P97, is it accurate and dependable?

[oilcangary]

I have been looking for a Ruger P series in 40 or 45 cal and I saw a P97DC on gunbroker that I like. I have read that they are very accurate and I have read that their accuracy sucks.I also read they have a problem with the slide stop working itself out. Is the P97 a good choice or is there a better P series in either 40 or 45 cal? Oh yeah this is mainly going to be a house or car gun but I may want to carry it once in a while.

 

[Cheesewhiz]

I have always heard that the P90 was a better gun overall than the P97, if you're are looking for a Ruger .45.

 

[oilcangary]

I guess my post was a little confusing. I started out looking for a P series 40 cal but then saw the P97 in 45 cal and kinda liked it and was wondering if it was a good choice. I don't want to get in a 40 vs 45 conflict, I just want to know if the 97 is as good as my P95 as far as accuracy and dependability. Yeah, now I have added a 9mm to this tread LOL. So the P90 is a better gun in 45, I will have to check out the P90. Anyone else have an opinion on this.
Thanks, Gary.

 

[pistolpete]

If I was going to get a Ruger in 45 I'd either get the p90 or the p345. My Girlfriend's Dad has a P90 and they are really nice guns. From what I've read online the p90 is a very accuate pistol.

 

[deeczman]

I have a Ruger P90TH and its a great .45. Mine is a Davidson's Special Run. It has the Hogue grips also. My dealer ordered one for me. This is a great .45 for sure. I know nothing about the 97 tho. But the 90 is one in my opinion you cannot go wrong with. I also have a P95, hope this helps some, David

 

[9x19]

The P90 and P97 are both good pistols. I've owned both in the past, but prefer my P345, so sold the others.

The P90 has a slightly longer barrel, and alloy frame, making it a bit heavier with less felt recoil than the P97. The P97 was the .45 counterpart to the P95 and ran fine, looked better (to me) and carried easier than the P90. The P345 replaced the P97 in the lineup.

 

[Trebor Snave]

Seems I just answered this in another thread, so instead of retyping, here's my cut and paste answer:

I love my P97. The first 5 rounds I fired out of it grouped under an inch at 10 yards, right at point of aim. I carry it in a Milt Spars EX, or in a Fobus if I'm "gaming".

I did have an issue with the slide stop backing out during firing, but Ruger sent a replacement and haven't had any problems since.

It feeds pretty much anything; I've had it eat rounds that a 1911 choked on. It annoys some 1911 owners by its very existence - which I find highly amusing.

I put a Hogue Handall on it. Carry it frequently. Wish they hadn't been discontinued.

You'd enjoy it. It's the "Commander" version of the P90.

 

[Al James]

Each of the Ruger P 45's has its attributes. I like them all pretty well and I feel that you would be well armed with a P97. I have several thousand rounds through mine which I bought new in 2001. It has been an excellent pistol. I remember reading in several places that they would shoot under 2.5" at 25 yards. Buy one and then....pics! :)

 

[P90]

Each of the Ruger P 45's has its attributes. I like them all pretty well and I feel that you would be well armed with a P97. I have several thousand rounds through mine which I bought new in 2001. It has been an excellent pistol. I remember reading in several places that they would shoot under 2.5" at 25 yards. Buy one and then....pics! :)

I have 2-97's and a 90. I agree with Al that they are all good guns. My personal preference is the 90DC which is my CCW. Wife's preference is the 345. With the exception of a few problems, which you will have with any line of guns, I think the P-series line of pistols are way above average for accuracy and dependability.

 

[Mandan]

If you can't decide between the 90 & 97 forget both and buy the P345!
I love mine and my wife even likes shooting it. Light weight and accurate!
We have put over 2,oo rounds throught it and never had any problem.
If it's a Ruger it can't be very bad. :wink: Whichever one you end up with.
Dan

 

[Mandan]

Two thousand that is! :oops:

 

[oilcangary]

I've always been an old school type. I like wood and steel guns but I bought a P95 just for the heck of it and now I'm thinking about getting a P97. I still don't like gadgets hanging from my guns and so I don't need a rail. The fewer safeties, knobs, buttons,ect the better. Thats why I like the P series DC models. I think P97 will go good with my two P95s.

 

[SteveSatch]

P97 is great. Just like P95, but slightly slimmer due to single stack 45 rather than double stack 9mm. If you like the P95, you'll like the P97. Early models had some problems with some of them having the slide stop work loose. Ruger changed it slightly and if yours has problems they will send you the new design for free.

 

[btrumanj]

I've been carrying a P97 for a number of years now. Mine was one of the guns with the slide stop problem which turned out to be an easy fix with the free parts sent by the nice lady at Ruger. No problems since then. Fairly light for caliber, reliable and accurate. It will probably take me quite a few more years to wear it out. :lol:

 

[tech4064]

Mine was produced in 2004, the last year of production for that model. I never had a problem with the slide stop, or any other issues for that matter.

The gun cycled every brand and type of bullet I put in it. I didn't notice a substantial difference in accuracy between my P90 and P97.

The Hogue Handall, like the one in btrumanj's photo, makes the grip much better, IMO.