From 1996-2002, I carried a P89 as a reserve police officer for a small city police department. This gun was dropped, skidded across concrete after becoming dislodged during a foot pursuit (long story, and embarrassing, ugh). The P89 is still my baby, never had a malfunction, probably in excess of 5000 rds through her, she still rocks. Our weapons instructor called my baby a "boat anchor," but when he used her at the range was always able to hit the money ring at 50 yds. I carried her concealed on several plain clothes assignments and I am a small framed individual, no one knew - she's a big girl, but I feel confident carrying her concealed. I appreciate your review of the P89, she is still my baby and I will always love my P89. I come from a Ruger family, my Dad owned, a Blackhawk .357, a Security Six . 357, a 10-22 and a Mini-14. Ruger rocks, and I have never met a Ruger firearm I didn't like and respect. Thank you for reviewing my baby!
Thank you so much for watching... and for sharing your personal story about the P89. Hearing things like this really puts in perspective how much guns can mean to people...and it's nice to hear my humble review brought you some nostalgia. But your experience--in terms of durability, reliability and accuracy--seems par for the course with the P89. I don't have any experience with Ruger P-Series pistols besides this one, but it's been a great experience thus far. Thanks again and take care!
I took 3 handgun classes at the San Diego Police range. I fired 500 rounds/night, 3 times a week for 6 months without a misfire. It's a very comfortable pistol for my hand. I put a laser in the grips for 70 year old eyes, but I do trust the P89. In the last two decades I have bought and sold 20 or so pistols. Beretta's Glocks some of that English crap. Two I kept, P89 and Russian Makarov.
Haha! I love the Makarov as well. And thank you for sharing your experience with the P89. I've yet to hear from anyone who says the things are anything but tough, reliable and shootable. That's pretty cool you took some classes with the SD PD. I had heard that San Diego was one of the major PDs to use Ruger P-Series pistols. Cool. Thanks again, my friend!
My dad passed away 3 years ago, he gave me this same handgun a couple months before he passed, I just turned 18 and found out that while I can’t buy a handgun until I’m 21, I can legally own and carry a handgun if it was gifted to me.
That was a great explanation of casting vs forging. I learned quite a bit about it. I had a P85 for a long time and wish I never sold it. I'm constantly looking for either the P85 or P89 on the secondary market, however you don't see many.
Thank you, my friend! Really appreciate you watching... and the kind words. Yeah, I got lucking finding mine at the price I did, locally. But there are plenty on Gunbroker for reasonable prices. I wanna get a P90 at some point. Thanks again!
I have had a P89 for a lot of years now. It has never failed. Plus, and this is big for me, It feels like a gun. I have been very slow to warm up to polymer.
Yeah, I can't argue with "feel" being an important factor in which guns appeal to you. At the end of the day, it's the subjective, small things that make us love the guns we love. And I think the P89 is easy to love. Thanks, bud!
I have used a Ruger P89 as my primary pistol since it was first introduced by Ruger. I have run a couple of thousand rounds of 9mm ammo (both top line and surplus junk) through this pistol without experiencing a failure. If I had my choice, I would rather have carried this weapon in Vietnam than the Colt 1911 that I actually carried. Primarily because the 9mm was a lot lighter in weight than the.45 caliber cartridge and, I have some aftermarket magazines with a 15 round capability. The pistol itself was also 7 ounces lighter than the Colt! With aftermarket Hogue grips, I am as accurate with the P89 as I was with the Colt Model 1911. As a motion picture combat cameraman, weight was always a great problem for me. My 16mm film was quite heavy and anyplace I could save a few ounces would allow me to carry more film. I also like the double action capability of the P89. I hated the Colt because in order to use the safety, the weapon needs to be carried in full cock.
Wow. That's quite a statement. And from someone who's no stranger to being in harm's way, that's quite an endorsement for the P89. Thank you for your service... and for sharing your fascinating experience. I've had 1911s. And while nothing can compare to a 1911 trigger, I too find the P89 compares quite favorably in terms of accuracy--and yes, the DA/SA "paradigm" just makes sense to me for a self defense pistol. I'm guessing you were in Saigon? I was there (Ho Chi Minh City) in 2016. I'm sure it's changed a lot--but I enjoyed my time there and found the people to be very friendly. Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your experience.
Nice! I need to get my hands on a P90. Some seem to think they shoot even better than the P89. Interesting--Massad Ayoob just did a video on his carry guns as an officer. He carried a P90 for a while. Said it was a good, reliable pistol.
I love the p series. I also love my 92fs inox ghost, my 59/4506, they all have so much character. Seen a lot of gun videos, you’re damn good at reviewing
Thank you so much for the kind words! Honestly, those kinda comments keep me motivated... so, I appreciate it. I'm jealous of your 92 Ghost. Very nice. I'd like to get an inox 92 at some point. Working on a Sig P226 at the moment. Thanks again!
Thanks, buddy! Really appreciate the comment. Yeah, it's sooo surprisingly excellent. Sucks a lot of the cool 80s - 90s guns aren't made anymore. At least we still have Beretta 92s and Sig P22Xs. Thanks again!
Hi, I really enjoyed this video. I was the guy who commented on the police use of the P89. They gave great service for a decade until the department went to Glocks. Even then, there was nothing wrong with the P89's, it was just that the new Chief had gun money to spend from asset forfeiture funds and preferred Glocks. The P89's were sold and the city recovered more than half of their investment. We loaded the P89's with the Federal 9BP-LE 115 grain +P+ loads, which was the hot cartridge of the times and never had a failure. And yes, we did have one guy that cleaned his in the dishwasher, and afterwards sprayed it down with Rem-Oil, wiped it down, and loaded it. I was appalled but the gun didn't seem to mind. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that the P89 is a fine pistol, full stop. No qualification such as "for what it is" needed. Thanks for the mention in your video.
Haha. Thanks for corroborating the anecdote! Sorry for the delay--your comment wasn't coming up in the comment list in TH-cam's back-end. Anyway, I think your experience is a perfect example of why the P89 deserves credit and recognition as a great pistol, with zero pretext. Also pretty amazing you used +P+ in those guns with no issues. Bill made 'em tough. That's for sure. Thanks again for watching and for the comment!
I 1st saw a P85 in 1987 if I recall correctly. I was a teenager gawking at all the pewpews with my friends at the local pawnshop. Instantly fell in love with the look of it. Today, it's my EDC. When the DOD was running trials to replace the 1911, the P85 performed flawlessly in the 20K rounds fired torture test. DOD opted for Beretta as we all know. For 20 years, Pentagon brass tried without success to get them to switch to the Ruger P-series, but rumor has it there was backdoor politics. This gun is nicknamed "the battletank." Never misfires & fires dry & dirty. Guys have taken P85s out of storage uncleaned, unlubed & fired them after sitting for decades. You'll never hear any guntubers give these the praise they deserve. They're fanbois for all the predictable names in their Top 10s (Glock, Sig, etc). Those of us who love guns & have a few years under our belt know better. There's a reason I trust my life to this gun as my EDC.
The P89 will likely take more abuse than you are willing to take. Not a poke at you, just a fact due to the overbuilt nature of the P series.@OfftheBankBasSlayer
Great Review - I bought a P89 back in the 90's same as the model your showing. Handed it down to son number 1 who handed it down to son number 2. Still going strong. Pistols have their own 'personality'. I consider the P89 the 'Buick" of pistols - if you ever drove a Buick and shot a P89 and felt the recoil you know what I'm talking about. :)
That is perhaps the most apropos metaphor for the P89 I’ve yet heard. I drove a Buick LeSabre for a minute in high school. All I can say is “yup.” Plush. Comfortable. A little “floaty” over bumps-or in this case 124gr FMJs. Thanks so much for the poignant context and the kind words!
Very good description on Ruger P89. I am a big fan of Ruger and have two of these same pistol that I bought new in 1995. A stainless steel and a black one. Shot about 2k rounds out of the black one and maybe 500 out of SS. Never had any issues and I even shot lead cast bullets that I've reloaded myself back in mid 90's and never had any malfunctioning. Thanks for the honest review
Thanks so much for watching, my friend! Yeah, I've found that anybody who's actually used these guns... digs 'em. I did mine. Very reliable. Very accurate. It's not going anywhere. Thanks!
Found a Stainless P85 MK II at a pawn shop here in Houston for 299. Put thay sucker on layaway to hold it till next week. I believe the P85 has an aluminum frame.
Thanks cool! Ruger has a really cool series of videos on TH-cam, showing the technical details of its casting process. I had no idea it was so... demanding. It's no wonder they're the leader in casting for firearms. Maybe your buddy is in the videos... :) Thanks and take care!
My first firearm was a Ruger P85. Easily 3-4k rounds through it and never had a jam. First ammo thru it was some bulk surplus Israeli Uzi 9mm that didn't always fire. However, after repeated d/a trigger pulls it would finally fire and the brass would clear the weapon cleanly. NEVER a hang-up with that crappy ammo or any other type after that. Excellent weapon and I regret selling it and am in the market for another one. Update: Ruger P85, P89 not on Cal roster of approved guns...
Yeah, man. That doesn't surprise me. I've to hear anyone say anything negative about the P-Series' in terms of reliability. And I kinda expected the guns to be tough and reliable--what surprised me was the shootability and accuracy. The things are tack drivers. Thanks so much for sharing!
A P series is on my bucket list for nostalgia factor alone. It was a rockstar in the 90s, featured in a ton of films, Goldeneye64 etc. Imagine a time when the movie gun was a budget friendly Ruger and not a $2k+ TT.
Your review nailed it. The P89 is a great gun. Not the perfect gun, but really good. I'm noticing in the comments that many who love the Ruger P series love the same type of pistol.. Sig P229, Beretta 92, CZ75s , ect. I too, have a p90 and p89. You mentioned that "machiney" in the cycling of the P89 (the P Series) much like a HK USP. But it's..... Telepathic. You know where you hit. Weird, but true. These are certainly "cult' guns. For those who know, they know.
Count me in the cult, man! I'm a P89 devotee... but, to your point, I still like Sigs, Berettas, and just about any "wondernine" I can get my hands. I actually just picked up a 1988 P226. At this point, I've got most of the pistols that competed in the US pistol trials of the '80s... probably worth a video at some point. Thanks for the comment!
