Would You trust Your life to a...

[Lone Star]

I recently handled their new P-345 (?) auto, the one with the redesigned grip and (in this case) a frame rail for a light. It's being reviewed in the gun magazines now, and is on the cover of the 2005, "Gun Digest".

It felt MUCH better in the hand than previous Ruger autos, save, of course, the .22's.

If you prefer the Ruger to the CZ-75 or can't buy the CZ, the Ruger should be high on your list. It does have a synthetic frame, which I'm not too thrilled about, but they seem to stand up okay for other makers that use them. And I think (at this point), it's only out in .45ACP. With the short (for a .45 auto) barrel, I think I'd rather have it in 9mm, .357 SIG, or .40 S&W.

Lone Star

 

[JimJD]

I not ruling the P-345 out.
But...
I was really looking foward to Ruger's new semi. Then I found out about the new "features." I'm not crazy about a magazine disconnect, but I can live with it. Maybe.
But an internal lock? Darn...
Being that I saw one at the last gun show, but did not get to handle it or talk to anyone about it... Is it a keyed lock system similar to the S.A. ILS/ Taurus/ etc.? Can it be taken out by the user?

 

[Barry in IN]

The one and only Ruger centerfire auto pistol I've owned was a P90.
It was used, but like new, and I got it for $225.
I had many "better" guns, but for $225? I'll take it. Hey, it could lay in the trunk of the car in case a pin shoot broke out or something.

I shot it some time later. Or tried to shoot it.
It struggled to get through the first magazine of USA ball. Stovepipes, 6:00 feedramp stoppages, an adventure.
I don't think I finished the second magazine. I knew what I needed to know. It wasn't worth messing with to me.
It got traded back.

I've a bunch of glowing reports on them. Everybody makes a lemon. Maybe I got "the" lemon P90.

I'm not the world's biggest Glock fan, but if money is tight, a refurb'ed Glock would be a much better choice, I'd think.

 

[AirPower]

Ruger P90 is not a bad gun but it is a BRICK. I've bought one and then sold it a year later. See if you can get a Norinco 1911. It's only about $300 as well.

 

[Red_SC]

My first handgun was a P90. As is the case with many issues, I feel a little differently about them than most people. I actually like the way they look. And I bought it because it felt good in my hand. I've put around 3000 rounds through it, which isn't a lot for many people, but it's been utterly reliable. It's very smooth shooting, and followup shots are very quick. Pretty much everybody I've let shoot it really liked it. But then, I had to go and shoot a 1911, so I'm playing with a new Springfield Loaded now.

Hogue grips are great on a P90.

 

[orangeninja]

I used to work for an armored company where the Ruger P90 was actually the prefered weapon of choice for 2 reasons. Rock solid reliability and secondly the Rugers didn't beat up easy. As anyone who has ever worked armored before will tell you, nothing stresses gear like an armored truck with sharp edges everywhere, with a guy who is constantly on the move 12 hours a day bumping in to everything as the truck bounces down the road. Add hot/cold wet/dry conditions and the fact that the gun gets cleaned once in a couple of months or so. You see why Ruger would be desired.

I had a P97, loved it at first but it turned out to be a complete lemon. So yes, Ruger does have lemons.

I too like the way the Ruger 97, 95, 94 and 93 look. Call me a nerd but Glocks are NOT sexy.

 

[rugerrunner]

i don't have a p90 but i do have a p89 and it is the most reliable pistol i own. Some people don't like the way they look but i do.

 

[pangris]

Yes, assuming I had range tested it. In my experience, the P series guns - direct experience with 2 P89s, 1 P94, and 2 P90s - are as reliable as anything else out there, and as tough or tougher than anything else.

The triggers are mediocre and the accuracy is just average -

But within 25 yards, I would be as confident with a P90 as a Glock, SIG, or 1911.

Paul

 

[tbeb]

I bought a Ruger when I was looking for a reasonably priced 9mm that would likely be 100% reliable out of the box. It was not the best looking or feeling handgun, but it worked every time. I never owned or shot a
P-90, but I'll bet it is stone cold reliable. I'd only buy the P-90 if it fits your hand. If I had it to do over I'd spend the few bucks more and get a CZ75 or a quality copy. It fits the hand of most people very well.

 

[mbott]

Absolutely.

A P90, a P97 or the new P345. I've owned them all and still have the P97 and the P345. I do trust them. I'll even add the two P95s I own to the trusted list.

--
Mike

 

[rcm]

Two local departments here in NH are dumping Rugers. Both get them for FREE! They have become unreliable for them. I do not have details for you but, probably could find out. Both are headed for Glocks. See, if you can find a nice used weapon.

 

[Red_SC]

Am I the only one with a Ruger with a good trigger? The reset is a little long, but not excessively. It is light, and has no real creep. It isn't really crisp, but isn't mushy either. No gritty feel at all. It seems like it was pretty good out of the box, but I don't remember exactly how it felt before running some rounds through it.

 

[Ranald]

Well I have or have had a few Ruger pistols and revolvers. They all share two attributes- ugly and clunky, tough and reliable. Plus Ruger in my experience is good at backing their product in the event of a problem. (Only one, with a series 180 Mini14, they fixed the blown extractor free.)
The P-89 was required carry in a small dept I worked at. Paid 200 bucks for a slightly used, with several 15 rnd mags, put pachmeyer or hogues on it. Several people qualified on it over the years.. I replaced it for carry when the carry rules changed. Why? Cause I could, and cause I like pistols, and shoot as many different kinds as I can. The ol P-89 I will prolly never trade. I never felt under-gunned (except when facing down a bear), it is dependable, handy enuf and eats most any 9mm.
You might check out a used Browning Hi-power or a Walther P-38/P1.
If you really want to keep it inexpensive get a Makarov, put a heavy recoil spring in it and rubber grips... those pistols are incredible..

