something like a P94

[GeneH]

Hi, all,

I haven't shot many guns. But here are the ones I have shot: a Kimber full size 1911, a long-barrel Glock 9mm, can't remember which one (the one that competition shooters shoot), my M&P 9c, a Kel-Tec P11, a Walther P22.

I kept reading about how great the Ruger P94 is. I've been wanting to shoot one. Well, today I did. It was a P94DAO Wow! This thing looked well made, felt well made, shot amazing. Accurate, smooth trigger, recoil was... well, there was no recoil.

So I want one, but they're not made anymore. The P95 doesn't weigh as much. I want a heavy gun. Yes, I said heavy. And yes, to carry. And big.

So is there something out there comparable that shoots like the P94? Budget is $500.

I shot a couple of other guns that I liked, but want to see what you all suggest first. I didn't like them quite as much as the P94DAO

Thank you,
Gene

 

[Dot_mdb]

The Ruger P94 is not that heavy. It has an aluminum alloy frame. If you want a heavy gun you need one made entirely from steel. There are not that many all steel guns being made anymore.

My suggestion, it you want a 9mm is to look for a used S&W 5906 or a 4006 if you want .40. You can probably find either in good shape for $350 to $400. The All steel S&Ws weigh about 38 ounces and are usually 100% reliable.

Bill

 

[GeneH]

Thank you, Bill.

In the specs the P95 is about 27oz. and the P94 is 34oz..

Does the 5906 shoot as well as the P94? How does the trigger compare?

The thing about used guns is I want warranty. I meant to phrase my question like this: is there anything in production right now that shoots/feels like the P94 for $500 or less?

Thank you,
Gene

 

[walt33]

If you want a p94 9mm call buds gun shop @ 859-368-0371.
new price $414 blue or aluminum.

 

[JTQ]

Ruger's current model is the P944. It is still available and should be in your price range. I don't think Ruger makes the DAO models anymore.

http://www.ruger.com/products/p944/models.html

If you want a .45, try the P90.

http://www.ruger.com/products/p90/models.html

If you want a p94 9mm call buds gun shop @ 859-368-0371.
new price $414 blue or aluminum.

The P94 out of production. The current production P944 is only available as a .40 S&W model. The P85, P89, P95 are 9MM models, with the P95 the only model of the three still in production. No doubt a Ruger expert will chime in soon with more details.

 

[Dot_mdb]

In the specs the P95 is about 27oz. and the P94 is 34oz..

Does the 5906 shoot as well as the P94? How does the trigger compare?

The thing about used guns is I want warranty. I meant to phrase my question like this: is there anything in production right now that shoots/feels like the P94 for $500 or less?

Thank you,
Gene

I have a P95 and 3 third generation Smith autos. The P95 trigger is long and smooth. It is a DA/SA gun. S&W made a model 5946 which was DAO and might be the best DAO ever made. I own the 4046 which is the .40 version of that gun. The original DAO models are hammer fired guns that are partially cocked by the slide. The trigger travel is smooth and short with about a 10 pound pull. If you don't measure the weight you will think it is a lighter pull. My 4046 will do good work out to 25 yards.

You can't judge these guns by the numbers. You have to shoot them and even then it can take a while to discover how good the design is for you. The Rugers are good guns but the Smiths are in a whole higher class. You just have to look at the machining detail to see the difference. Smith & Wesson warranties their guns for life but whether they will repair one bought used might depend on who you talk to on the phone. I have had it go both ways, but the factory work is usually reasonably priced.

You might also consider CZ guns. I think their line also includes steel guns and there is a lot of praise for the guns on the internet forums. I've never owned one.

Bill

 

[GeneH]

Thanks, Bill.

The other two I tried were Sig P229. Loved the build and the light trigger pull. Out of my price range, though.

Also tried the Ruger SR9. Shoots nice, short trigger pull.

Cheers,
Gene

 

[easyg]

I haven't shot many guns...

....I want a heavy gun. Yes, I said heavy. And yes, to carry. And big.

No offense meant, but Judging from your statement "I haven't shot many guns", I'm guessing that you are rather new to shooting and carrying handguns.
You only think that you want a big heavy gun to carry around.
There's nothing wrong with the Ruger P94, but a big heavy gun is a PITA to carry around all day, every day.


Still, if you want a big heavy gun to carry, how about a Springfield Armory XD45 Tactical....



5" barrel, 13+1 rounds of .45ACP, very large grip for big hands...
You can get one for a little over $500.00 dollars if look around a bit.


Good luck,
Easy

 

[Mike J]

If you really want a P94 they still come up on the used market occasionally. I saw someone advertising a DA/SA decocker version at www.rugerforum.com not too long ago in the classifieds subforum. I don't know if it is still there or not. You might also check gunbroker or auctionarms. I have the P944 (.40 caliber version) it is a good gun but like you said it is big & bulky so I usually carry my XD-40. The XD isn't exactly svelte either but it is easier to conceal than the Ruger.

 

[gb6491]

You might also consider CZ guns. I think their line also includes steel guns and there is a lot of praise for the guns on the internet forums. I've never owned one.
Bill

I think this a very good suggestion. I purchased a used Rami in .40 and, for the short while I had it, found it to be accurate and reliable. I ended up trading it for a CZ75B in 9mm that has been a great gun for me. If the performance of the .40 75B is anywhere near that of the 9mm version, you will be a happy camper with one and it's pretty close to your price range new:
http://czcustom.com/CZ-75B-PolyCoat-40SandW.aspx
Regards,
Greg

BTW, it can be converted into a pretty nice .22 as well

 

[GeneH]

easyg said:
No offense meant, but Judging from your statement "I haven't shot many guns", I'm guessing that you are rather new to shooting and carrying handguns.
You only think that you want a big heavy gun to carry around.
There's nothing wrong with the Ruger P94, but a big heavy gun is a PITA to carry around all day, every day.

easyg, no offense taken. I am fairly new to shooting. I can't carry at my office. It would not be carry all day every day for me. Only when I go out to eat, shopping, etc.

Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[jkulysses]

I love my Ruger P90. It might not be the prettiest to some and the trigger pull might be a little long but it works every single time. I've had one failure with mine and it was a reloaded ammo issue.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Can't you convert any DA/SA to DAO by just filing the sear down?