 17, 2003
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- 545
Ditto those positive comments on the Ruger P95s. I had the decocker-only model (P95DC) and it was a great pistol, accurate and utterly reliable. Carried mine as a CCW piece and as a duty weapon while volunteering as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. The performance AND price of the pistol were excellent!
I own a P89. I also own a number of other 9mm handguns and have owned even more 9mm handguns. I think the P89 is a great pistol. If I could only own one 9mm, I wouldn't bat an eye if it was the P89. I have put a lot of ammo though mine. I have competed at IDPA and IPSC with it. I have shot ground squirrels, jackrabbits, coyotes, and even a running wounded mule deer with it. It has digested every round of ammo I fed it, it exhibits decent accuracy, and I think it looks pretty good.
From someone who actually owns a P89 and has spent quite a bit of time with it, I can't think of anything negative to say about it.
Yes, I would get rid of my Glock 17 before the P89. Maybe not the Browning Hi-Power though.
From someone who actually owns a P89 and has spent quite a bit of time with it, I can't think of anything negative to say about it.
Yes, I would get rid of my Glock 17 before the P89. Maybe not the Browning Hi-Power though.
Gerald McDonald
Member
No reason not to get a Ruger. I had a 95 DC several years ago that I probably put 4-5000 rounds thru. Only problem I had was it started throwing the emptys back at me, then eventually just dropped them on my wrist. That happened after a about 1000 rounds of blazers aluminum. Sent it back to Ruger and got it back after 1 1/2 weeks. Never had a problem after that.
I started thinking I was not happy with the size of the groups so I went the Glock 17 route. Then fired the Ruger and the Glock side by side every range trip. Found out pretty fast the Ruger was dead even in accuracy with the 17, maybe even a little better. Traded both off and aquired a Glock 34, big improvement in group size. Then a buddy/dealer talked me into a Kimber classic. At that point I started my downhill slide (Kimber would leave one ragged hole if I did what I was supposed to) . After shooting about 1000 rounds thru the Kimber I could not transition from S/A trigger too the Glock very easily. Traded the Glock off on a Browning HP and have never looked back.
The only downside to the Ruger was that 4-5 years ago, it was hard to find aftermarket sights and smiths who would work on them. That doesnt appear to be the case anymore. I dont know what the moral of my story is (I get to rambling and forget what I was going to say) but I have owned Ruger, Taurus,Glock, HK USP, Colt, Kimber and Browning. The only pistol I wish I hadnt really traded was the Ruger. They are a little bulky, but mine was a dependable firearm that held up its end of the bargin.
What was the question?
Gerald
I started thinking I was not happy with the size of the groups so I went the Glock 17 route. Then fired the Ruger and the Glock side by side every range trip. Found out pretty fast the Ruger was dead even in accuracy with the 17, maybe even a little better. Traded both off and aquired a Glock 34, big improvement in group size. Then a buddy/dealer talked me into a Kimber classic. At that point I started my downhill slide (Kimber would leave one ragged hole if I did what I was supposed to) . After shooting about 1000 rounds thru the Kimber I could not transition from S/A trigger too the Glock very easily. Traded the Glock off on a Browning HP and have never looked back.
The only downside to the Ruger was that 4-5 years ago, it was hard to find aftermarket sights and smiths who would work on them. That doesnt appear to be the case anymore. I dont know what the moral of my story is (I get to rambling and forget what I was going to say) but I have owned Ruger, Taurus,Glock, HK USP, Colt, Kimber and Browning. The only pistol I wish I hadnt really traded was the Ruger. They are a little bulky, but mine was a dependable firearm that held up its end of the bargin.
What was the question?
Gerald
I would suggest looking/trying the Ruger P-95 or P-89 or the
P-94.
I picked up a P-95 last year and love it. I have 3 Rugers now and have no complaints.
Try the trigger, ergonomics, etc. If it fits you and your needs, go for it with no regrets!!
Lexter in NC
P-94.
I picked up a P-95 last year and love it. I have 3 Rugers now and have no complaints.
Try the trigger, ergonomics, etc. If it fits you and your needs, go for it with no regrets!!
Lexter in NC
10-Ring
Member
Whether your bias sways one way or the other, I usually recommend you rent a few contenders before you purchase. I've only shot a couple 9mm Rugers. They seem well made are very reliable but I prefer something else.
Go try out a few & buy the one that fits you best & works best for you.
Go try out a few & buy the one that fits you best & works best for you.
sm
member
Some of the Security/Armored guards use them. One's I've shot were the poly/steel (forget model). Mostly the decock ...anyway these persons could probably ruin a anvil with a rubber hammer...gun's have held up...better than the owners at times...
Fits a price point, for these persons...
I shot them pretty well...though I'd want to tweak the trigger on some...some actually had good triggers...decent enough...
Fits a price point, for these persons...
