Any experience with Ruger P89?

[ThePeaceMaker707]

Hi,

My older brother is looking to buy his first handgun, for home defense purposes. He is very new to firearms (I just took him shooting for the first time recently). Price being an issue (he doesn't want to pay much more than $600 out the door) we found a used Ruger P89 at our local gun shop for $450, which makes it a very tempting deal. I went with him to check them out since I have some experience with guns (certainly much more than he does at least!). The Ruger seemed very sturdy, with a metal frame, and seems to be well-constructed. The controls feel well-placed and are comfortable to use. The slide is very smooth when manipulating, and the trigger feels great. The sear reset feels nice as well. He is comfortable with the way it feels in his hands, which I told him is a very important factor. The problem is, I don't know any local ranges that have this particular gun available to rent, so if he buys it, he would have to do so without actually shooting it, so I'm hoping to gather some insight from the CGN community. Do any of you have any experience with the P89? What are your thoughts on it?

[ojisan]

The Ruger P series are very reliable.
They tend to be chunkier than other brands, but with the chunk comes strength.
They are easy to use and tough to mess up for a beginner.
$450 seems high for a P89...on Gunbroker out-of-CA they are running around $300 used.
Add $50 for a CA gun.
Maybe shop the For Sale threads here at CalGuns.

[railroader]

Watch here on the forum. They usually go for around $350 in good shape. You also be able to find new p95s for around $350 or less. Mark

[ThePeaceMaker707]

Suppose I could find the identical gun cheaper. What do you think of the gun itself?

[ojisan]

I have a P85, the predecesor.
It is so reliable it is one of my HD guns and I have a bunch to choose from.
I probably have 20,000 + rounds through it, the last 4,000 without a single malfunction, no matter what ammo I put in it.
The P89 is an improved P85.

[CC Gunsmithing]

First handgun I ever purchased was a P 89... Still haven't had to replace a part on it... After over 15- 16 thousand rounds, at least... Though over $400 seems a bit high, it is a great firearm...

osxgp is right, the ruger is rather blocky... I like larger framed pistols, because I have bigger hands, but it all comes down to what you find most comfortable...

[osxgp]

The Ruger P89 was my 1st handgun purchase as well. To be honest though, he may be better off checking out the Springfield XD. Those guns fit just about everybodys hand and can be had for about $500 out the door. I never did really like my Ruger P89 even though I never had a single malfunction with it. I hate to say that about a gun that ran flawlessly but I just didnt care for it. He might even want to check out the Sig Sauer SP2022. Those run for about $400 new.

[Speedpower]

The P89 is one of the most reliable handgun I have but For $450.00 might as well buy the newer version P95 which is only $349.99 and sometimes on sale at only $319.99 at LGS or here: http://www.gunsamerica.com/999589907...FTY_B_15RD.htm

[Fishslayer]

I have the KP90 (essentially the same gun in .45ACP). It's heavy and solid. Accurate enough, very reliable. Would make a good club if I run out of ammo.

They're not being made anymore which may account for what I consider to be a very high price. It may also be a "D" model, which is decocker only, no manual safety. These bring a premium. I could be wrong but I believe the D model may be off roster. No mag disconnect, LCI or any of that nonsense.

No way I'd pay $450 for one. Haggle if you really like it.

The P89 is one of the most reliable handgun I have but For $450.00 might as well buy the newer version P95 which is only $349.99 and sometimes on sale at only $319.99 at LGS or here: http://www.gunsamerica.com/999589907...FTY_B_15RD.htm

P95 is polymer frame. A whole different kettle o' fish. I rented one for the wife to try once. Neither one of us liked it.
An adequate gun though if $$$ is the primary concern. IMO the P89 is superior, unless you're gonna be carrying it all day.

[tommyid1]

one word. TANK

[Ripon83]

P89

A P89 has been my bed side gun for more then a decade. I've got about 2k rounds through it, and it works great. I've used cheap ammo at times too and no issues. Great guns - just ugly.

I feel like the gun shop price is high - I've seen them in our market place for $300 or less. In fact I thought about buying one but recently kind of fell into the 1911 - 100 year old fad - so I'll probably not add another 9mm to my collection unless its a 1911 model.

Great guns, Great value, Highly recommend....just dont' think 450 is right.

Hi,

My older brother is looking to buy his first handgun, for home defense purposes. He is very new to firearms (I just took him shooting for the first time recently). Price being an issue (he doesn't want to pay much more than $600 out the door) we found a used Ruger P89 at our local gun shop for $450, which makes it a very tempting deal. I went with him to check them out since I have some experience with guns (certainly much more than he does at least!). The Ruger seemed very sturdy, with a metal frame, and seems to be well-constructed. The controls feel well-placed and are comfortable to use. The slide is very smooth when manipulating, and the trigger feels great. The sear reset feels nice as well. He is comfortable with the way it feels in his hands, which I told him is a very important factor. The problem is, I don't know any local ranges that have this particular gun available to rent, so if he buys it, he would have to do so without actually shooting it, so I'm hoping to gather some insight from the CGN community. Do any of you have any experience with the P89? What are your thoughts on it?

[nvision]

Good eye, one of the strongest design I've seen for a handgun. I'll be in the market for one soon.

[Maddog5150]

I have one. Accuracy is not its strong point but reliability is. It's a brick with a trigger. 450 is way too much for that though. You can find a police trade in Glock for that much easily. You can find brand new p95s on sale for 350 sometimes.

[Fishslayer]

You can find a police trade in Glock for that much easily. You can find brand new p95s on sale for 350 sometimes.

Where's that video of the G**** fanboi gun salesman that guy put together?

"I want an alloy frame semiauto."

"G****"

"No. I don't like G*****."

"G****. G****."

"I don't want a G**** you ****tard"

"G****!!"

[Briancnelson]

P89's are excellent reliable guns and I love mine. $400 is way high for it however.

I recently helped a friend buy one used for less than $300 (maybe a bit more out the door with DROS, etc.)