Ruger P (Series)

Semi-Automatic Pistol

United States | 1985

"The Ruger P name designates a line of modern, semi-automatic pistols available in various chamberings."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 10/24/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Despite competition from all sides of the small arms market, Sturm, Ruger & Company has made quite a name for themselves alongside powerhouses Colt, Smith & Wesson and others. Founded in 1949 and based out of Southport, Connecticut, the company has built a long-standing tradition of solidly-made pistols and long guns for military, security, civilian and sporting use around the world. One entry, the Ruger P-series, was marketed from 1985 until 2013 and, despite its stout, bulky appearance, made itself known to be a solid, reliable semi-automatic pistol and a slew of variants followed the base, proven design.

At its core the P-series was another incarnation of John Moses Browning's original recoil-operated, locked breech, tilting barrel action seen in the Colt M1911. The Ruger offering arrived in Single-Action (SA) and Double-Action (DA) forms with ambidextrous manual safeties. The sights (of a 3-dot type) were fixed over the slide with an oversized, side-mounted ejection port seen at the design's midway point. The trigger loop was oblong in its general shape and suitable for gloved firing.

The various models introduced invariably produced various chamberings: 7.65x21mm Parabellum, 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Feeding varied depending on chambering and ranged from 7-, 8-, 10- and 15-round count magazines, these inserted into the base of the pistol grip. Outward finishes on the guns included a blued steel , stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or polymer look.

The P-series eventually found favor with police elements, some military forces, sporting shooters and some civilian markets.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Ruger P (Series). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

200 mm
7.87 in
O/A Length

114 mm
4.49 in
Barrel Length

2.16 lb
0.98 kg
Weight

Semi-Automatic; Short Recoil
Action

7.65x21mm Parabellum; 9x19mm Parabellum; .40 S&W; .45 ACP
Caliber(s)

7-, 8-, 10-, or 15-round detachable box magazine depending on chambering.
Feed

Iron Front and Rear.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Ruger P (Series). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

164 ft
50.0 m | 54.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

1,250 ft/sec
381 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Ruger P (Series) Semi-Automatic Pistol family line.

P-Series - Base Series Name.

P85 - Double-Action/Single-Action trigger; manual safety

P85 Mk II - Improved safety.

P89 - Upgraded P85 Mk II; DOA available.

P90 - Scaled-up P89 model; .45 ACP chambering

P90SE - Carbon steel slide; matte gray receiver; stainless steel accents.

P91 - P89 model chambered in .40 S&W.

P93 - Compact 9mm form; 4 inch barrel assembly; revised slide

P94 - Mid-sized compact 9mm form; 4.2 inch barrel

P944 - Based on P94; chambered for .40 S&W

P95 - 3.9 inch barrel; new polymer frame; lighter weight design.

P95PR - Model of 2005; Picatinny rail support.

P97 - Based on P95; chambered for .45 ACP; adjustable rear sight.

P345 - Model of 2004; integrated key lock; chamber indicator; magazine disconnect.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Ruger P (Series). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Ruger - USA

[ Iraq; North Korea; United States ]

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Image from Ruger marketing material.

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

PISTOL/SIDEARM

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The Ruger P (Series) Semi-Automatic Pistol appears in the following collections:

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