Ruger's P-Series: what's wrong with Ruger's P-Series semiauto pistols? Not a darn thing, says the author

Guns Magazine, Jan, 2004 by Glenn Barnes

Inevitable Development

What happened next should have come us no surprise to anyone, but being somewhat slow, I failed to see it coming and was pleasantly surprised. Ruger's P-series autos went polymer. I was fortunate enough to be able to wring out one of the first polymer-framed Rugers, the P-95 chambered in 9mm, soon after they were available.

Accuracy was what I had come to expect from the P-series pistols in 9mm, averaging between two and three inches at 25 yards with a variety of ammo. Reliability has never been a problem in P-series guns, and the one I tested was no exception. No malfunctions of any kinds reared their ugly heads to mar the reputation of this fine handgun.

Soon after the P-95 paraded through the marketplace, Ruger stepped forward with the P-97. The P-97 and the P-95 are basically fraternal twins. Super strong polymer frames support both; rugged construction is standard throughout, and both are exceptionally accurate, the only difference is the P-97 is chambered in the powerful and popular .45 ACP.

The current Ruger catalog lists 28 different versions of P-series handguns. To date, just over two million Ruger P-series semi-autos have been sold which translates into something along the order of 125,000 pistols each year since their introduction. Not a bad track record for a company that got its start building accurate .22 autos in a red barn. And they said that upstart Yankee gunmaker would never last. I guess he showed them!

Recently I was invited by the guys at Federal and Speer to take part in testing some of their new products. Ruger was kind enough to send along three current samples of their P-series pistols, which included a P-90.45 auto, a P-91 chambered in .40 S&W and a P 89 reamed to 9mm. Approximately twelve gunwriters showed up to sample the latest handgun ammo from Speer and Federal.

I quickly commandeered the Ruger autos and promptly gave them a thorough workout. All three were super accurate, which I credit more to the accurate ammunition and superior construction of the guns titan to my shooting ability. Reliability was 100-percent with several different types of amino, which is what I've come to expect from Ruger handguns.

I don't know how many rounds were fired through the three Rugers that day, but most every, writer, along with the guys from Federal and Speer, ran at least a box of ammunition through them. There were no stoppages, no malfunctions, and no complaints from anyone. The general consensus was Ruger autos are super handguns. That is a royal compliment issuing from a bunch of grizzled old gunwriters.

If you are interested in purchasing a handgun for self-defense, law enforcement work, or just plain old plinking, you may want to consider a Ruger P-series pistol. They are accurate, reliable and bull strong handguns. priced to fit in the average workingman's budget. You already know this, but sometimes we should give credit where it is due, and Bill Ruger and his team definitely deserve their share. I can't wait to see what's next!