went to the gun shop today

[pablo04092]

This will be my first 9mm pistol. I looked at the Glock 19 and the Ruger P89. I was thinking the Ruger might be easier to start out with because of the weight. And I have heard that the lighter weight pistols are easier to limp wrist. But the Glock is what I am really looking for in a pistol because of the poly frame and light weight. Is it a better idea to start out with a manual safety gun, or should I just go with the glock? (I kind of understand how the glock safety works). The other deciding factor is the price. The Ruger was $210 less than the Glock, and it has a $40 rebate.

Help ! ! !

 

[jims98z28]

I have never fired a Glock, so I can't help you there, but I own a P89.
I've had the P89 for a few months and have put 800 rounds through it without one malfunction. You could feed it the worst ammo and it would shoot it.
But I'm selling mine, why? Well I don't shoot it well. I shoot my Bersa great but I can't shoot the Ruger. My firend shoots it like a pro, but I can't hit the side of a barn with it. I think its too big for me.
So that said, see if you can try them out first. Most ranges rent gun and most will have a 9mm Glock and Ruger to try. It all depends on which YOU like better. They are both great guns, IMO

 

[Dorrin79]

I have a Ruger P89 that I have shot the jeebus out of.

It is a good, solid, dependable gun.

I am not very accurate with mine though, and considering that I shoot other handguns (1911, Bersa, MkII Target) MUCH better, I've decided to trade it for a CZ75, which is similarly priced, but IMO a much better gun.

You might want to test fire a Glock before buying one (if you haven't already)

The DAO "safety trigger" isn't for everyone.

All that said, though, I think the Ruger P89 is a good starter handgun. I don't think you can force one to stop working correctly.

 

[Classified00]

I've never tried the Ruger so I can't comment. I do have a Glock 19. It was my first autoloader and the first pistol I've bought in a decade. I couldn't be happier with it. I've had it to the range 3 times with no issues (including limp wristing).

I'm sold on it for the following reasons:
* It fits my hand well
* It's small enough to conceal yet it doesn't "feel" small
* It's extremely easy to operate
* It's extremely easy to clean

As for the trigger, since I wasn't used to a DA/SA type pull, I found it very easy to get comfortable with.

The best advice was already given; handle both, shoot both, then decide...

Brent...

 

[10-Ring]

As a first gun, I'd go with the one that is most comfortable to you. Good safety techniques will come w/ practice & so will good shooting. If you like the way the Glock feels, go w/ it. If money is an issue tho, go w/ the Ruger so you can still afford practice ammo Good luck!

 

[Black Snowman]

Gun rentals are nice if you can find some of the guns your looking for. In my neck of the woods gun rentals are pretty cheap, often cheaper than range fees because they know most likely you'll be shooting their ammo. If renting is not an option see if you can try some guns out that friends and aquaintances have, even if it's just dry firing.

I don't have any 9mm but I have a Glock 24P (ported long slide) and a HK USP Compact both in .40 S&W. I'd have to say that fit is the most important feature of a gun but you can learn to grip almost anything. I like the consistant trigger pull of the Glocks and my 24P was my first handgun purchase when I turned 21. If you're concerned about the price ask about used and refurbished Glocks. You can get them a lot cheaper and they still shoot well.

Other affordable 9mm guns that you might want to look into are the CZ75 and CZ85. The CZs are well made, accurate, and affordable refinements of the original high capacity 9mm the Browning High Power.

Go to the gun store and pick up and sight down every gun with the features you're looking for, you might be suprized at what you like. I'm particularly fond of guns that when I grab and point I'm looking down the sights without having to adjust my wrist or grip. Less habits to have to learn that way

 

[firestar]

pablo04092,
I have had a Ruger P-89 and my friend has a Glock 23 (which is a Glock 19 but in .40 cal). I think the G-19/G-23 are the best of the Glocks and if they fit you and you can shoot them well, they make excellent handguns. Glocks don't fit everyone but neither do Rugers.

The P-89 I had was solid and 100% reliable but I couldn't shoot well with it and it gave me a case of the Blaahs. It it heavy and thick and big but reliable and well made. The Ruger P-95 is a much better gun IMHO and compares quite well to a Glock 19.

You should check out the Ruger P-95 and the Glock 19 and shoot them side by side to see which one you like better. I bet one will stand out as more confortable and easier to shoot but I can't say which it would be because everyone is different. There is not really a "best" gun for everyone. I like my Beretta 92fs but some hate it, some people like SIGs, H&Ks, Glocks, Rugers, CZs, S&Ws, and 1911s while others don't care for one or more of those brands for some reason.

I am not a big fan of Glocks but the one I would buy if I got a good deal would be the G-19 3rd gen because it seems like it is the best fit for me. You really need to decide for yourself when it comes to a personal thing like a handgun, no one can tell you what will be best for you. Stick with quality makers with popular models and you should be safe. I don't think Ruger or Glock ever turned out a model that was real "lemon".

 

[quick68]

I personally like the Glocks, I have one each in 9mm,10mm and 40cal. I have never had any function issues with any of them. My brother on the other hand has a couple of the Rugers in 9mm and doesnt care for the Glock. The Rugers have never given him any trouble and have been 100% reliable. I dont think you would go wrong with whichvever one fits your hand the best for you. I do however think the Glock is more accurate for us.

 

[Gary G23]

Between the two I'd choose the Glock. As far as the safety is concerned the best safety is the one between your ears. Concerning price I can honestly say I've been more upset buying cheaper guns than I have quality pieces. I think you really should take a look at the Springfield Armory XD-9 though. I've owned over 100 handguns and am very impressed with the XD pistols.

 

[firestar]

One thing I forgot to say was, the Glocks are often more accurate than Rugers. Rugers have O.K. accuracy but Glocks tend to have pretty good accuracy. Shooting fast as in a combat situation, may be different. If a Ruger fits you better, it may be more "combat" accurate than a more accurate Glock if for some reason, you can't shoot well fast with the Glock and vice versa.

Take care and good luck.

 

[Andrew Rothman]

I rented a Glock 17 repeatedly to practice and qualify for CCW. I then shopped extensively and bought a Ruger P95.

Both are fun to shoot. I'm pretty accurate with both. I paid $300 less for the Ruger. I carry it every day, practice every couple of weeks, and just love it.

Two things about Glock -- it is likely that most of the LEOs in your area carry them. This means local stores may stock more holsters and acessories and have more expertise about them.

Some say that carrying what the cops carry can reduce your need to defend your choice of gun, caliber or ammunition in the case of a DGU. Others say this is baloney -- a good shoot is a good shoot.

See which feels good, and don't worry about it -- both are fine choices, as are CZ and many others mentioned.

Matt

 

[Amegatek]

I have a KP-89 ("K" designates stainless steel slide) It is my primary HD gun right now. It was combat accurate out of the box, and after a break in period, accuracy is improving even more. It has been 100% reliable, and has shot all FMJ and JHP ammo I have put through it w/o a problem. It is also easy to field strip and reassemble. I love this gun and am very comfortable relying on it as my primary house gun. Also mine was a steal for $349 (used/unfired by original owner). The same dealer had a NIB KP-89 for $399. These guns are a great bargain IMHO.