 

[Powderman]

I had a Ruger P90 that I traded off in a moment of weakness. I still regret it.

First, it IS big. Plenty big. This is an advantage, believe me. I fed this pistol everything from my LSWC handloads to Federal Hydra-Shok and ball ammo. The recoil felt more like a push than a slap.

Second, the gun is EASY to cycle by hand.

Third, it is rock-solid reliable. No failures of any type, at any time, while I carried it.

Fourth--surprisingly--it is a VERY accurate handgun. The one I had shot groups as tight as my hardball gun (for NRA competition)--at 25 yards, seven rounds in about an inch and a half was the norm.

If you wish, buy the Ruger. It's a good choice.

 

[Powderman]

Oops! Double tap.

 

[SUE ROVR]

Buy a nice used Glock. $325-375

Guy I bought my 19 from is selling a 3rd gen 32 for $350 on glocktalk

Police trade ins are cheap way to go if cosmetics are not an issue though most of the ones I have seen are full size--less easy to carry.

 

[NMshooter]

Unless you are in immediate need of a pistol, save your money until you can afford the one you really want. Went down the path you are contemplating many times with nothing to show for it but lessons learned.

 

[Tom Servo]

Unless you are in immediate need of a pistol, save your money until you can afford the one you really want. Went down the path you are contemplating many times with nothing to show for it but lessons learned.

I agree, to some extent. At least rent a few other makes, regardless of price, and see what "feels" right. If you come back to the Ruger, that's the gun for you.

I was in the exact same spot about ten years ago, when I got back into the habit of shooting. As a kid, I had trained with a Sig 210, and I didn't have good memories of it, so I avoided Sigs at first. My first carry was a CZ 75. Big and hard to conceal, but reliable and accurate, and most importantly, I COULD AFFORD IT. Never felt cheap at all.

When I started making more money, I got back into Sigs in a big way, and now all my carry guns but one are Sigs. You can find one used at a good shop in the $500 range, and it's worth every cent. Did I hate the CZ? Nope, I still pull it out now and then, kind of like an old sentimental high-school mix-tape. It seems to lack the elegance of my Sigs (oh god, here it comes. I'll duck now), but somehow, I KNOW that'll be my last-resort if the SHTF, and I'm confident in it.

If the Ruger works for you now, great. I've found that the first gun is never the last gun, and from what I recall, they hold their value very well (probably due to the solid construction), so selling it later is always an option.

They're also good for household chores, like hammering nails and cracking cinderblocks. I wouldn't want to get pistol-whipped with one, that's for sure

 

[Boats]

The best Rugers have cylinders in them.

No safety.
No chamber loaded indicator.
No magazine disconnect.
No internal lock.
No MIM.
No polymer.

Somehow, everyone's autos are becoming less and less interesting to me.

 

[Spieler]

My father-in-law had a few Ruger autos and swore by them. I never knew them to malfunction, but they just weren't a gun I could ever warm up to. They did work though, and isn't that the point?

 

[readyfire]

Ive had alot of different handguns and ill tell you theres nothing wrong with rugers,there tough as hammers,reliable,and i too like the way they look.I had a p90 and a p97 and neither ever failed to do anything.I cant say that about plenty of others.And as far as accuracy ,the only gun that came close to my p97 is my 1911s and thats probably the trigger.There good guns dont not buy one becauase what others say,i friggin hate that crap!If it fits your hand and your wallet BUY IT,it wont let you down.

 

[gbundersea]

My Ruger P94 was a POS

I bought a Ruger P-94 9mm years ago, when I was much less informed about pistols. Although I qualified for my CWL with it, it never fit my hand right. Also, the location/accessibility of the safety is poor IMO.

However, its main problem was that regardless of how clean or dirty, or what type of ammunition, it jammed far too frequently to be reliable. FTF's and stovepipes happened constantly, and I could never trust it.

My primary is now a full-size EAA Witness 9mm, Tanfoglio's clone of the CZ-75. Perfect fit, and flawless with over 1200 rounds of all types of ammo through it, and in varying states from immaculate to filthy.

I'd take a CZ or Witness any day!

 

[Dienekes]

"Best Rugers Have Cylinders"

Boats, you have a point there. I have used Security Sixes since 1981--daily carry on duty and CCW since retirement, and have *never* had a bobble.

"Six for sure" is not just a throwaway line. It really *does* mean six .357/125s for sure.

Maybe everyone else has seen semiautos that never, ever malfunctioned; I haven't.

 

[jercamp45]

From my limited experience.....

with one P-90 and one P-97, I would say YES, given an opportunity to test it out first! They are not the most ergonomic of handguns, but they are inexpensive, accurate and reliable. Not first choice for a CCW piece either, rather larger for that, though it can be managed with the right rig and clothing ensemble.
I do like the CZ too, BUT for keeping my but alive, I'd rather have 8 .45 rounds and 4 spare mags, to any Wonder Nine.
All that said, I solf my Rugers, because they did not fit my hand nearly as good as my 1911's which is what I carry on duty and off.
The Ruger's are well represented in the Security Communit here in Las Vegas. Mainly because they are inexpensive, but also because they work and can take some pretty serious abuse from what I have heard. I'd carry one if I had too, but vastly prefer my 1911's.
Jercamp45