85 and 89

[haymaker]

I've owned a P90 for many years. I shoot it more than my XD .45 compact. I really enjoy shooting it. However, I've never paid much attention to Ruger 9mm. I have a Beretta 92f but I would like to get another 9. I like hammer fired pistols and am considering a P95 but what is the difference between the P85 and P89. I know they are both out of production but I see used ones around once in a while.

 

[revhigh]

what is the difference between the P85 and P89.

No difference .... they're BOTH not CZ75's.

Seriously though ... the 85 was the original ... the 89 is basically an updated 85 with some safety stuff. The 85 was known for having very poor accuracy. The 89 supposedly got better, but you couldn't prove that by my experience.

REV

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

You would be doing yourself a great injustice by passing over the CZ75 in your choice of another 9mm.

 

[CampWI]

I have at least a couple of thousand rounds thru my P89. I bought it new in 1994. I still use the original magazines and recoil spring, etc. I did put a P95 trigger in it recently just for grins. Can't say it shoots any smoother. I don't remember ever having a FTF or FTE. Gun is more accurate than I can shoot it. If the price is right you'll enjoy owning a P89.

 

[haymaker]

I'm not much concerned about cost but I do like to get my money's worth and the Ruger P series are a great value. I also like to try different things so I'm also considering one of the CZ models and also the Sig 2022 and a Beretta PX4 full size or compact. I think I would be pleased with any one of those but have not had the opportunity to shoot any of them.

 

[roylt]

I would look at the P94 in 9mm as well. DC unit for me is the way to go. As for cheapest a 95 would be but I like the old metal frame P-guns too.

 

[cagedodger]

but what is the difference between the P85 and P89?

Not that much different. P85s were made from 1987-92.

IIRC, the P85 had a recall concerning the safety and firing pin block. So modified P85s were stamped "P85 MK II".

New pistols made with the modification were called P89s from 1993 on.

As revhigh said, some of the P85s had accuracy issues. The P89 is the better pistol, IMO.

Cage 8)

 

[cjs1945]

Hold them both and buy the one that is the most comfortable, I enjoy both more than my Beretta 92 but the P95 would be my first choice. I like the SR9 even more, but it is a striker fired pistol. Whichever one you choose you will like, they are all great guns.

 

[96/44]

I have a bunch of hammer fired 9mm, including the Beretta, CZ 75, Ruger P89 and P95. The Beretta has the best trigger, the CZ is the most accurate and feels best in my hand, and the Rugers will digest the crappiest ammo you can find. They are all worth owning IMO. I really like the DC model P-series.

 

[shadow38]

i made a goof, oops, i just got a p95 ,good greaf

 

[Pernal]

@shadow38

If you like it; That is all that matters. I had one before, I didn't care for the polimer frame. I like the metal framed Rugers. 8)

 

[M. HALL]

but what is the difference between the P85 and P89?

Not that much different. P85s were made from 1987-92.

IIRC, the P85 had a recall concerning the safety and firing pin block. So modified P85s were stamped "P85 MK II".

New pistols made with the modification were called P89s from 1993 on.

As revhigh said, some of the P85s had accuracy issues. The P89 is the better pistol, IMO.

Cage 8)

I agree that the 89 has better accuracy. I have mine and it is still one of my favorite 'tanks' to shoot and teach with.

Cage, I think I purchased mine in very late 1991 or very early 1992 as a KP89DC. I have tried to use the customer service serial number chart and can not figure it our for sure. It is one of the earlier ones.

The ONLY problem I ever had was the front sight became loose about 1999 "due to use" and I had my sights replaced with Trijicon. :wink:

No other problems with it though.

Take care.

Matt