P97 or p345

[johnhb2]

Only want one and the price differential isn't large. Just to shoot at range, etc. Not to carry. Any pros or cons and recommendations would be appreciated. Which one should I buy? Thanks, John

 

[cjs1945]

They are both great pistols, for me the P345 is more comfortable and i shoot more accurate with it, but they are both completely reliable and have never had any problems with either. Buy the one that fits your hand the best and looks the most appealing to you and you will be completely happy with it. There is really not a lot of difference between them except the P345 has a mag disconnect safety that can be removed if desired and a loaded chamber indicator.

 

[JTQ]

One downside to the P97 is it is out of production. You would need to find a used pistol. Spare parts may be a problem. The P345 is still in production. On the good side, the P90, P97, and P345 all use the same magazines.

On another forum, a member posted his P97 frame cracked (this is not an indication the pistol is weak or in general is defective, just a data point to get to the rest of the story). He contacted Ruger who told him to send it in and they would replace it. Since the P97 has been out of production for a few years the guys on the forum were wondering how Ruger would do this. Did they have a secret stash of P97 frames buried deep in a warehouse somewhere or would they dig out the old mold and pour a new one. Well none of the above. He got a brand new P345. He was happy to get a brand new pistol from Ruger, but it wasn't a P97. You can't get an exact replacement if they don't make it anymore.

 

[Gregg1LE]

I've never shot a P97 so I can't comment but I do have a P345 that is accurate and fits my hands well.I recommend you try both if possible.

 

[dwd]

I would go with the p345 only because I had a bad experience with a broken frame on a p97. Ruger said they would fix it but when it got there they said they didn't have any frames and would give me credit on a SR1911. which I did and I was happy but I could only afford to do that about once or twice.

 

[johnhb2]

Thanks to everyone for their input and recommendations. John

 

[vito]

I can't comment on the 345 but I have owned a P97dc for about 15 years. It is my most reliable semi as well as highly accurate. I would not sell this gun but it is a bit large for concealed carry.

 

[modrifle3]

I also have both and had the p97 frame crack after hitting the pavement. I actually got the last.frame I believe. In my opinion don't try to find a used p97. Ruger said there are no major parts left....frame and slide ... There are some barrels left. I would get a p90 if it where up to me. There seem to be quite a few out there for sale.