@HipsterTactical I wish I had the same. The 85 XM trials was a big deal. It was the replacement for the eternal 1911. And just about every contender was FRICKIN AWESOME.
Great review. I have an original P85 that I bought in 1992 from a friend who never really shot it. My dad was a gun dealer and said "That Ruger will go bang every time you pull the trigger." Lol. Your review gave me a bit of nostalgia, so I just ordered an Alien Gear OWB holster for it and plan on doing some range days with it.
If it's not labeled Mk II, contact Ruger and they will do the recall work and stamp it as such. For free. Check it out. I just bought one and will be sending it in for the recall soon.
Great review and history!!! I own 4 P-Series pistols (P89, P90 and two P94's in .40 S&W) and they all work. Lately I been ordering extra magazines for all 3 calibers and the P94 is my truck handgun as I have a spare at home. None has never failed to go bang when the trigger is pulled.....😄😄😄😄😄😄
Thanks, dude! Appreciate you watching and appreciate the comment. I really love the slightly more modern look of the P93s and P94s. I suppose that's an excuse to grab one :) And yes--I've yet to hear from anyone that Ruger P-Series guns are anything but reliable. Thanks again!
It is interesting that casting isn't generally known for strength, but Ruger revolvers are known for being ridiculously strong, to the point that reloaders have developed "Ruger only" loads loaded to higher than spec, that only Ruger revolvers can reliably digest safely.
Yeah, that is a great point. I think the simple answer is that Rugers are built thicker and beefier than Smiths and Colts. And I kinda think--maybe--the contours of the Ruger frames are built to distribute stress a bit better? That's kind of a hypothesis. But... I think whatever shortcomings casting have, compared to forgings, Ruger's design changes OVERcompensate, rendering their guns even tougher than forged competitors. At least that's my layman's logic talking. Thanks for the comment!
Love the review and very accurate review. I own a P85 and actually carried it as my edc for over a year. I've came close to selling several times but could not bring myself to get rid of it. I hate the trigger on the p85 or I should say I hate the double action trigger but with time and practice you do become comfortable with it
Thank you, sir! Appreciate the comment and the kind words. I like the trigger on the P89... can't compare it to what's on the P85, though. I think it's a great gun and it definitely deserves a spot in my wondering collection.
I inherited a P85 from my uncle. It was his service weapon as an LEO. I sent it back to Ruger for the MKII recall upgrade. This pistol is a tank. I love it.
Thanks for a very thoughtful video! My first wonder 9 was a KP85MkII. It is a tank! Ruger took a P85 and cut the right side of the slide away below the ejection port; even after proof loads, there was no other damage. They also threaded a plug into the barrel of another pistol and touched off a proof round. All they had to do was replace the barrel and ejector! As much as I liked it, the way the trigger guard spread my trigger and second fingers, thereby forcing my grip lower just bothered me. Also, the trigger had a long, sloppy feel. I traded it off for a Taurus PT92, which is my favorite pistol of that era.
Wow! I wasn't aware of those torture tests! You hear about HK doing that kinda stuff on USPs, etc.... but sounds like a Ruger P-Series can handle some crazy abuse. Yeah, the trigger isn't gonna win any awards... but I don't mind it. The ergos work for me, too. In any case... thank you so much for the comment!
Probably because the G.I.s were familiar with the swinging link concept. I carried an M-60, and my sidearm was 1911. I would have been very comfortable with field stripping a P-85, especially with no barrel lug and a captive take-down pin.
First handgun was a ruger p345, I got it not knowing much about the P series but watching videos now on the P series I wish I kept it and got a few other models back when I still could. I guess looking back I could of made a worse choice for my first handgun lol.
Yeah, the P345 seems to have a lot of fans. They were kinda the "bridge" from the classic P-Series into the newer SR series. I still wanna get a P90 (.45). Thanks for the comment!
I have an old P-85 9mm in a matte blue and a P-97 stainless in 45. I picked them up last year laying side by side in a gun shop from the same owner. The 45 is in near mint condition 98% and the 9mm shows a little more holster ware say 85% condition. Picked them both up for $650.00 Total for both! I love them and most likely won't part with them any time soon. Great Video as well I'm a new suscriber... Good Job!
Thank you so much for the kind words and the sub! That sounds like a great deal to me. I need to get a P-series in .45. I was thinking a P90--because... Desperado :) But I'll have to check out the P97. Thanks again and enjoy those pistols!
Hey Matt! Massad Ayoob just did a video about his duty pistols, and he used a Ruger P90 in one department. I really like the CZ 75 B as a duty reference pistol. The P80 looks great! 👍👍👍👍
Oh, nice! I've gotta check that out. People "who know" always seem to respect the Ruger P-Series guns. This one was a pleasant surprise. Thanks for the comment, buddy!
I´m glad I found your channel. Your reviews are nicely in-depth and my taste runs towards "hammered guns" anyway. I can only speak about a Ruger P94 that I handled and shot, and I have to say it felt somewhat cheap overall, but I understand that these P-series guns basically sold like sliced bread in the US until they were discontinued. I hope for a strong revival of DA / SA in general, as I consider striker fired guns somewhat incompatible with human stress physiology. I also prefer to have 14 nice trigger pulls after ONE bad one instead of having to live with a compromise for the whole magazine just because Glock´s brainstorming back in the day said that a DA trigger is the end of the world.
Man, you're preaching to the choir on the merits of DA/SA. In a stressful situation, a DA pull between you and "destiny" is a welcome comfort--at least in my mind. Plus, you have the advantage of true SA precision, following that. I get the sense that DA/SA fell out of favor NOT because it was un-popular or hard to shoot, etc.--it's because there's simply higher profit margins for simpler striker-fired guns. So that's what the industry pushed. And that's consumers convinced themselves was "tactically superior." Also... I get the sense that, maybe, the P89s and P90s had a slightly nicer fit and finish vs. some of the newer P93s and P94s. But, never having handled the latter... that's just speculation. Also, I'm not sure P93s/P94s were offered with the sexy stainless finish, like P89s and P90s. In any case... thanks so much for watching and for the compliment!
Very nice review. I came into this world at a very fraught time but was fortunate to grow uo in the 70's and early eighties. I spent my childhood with he westerns, police and detective shows and old war movies. I was a gun lover from an early age. Would wear out issues of GIuns and ammo I got at the grocery store. I got my first handgun a Ruger Super Single Six when I was 12. Still have it and have fired thousands of rounds thru it and it is still as good as the day I got it (used). I own more Rugers today than any other make of gun probably due to the quality of that Single Six. I don't have a P-89 but I didi once have a P-90 that I eventually sold but it was a great gun. The quality of Rugers when the p-89s were being made was second to none. Most of my Rugers are from the 80's many bought used. I felt like they were better than what was being produced new a lot of times after the millennial. A lot of the guns you have reviewed are from those golden years and I have a lot of them. Good times. I just recently picked up a Bersa TPR9 and it strikes me as fitting in nicely with a lot of the guns of that era.
That's so cool you still have your first gun from when you were 12! I was born in 1980, so I'm enamored with a lot the guns I grew up seeing in movies and television. Berettas, Sigs, Smith 3rd gens--I guess the late 80s and early 90s was kinda the heyday of DA/SA. Which I'm sure Jeff Cooper hated :) And while I had heard good things about Ruger P Series pistols, I was blown away by how nice this P89 is. Agree on the quality being second to none. In some ways, I'll say it feels a little more refined than Smith 3rds gens. Not that Smiths are great shooters. How do you like the TPR9? I actually had a Bersa TPR9c last year. It was reliable and it was really good size... but man, it kicked like mule on meth. But it felt well made. In any case... thanks for the comment and the support.
Nice review. I have a Ruger P90DC made in 1991. The double action is very good, the single action is gritty with a little creep, not as refined as my Beretta 92FS. The P90 reset is excellent shorter than the 92FS, and much shorter than my Sig P229. Now recently I have installed the SRT on the Sig, but can live with the Beretta and Ruger reset.
Thanks so much for watching! I'd love to have a P90. I've heard high praise for their accuracy--and if it's anything like the P89, I'm inclined to believe it. I actually watched Desperado not long before I bought this P89, about a year ago (he has two P90s in the film). That definitely helped spur the impulse buy.
My P90 looks identical to your P89 right down to the hogue grips, I also have the factory grips in the case. You have the decocker/safety, while I have the decocker only. I ordered mine brand new in 1991 with the decocker only on the left side, as I’m right handed.@@HipsterTactical
@@gracedagostino5231 The decocker only setup would be nice. That's so cool you've had it that long. I suppose that's a solid endorsement for Ruger pistols. I very much dig this P89. I'm sure I'll own a P90 at some point.
I love my P90. Nothing refined about it. Clunky action like a HK USP. Just a brick. The double action on mine is like 11-12lbs, but the single action is a consistent 4lbs. And the reset is pretty short. But what makes it shine is its accuracy. More accurate than the p89. Total tack driver even with the crappy sights. I installed the Meprolights on mine. A nightmare to put in but worth it.
I think the P89 is a working man’s sigsauer or walther p88 as it’s very similar design . Just got done shooting mine for only 3rd time and have to say how sweet shooting it is and how well it fits my smaller hands reminiscent of 1911 slim grip ! I am a big 9mm auto shooter that owns a $1500 beretta 92x with muzzle brake and this $350 pistol really amazes me ! It doesn’t have locked n cocked option but otherwise definitely a great shooter and possible home defender or shtf gun. Might be worth getting a 2nd one to own!!!
I agree with everything you said, my man. It’s funny-I’m currently reviewing the P226 I just picked up… I can’t help thinking, “Man-that P89 was sweet.” I plan to do a comparo between all the XM9 wondernines, at some point (I own most of them, now). It’ll be an interesting exercise. Thanks so much for tuning in!
@@HipsterTactical hey what grips are those you have on your p89? Are those Ruger grips . That’s the only addition I want for my p89 as stock grips aren’t so grippy.
@@burtonkephart6239 They’re Hogue rubber grips. Not factory, per se…. But I kinda think some P-series did come with Hogues from the factory? Not 100% sure. Either way… they feel good. Though I haven’t tried the black ridged plastic grips for comparison.