I shot them pretty well...though I'd want to tweak the trigger on some...some actually had good triggers...decent enough...
ojibweindian
Member
I had a P95. Really nice pistol.
Riphalman
Trying to decide on a 9mm handgun is a trauma. Just a few years ago, I didn't own a single one. I had owned a few but foolishly sold them all. I personally have almost no interest in the 9mm caliber. But I kept looking at all that 9mm brass I had. But what really hooked me was all the super cool guns out there in 9mm. I mean, I like them all. So I got the P89, then a Hi-Power, then a couple more Hi-Powers, then the Glock, then the Kel-Tec............ Heck I have three carbines in 9mm. I couldn't resist them. I have 9mm revolvers for cripe sakes. I haven't fired a 9mm handgun in six months and I would still like to have a Sig 226, a Smith Model 39.................................
Trying to decide on a 9mm handgun is a trauma. Just a few years ago, I didn't own a single one. I had owned a few but foolishly sold them all. I personally have almost no interest in the 9mm caliber. But I kept looking at all that 9mm brass I had. But what really hooked me was all the super cool guns out there in 9mm. I mean, I like them all. So I got the P89, then a Hi-Power, then a couple more Hi-Powers, then the Glock, then the Kel-Tec............ Heck I have three carbines in 9mm. I couldn't resist them. I have 9mm revolvers for cripe sakes. I haven't fired a 9mm handgun in six months and I would still like to have a Sig 226, a Smith Model 39.................................
CZF
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 2,034
Look at the Ruger as an entry-level autopistol. Don't expect
much from it other than being reliable.
The Rugers used to be a Price Champ. However. the price has
came up in the past couple years. Ruger moved to AZ for
cheaper labor, but raised prices???
I also think that true Factory hi-caps for the 9mms are way high.
Compared to a sleek CZ75B, or a Beretta copy the P series feels "clunky' in my hands.
There are a lot of good 9mms on the market now. If Price
is an object, then the Ruger would probably win.
They are not adopted by a large number of agencies and
no military that i know of uses the P series. I think those
depts that have adopted Rugers, went for the low price.
Stainless option is nice, wish CZ would offer a true stainless
gun.
I owned a P89, it was reliable, but paled in comparison
to my CZ75, Police trade-in G17 and Beretta police special
92FS.
That is just my opinion of them.
much from it other than being reliable.
The Rugers used to be a Price Champ. However. the price has
came up in the past couple years. Ruger moved to AZ for
cheaper labor, but raised prices???
I also think that true Factory hi-caps for the 9mms are way high.
Compared to a sleek CZ75B, or a Beretta copy the P series feels "clunky' in my hands.
There are a lot of good 9mms on the market now. If Price
is an object, then the Ruger would probably win.
They are not adopted by a large number of agencies and
no military that i know of uses the P series. I think those
depts that have adopted Rugers, went for the low price.
Stainless option is nice, wish CZ would offer a true stainless
gun.
I owned a P89, it was reliable, but paled in comparison
to my CZ75, Police trade-in G17 and Beretta police special
92FS.
That is just my opinion of them.
Attachments
Gerald McDonald
Member
Actually to me the Beretta feels pretty chunky compared to a High Power
Gerald
Gerald
Why would you want to limit yourself to Ruger factory mags. Aftermarket full capacity mags are readily available for very reasonable prices. I think I have 15 of them and they don't miss a beat. As I mentioned, I competed in action pistol sports using my P89 and aftermarket mags and reliability was never an issue.
Longbow
Member
I'de get a CZ. Reliable, better ergonomics, better trigger pull, slimmer and better looking! I have shot both and liked the CZ better. Accuracy is a tad better on the CZ in my hands! Good luck with whatever you decide!
You get a Ruger and nearly everyone thinks you couldn't afford more or your taste runs to tacky if you could've laid more green. You get a CZ-75 or 85 and you mark yourself as a savvy gunner who picked up one of the world's best 9mm pistols for a steal.
Besides, ol' man Ruger, RIP, is one of the primary reasons 9mm full-cap mags cost so bloody much. I will never buy a Ruger.
Besides, ol' man Ruger, RIP, is one of the primary reasons 9mm full-cap mags cost so bloody much. I will never buy a Ruger.
If you try a Ruger, and like it, I don't think you'll ever look back.
I always thought Ruger grips were a little large for my hands.
When the P95 came out, it was a much better fit.
Not quite as ergonomic as some, but I decided to give it a try.
One warning:
A box of $11/100 9mm from Walmart will disappear in less than 20 minutes when you get the Ruger to the range.
I can't believe how fast I go through ammo whith this gun.
Part of the problem is standard capacity (15 rd.) mags.
I have found factory originals for $30 on the auction boards, and a new 6rd mag for my Kahr cost that much.
Even after-market mags that cost $11 can be found that will work like a charm.
I was shocked at how accurate the gun was.
With 600+ rounds through it, is boringly reliable with everything I have put through it.
