P95 vs P89

[algerunc]

I am looking to buy my first handgun and had settled on a Ruger P95, but I am having a hard time finding one locally (I would like to get a feel for it befor I buy it).
What is the difference b/w the P95 and the P89. Would the P89 be a good buy as well?
I'm using it for home defense and having fun with at the range.

 

[soonerboomer]

I've owned and fired both of these excellent pistols. They both perform similarly and are about the best you can get at their respective price points. In comparing the two, the P95 is a bit lighter, a bit shorter, a bit better looking, and a bit less expensive. The only advantage I see to the P89 is the ability to put Hogue grips on it. Personally, I'd hold out for the P95!
Too bad you're not in PA, I know of a shop that has four new P95's for $310 each.

 

[gunman42782]

One difference not mentioned is that the P89 is no longer being made by Ruger. The P89 is one of the most under-rated guns of all time, IMHO. I have one that had digested I don't know how many thousands of rounds, all of them reloads, and has never from day one ever had a jam of any kind. I have never had an autoloading pistol of any make, no matter how much the cost, that has been as reliable as my P89. I had a P95 years ago that also was very reliable, but would sometimes fail to keep the slide back after the last round was fired. Other than that, it was a great gun too.

I would like to add that the P series gets a lot of flack for being overly bulky. That is true to an extent, but have you ever fondled a HK or Sig or Glock, they are just as bulky (at least they feel that way to me. In fact the HK USP feels HUGE), but do not get the same flack from folks.

 

[combatantr2]

Had the...

P89. And I would say its the best value in the 9mm pistol ever made. Truly, and very reliable. Solid as a tank. But I would say its too large for a 9mm. First DA pull is too long for a reach but other than that its totally reliable but not that accurate.

The P95 is suppose to be the improved version of the P89. Shorter first DA pull, more compact and lighter, being a polymer frame.

 

[novaDAK]

The P95 has a 3.9" barrel and a polymer frame. The P89 has a aluminum alloy frame and a 4.5" barrel.

I've had both before (family claimed them ) and both are great guns.

 

[kludge]

The P95 is chunky but feels great in my hand... I'm partial to the DC (decock only) model, but they aren't on Ruger's web site anymore.

 

[osteodoc08]

I bought my P89 when I turned 21. It's digested countless quantities (thousands) of ammo WITHOUT A SINGLE MALFUNCTION!

Now it goes with me when I ride my ATV. It's been through the rain, in the mud, etc. I just hose it out with some cleaner and lube it up when done. Definitely my go to pistol for outdoor activities. It's a little too bulky for CC, but as a range gun and OC, it does marvelous.