Are you in Palm Beach County!? I lived in Boca for most of my 20s. Ahh… miss it. Now I live near Cincinnati. But… strangely… “Dixie Hwy” is pretty much the same shit no matter where you are!!! It’s a…. State of mind…. 🤣
Thanks, buddy! Appreciate you stopping by. Yeah, it’s one of those guns I didn’t know I’d love. And the more I learned about it, the more I appreciated the design. Thanks again!
I carried a P89 for six years as a reserve police officer. I still own the pistol and I love it. I come from a Ruger family, Dada had a Blackhawk and a Security Six, at the range I never had a malfunction with my p89, it is a rockstar of a pistol. Heavy yes, bulky yes, reliable yes.
I purchased my DCP89X Series in 1992. Which came with a second barrel & recoil spring for 30 luger to go with the 9MM. Which was a nice option to have. It's been my EDC ever since, as it's a great fit for my large hands. And with its weight there's little muzzle climb & stays on target. So there was no need to have this ported. However I did upgrade the sights for an adjustable rear sight picture. And keeps me within 0.5'" @100' groupings. The only jam it's ever had was some strawberry jam I dropped on it one time. Lol I'm well over 20K down the pipe and never fails to go bang. Even after never cleaning it for a yr once. I won that bet, never had a misfire. So the P89X is like owning 2 handgun's.@15+1
It's funny you mention that--I saw a P89 in my local gun shop that included a .30 Luger barrel. Which would have been neat. But yeah, it's accurate and 100% reliable. And I think it looks cool. Thanks!
Ruger builds a solid pistol. Most guys that cry about weak casting metal, usally carry a platic pistol like Glock. Thick guns are like thick girls, hold on tight and enjoy😊
Absolutely great video man! Really well done, one of the best Ruger P Series video's i’ve seen. Do you think you’ll do a third generation S&W vs Ruger P series video?
Thanks, dude! I really appreciate it. Yeah, it was kind of rabbit hole... I didn't know a ton about P-Series Rugers before hand. But I think there's really something to said for the innovation that Ruger achieved with these guns. That's a good idea on Smith 3rd vs. Ruger P-Series. They're so different... yet kinda similar in terms of their niche. Thanks again and take care!
I know what you mean by fitting the same niche. It’s neat how the P series evolved over its lifetime. Both series of pistols have always really struck me as total work horses. I’d really like to see a Ruger P94 vs S&W 5903 match up. I’ve been wanting to know which would be best in my hands as far as accuracy goes. I figure those are the closest in terms of specs both aluminum framed ,similar barrel lengths and close in weight. The Ruger P93 is probably closer to the 5903 spec wise but is a little harder to find from what i understand. Also, do you think you’ll add one of the later polymer framed P series pistols to your collection in the future? @@HipsterTactical
I had a Ruger P95 that I had one stove pipe when I was shooting one handed and at 26,650 the extractor broke. I still have my P89,P90 and my P95. No status but very reliable and durable.
@@BT2SS Haha. Yeah, I imagine kinda where Capri lanes used to be… just south of Carillon Park. But honestly “Dixie Highway” is the same shit in every state-even in Boca Raton, FL… it was kinda sketch.
P89DC ARE TANKS they shoot smoth, and for me, it is very accurate. Still own mine, only one malfunction. Still have the original DC just with an optic won't sell it for nothing. If you can shoot this gun accurately, you can shoot anything. Ruger stands behind this gun if you want to get the SDC option. I have and still will use it for EDC, and I trust it. It will eat ANYTHING!
Yeah, people really trust these things. And so do I. I don't think I've heard anything negative from people who have used these guns over the years. Love mine. Thanks so much for the comment!
Ive owned p85, 89, 94, & 95 over the years and the 89 & 95 have been 2 my favorites of all. I favor more carry friendly sizes, but at the range there isnt much that makes me happier than Rugers P series. Amazing guns at an amazing pricepoint! Dammit, now you've got me in reaquire mode!
I bought a P85 in 1989. It was my 1st pistol. I still love it. My son now owns nearly the entire P line. When I see one, it speaks to my heart! NOW.. reality. Trigger is crap. NOBODY ever offered trigger upgrades. Accuracy was trash because.. trigger, high bore axis, heavy felt recoil etc... Also, at no time during the 80s military trials, did any American design even come close to the 92FS or the P226. You might check your facts there. The Ruger is a favorite among folks that look nothing like us. Don't believe me? Look up how popular these are in police evidence lockers!
It's hard not to love the P-Series pistols. To be clear, the P85 did NOT compete in the XM9 trials of 1984. It DID compete in the XM10 follow-up trials, of 1988 / 1989. I can find no hard data on what exactly happened in XM10, but I have read that the P85 "met all the requirements" and beat the Smith 459 handily. But so did the Beretta 92. Triggers are subjective, but I find the trigger in my P89... just fine. And I find it has excellent accuracy. Though it's worth noting that P89s had enhancements over P85s in terms of accuracy. Thanks for the comment!
As for the strength of cast vs forged, a good high pressure cast part is stronger in the lateral than a forging but not as strong in the longitudinal along the grain structure of the metal. Which means that pound-for-pound the cast is as strong as forging but not in one specific Direction.
Thank you so much for clarifying that! And sorry for the late reply--I actually referenced your point, responding to another comment. And I realize there are a lot of variables involved in determining "Strength" of metal. But, this explanation makes a lot of sense... and I think it probably explains why certain parts on Ruger firearms are a bit wider/thicker. Thanks so much the comment and the info!
It's like gripping an aircraft carrier but shoots like spooning melted butter. I love mine, always having Glocks. But, for the age tests, it has outlasted my PD Glocks, a rarity never stated.
Haha. That is a lovely--and relevant--paradox, my friend. And that's really cool to hear how your Rugers have lasted. They're tanks. But they're tanks that handle well. Thanks!
In my experience the Ruger P89 has a double action trigger pull on par with a staple gun. It’s not even close to a Beretta 92FS or a Sig P226. However, it’s redeeming quality is that if has a lower recoil impulse due to its chunky and heavy duty slide. It’s very easy to control and a nice piece for any serious collector to have in their inventory. They can easily be had for around $350.00 and parts and accessories are still readily available. If you have the coin pick up one or a couple.
I disagree-though trigger quality certainly varies from gun to gun. My P89 has a smoother, more consistent DA pull than my 1989 Beretta 92F and my 1988 Sig P226. It’s not necessarily lighter… but it’s more shoot able, in my opinion. Though I’d say the SA is slightly superior on both the 92 and the P226. I’d like to grab some other p series Rugers at some point. Thanks!
I have a P89, and am very impressed with it. I also have several M1911s in .45 ACP, a couple of Hi Powers, a CZ 75 B, so I have experience with a wide variety of handguns. I would likely NOT of ever purchased a P-Series Ruger, but I came to own this one through an inheritance. It is pretty bulky (my main objection to the P-Series pistols) but I have come to admire it. I did a lot of research on the P-Series, and I read that Ruger did, in fact, submit the P85 for the U.S. military trials, and it was doing well, but it did take Ruger longer to complete development than he anticipated, so it was a kind of "rush job". Not enough testing. It then happened that, during decocking, the pistol would sometimes fire. The P85 was then rejected. Ruger did re-design the firing pin, and all P85 pistols "in the wild" were recalled, updated, and the updated pistols were then marked P85*. New production pistols coming from the factory with the update were marked as P85 MkII. Later on, the P85 MKII was simply renamed as P89. At least that's the story as I remember it..
That’s awesome perspective, thanks. Yeah, it was kind of ambiguous as to what happened in the XM9 trials… I read that Bill Ruger decided not to… but I’ve also read things that suggest they participated in the initial phases? Either way, the P85 definitely did participate in the XM10 trials of 1988. And I think it did well. And, like you, my experience suggests it’s an excellent pistol. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the Ruger love, my very first semi auto was the Ruger P85. It was an excellent first semi auto and I would recommend it or the P89 to any first-time shooters because of many points you brought up. Thanks again. (:
Glad you liked it, my friend! Yeah, I feel like the P-Series Rugers needed some love. They don't deserve their reputation as cheapo guns. And I agree--I couldn't think of a better first gun. Affordable, reliable and it'll shoot circles around a Glock. Thanks again!
First gun I bought was a Ruger P89 DC. Still have it & it will go to the grave with me. It's built like a tank. I've run all sorts of ammo through it, & with the exception of some of my earliest forays into ammo reloading, it's never failed me.
FYI For those with these pistols, the inexpensive Korean 30 rd Beretta 92F mags have a Ruger-compatible mag slot that allows them to be used in the P series guns (as well as Berettas). That said I think the P89 is the best model of the P series, it has all the improvements of the P85 but made before the cheapness of the P95, it's a quality gun for the money.
I am guessing they used a swinging link because otherwise the steel barrel would have to cam into the aluminum frame causing wear unless they installed some form of steel insert
Yeah, that's a good theory. Though, really it would cam on the slide stop pin... I dunno. But it's worth noting when Ruger went to a linkless system on later P-Series guns, it did use a separate steel cam block. Thanks!
P89. I have theaded barrels I bought in 2005 from a Minnesota outfit plus a fake suppressor.. Also 32 & 36 round magazines. Never saw them again. At the time I lived. in Chicago helping my old friend Whitey aka Jim Bulger. Jim liked boot guns in 22 short with 4.5" barrels. He also loved a modified 1923 Colt pocket positive 32 with a bobbed hammer and a shortened 2" barrel. Held 6 rds of 32sw long. Very easy to control. I lived at Triple O's off and on. He helped me buy a small store near the FBI's Operation Lobster in the late 1970's.
I own a P85 and a P90. I have over 10,000 rounds thru the P90 and consistently run tighter groups than my friend 's series 70 Colt with accuracy upgrades. He also had better groups with my P 90. The Ruger is lighter than the Colt. I'm still daily carrying both P's due to the reliability and familiarity.
Haha. All the while... you probably had your trusty P89 stashed in a drawer with whiskey and condoms. Or maybe it was bibles and hand-crocheted blankets? Either way... the P89 was there for you, bro :) Thanks for the comment, man!
A good pistol that unfortunately came at a bad time and was overshadowed by the Sig P226 and Beretta 92. There’s some kind of charisma the P89 possesses, but I can’t place my finger on it. Hopefully I’ll pick one up someday, they’re relatively affordable and parts kits can be found cheaply.
