P95 vs P97 or P345

[robbhammack]

new guy here wondering what to buy
I'm considering my first handgun purchase and want a nice, reliable gun for occasional range shooting and self-defense CC when appropriate.
I'm 45 yrs old, was army-trained (expert rating with M-16), did a lot of rifle shooting in my younger years and have no handgun experience. I'm a small dude, small hands. I'm planning on taking the NRA Basic Pistol course at a min. and maybe more later, depending on time, budget and how I enjoy it.

I'm leaning towards one of the P series rugers as I've always heard good things about them, but I'm willing to be convinced otherwise ;o)

factors I'm considering

Small hands (but strong grip)
have grandkids in house (2 & 4 yrs old)
prefer somewhat concealable, also goes with small hands
around $500 range at least for a first gun
super-acccuracy not needed (that's what a rifle is for IMHO)
ammo should be readily available and cheap to encourage regular range visits
and lots of practice

any advice from the experts out there?
BTW, I'm in the pittsburgh area if anyone wants to share tips on ranges, places to buy, etc.

[IronButt]

I'm no expert, but I've had a P89 for 16 years & haven't had a single failure to feed/fire. I don't know about the new ones, but the older P Series pistols are industrial strength & as far as accuracy, it shoots better than me.

[Steve_NEPhila]

I cannot recommend a good range/shop in the Pittsburgh area. However, I can advise you on a methodology to choose the right handgun for you: Find a range that rents handguns and rent a few, maybe even pick one or two not on your list and shoot them. And/Or link up with a local PAFOA member and shoot some of their pistols/revolvers to determine what you like.

Try to test drive as many as you can before you buy to avoid selling later. Find what you like, then buy shit loads of other handguns that you like, then buy a bunch of ammo, then develop a taste for black rifles... and the madness continues. Welcome by the way to the PAFOA. (rhymes, yo)

[1861]

I love my p 95 but if you have small hands it might not be best choice .

[bripro]

Why are you limiting yourself to those three guns? It sounds to me like what you need is a Glock 19. They are pretty much everywhere right now. In Lancaster new is 499. Used around 4.

[rikilii]

I'm no expert, but I've been doing a lot of research because I'm in the market for an entry level automatic as well. There are a ton of choices in your price range, and here are the ones at the top of my list:

Glock 19 or 22 (9mm or 40) $500
Sig P2022 (9mm, 40 or 357 Sig) $440
Bersa Thunder (multiple calibers) $340
Kahr CW9 (9mm, single stack, very lightweight and thin for CCW) $420
Ruger P95 or SR9
Kel-Tec P-11 or PF-9 (both under 300 -- probably not great range guns but small for CCW)

[Xringshooter]

The members here from the western area hold a shoot the 2nd Sunday of every month at PMSC. There are many people there with a lot of guns and they typically will let you shoot something to try it out. Check out the thread about upcoming events/shoots.

[tourture]

new guy here wondering what to buy
I'm considering my first handgun purchase and want a nice, reliable gun for occasional range shooting and self-defense CC when appropriate.
I'm 45 yrs old, was army-trained (expert rating with M-16), did a lot of rifle shooting in my younger years and have no handgun experience. I'm a small dude, small hands. I'm planning on taking the NRA Basic Pistol course at a min. and maybe more later, depending on time, budget and how I enjoy it.

I'm leaning towards one of the P series rugers as I've always heard good things about them, but I'm willing to be convinced otherwise ;o)

factors I'm considering

Small hands (but strong grip)
have grandkids in house (2 & 4 yrs old)
prefer somewhat concealable, also goes with small hands
around $500 range at least for a first gun
super-acccuracy not needed (that's what a rifle is for IMHO)
ammo should be readily available and cheap to encourage regular range visits
and lots of practice

any advice from the experts out there?
BTW, I'm in the pittsburgh area if anyone wants to share tips on ranges, places to buy, etc.

I've had my Ruger KP95DC for over 12 years, and it has performed well the entire time. The only time it ever FTF was after the feed ramp got way too dirty-a quick cleaning and all was well again.

This was my carry gun for quite some time - it was a bit bulky, but then again so am I. With small hands you might have a problem - shoot one before you buy.

All in all - a fantastic gun for fantastic price.

Eric

[jcabin]

Decent guns. I would try and talk you out of buying such an old platform.
Parts/magazines are harder to come by as well as holsters(much harder).

If you're looking into the 500 range I would recommend a glock or XD.
Common guns, made in almost every pistol caliber you would want for self defense.

Parts are easy to find and cheap. Holsters, well you've got hundreds to choose from.

[IronButt]

I'll second the Glock suggestion. I have 2, (Well 2.5 because I got a conversion barrel for the G23) a G23 & a G30. I like them both & have trouble deciding which one to carry when I leave the house. You might want to take a look at one of the SF (Short Frame) models if you have small hands. I can't tell much of a difference in the feel between a regular & a SF, but maybe you can.

One of the compact models, like the G19, 23 or 30 might be to your liking, depending on what cal you want to go with.

My P89 has pretty much been doing bed side stand duty since I got the Glocks.