Trade: Stoeger Cougar for Ruger p95?

[paravil]

When I set out to buy my first 9mm, I had decided on the Ruger p95. At the time, no one had them in stock locally and no one was able to order them. I was led to believe by a couple of dealers that Ruger would be discontinuing the model. So I bought the Stoeger Cougar 8000 instead. I like the Stoeger well enough, but it's just not what I had originally wanted. Also, holsters, mags, etc., are more available for the p95. My Stoeger is relatively new (500 rounds) and in good condition, and since the p95 has obviously not been discontinued, I'm thinking of trying to do a trade. Any opinions on whether either of these guns is clearly better than the other? If possible, I'd like to hear from someone who's handled/shot both. Thanks.

 

[dogmush]

I've shot both. I think that the Cougar has a better trigger, and slightly better feel in my hand. The P95's slide release sticks out to the side a bit and the whole weapon seems bulkier to me.

But the P95 is a solid reliable firearm, and has shot accurately every time I pulled the trigger. If you like it, it's a solid pistol.


Speaking of that, where are you at? I have a P95 that I don't shoot much.............

 

[GLOOB]

Whichever one feels better to you. I like everything about my Cougar except for the grip angle and the SA trigger. It's just a pound or two too heavy. I like the P95 except for the slick grips and the long, stacking DA pull. The mag release is a little funky, too.

 

[Mike J]

Personally I like the Ruger P series pistols. I have one of the older models not the P95. My experience with the P95 is limited to a few shots at a rental range but I would not feel under armed with one. However I would suggest seeing if you can find a rental range close to you that has one & trying it out before you trade. Only you can decide what works best for you.

 

[Pukindog12]

Try to shoot the Ruger first. If you like it and the pros outweigh the cons considerably in it's favor then by all means trade for the P95.

But considering the Stoeger is essentially a Beretta but with a Stoeger stamp, and if all other criteria are somewhat close, there is no way in hell I would even contemplate a swap of the two. IMO the Stoeger/Beretta Cougar is a far superior product.

 

[paravil]

Thanks for the input. I've handled but not shot the Ruger, and I agree that it is generally bigger/blockier. The Cougar handles and shoots really well. My only real complaints about it are the half-cock feature of the double-action trigger pull, and the finish which has chipped in a couple of places already without heavy use. I do want to eventually pick up one of the Ruger P-series guns, but Pukindog has a point--I might not want to do it at the expense of the Cougar. I may just have to scrape up some pennies, get a P95 and have one of each. The more the merrier, right?

 

[Feanaro]

Briefly had a Ruger P89, which is similar. It sounds like you enjoy the Cougar. I wouldn't make the trade.

My P89 was reasonably accurate and mostly reliable. I say mostly because it had one magazine that consistently failed on me, one that always worked. I didn't have it long enough to test whether this was a quirk of the pistol or the magazine. I assume it was the magazine but I can't be sure. But that trigger. Coming from double action revolvers, that thing threw me for two and a half loops. The ergonomics were lacking, for me. It was a fairly blah pistol.

Only pistol I ever considered sturdy enough for possible use as a hammer though.

 

[[email protected]]

Personally I think too many gun enthusiast here get into trading up or down and you never know until the deal is done.

My suggestion is keep the cougar and buy a used KP95dc... then see how you like it. You are only talking about $300 or so.

 

[khegglie]

What Blume said....

 

[triplebike]

The Cougars trigger will improve, give it 500 more rounds. I was at the exact crossroads that you're at, I went with the Cougar. I don't regret it for a second. They aren't really even in the same class, the Cougar is far superior. The Ruger is a very good gun & a good value for the price. The Cougar is a steal.

 

[RugerMen]

I have a P95 stainless, never had any issues with it. Eats anything I feed it. The trigger, slide, and mag release will loosen up with use. I'm very happy with it.

 

[Smaug]

I'd stick with the Cougar too. The rotating barrel design will make for lighter recoil, I think.

I had a Ruger P90, which was their old 45 auto. Same comments as the earlier poster had about hsi P89. Mine was accurate and 100% reliable, but the DA trigger was horrible. SA trigger was OK.

It was just a basic combat gun, and for that, it was good if not great. But I would consider a Cougar a bit of an upgrade.

Stick with it and find or commission a holster for it.

Some guns have a half cock in the DA hammer stroke. I think this is for two reasons:

1) If you're manually decocking it, and you (properly) remove your finger from the trigger as soon as you release the hammer, but then your grip on the hammer slips, the half cock notch will safely catch the hammer and prevent an unintentional discharge.

2) If you want a shorter first DA shot, you can leave a round chambered with the hammer at half-cock. Just as safe as the full length pull, but yields a shorter DA pull. My CZ 97 has this feature, and I love it. It is quite a long DA pull without that half-cock notch.

 

[Shipwreck]

I've owned two P95s and a couple of Cougars over the years.

These two guns are always my first suggestion for $350 and less semi autos. Two great guns that will always work.

That being said, I would easily pick the COugar over the P95, if the choice is just between those 2.

You can also customize the Cougar with some Beretta parts - You could drop in a Beretta 92 "D" spring, a Beretta 92 skeletonized hammer, Beretta cougar grips are available, and you could drop in a Beretta 92 extended mag release. That's what I like about the COugars. They share a few parts and some internal workings (more or less) with the 92.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I was surprised, when I did some actual measurements -- but the P-95 is NOT as big as it looks. Appearances can be deceiving. It is, however, a very solid, reliable gun. Hard to do much to improve the triggers greatly, according to a couple of gunsmiths.

In theory, the Cougar rotating barrel show allow for more consistent lockup (and, consequently, better accuracy), but I don't know that theory and reality ever really conform...

 

[scbackpacker]

I have a Beretta cougar and also a Ruger P95. I like both but I wouldn't get rid of the cougar to get a P95. I like the cougar better. Save up and buy the P95 and keep the cougar. In the dark you won't be able to tell the difference between the Beretta and Stoeger.

 

[Jbabbler]

Cougar, hands down.

 

[paravil]

Yeah, I think Ive decided to stick with the cougar. And thanks, Smaug, for the feedback on the trigger. That is really my only qualm with the gun. It shoots accurately and so far has fed every brand of bullet I've shot with it with no malfunctions. I do want to get some Hogue checkered rosewood grips for it, I think, and to find a decent holster. Like I said originally, I don't dislike the cougar, just didn't know if I was missing anything by not getting the Ruger.

 

[wristtwister]

I've had both and love Rugers, but there's no way in hell I would swap a Beretta Cougar for a P95... the Cougar has a perfect grip angle, and is ergonomically much better to handle than the Ruger. As a stand alone, I love the P95, but in a comparison test, it's the Beretta all the way...

WT

 

[12131]

...since the p95 has obviously not been discontinued...

Ruger P95 discontinued? It's still on their website.