Yeah, it kinda got "typecast" as a budget gun--even though I think it shoots as well as its competitors. Honestly, I wasn't really looking... but for $360 or whatever I paid for this thing.... why not? And I'm glad I did. Because it's excellent pistol. Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical of course man! I made sure to subscribe, too! I agree it got typecast as a cheaper gun. Unfortunately that has everything to do with the adoption of the p226 and 92, along with their aesthetics and presentation of those guns in media. The p series got left in the dust. Most DA/SA guns shoot very well. $360 is a great price, very inexpensive as far as guns go!
Regarding "Cheapness" I never really looked into the P-series variants and their specifics until I got P-89. Whenever someone mentioned "Ruger P-series" in my head I pictured a P95 with a cheap looking scuffed up plastic frame. The metal frame guns are really pretty nice quality in my opinion. Getting mine used in near-excellent condition for $250, I think its better quality than most new-manufacture guns you can get today for $250
Buy the eemantech kit and langdon tactical hammer spring for the beretta 92. Best upgrade you'll ever make. I actually enjoy the upgraded da more than my cz75 da
Interesting. I haven't heard of Eemann Tech. So... it's just springs? I've used the Wilson chrome-plated hammer springs or whatever in my other 92s. Does this offer something unique?
@@HipsterTactical eeman has the lightest springs in the world. Langdon does silicone chrome but they're only worth it for the hammer and Recoil springs unless you want their stock heavy duty silicone chrome springs. If you don't care about materials then they'll all do the same in trigger pulls Eemantech is what all pro competitors use, and then there's Eric gaffel for specifically cz that eemantech will have at the ipsc store to fill up anything they don't make like sear springs One more is mcarbo if you want a budget high value upgrade, same quality as everyone else but they don't specify their spring strength
Haha. I think Dixie Highway is pretty much the same shiz everywhere you go. Same in Dayton OH. Same in Kentucky. Same in Boca Raton Florida. And I'd guess the strip clubs are all pretty much the same deal, too. Haha. Thanks!
I have one of these. It was my first pistol. Bought it two days after i turned 21 in 98. (I have many now) i still have it. It is NOT a "cheap" weapon. Its an "inexpensive" weapon. There is a big difference between "cheap" and "inexpensive" In the 80s? The Yugo was a cheap car. ford escort was an inexpensive car... see the difference?
100% agree. The Ruger P89 is certainly not cheap-it performs as well as significantly more expensive guns. I was blown away by how excellent the P89 is, by any metric.
I didn't hate the P series but I was really into 1911s and CZ75s and BHPs back in the day (and still am) and a buddy had a P89... and I hated it! Very blocky, terrible trigger (keeping in mind, I was shooting 1911s and CZs that had trigger jobs). I haven't shot one in like 20 years but my buddy still has it. I would say it felt substantial without feeling too heavy. It felt like it would probably last forever. It did shoot pretty well. My buddy wasn't a great pistol shot but it wasn't at all. I also think it might have been slightly softer in the recoil department vs my CZs, not that any full size 9s are heavy in recoil.
Yeah, it's tough to compete with 1911s and CZ-75s for inherent shootability. But, for me, compared to Sig P2XXs and Beretta 92s, the P89 compares pretty favorably. I personally like the SA trigger. It's not exactly light. But I like the firm wall and the break is nice and crisp. Double action isn't anything special... but doesn't have any egregious flaws. The recoil has the floaty kerchunk... but honestly that doesn't bother me. Thanks for the comment!
It’s not a 1911 trigger, for sure. But I find it compatible with other 80s 90s service pistols in terms of the trigger. DA is smooth. SA is crisp. Certainly not what I’d call awful.
I actually think they feel great. Wide enough for lateral support, fairly straight back strap and reasonable trigger reach. They’re bulky and top heavy, yeah… but the ergos work for little kits. Thanks!
In the XM 10 trials, the military although they did put the Ruger through its Paces dismissed it out of hand because they said the barrel was not Chrome lined which it isn't. It's made out of stainless steel. it is literally made out of chromium alloy. That is precisely why you never know what's going to happen when you have idiots doing Firearms testing. And as for the broken slides on the bread is that was because Winchester was putting out some bad ammo for a while. I'll explain that if you want me to 40 year old Plus 1911s. Cult took three 1911 from their stockpile rebuilt them up to standard and put them in the new trials and there wasn't a test that the Army could do that would cause them to malfunction. They just wanted more ammo. The other problem that the Navy Seals had with the Beretta is the open slide. If you don't let dirt into the gun in the first place it doesn't have to have an open slide to get the dirt out of it. I happen to be well-versed on these pistols especially because my gunsmith here in Michigan actually worked with Bill Ruger on those designs. That was about the same time or just after both of us have been working on the M1 battle tank when it was in Prototype phase. Although the firearm is not particularly attractive, it works quite well. Although being 9 mm I still don't prefer it as a primary cartridge for self-defense unless you have more than just you to return fire. The cartridge is barely adequate in my estimation. The ammo today is far better than it has ever been, but it is still only adequate. The 40 Smith hits at least 80% harder and does 25 to 30% greater permanent wound cavity than the next closest 9 mm. If you're going to listen to the FBI tell you or try to justify to you that the reason I went to 9 mm was anything but for price. I got some oceanfront property in the Ozarks for you.
Wow! Interesting perspectives. That's interesting info on the XM10 trials. I couldn't find anythign definitive on the outcome... only that Ruger did well, but not well enough to replace the Beretta. In any case, I think highly of the gun and the design. Glad to own mine. And yeah, it's hard to argue a calibers like .40 and .45 don't hit harder and cause more damage. But... for my purposes... I feel like 9mm is more than enough. And when you add in the recoil, capacity and cost advantages, it makes sense. Thanks again for your perspective. And my apologies for the late reply.
Absolutely fantastic video. I have one bit of constructive criticism: figure out a way to look "down the barrel" INTO the camera, rather than off to the side while reading your content. The "looking off to the side" distracts from your otherwise EXCEPTIONALLY good content.
From 1996-2002, I carried a P89 as a reserve police officer for a small city police department. This gun was dropped, skidded across concrete after becoming dislodged during a foot pursuit (long story, and embarrassing, ugh). The P89 is still my baby, never had a malfunction, probably in excess of 5000 rds through her, she still rocks. Our weapons instructor called my baby a "boat anchor," but when he used her at the range was always able to hit the money ring at 50 yds. I carried her concealed on several plain clothes assignments and I am a small framed individual, no one knew - she's a big girl, but I feel confident carrying her concealed. I appreciate your review of the P89, she is still my baby and I will always love my P89. I come from a Ruger family, my Dad owned, a Blackhawk .357, a Security Six . 357, a 10-22 and a Mini-14. Ruger rocks, and I have never met a Ruger firearm I didn't like and respect. Thank you for reviewing my baby!
Thank you so much for watching... and for sharing your personal story about the P89. Hearing things like this really puts in perspective how much guns can mean to people...and it's nice to hear my humble review brought you some nostalgia. But your experience--in terms of durability, reliability and accuracy--seems par for the course with the P89. I don't have any experience with Ruger P-Series pistols besides this one, but it's been a great experience thus far. Thanks again and take care!
It's like a budget version of a Browning high power.rugar has always been known for making dependable guns at an affordable price.
the THING is
....it eats all ammo & does NOT jam - EVER !!
Mine too, man! And I hear the same from others. Thanks for the comment!
It doesn't like lite ammo or plastic ammo
For what it is, not bad... Buy 10.00 a box aluminum 115 grain blazer. Never had a ftf.
It’s was my first firearm, I love the P89. I matched it with the first Gen Ruger PC9 rifle, they use the same mags. My best combination.
@@alberthechme4001picking one up tmrrw for my first handgun 🤘🏽
I took 3 handgun classes at the San Diego Police range. I fired 500 rounds/night, 3 times a week for 6 months without a misfire. It's a very comfortable pistol for my hand. I put a laser in the grips for 70 year old eyes, but I do trust the P89. In the last two decades I have bought and sold 20 or so pistols. Beretta's Glocks some of that English crap.
Two I kept, P89 and Russian Makarov.
Haha! I love the Makarov as well. And thank you for sharing your experience with the P89. I've yet to hear from anyone who says the things are anything but tough, reliable and shootable. That's pretty cool you took some classes with the SD PD. I had heard that San Diego was one of the major PDs to use Ruger P-Series pistols. Cool. Thanks again, my friend!
What did you use for the laser grip, if you dont mind me asking? Recommendation, please?
Passed on from my dad. Decades of use, thousands of rounds .still going strong . Great video. Continued success
Thank you, my friend! Very cool you have your dad's pistol... which also happens to be a fantastic one. Take care!
My dad passed away 3 years ago, he gave me this same handgun a couple months before he passed, I just turned 18 and found out that while I can’t buy a handgun until I’m 21, I can legally own and carry a handgun if it was gifted to me.
I got my dads too after he died. That and his mini 14 reminds me of the good old days of the 90s
That was a great explanation of casting vs forging. I learned quite a bit about it. I had a P85 for a long time and wish I never sold it. I'm constantly looking for either the P85 or P89 on the secondary market, however you don't see many.
Thank you, my friend! Really appreciate you watching... and the kind words. Yeah, I got lucking finding mine at the price I did, locally. But there are plenty on Gunbroker for reasonable prices. I wanna get a P90 at some point. Thanks again!
I have had a P89 for a lot of years now. It has never failed. Plus, and this is big for me, It feels like a gun. I have been very slow to warm up to polymer.
Yeah, I can't argue with "feel" being an important factor in which guns appeal to you. At the end of the day, it's the subjective, small things that make us love the guns we love. And I think the P89 is easy to love. Thanks, bud!
Plastic firearms are blasphemy
I have used a Ruger P89 as my primary pistol since it was first introduced by Ruger. I have run a couple of thousand rounds of 9mm ammo (both top line and surplus junk) through this pistol without experiencing a failure.
If I had my choice, I would rather have carried this weapon in Vietnam than the Colt 1911 that I actually carried.
Primarily because the 9mm was a lot lighter in weight than the.45 caliber cartridge and, I have some aftermarket magazines with a 15 round capability. The pistol itself was also 7 ounces lighter than the Colt!
With aftermarket Hogue grips, I am as accurate with the P89 as I was with the Colt Model 1911.
As a motion picture combat cameraman, weight was always a great problem for me. My 16mm film was quite heavy and anyplace I could save a few ounces would allow me to carry more film.
