Looking For A New Truck Gun

I'm looking to buy a different pistol for my truck gun. I'd be buying a used one and hopefully fairly cheap in the event of theft. I'm looking real hard at a used Ruger P model in either 9mm or 45 acp. I like the P90 and the P89 so far. Can anyone here give me some real world experience and insight with either of these two or perhaps another P Series model (with the poly frames) I should look at. I'm leaning toward a 45 as I load for it, but a 9mm would likely serve the purpose as well. Thanks for any help.

The Preacher

A P90 would be an excellent choice. Mine has a very smooth trigger both DA and SA and has been very reliable. Just keep it cleaned and lubed. It's a little bulky compared to other guns for only having a 7 or 8 round capacity but keep a couple of extra mags with it. For a truck gun I like having a DA/SA with hammer drop safety. I leave it loaded with safety on. That way, if some nimrod steals it, it might take him a while to figure out how to make it work. I bought my P90 new in the mid 90's for $325. I don't know what used ones are going for now. Good luck.

Preacher ... Frankly all of the P Series pistols are well built, rugged, reliable, more accurate than they're given credit for, and would likely meet the need that you have expressed. Personally I have the P95 (over 13,500 rounds with no failures) and the P345 (over 4,000 rounds with only 2 FTEs during the 1st 50). It's hard to go wrong with a P Series pistol IMHO.

For poly frames, in 9 mm, a P-95 for .45 Auto, a P345. Both out of production but both very reliable and excellent choices.

For metal frames, in 9 mm a P-89 and in .45 Auto, a P90. Again, both ar out of production.

For current striker-fired poly pistols, the SR 9 or SR45 are modestly priced, very reliable and have a manual safety.

Should be able to score a used S&W Sigma for under $200. The perfect trunk gun. Trigger sucks but it always goes bang. Bought a used SW40VE for $189 locally.

I like the P-guns a lot. I like the all metal frame units more just because. No real reason. If you want something that will hold up year round, I suggest a poly frame stainless unit. It would hold off rust the best. Stainless mags too.
So 95 would be easiest as it was just discontinued.

Good luck,

Thanks for the info folks; guess I'll just look for a used P90 at a good price. Sounds to be what I'm looking for and a rock solid performer. Again, thanks much.

The Preacher

I don't think that you'll go wrong with any of the P series. They are a little bigger and blockier than other designs but run like champs.

I only have personal experience with my P90 but it is a great gun that has been reliable as all get out and is more accurate than it should be at its price point.

If by "truck gun" you mean one that stays in the truck and is subjected to all kinds of weather and dirt why not get a 357 revolver? It is certainly a lot more reliable, especially for a used one.

Well, to be honest with you that's now in the mix too. I've got a wife who really isn't a "shooter" and the concept of just "pulling the trigger" has much merit. Right now there's an old S&W 36 driving with us. I'd love to replace it with a 3" Speed Six 357 but even beaters seem to push $400. I'm still considering things as very often the "truck gun" is carried concealed. Tough decision.

The Preacher

You want a cheap used handgun because it might get stolen. Is this a big problem? Maybe not leave the gun in the truck and broaden the field of choices? I prefer used handguns for a couple of reasons but getting stolen isn't one of them.

I like my p series to much to leave in the car....get a police turn in glock.

Actually, (gasp,shudder) a Hipoint could work out OK. I don't own one, but I hear that they are cheap and reliable, and a thief would probably just pass it by.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to a P95. While I didn't really want to go 9mm (I'm a 45 guy) with the simplicity of the decock/DA/SA and a 15 round capacity I think that's the way I'll go...Now to find one at a decent price! Again I thank you all for your thoughts.

The Preacher

P95 is a good way to go, there are still some used ones around at reasonable price and they are accurate and dependable. Don't think i have ever had any kind of a problem with the P95 they just keep on shooting.

Preacher,
Just wondering did you find a P95? I've carried my P95 with me in the truck for a couple of years now, CC and in the seat beside me. I have two Glocks, a Gen 4 19 and a Gen 2.5 27, fine handguns, but my P95 still rides with me. If you find one buy it.

Joe

Personally, I prefer to buy new guns. You can still find new P95s in the gun shops...at least around here they still have them. I saw a new one the other day in my LGS for $350.

Another pistol I'd recommend is the SD9VE. It's regularly priced at Academy Sports for $319. It's a very good gun, and extremely reliable...the trigger on it is about 8 pounds, which is less than the DA pull on many revolvers I've owned. The SIGs that I have owned all had a DA pull of 10 pounds. The Ruger P95 I had also had a heavy DA pull, but the SA pull on all these guns was very nice. There are spring kits (Apex Tactical) that reduce the pull by a couple of pounds, if you are so inclined.

wvjoetc said:

Preacher,
Just wondering did you find a P95? I've carried my P95 with me in the truck for a couple of years now, CC and in the seat beside me. I have two Glocks, a Gen 4 19 and a Gen 2.5 27, fine handguns, but my P95 still rides with me. If you find one buy it.

Joe

Click to expand...

Yep. I found a P95PR Stainless like new with box and everything in it. I really wanted a blued P95 but I couldn't find one at a decent price. (Heck I may even keep looking for a blued model as my son would love one of these and the price is right!) This one was from a private sale for $315. I maybe could have waited and found one cheaper but this thing really is like new. Feels great in the hand and I'm chomp'n at the bit to wring it out. I only shot 3 rounds out of it because the previous owner wanted me to "try it". I ordered an El Paso Saddlery Threepersons for it and two extra magazines (Factory Ruger) from Midway and picked up some Federal 124 gr. HST Hpts. I plan on picking up a couple of hundred 124 gr. FMJ's or lead RN and handload some range rounds. When the weather clears I'll take it out to give it a proper shake down cruise. They are sweet pistols! It's a shame Ruger axed them.

The Preacher