Let's see:
1. Low cost.
2. Reliable.
3. Accurate.
4. American made.
5. Some of the cheapest hi-caps in the industry.
6. Some of the best customer service in the industry.
Why would you buy a piece of junk like that?
I always thought Ruger grips were a little large for my hands.
When the P95 came out, it was a much better fit.
Not quite as ergonomic as some, but I decided to give it a try.
One warning:
A box of $11/100 9mm from Walmart will disappear in less than 20 minutes when you get the Ruger to the range.
I can't believe how fast I go through ammo whith this gun.
Part of the problem is standard capacity (15 rd.) mags.
I have found factory originals for $30 on the auction boards, and a new 6rd mag for my Kahr cost that much.
Even after-market mags that cost $11 can be found that will work like a charm.
I was shocked at how accurate the gun was.
With 600+ rounds through it, is boringly reliable with everything I have put through it.
Let's see:
1. Low cost.
2. Reliable.
3. Accurate.
4. American made.
5. Some of the cheapest hi-caps in the industry.
6. Some of the best customer service in the industry.
Why would you buy a piece of junk like that?
denfoote
Member
The P95 is a good gun, if you can find a way to conceal it!! I have not discovered that way, yet!! So, it's Walther P99 for me, now that Glock seems to have jumped on the gun control bandwagon!!
Kahr carrier
Member
I like the Ruger p94 myself had one before it was reliable and stainless and it didnt break the bank. It was a great entry level 9mm and a plus Ruger stands behind their product.
Gerald McDonald
Member
If you decide on the CZ, try it out first or be prepared for some trigger work. I used to have a CZ75 S/A and while it was super accurate, it would raise the hammer about an 1/8" while pulling the trigger and felt like the hammer was sliding on a rasp. I tried to find a smith that would work on them, and at that time (2 years ago) no one wanted to touch them. C&S said they had iffy heat treat of the internals and the trigger jobs didnt hold well. Some would respond very well to a trigger job while others would wear very fast after a little stoning. Laughridge's advice was shoot it as it is and it will work great.
Teddy Jacobson told me he thought the problem lay more in the fact they are assembled with roll pins and a real PIA to work on. He said the internals looked like Taurus used to. His words were that the internals all looked like someone had cut them by hand with a file.
I have heard that the factory does some pretty good trigger jobs on them, and Jacobson said he would do the work, so if you end up with a bad trigger it can be fixed. If you shoot with a high thumb grip, the safety on the CZ S/A was easy to hold. Again very accurate, but the sight picture was never that good for me as it seemed the front blade showed too much slide.
If you can get a set of sights for the Ruger and have the trigger cleaned up you wont find much wrong other than looks and size. I wouldnt worry too much about what other shooters think if it fits your hand and you like it. Had a kid at he shooting range of about 25 or 30 ask me during a lull, why I like shooting that old time pistol (BHP) when for the same money I could have probably picked up a Glock. And while I'm no crack shot, his target looked like he used a shot gun. I answered with, the gun appeared to suit me well and for the money I had in it (Kurt Wickmann) I could have had two Glocks.
Theres not really a wrong choice
Gerald
Teddy Jacobson told me he thought the problem lay more in the fact they are assembled with roll pins and a real PIA to work on. He said the internals looked like Taurus used to. His words were that the internals all looked like someone had cut them by hand with a file.
I have heard that the factory does some pretty good trigger jobs on them, and Jacobson said he would do the work, so if you end up with a bad trigger it can be fixed. If you shoot with a high thumb grip, the safety on the CZ S/A was easy to hold. Again very accurate, but the sight picture was never that good for me as it seemed the front blade showed too much slide.
If you can get a set of sights for the Ruger and have the trigger cleaned up you wont find much wrong other than looks and size. I wouldnt worry too much about what other shooters think if it fits your hand and you like it. Had a kid at he shooting range of about 25 or 30 ask me during a lull, why I like shooting that old time pistol (BHP) when for the same money I could have probably picked up a Glock. And while I'm no crack shot, his target looked like he used a shot gun. I answered with, the gun appeared to suit me well and for the money I had in it (Kurt Wickmann) I could have had two Glocks.
Theres not really a wrong choice
Gerald
LeadPumper
Member
Ruger P-95
Bought one cause I wanted a cheap 9mm. Kept it cause it never jammed, aimed POA, and ate everything I fed it.
It is larger than some other 9's, but it's built like a tank. If it fits your hand and it's in good condition, you could do far worse.
I like CZ's too. Looking for a SA as my next 9mm.
Maybe next show...
-LeadPumper
Bought one cause I wanted a cheap 9mm. Kept it cause it never jammed, aimed POA, and ate everything I fed it.
It is larger than some other 9's, but it's built like a tank. If it fits your hand and it's in good condition, you could do far worse.
I like CZ's too. Looking for a SA as my next 9mm.
Maybe next show...
-LeadPumper
- Status