I also like the double action capability of the P89. I hated the Colt because in order to use the safety, the weapon needs to be carried in full cock.
Wow. That's quite a statement. And from someone who's no stranger to being in harm's way, that's quite an endorsement for the P89. Thank you for your service... and for sharing your fascinating experience. I've had 1911s. And while nothing can compare to a 1911 trigger, I too find the P89 compares quite favorably in terms of accuracy--and yes, the DA/SA "paradigm" just makes sense to me for a self defense pistol. I'm guessing you were in Saigon? I was there (Ho Chi Minh City) in 2016. I'm sure it's changed a lot--but I enjoyed my time there and found the people to be very friendly. Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your experience.
I have both the P89 and P90, they are both awesome pistols!
Nice! I need to get my hands on a P90. Some seem to think they shoot even better than the P89. Interesting--Massad Ayoob just did a video on his carry guns as an officer. He carried a P90 for a while. Said it was a good, reliable pistol.
Me to.
@@HipsterTacticalI don't know about better but don't know about worse either.
😂
My go to gun every time. 0 failure to fire. Like it or hate it, it works.
Yep. Never heard these guns are anything but reliable. Thanks so much for watching!
I love the p series. I also love my 92fs inox ghost, my 59/4506, they all have so much character. Seen a lot of gun videos, you’re damn good at reviewing
Thank you so much for the kind words! Honestly, those kinda comments keep me motivated... so, I appreciate it. I'm jealous of your 92 Ghost. Very nice. I'd like to get an inox 92 at some point. Working on a Sig P226 at the moment. Thanks again!
Great video! I own a P89. Solid firearm. A shame Ruger no longer makes it.
Thanks, buddy! Really appreciate the comment. Yeah, it's sooo surprisingly excellent. Sucks a lot of the cool 80s - 90s guns aren't made anymore. At least we still have Beretta 92s and Sig P22Xs. Thanks again!
Hi, I really enjoyed this video. I was the guy who commented on the police use of the P89. They gave great service for a decade until the department went to Glocks. Even then, there was nothing wrong with the P89's, it was just that the new Chief had gun money to spend from asset forfeiture funds and preferred Glocks. The P89's were sold and the city recovered more than half of their investment. We loaded the P89's with the Federal 9BP-LE 115 grain +P+ loads, which was the hot cartridge of the times and never had a failure.
And yes, we did have one guy that cleaned his in the dishwasher, and afterwards sprayed it down with Rem-Oil, wiped it down, and loaded it. I was appalled but the gun didn't seem to mind. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that the P89 is a fine pistol, full stop. No qualification such as "for what it is" needed. Thanks for the mention in your video.
Haha. Thanks for corroborating the anecdote! Sorry for the delay--your comment wasn't coming up in the comment list in TH-cam's back-end. Anyway, I think your experience is a perfect example of why the P89 deserves credit and recognition as a great pistol, with zero pretext. Also pretty amazing you used +P+ in those guns with no issues. Bill made 'em tough. That's for sure. Thanks again for watching and for the comment!
I 1st saw a P85 in 1987 if I recall correctly. I was a teenager gawking at all the pewpews with my friends at the local pawnshop. Instantly fell in love with the look of it.
Today, it's my EDC. When the DOD was running trials to replace the 1911, the P85 performed flawlessly in the 20K rounds fired torture test. DOD opted for Beretta as we all know. For 20 years, Pentagon brass tried without success to get them to switch to the Ruger P-series, but rumor has it there was backdoor politics.
This gun is nicknamed "the battletank." Never misfires & fires dry & dirty. Guys have taken P85s out of storage uncleaned, unlubed & fired them after sitting for decades.
You'll never hear any guntubers give these the praise they deserve. They're fanbois for all the predictable names in their Top 10s (Glock, Sig, etc). Those of us who love guns & have a few years under our belt know better. There's a reason I trust my life to this gun as my EDC.
The P89 will likely take more abuse than you are willing to take. Not a poke at you, just a fact due to the overbuilt nature of the P series.@OfftheBankBasSlayer
I purchased this tool back in the early 1990s and a S&W 357. Both are fantastic. It is metal beast.
It definitely is a beast. But I love it. Thanks for the comment!
I'm happy with modern plastic fantastic; but there's something special about these steel chonkers.
There definitely is. Grab a P89! They're fantastic--you'll dig the way it shoots. Thanks for the comment!
Great Review - I bought a P89 back in the 90's same as the model your showing. Handed it down to son number 1 who handed it down to son number 2. Still going strong. Pistols have their own 'personality'. I consider the P89 the 'Buick" of pistols - if you ever drove a Buick and shot a P89 and felt the recoil you know what I'm talking about. :)
That is perhaps the most apropos metaphor for the P89 I’ve yet heard. I drove a Buick LeSabre for a minute in high school. All I can say is “yup.” Plush. Comfortable. A little “floaty” over bumps-or in this case 124gr FMJs. Thanks so much for the poignant context and the kind words!
These are great guns. I had a p89 and p95. Sold them regrettably.
They really are. I'd like to add a P90 at some point. Thanks for the comment!
Same here and I kick myself every so often for doing it
Very good description on Ruger P89. I am a big fan of Ruger and have two of these same pistol that I bought new in 1995. A stainless steel and a black one. Shot about 2k rounds out of the black one and maybe 500 out of SS. Never had any issues and I even shot lead cast bullets that I've reloaded myself back in mid 90's and never had any malfunctioning. Thanks for the honest review
Thanks so much for watching, my friend! Yeah, I've found that anybody who's actually used these guns... digs 'em. I did mine. Very reliable. Very accurate. It's not going anywhere. Thanks!
Found a Stainless P85 MK II at a pawn shop here in Houston for 299. Put thay sucker on layaway to hold it till next week. I believe the P85 has an aluminum frame.
Nice! You’ll love it. Yep-all the P-series guns have aluminum frames. Except the p95 and the p345, which have polymer frames.
Old friend of mine worked at Pine Tree castings for Ruger in Newport NH back in late 70’s early 80’s making sand molds in the foundry
Thanks cool! Ruger has a really cool series of videos on TH-cam, showing the technical details of its casting process. I had no idea it was so... demanding. It's no wonder they're the leader in casting for firearms. Maybe your buddy is in the videos... :) Thanks and take care!
My first firearm was a Ruger P85. Easily 3-4k rounds through it and never had a jam. First ammo thru it was some bulk surplus Israeli Uzi 9mm that didn't always fire. However, after repeated d/a trigger pulls it would finally fire and the brass would clear the weapon cleanly. NEVER a hang-up with that crappy ammo or any other type after that. Excellent weapon and I regret selling it and am in the market for another one.
Update: Ruger P85, P89 not on Cal roster of approved guns...
Yeah, man. That doesn't surprise me. I've to hear anyone say anything negative about the P-Series' in terms of reliability. And I kinda expected the guns to be tough and reliable--what surprised me was the shootability and accuracy. The things are tack drivers. Thanks so much for sharing!
A P series is on my bucket list for nostalgia factor alone. It was a rockstar in the 90s, featured in a ton of films, Goldeneye64 etc. Imagine a time when the movie gun was a budget friendly Ruger and not a $2k+ TT.
It’s definitely worth grabbing one-especially at the prices they’re going for. I’m not sure you can get a better pistol for the money. Thanks!
Your review nailed it. The P89 is a great gun. Not the perfect gun, but really good. I'm noticing in the comments that many who love the Ruger P series love the same type of pistol.. Sig P229, Beretta 92, CZ75s , ect. I too, have a p90 and p89. You mentioned that "machiney" in the cycling of the P89 (the P Series) much like a HK USP. But it's..... Telepathic. You know where you hit. Weird, but true. These are certainly "cult' guns. For those who know, they know.
Count me in the cult, man! I'm a P89 devotee... but, to your point, I still like Sigs, Berettas, and just about any "wondernine" I can get my hands. I actually just picked up a 1988 P226. At this point, I've got most of the pistols that competed in the US pistol trials of the '80s... probably worth a video at some point. Thanks for the comment!
@HipsterTactical I wish I had the same. The 85 XM trials was a big deal. It was the replacement for the eternal 1911. And just about every contender was FRICKIN AWESOME.
Great review. I have an original P85 that I bought in 1992 from a friend who never really shot it. My dad was a gun dealer and said "That Ruger will go bang every time you pull the trigger." Lol. Your review gave me a bit of nostalgia, so I just ordered an Alien Gear OWB holster for it and plan on doing some range days with it.
If it's not labeled Mk II, contact Ruger and they will do the recall work and stamp it as such. For free. Check it out.
I just bought one and will be sending it in for the recall soon.
Great review and history!!! I own 4 P-Series pistols (P89, P90 and two P94's in .40 S&W) and they all work. Lately I been ordering extra magazines for all 3 calibers and the P94 is my truck handgun as I have a spare at home. None has never failed to go bang when the trigger is pulled.....😄😄😄😄😄😄
Thanks, dude! Appreciate you watching and appreciate the comment. I really love the slightly more modern look of the P93s and P94s. I suppose that's an excuse to grab one :) And yes--I've yet to hear from anyone that Ruger P-Series guns are anything but reliable. Thanks again!
@@HipsterTactical You are welcome!
I want a p94 and a kp90
It is interesting that casting isn't generally known for strength, but Ruger revolvers are known for being ridiculously strong, to the point that reloaders have developed "Ruger only" loads loaded to higher than spec, that only Ruger revolvers can reliably digest safely.
Yeah, that is a great point. I think the simple answer is that Rugers are built thicker and beefier than Smiths and Colts. And I kinda think--maybe--the contours of the Ruger frames are built to distribute stress a bit better? That's kind of a hypothesis. But... I think whatever shortcomings casting have, compared to forgings, Ruger's design changes OVERcompensate, rendering their guns even tougher than forged competitors. At least that's my layman's logic talking. Thanks for the comment!
I have a 31 year old Ruger P-90 and have never experienced one malfunction, which is something I can not say about my Glocks.
That's great to hear... and I hear a lot of the same from other P-Series owners. I need to grab a P90 at some point. Thanks for the comment!
I bought a P94 in 1996. Still have it.
Nice! I love the look of the P93 and P94. Thanks for watching!
