Opinions on Ruger P90/P97 .45's

[dbshabo]

Mr. Ayoob gave these guns a great review in a recent issue of Shotgun News. Gave them high marks for accuracy out of the box, reliability, durability, and resonable price. I haven't seen many posts about these guns.

Anyone in here have anything good or bad to say about them? Are the triggers better than the Sig 220? I was all set to buy a Sig till I tried the triggers on 5 different guns, way too much travel in both modes for my taste. What's the difference between the P90 and P97? It's a given that they are ugly pieces, in my opinion anyway.

Shabo

 

[Erich]

I've only shot the P90, but I'd buy either of them for a solid, workhorse-type gun. Frankly, I like the feel and appearance (not to mention the lighter packing weight) of the P97 better. The guns work and they are a pretty good value. I wouldn't say they are particularly exciting in any way, though.

No, I have never fired a Ruger DA semiauto with a trigger that approached any Sig-Sauer's. I'm not saying the Sigs have the best triggers in the world, but rather than I don't know anyone who would consider a Ruger semiauto's to be better.

 

[Ukraine Train]

Here's some info on the P series: http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg05-e.htm

I'm in the minority that thinks these guns look good hehe. I'm conisdering picking one up in .40 or 9mm after I turn 21 in a couple months.

 

[lee n. field]

What's the difference between the P90 and P97?

Plastic (excuse me, "polymer") frame on the P97 vs. aluminum on the P90. Some difference in the internals too, I think.

Gave them high marks for accuracy out of the box, reliability, durability, and resonable price.

Is there anything that Ayoob doesn't like?

Think Chevy pickup, not Porsche 911. Not instantly eye pleasing. I'm not real fond of the trigger myself, but what do I know? There's not much in the way of aftermarket doo-dads for it, but there really doesn't need to be.

See also : http://www.rugerforum.com/

 

[RON in PA]

I have never handled a Sig 220, do have a Sig 228. A fantastic handling pistol with one of the best trigger pulls available. If 220s are as great then it is one of the best 45s.

I do own a P97 and agree with all the usual comments about "tank-like" construction and reliability, but mine is also blessed with a very good trigger. The DA trigger does stack a little at the end, but is quite managable(I also shoot a lot of revolver so this doesn't bother me). The SA is short after some take-up, but is very light. Based on my experience with the P95, the trigger should get even better. And speaking of the P95, compared to the P97, the P97 fits my hand better and is more accurate. My impression of the recoil handling of the P97 is that the combination of grip, plastic frame and recoil mechanism soak-up the 45 ACP recoil making the gun comfortable for long range sessions.

Don't compare the DA/SA trigger pulls of either the SIGs or the Rugers to a 1911. The 1911 is unique.

 

[Wildalaska]

Heavy, clunky, bad trigger pulls....

WildnotformeAlaska

 

[Brigrat]

Trigger pull is realative, I like the trigger on my Ruger P95, I have been a Ruger fan for quite a while. I have been issued Glock 22's, Beretta 92's, and a variety of S&W autos. Out of all of my weapons in the safe, it is my P95 that travels with me on a daily basis. I am considering picking up a P97 very shortly. The triggers are very usable, Rugers are nothing if not reliable, I like the way they look, especially with the hogue slip on grip (for polymers), or the hogue wrap around (alloy). You wont be disappointed.

 

[Hawk]

I've got a P97 and really can't complain - runs, shoots straight, etc. Double action trigger tolerable, single action seems light but tends to break at different points based on nothing I can discern - (but, for me, that's a good thing: surprise let-off and all that). Seems to offer excellent bang for the buck.

Nevertheless, it gets exercised less than any other .45 I own.

For some reason I can't quite put my finger on, it reminds me of shooting a canned ham.

 

[ARperson]

Just fondled the 90/97 at the gun show this weekend. I like the 90 over the 97 because I think that the Ruger polymer looks cheap (not inexpensive, cheap). I think the aluminum just looks a little better. But aside from that I like them. Want one as soon as I save up the money.

I do have a P95 and I love that too. Rugers are overengineered to be reliable and durable. The Chevy pickup analogy was perfect. "Like a Rock."

And if you do run out of ammo, you can beat the bad guy over the head with it.

 

[TheEgg]

I have had a P90 for many years --

It goes bang everytime you pull the trigger, and puts the shot where you aim. These are very good things.

On the other hand, they are, as most people think, clunky, somewhat ugly, a little large, etc.

I think of the P90 as a utilitarian item -- and I would never get rid of it. There is something endearing about a gun that is dead reliable, but somewhat homely.

 

[jercamp45]

I had both a few years ago!

Yeah...chunky, Looong heavy triggers, ugly....but accurate, reliable and durable too. Can add very affordable to that list as well.
I liked the P-97 better than the P-90, slightly more concealable...though neither really are.
They are good beater's and will take alot of Plus P's...so, if they fit your hand, they'll work...just gott work real hard at that combat trigger pull!!!
No, the triggers I tried does not come close to a Sig trigger. But for DA triggers...the ParaOrd LDA rules the roost!!!
But the standard 1911 is best IMHO.
jercamp45