An interesting video:
I’ve made no secret that I rather like the P95, but I like it for one very simple reason: for about $200 it’s the best gun you can buy. Thats not to say its the best gun out there, or that its even a ‘very good’ gun. Rather it means that if you have $200 in your pocket, unless you get extraordinarily lucky, the Ruger P95 will be the best gun you can afford.
But…there’s some other things to think about.
On the police trade-in market these days there are tons of Glock and S&W .40 caliber pistols. For about $250 you can have a S&W M&P or a Glock 22/23. And, honestly, both of those guns are better than the P95.
Why don’t I get a stack of those pistols if theyre better than the P95 and only a few bucks more? Well, first off, I already filled my need for some cheap disposable pistols…I already have a dozen of the P-series so there’s really nothing to be gained by picking up the other ones. Additionally, I’m not a .40 guy. I prefer the 9mm.
However, if you’re looking for something that is ‘affordable’ and far better than a HiPoint, Bersa, or Taurus, head over to Kings and check the used pistols. Or, you can cruise Gunbroker and try your luck at scoring some $200 P95’s. They don’t usually go that cheap, but there’s always plenty to bid on and if you bid often enough you’ll get one at that price.
Guns like these are not really my first choice for carrying around everyday (although you could), but rather they are ‘loaners’ or ‘expendable’ handguns. Guns that you don’t mind loaning or giving to a friend who needs a gun, that you can leave in a truck or cabin and not be heartbroken if it gets stolen, or that you can abuse by getting wet and banged up as you rough-n-tumble your way through some disaster. They are like Bic lighters…they work quite reliably but they are basically disposable and cheap enough that you can have several.
I’ve ordered up a few of the police trade-in M&Ps for a friend and I have to say, I really like the gun. We got a .45 ACP version with three magazines for, I believe, $270 which is a smoking deal for a .45 with spare mags. What amazed me was how narrow and comfortable the grip was for that double stack mag. Very impressive.
Anyway, I was perusing YouTube and saw that video and thought I’d pass it along since I’ve mentioned my penchant for cheap, uber-stout handguns more than a few times.
Cool. No Ruger centerfires here. Italian CZ clone Tanfoglio might be an option for those who like the CZ-75 and I hear (but not personally experienced) good with the Turkish Canik too. I like the grip of the CZ-75. That and the original Browning Hi-Power have the most comfortable grip for me, just so natural pointing.
I’m a 50 something, so my experience has been with older designs. Glocks is about my upper limit of recent models. The G30 update is nice – bitty little .45 acp commands some respect !
Just for the record Rugers are(excuse the pun) bullet proof. I have a number of Ruger rifles and handguns and really like them for design and toughness. I also have two Glocks (9mm and 10mm) and a .45 on the way. One thing no-one seems to discuss is the rifling used in Glocks, It is polygonal and is restricted to jacketed bullets. Not recommended for lead. In the world of the last man standing, you may be quickly reduced to casting lead bullets and reloading those. So.. I replaced my barrels with aftermarket match barrels that are conventionally rifled and can use both lead and jacketed bullets. Since I haven’t seen this concern stated before, am I just whistling through the graveyard? TTFN
I’ve read the same concern about the hexagonal rifling from standard Glock barrel rifling. I thought about (but never acted on) ordering a barrel myself. I guess I should jump on that one.
Why? If you are in the position you must re load, why not just stock bullets? 2000 FMJ 9mm for 135.00 seems like a much easier way to go than trying to cast lead after a SHTF/EOTW situation. Personally, I would just stock up on ready to go ammo now while its cheap and plentiful. Anyone really think they would live that long to burn 2K of pistol ammo? The only way I see to need to stock components is for future practice fodder due to cost/controls/classes etc. I was a miserable reloader and would not trust my stuff for serious use (excepting rimmed ammo like 38/357 which I no longer use.
How much lead 9mm do you see floating around? This only seems relevant to hand loafers who mold their own lead bullets.
In general the overlap of molding lead bullets and glocks seems minimal.
Loaders not loafers.
“Should I buy a used Ruger P95?” Sure – ‘ cause they ain’t no new ones floating around.
Commander: Are you ever concerned that firearms you buy through Gunbroker, etc. could eventually be traced for confiscation via the 4473? I’d like to know your thoughts on buying online versus private sales when it comes to the potential for future registration/confiscation.
This has been covered elsewhere.
If I were to be in Missoula, where should I stop look into your inventory? Or would that be an impropriety?
My inventory of what?
Went to a local gun show to trade a beautiful Rossi .45 in on something that would actually hit the broad side of my barn . Lucked out a got a Ruger P90 .45 caliber brand new unfired in the original Ruger case with that cute little brass Ruger lock . I stole it ! $200 and the Rossi . I haven’t carried anything else since I got it . Best shooting factory gun I have with the exception of my Desert Eagle but who carries an Eagle around the farm ? And the P90 is so light ! Love my Rugers . Never had a jam or misfire yet and accuracy is unbelievable for a stock gun . I probably have around 5000 rounds through it and it just keeps on shooting straight .