Love the review and very accurate review. I own a P85 and actually carried it as my edc for over a year. I've came close to selling several times but could not bring myself to get rid of it. I hate the trigger on the p85 or I should say I hate the double action trigger but with time and practice you do become comfortable with it
I carry a P85 as my EDC. I trust my life to it
Thank you, sir! Appreciate the comment and the kind words. I like the trigger on the P89... can't compare it to what's on the P85, though. I think it's a great gun and it definitely deserves a spot in my wondering collection.
You don't have to use it in double action mode if you don't want to. Just cock the hammer manually.
There's no reason to feel the double action pull unless you are in an emergency situation.
I inherited a P85 from my uncle. It was his service weapon as an LEO. I sent it back to Ruger for the MKII recall upgrade. This pistol is a tank. I love it.
That’s cool Ruger offered that upgrade. Solid company. Solid weapons. I’m sure it was a great service pistol. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for a very thoughtful video!
My first wonder 9 was a KP85MkII. It is a tank! Ruger took a P85 and cut the right side of the slide away below the ejection port; even after proof loads, there was no other damage. They also threaded a plug into the barrel of another pistol and touched off a proof round. All they had to do was replace the barrel and ejector!
As much as I liked it, the way the trigger guard spread my trigger and second fingers, thereby forcing my grip lower just bothered me.
Also, the trigger had a long, sloppy feel. I traded it off for a Taurus PT92, which is my favorite pistol of that era.
Wow! I wasn't aware of those torture tests! You hear about HK doing that kinda stuff on USPs, etc.... but sounds like a Ruger P-Series can handle some crazy abuse. Yeah, the trigger isn't gonna win any awards... but I don't mind it. The ergos work for me, too. In any case... thank you so much for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical One of the gunzines had an article--with photos--back in the '90s.
Probably because the G.I.s were familiar with the swinging link concept. I carried an M-60, and my sidearm was 1911. I would have been very comfortable with field stripping a P-85, especially with no barrel lug and a captive take-down pin.
First handgun was a ruger p345, I got it not knowing much about the P series but watching videos now on the P series I wish I kept it and got a few other models back when I still could. I guess looking back I could of made a worse choice for my first handgun lol.
Yeah, the P345 seems to have a lot of fans. They were kinda the "bridge" from the classic P-Series into the newer SR series. I still wanna get a P90 (.45). Thanks for the comment!
I have an old P-85 9mm in a matte blue and a P-97 stainless in 45. I picked them up last year laying side by side in a gun shop from the same owner. The 45 is in near mint condition 98% and the 9mm shows a little more holster ware say 85% condition. Picked them both up for $650.00 Total for both! I love them and most likely won't part with them any time soon. Great Video as well I'm a new suscriber... Good Job!
Thank you so much for the kind words and the sub! That sounds like a great deal to me. I need to get a P-series in .45. I was thinking a P90--because... Desperado :) But I'll have to check out the P97. Thanks again and enjoy those pistols!
Hey Matt! Massad Ayoob just did a video about his duty pistols, and he used a Ruger P90 in one department. I really like the CZ 75 B as a duty reference pistol. The P80 looks great! 👍👍👍👍
Oh, nice! I've gotta check that out. People "who know" always seem to respect the Ruger P-Series guns. This one was a pleasant surprise. Thanks for the comment, buddy!
I´m glad I found your channel. Your reviews are nicely in-depth and my taste runs towards "hammered guns" anyway. I can only speak about a Ruger P94 that I handled and shot, and I have to say it felt somewhat cheap overall, but I understand that these P-series guns basically sold like sliced bread in the US until they were discontinued. I hope for a strong revival of DA / SA in general, as I consider striker fired guns somewhat incompatible with human stress physiology. I also prefer to have 14 nice trigger pulls after ONE bad one instead of having to live with a compromise for the whole magazine just because Glock´s brainstorming back in the day said that a DA trigger is the end of the world.
Man, you're preaching to the choir on the merits of DA/SA. In a stressful situation, a DA pull between you and "destiny" is a welcome comfort--at least in my mind. Plus, you have the advantage of true SA precision, following that. I get the sense that DA/SA fell out of favor NOT because it was un-popular or hard to shoot, etc.--it's because there's simply higher profit margins for simpler striker-fired guns. So that's what the industry pushed. And that's consumers convinced themselves was "tactically superior." Also... I get the sense that, maybe, the P89s and P90s had a slightly nicer fit and finish vs. some of the newer P93s and P94s. But, never having handled the latter... that's just speculation. Also, I'm not sure P93s/P94s were offered with the sexy stainless finish, like P89s and P90s. In any case... thanks so much for watching and for the compliment!
Very nice review. I came into this world at a very fraught time but was fortunate to grow uo in the 70's and early eighties. I spent my childhood with he westerns, police and detective shows and old war movies. I was a gun lover from an early age. Would wear out issues of GIuns and ammo I got at the grocery store. I got my first handgun a Ruger Super Single Six when I was 12. Still have it and have fired thousands of rounds thru it and it is still as good as the day I got it (used). I own more Rugers today than any other make of gun probably due to the quality of that Single Six. I don't have a P-89 but I didi once have a P-90 that I eventually sold but it was a great gun. The quality of Rugers when the p-89s were being made was second to none. Most of my Rugers are from the 80's many bought used. I felt like they were better than what was being produced new a lot of times after the millennial. A lot of the guns you have reviewed are from those golden years and I have a lot of them. Good times. I just recently picked up a Bersa TPR9 and it strikes me as fitting in nicely with a lot of the guns of that era.
That's so cool you still have your first gun from when you were 12! I was born in 1980, so I'm enamored with a lot the guns I grew up seeing in movies and television. Berettas, Sigs, Smith 3rd gens--I guess the late 80s and early 90s was kinda the heyday of DA/SA. Which I'm sure Jeff Cooper hated :) And while I had heard good things about Ruger P Series pistols, I was blown away by how nice this P89 is. Agree on the quality being second to none. In some ways, I'll say it feels a little more refined than Smith 3rds gens. Not that Smiths are great shooters. How do you like the TPR9? I actually had a Bersa TPR9c last year. It was reliable and it was really good size... but man, it kicked like mule on meth. But it felt well made. In any case... thanks for the comment and the support.
Nice review. I have a Ruger P90DC made in 1991. The double action is very good, the single action is gritty with a little creep, not as refined as my Beretta 92FS. The P90 reset is excellent shorter than the 92FS, and much shorter than my Sig P229. Now recently I have installed the SRT on the Sig, but can live with the Beretta and Ruger reset.
Thanks so much for watching! I'd love to have a P90. I've heard high praise for their accuracy--and if it's anything like the P89, I'm inclined to believe it. I actually watched Desperado not long before I bought this P89, about a year ago (he has two P90s in the film). That definitely helped spur the impulse buy.
My P90 looks identical to your P89 right down to the hogue grips, I also have the factory grips in the case. You have the decocker/safety, while I have the decocker only. I ordered mine brand new in 1991 with the decocker only on the left side, as I’m right handed.@@HipsterTactical
@@gracedagostino5231 The decocker only setup would be nice. That's so cool you've had it that long. I suppose that's a solid endorsement for Ruger pistols. I very much dig this P89. I'm sure I'll own a P90 at some point.
I love my P90. Nothing refined about it. Clunky action like a HK USP. Just a brick. The double action on mine is like 11-12lbs, but the single action is a consistent 4lbs. And the reset is pretty short. But what makes it shine is its accuracy. More accurate than the p89. Total tack driver even with the crappy sights. I installed the Meprolights on mine. A nightmare to put in but worth it.
I think the P89 is a working man’s sigsauer or walther p88 as it’s very similar design . Just got done shooting mine for only 3rd time and have to say how sweet shooting it is and how well it fits my smaller hands reminiscent of 1911 slim grip ! I am a big 9mm auto shooter that owns a $1500 beretta 92x with muzzle brake and this $350 pistol really amazes me ! It doesn’t have locked n cocked option but otherwise definitely a great shooter and possible home defender or shtf gun. Might be worth getting a 2nd one to own!!!
I agree with everything you said, my man. It’s funny-I’m currently reviewing the P226 I just picked up… I can’t help thinking, “Man-that P89 was sweet.” I plan to do a comparo between all the XM9 wondernines, at some point (I own most of them, now). It’ll be an interesting exercise. Thanks so much for tuning in!
@@HipsterTactical hey what grips are those you have on your p89? Are those Ruger grips . That’s the only addition I want for my p89 as stock grips aren’t so grippy.
@@burtonkephart6239 They’re Hogue rubber grips. Not factory, per se…. But I kinda think some P-series did come with Hogues from the factory? Not 100% sure. Either way… they feel good. Though I haven’t tried the black ridged plastic grips for comparison.
@@HipsterTactical you’re not missing much with the factory grips though they look nice I think . Thanks again.
Great video. Thank you. Nothing like a P89.
I'm inclined to agree. Love mine. It certainly has its own character in terms of how it shoots and handles.
I got the Dixie Highway reference. Didn’t know you were a fellow S. FL PBC old school gun hipster!
Are you in Palm Beach County!? I lived in Boca for most of my 20s. Ahh… miss it. Now I live near Cincinnati. But… strangely… “Dixie Hwy” is pretty much the same shit no matter where you are!!! It’s a…. State of mind…. 🤣
@@HipsterTactical work in PB gardens for years! Used to hang out downtown areas in the late 90s. I’ve been to Cincy a few times too.
The Landing Strip, DeJaVu, and Champians
Lol Florida 10 names for one road. Old Dixie hwy, 301 blah blah. I miss florida
@@Yadadeliverthe old Tanga Lounge or Seven Seas. Damn it 1990s where did you go?
Great gun! Love mine. Also...new to your channel. Excellent review. Thank you
Thanks, buddy! Appreciate you stopping by. Yeah, it’s one of those guns I didn’t know I’d love. And the more I learned about it, the more I appreciated the design. Thanks again!
It has the look of a late 80s early 90s pistol. Cool design no nonsense
Yup. Agree. Love the look the classic pistols in the 80s and 90s. Thanks!
I carried a P89 for six years as a reserve police officer. I still own the pistol and I love it. I come from a Ruger family, Dada had a Blackhawk and a Security Six, at the range I never had a malfunction with my p89, it is a rockstar of a pistol. Heavy yes, bulky yes, reliable yes.
