Ruger P95 pistol: Polymer Firepower for Less

A great value choice for defensive pistol, the Ruger P95 has proven to be a reliable and accurate performer throughout the years. Sometimes it can be had for under $300 which makes the P95 an incredible value. This is the KP95PR15 model using a ambidextrous hammer dropping, manual safety. Other features include a stainless steel investment cast slide, matte-finished reinforced-polymer frame, a Picatinny-style accessory rail, ambi mag release, 15 round steel magazine, and high contrast sights. I haven't shot the P95 but associates indicate it is reliable and accurate, although maybe not to Glock or Sig standards. Upsides would therefore include: good reliability and accuracy, lightweight (but still 5 oz heavier than Glock 17), easy take down, ergonomic feeling, good grip angle, good sights, good SA/DA trigger, durable, and acceptance of lighting products. Downsides might include: thicker than other designs, bulkier appearance, bulky slide release leaver, and goofy-looking safety design. But these are minor criticisms on a well-executed 9mm service type pistol. It will be hard to match its performance at this price point.

Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 7 out of 10

** Thanks goes to VanWagenen's in Provo, Utah, USA for hosting this review. Without them it would not be possible. This is another "combat" review by Nutnfancy i.e. an impromptu, non-scripted, non-researched review of the weapon using my existing knowledge. Some details and omissions should be expected.

Comparison to Glock 17, my 9mm standard:
WEIGHT: Advantage G17 by 5 ounces
FIREPOWER: Advantage G17 by at least 2 rounds
DURABILITY: Advantage G17... durable for over 100,000 rounds
ACCURACY: Advantage G17 but not by much
ERGONOMICS: Subjective by for me Advantage G17 by
SIMPLICITY: Advantage G17... rarely matched for simplicity
ACCESSORIES: Advantage G17 by large margin, many available
PRICE: Advantage Ruger P95 by large margin
TRACK RECORD: Advantage G17 by large margin, unparalleled acceptance by military and police units, proven world wide

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• glock
• sig
• beretta
• ruger
• 9mm
• polymer
• p89
• sr9
• service
• pistol
• sidearm
• austrian
• leo
• lem
• police
• review
• nutnfancy

[bigstabby]

@bill5074 I have to agree with you. Every gun should be regarded in it's own. Also, saying a P95 is slightly less accurate than a Glock is a bit bogus. It depends on what gun you are used to and have more time with. A gun is only as accurate as the shooter. Every gun is unique, and every shooter is unique.

[musicmanluke1969]

if you did not use an IWB holster, then i will say i was very pleased with the P95. Great pistol, solidly built, and i put several 1000 rounds through it. Never had a malfunction, or a failure to feed. Love Ruger stuff....

[sonoe2]

how much did your ruger p95 cost ?

[sunandmoon111]

For a reliable, accurate pistol for under 350, there's not much to criticize. Anything below a p95 and your looking at hi-points and makarovs. Taurus is priced to compete against the p95, but Ruger is better made.

[dgallegos4201]

I would like to see a review of the p345 which is similar. Thanks

[cybertek3188]

I mean flying off the shelves.

[cybertek3188]

A local gun shop down the road have them on sale brand new for $275. That's a steal. The gun shop clerk told me they have been flying of the shelves. I'm gonna get one once I get my tax return. It will be my first pistol.

[slwfreez]

I use 147 gr fmj ammo

[illwillyoo]

anybody have any suggestions on the best type of ammo for this gun? read on some forums that some ammo didnt agree with the p95... is there a certain type of ammo that i should get?

[cybertek3188]

@ymp5000 really? I'm gonna have to check that out now. Thank you.

[ymp5000]

@cybertek3188 YES YES YES YES AND YES! It’s a great gun for a beginner. Rugged and tough, reliable as any auto out there. Very affordable and easy takedown for cleaning. I love mine and you will love it too.

[Dustinb42]

Nutnfancy, Ruger won a contract to supply 5,000 P95s to the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command in Illinois back in 2004. I believe they were also selected as the sidearm for the Iraqi police.