I purchased my DCP89X Series in 1992. Which came with a second barrel & recoil spring for 30 luger to go with the 9MM. Which was a nice option to have. It's been my EDC ever since, as it's a great fit for my large hands. And with its weight there's little muzzle climb & stays on target. So there was no need to have this ported. However I did upgrade the sights for an adjustable rear sight picture. And keeps me within 0.5'" @100' groupings. The only jam it's ever had was some strawberry jam I dropped on it one time. Lol
I'm well over 20K down the pipe and never fails to go bang. Even after never cleaning it for a yr once. I won that bet, never had a misfire. So the P89X is like owning 2 handgun's.@15+1
It's funny you mention that--I saw a P89 in my local gun shop that included a .30 Luger barrel. Which would have been neat. But yeah, it's accurate and 100% reliable. And I think it looks cool. Thanks!
Ruger builds a solid pistol. Most guys that cry about weak casting metal, usally carry a platic pistol like Glock. Thick guns are like thick girls, hold on tight and enjoy😊
Haha. Totally. Nothing weak about ruger’s castings in this ole gal. Thanks!
This has got me looking for a holster for my P90.
Nice. I need me a P90. Maybe two. To fit in the sleeves of my mariachi outfit. Thanks for the comment!
I had a leather shop custom make me one. Something to think about
I am a P model fanboi. Have been for 13 years. I really liked your insight into these big tanks. Mine started with the P90DC.
Absolutely great video man! Really well done, one of the best Ruger P Series video's i’ve seen. Do you think you’ll do a third generation S&W vs Ruger P series video?
Thanks, dude! I really appreciate it. Yeah, it was kind of rabbit hole... I didn't know a ton about P-Series Rugers before hand. But I think there's really something to said for the innovation that Ruger achieved with these guns. That's a good idea on Smith 3rd vs. Ruger P-Series. They're so different... yet kinda similar in terms of their niche. Thanks again and take care!
I know what you mean by fitting the same niche. It’s neat how the P series evolved over its lifetime. Both series of pistols have always really struck me as total work horses. I’d really like to see a Ruger P94 vs S&W 5903 match up. I’ve been wanting to know which would be best in my hands as far as accuracy goes. I figure those are the closest in terms of specs both aluminum framed ,similar barrel lengths and close in weight. The Ruger P93 is probably closer to the 5903 spec wise but is a little harder to find from what i understand. Also, do you think you’ll add one of the later polymer framed P series pistols to your collection in the future? @@HipsterTactical
I had a Ruger P95 that I had one stove pipe when I was shooting one handed and at 26,650 the extractor broke. I still have my P89,P90 and my P95. No status but very reliable and durable.
I have the ruger p94 and its a tank, its durable, reliable and fires really well, the p series are highly underrated
Agree, 100%. Love the looks of the P94s and P93s. Thanks, my friend!
Are you from Dayton, OH?
Yeah! Kettering, actually. I think I may have mentioned that at sone point… or you’re psychic 😂 I live near Cincinnati, now.
@@HipsterTactical this is actually the first video of yours I’ve ever seen. I picked it up because of the “strip clubs on Dixie Highway” lol.
@@BT2SS Haha. Yeah, I imagine kinda where Capri lanes used to be… just south of Carillon Park. But honestly “Dixie Highway” is the same shit in every state-even in Boca Raton, FL… it was kinda sketch.
P89DC ARE TANKS they shoot smoth, and for me, it is very accurate. Still own mine, only one malfunction. Still have the original DC just with an optic won't sell it for nothing. If you can shoot this gun accurately, you can shoot anything. Ruger stands behind this gun if you want to get the SDC option. I have and still will use it for EDC, and I trust it. It will eat ANYTHING!
Yeah, people really trust these things. And so do I. I don't think I've heard anything negative from people who have used these guns over the years. Love mine. Thanks so much for the comment!
This was a great video. I own a P94 9mm. Excellent pistol.
Thanks, my friend! Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the compliment. I love the aesthetic of the P94 and the P93. I need to grab one at some point.
Ive owned p85, 89, 94, & 95 over the years and the 89 & 95 have been 2 my favorites of all. I favor more carry friendly sizes, but at the range there isnt much that makes me happier than Rugers P series. Amazing guns at an amazing pricepoint!
Dammit, now you've got me in reaquire mode!
Haha. I know the feeling. At some point, I'd like to explore Ruger's other P-Series offerings. But for now, I love my P89. Thanks!
I bought a P85 in 1989. It was my 1st pistol. I still love it. My son now owns nearly the entire P line. When I see one, it speaks to my heart!
NOW.. reality. Trigger is crap. NOBODY ever offered trigger upgrades. Accuracy was trash because.. trigger, high bore axis, heavy felt recoil etc...
Also, at no time during the 80s military trials, did any American design even come close to the 92FS or the P226. You might check your facts there.
The Ruger is a favorite among folks that look nothing like us.
Don't believe me? Look up how popular these are in police evidence lockers!
It's hard not to love the P-Series pistols. To be clear, the P85 did NOT compete in the XM9 trials of 1984. It DID compete in the XM10 follow-up trials, of 1988 / 1989. I can find no hard data on what exactly happened in XM10, but I have read that the P85 "met all the requirements" and beat the Smith 459 handily. But so did the Beretta 92. Triggers are subjective, but I find the trigger in my P89... just fine. And I find it has excellent accuracy. Though it's worth noting that P89s had enhancements over P85s in terms of accuracy. Thanks for the comment!
As for the strength of cast vs forged, a good high pressure cast part is stronger in the lateral than a forging but not as strong in the longitudinal along the grain structure of the metal. Which means that pound-for-pound the cast is as strong as forging but not in one specific Direction.
Thank you so much for clarifying that! And sorry for the late reply--I actually referenced your point, responding to another comment. And I realize there are a lot of variables involved in determining "Strength" of metal. But, this explanation makes a lot of sense... and I think it probably explains why certain parts on Ruger firearms are a bit wider/thicker. Thanks so much the comment and the info!
It's like gripping an aircraft carrier but shoots like spooning melted butter. I love mine, always having Glocks. But, for the age tests, it has outlasted my PD Glocks, a rarity never stated.
Haha. That is a lovely--and relevant--paradox, my friend. And that's really cool to hear how your Rugers have lasted. They're tanks. But they're tanks that handle well. Thanks!
Thanks Matt I have a lot of respect for this gun cause I know it and she defends my life. She's my fat girlfriend and I love her.
Hahaha. Well put, my man. Hey-fat girls love you the best. P89 is proof 😂
In my experience the Ruger P89 has a double action trigger pull on par with a staple gun. It’s not even close to a Beretta 92FS or a Sig P226. However, it’s redeeming quality is that if has a lower recoil impulse due to its chunky and heavy duty slide. It’s very easy to control and a nice piece for any serious collector to have in their inventory. They can easily be had for around $350.00 and parts and accessories are still readily available. If you have the coin pick up one or a couple.
I disagree-though trigger quality certainly varies from gun to gun. My P89 has a smoother, more consistent DA pull than my 1989 Beretta 92F and my 1988 Sig P226. It’s not necessarily lighter… but it’s more shoot able, in my opinion. Though I’d say the SA is slightly superior on both the 92 and the P226. I’d like to grab some other p series Rugers at some point. Thanks!
I have a P89, and am very impressed with it. I also have several M1911s in .45 ACP, a couple of Hi Powers, a CZ 75 B, so I have experience with a wide variety of handguns. I would likely NOT of ever purchased a P-Series Ruger, but I came to own this one through an inheritance. It is pretty bulky (my main objection to the P-Series pistols) but I have come to admire it.
I did a lot of research on the P-Series, and I read that Ruger did, in fact, submit the P85 for the U.S. military trials, and it was doing well, but it did take Ruger longer to complete development than he anticipated, so it was a kind of "rush job". Not enough testing. It then happened that, during decocking, the pistol would sometimes fire. The P85 was then rejected.
Ruger did re-design the firing pin, and all P85 pistols "in the wild" were recalled, updated, and the updated pistols were then marked P85*. New production pistols coming from the factory with the update were marked as P85 MkII.
Later on, the P85 MKII was simply renamed as P89.
At least that's the story as I remember it..
That’s awesome perspective, thanks. Yeah, it was kind of ambiguous as to what happened in the XM9 trials… I read that Bill Ruger decided not to… but I’ve also read things that suggest they participated in the initial phases? Either way, the P85 definitely did participate in the XM10 trials of 1988. And I think it did well. And, like you, my experience suggests it’s an excellent pistol. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the Ruger love, my very first semi auto was the Ruger P85. It was an excellent first semi auto and I would recommend it or the P89 to any first-time shooters because of many points you brought up. Thanks again. (:
Glad you liked it, my friend! Yeah, I feel like the P-Series Rugers needed some love. They don't deserve their reputation as cheapo guns. And I agree--I couldn't think of a better first gun. Affordable, reliable and it'll shoot circles around a Glock. Thanks again!
They're great with some good sights, a lighter hammerspring, and a p95 trigger
Interesting. I don't mind the sights, as they come. But certain a lighter hammer spring couldn't hurt. Thanks!
First gun I bought was a Ruger P89 DC. Still have it & it will go to the grave with me. It's built like a tank. I've run all sorts of ammo through it, & with the exception of some of my earliest forays into ammo reloading, it's never failed me.
I don't expect mine ever to fail, either! Ruger made a damn good gun, with these. Thanks for the comment!
Had my P89 since 1995. Thick as a brick , tack driving , indestructible machine.
I think you nailed it, man. Gotta love the thing. Thanks for the comment!
FYI For those with these pistols, the inexpensive Korean 30 rd Beretta 92F mags have a Ruger-compatible mag slot that allows them to be used in the P series guns (as well as Berettas). That said I think the P89 is the best model of the P series, it has all the improvements of the P85 but made before the cheapness of the P95, it's a quality gun for the money.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. I didn’t realize this was an option.
What about the P85 DC?
The DCs are the decocker only variants. Not sure any P85DCs actually existed... but maybe they did? The DCs seemed to show later in the P-Series line.
I am guessing they used a swinging link because otherwise the steel barrel would have to cam into the aluminum frame causing wear unless they installed some form of steel insert
Yeah, that's a good theory. Though, really it would cam on the slide stop pin... I dunno. But it's worth noting when Ruger went to a linkless system on later P-Series guns, it did use a separate steel cam block. Thanks!
I have those same grips, my 89 has never jammed. I reload So I've put many different loads through it. Wonderful, very accurate gun.
I always loved the "fluffy" aesthetic of this kerchunk. I'd love to see your views on her sibling, the P90.
P89. I have theaded barrels I bought in 2005 from a Minnesota outfit plus a fake suppressor.. Also 32 & 36 round magazines. Never saw them again. At the time I lived. in Chicago helping my old friend Whitey aka Jim Bulger. Jim liked boot guns in 22 short with 4.5" barrels. He also loved a modified 1923 Colt pocket positive 32 with a bobbed hammer and a shortened 2" barrel. Held 6 rds of 32sw long. Very easy to control. I lived at Triple O's off and on. He helped me buy a small store near the FBI's Operation Lobster in the late 1970's.
I own a P85 and a P90. I have over 10,000 rounds thru the P90 and consistently run tighter groups than my friend 's series 70 Colt with accuracy upgrades. He also had better groups with my P 90. The Ruger is lighter than the Colt. I'm still daily carrying both P's due to the reliability and familiarity.
I use exclusive the NUE piston in CP2077 because it looks like this gun
Nice! Thanks!
strip clubs on Dixie Hwy that was like smelling a roach burn on a space heater in my head thanks from back in the early 80s
Haha. All the while... you probably had your trusty P89 stashed in a drawer with whiskey and condoms. Or maybe it was bibles and hand-crocheted blankets? Either way... the P89 was there for you, bro :) Thanks for the comment, man!
I love my kp89dc, it's chunky , it rattles and it absolutely works, not as heavy as it looks either
Love mine, too. And I agree-it’s really not all that heavy. Thanks for the comment!
A good pistol that unfortunately came at a bad time and was overshadowed by the Sig P226 and Beretta 92.
There’s some kind of charisma the P89 possesses, but I can’t place my finger on it. Hopefully I’ll pick one up someday, they’re relatively affordable and parts kits can be found cheaply.
Yeah, it kinda got "typecast" as a budget gun--even though I think it shoots as well as its competitors. Honestly, I wasn't really looking... but for $360 or whatever I paid for this thing.... why not? And I'm glad I did. Because it's excellent pistol. Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical of course man! I made sure to subscribe, too! I agree it got typecast as a cheaper gun. Unfortunately that has everything to do with the adoption of the p226 and 92, along with their aesthetics and presentation of those guns in media. The p series got left in the dust. Most DA/SA guns shoot very well. $360 is a great price, very inexpensive as far as guns go!
I have the Stainless model P-85 non mark 2 that was only made in 1990....hard to find
Are their any seious P89 users that didn't replace the grips with Hogue grips.
That’s what came on this one. And that’s what seems to be on many of them. Hogue actually makes G10s for these. I kinda wanna try some.
My favorite personal handgun. A workhorse that loves it's "oats."
Regarding "Cheapness" I never really looked into the P-series variants and their specifics until I got P-89. Whenever someone mentioned "Ruger P-series" in my head I pictured a P95 with a cheap looking scuffed up plastic frame. The metal frame guns are really pretty nice quality in my opinion. Getting mine used in near-excellent condition for $250, I think its better quality than most new-manufacture guns you can get today for $250
Buy the eemantech kit and langdon tactical hammer spring for the beretta 92. Best upgrade you'll ever make. I actually enjoy the upgraded da more than my cz75 da
Interesting. I haven't heard of Eemann Tech. So... it's just springs? I've used the Wilson chrome-plated hammer springs or whatever in my other 92s. Does this offer something unique?
@@HipsterTactical eeman has the lightest springs in the world. Langdon does silicone chrome but they're only worth it for the hammer and Recoil springs unless you want their stock heavy duty silicone chrome springs. If you don't care about materials then they'll all do the same in trigger pulls
Eemantech is what all pro competitors use, and then there's Eric gaffel for specifically cz that eemantech will have at the ipsc store to fill up anything they don't make like sear springs
One more is mcarbo if you want a budget high value upgrade, same quality as everyone else but they don't specify their spring strength
🔥 just got one my first gun to most people want a Glock but lk what it can do
Nice! I can’t of a better first gun. One of these will shoot circles around a Glock and it’s just as reliable. Thanks for the comment!
" It's thick. You can fit this in your pants. " Hipster Tactical-2023
Put it on my tombstone, homey 🤣
Hahaha! Strip clubs on Dixie Highway! By chance would that club be Deja Vu in Flint?
Haha. I think Dixie Highway is pretty much the same shiz everywhere you go. Same in Dayton OH. Same in Kentucky. Same in Boca Raton Florida. And I'd guess the strip clubs are all pretty much the same deal, too. Haha. Thanks!
Is p89 worth it
I have one of these. It was my first pistol. Bought it two days after i turned 21 in 98.
(I have many now) i still have it.
It is NOT a "cheap" weapon.
Its an "inexpensive" weapon.
There is a big difference between "cheap" and "inexpensive"
In the 80s? The Yugo was a cheap car. ford escort was an inexpensive car... see the difference?
100% agree. The Ruger P89 is certainly not cheap-it performs as well as significantly more expensive guns. I was blown away by how excellent the P89 is, by any metric.
I didn't hate the P series but I was really into 1911s and CZ75s and BHPs back in the day (and still am) and a buddy had a P89... and I hated it! Very blocky, terrible trigger (keeping in mind, I was shooting 1911s and CZs that had trigger jobs). I haven't shot one in like 20 years but my buddy still has it. I would say it felt substantial without feeling too heavy. It felt like it would probably last forever. It did shoot pretty well. My buddy wasn't a great pistol shot but it wasn't at all. I also think it might have been slightly softer in the recoil department vs my CZs, not that any full size 9s are heavy in recoil.
Yeah, it's tough to compete with 1911s and CZ-75s for inherent shootability. But, for me, compared to Sig P2XXs and Beretta 92s, the P89 compares pretty favorably. I personally like the SA trigger. It's not exactly light. But I like the firm wall and the break is nice and crisp. Double action isn't anything special... but doesn't have any egregious flaws. The recoil has the floaty kerchunk... but honestly that doesn't bother me. Thanks for the comment!
I have a P89 and I refer to it as the battle tank.
That is an apt name for a P89. Thanks!
Very reliable. Great choice for a budget. Trigger is awful but won’t seem bad to inexperienced shooters
It’s not a 1911 trigger, for sure. But I find it compatible with other 80s 90s service pistols in terms of the trigger. DA is smooth. SA is crisp. Certainly not what I’d call awful.
Held one last week for the first time in years. Slightly less awkward than holding a brick. Yes they work. But ergonomic they are not.
I actually think they feel great. Wide enough for lateral support, fairly straight back strap and reasonable trigger reach. They’re bulky and top heavy, yeah… but the ergos work for little kits. Thanks!
@@HipsterTactical when it comes to ergonomics I have always been a bit of a slave to CZ guns.
Informative. Excellent video…for what is is. 😆
Haha. I see what you did there 😉 Well played, my friend. And thank you!
Ok...wait just a second. Strip clubs on Dixie Hwy? Are you in that magical Illinois/Indiana area known as "Da Region"?
Haha. In my experience, Dixie Highway is always pretty much the same shiz no matter where you go. I'm in Northern KY... same in Ohio, same in Florida.
Mine is a tank eats everything and has never let me down
Mine too! Thanks!
Overengineered masterpiece.
In the XM 10 trials, the military although they did put the Ruger through its Paces dismissed it out of hand because they said the barrel was not Chrome lined which it isn't. It's made out of stainless steel. it is literally made out of chromium alloy. That is precisely why you never know what's going to happen when you have idiots doing Firearms testing. And as for the broken slides on the bread is that was because Winchester was putting out some bad ammo for a while. I'll explain that if you want me to 40 year old Plus 1911s.
Cult took three 1911 from their stockpile rebuilt them up to standard and put them in the new trials and there wasn't a test that the Army could do that would cause them to malfunction. They just wanted more ammo. The other problem that the Navy Seals had with the Beretta is the open slide. If you don't let dirt into the gun in the first place it doesn't have to have an open slide to get the dirt out of it.
I happen to be well-versed on these pistols especially because my gunsmith here in Michigan actually worked with Bill Ruger on those designs. That was about the same time or just after both of us have been working on the M1 battle tank when it was in Prototype phase. Although the firearm is not particularly attractive, it works quite well. Although being 9 mm I still don't prefer it as a primary cartridge for self-defense unless you have more than just you to return fire. The cartridge is barely adequate in my estimation. The ammo today is far better than it has ever been, but it is still only adequate. The 40 Smith hits at least 80% harder and does 25 to 30% greater permanent wound cavity than the next closest 9 mm. If you're going to listen to the FBI tell you or try to justify to you that the reason I went to 9 mm was anything but for price. I got some oceanfront property in the Ozarks for you.
Wow! Interesting perspectives. That's interesting info on the XM10 trials. I couldn't find anythign definitive on the outcome... only that Ruger did well, but not well enough to replace the Beretta. In any case, I think highly of the gun and the design. Glad to own mine.
And yeah, it's hard to argue a calibers like .40 and .45 don't hit harder and cause more damage. But... for my purposes... I feel like 9mm is more than enough. And when you add in the recoil, capacity and cost advantages, it makes sense. Thanks again for your perspective. And my apologies for the late reply.
Absolutely fantastic video. I have one bit of constructive criticism: figure out a way to look "down the barrel" INTO the camera, rather than off to the side while reading your content. The "looking off to the side" distracts from your otherwise EXCEPTIONALLY good content.
i love the p89. Mine is built like a 250 lbs Jamaican woman
Hahaha. "You like shooting, mon? Shoot with me..." I think the P89 would go well with some jerk seasoning :)
"The poor man's sig"
Yeah, I've heard the P89 described that way. But I don't think a rich man would be any less of a shooter with a P89 vs. a Sig. Thanks for the comment!
People say the P Series are thick. Have you ever seen a Sig? Lol
It was made to work! Not that accurate, not that balanced, not that refined. Kinda like an Ak.
It was definitely made to work… but mine is a tack driver. Thanks!
It has a horrible horrible trigger and its accurate at all.
Yer a horrible trigger
Have you tried sighting it in?
Absolutely HORRIBLE!!