Beretta 92 vs Ruger P89

TruthTellers · May 18, 2020, 03:05 AM

Looking to get a full size metal framed DA/SA 9mm and have narrowed it down to either the Beretta or the Ruger. S&W 5900 would be cool, but I think I'd rather have that in .40 for the police nostalgia and I'm not familiar with CZ pistols, nor do I have the money for a vintage HK.

Purpose is I want a heavy pistol to soak up recoil and to shoot accurate fast. Not for competitions, just for fun.

So, that being said, which is the one to get? I'm privy to going with the Ruger because they're no longer made, but the Beretta's are easy to come by for a good price.

ccSnoopycc · May 18, 2020, 07:15 AM

Most people will probably say get the Beretta but if it were me I would go with the Ruger. I have had both a P90 and a P95. The P90 is pretty close to the P89 build wise. Its built like a tank decently accurate and has an acceptable trigger. And as you mentioned the thing is built like a tank and can be used as a war hammer if you run out of ammo

John D · May 18, 2020, 08:51 AM

HAD a P89 at one time - it had a trigger like a cap gun. Awful. (didn't buy this pistol; it was an inheritance). Really a disappointment, as I'm a strong "Ruger guy"

mk70ss · May 18, 2020, 09:18 AM

Checking in with a vote for the Beretta. Had a 92F and 96D. Both flawless guns.

Mosin44az · May 18, 2020, 09:48 AM

Although they have their place, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone claim that a Ruger P Series is as good as the Beretta 92, in looks, refinement, accuracy, or really anything.

P series is reliable, but clunky, with slide action sometimes so slow you can see it. Beretta is reliable also, but with Movie Star looks ( featured repeatedly in action films ) and slide action that Ayoob wrote “ was the envy of the industry.”

Especially since you say the Berettas are widely available at a good price. The P series no longer being made won’t add value, just eventually make parts harder to get.

Trigger and other refinements are available for the 92 from Wilson Combat and Langdon Tactical. Langdon dominated the competition for several years with the 92, so accuracy and speed is clearly there. Did anyone ever use a Ruger P series in high level competition? Why not?

I don’t really care, get what you want. Just kind of repeating what the remarks might be from your more knowledgeable gun buddies.

pete2 · May 18, 2020, 09:51 AM

I like the Beretta better than the Ruger. The trigger is a lot better on the Beretta I have than on the Ruger pistols I've shot. I did own a P95(plastic) for several years, it was totally reliable, shot where you pointed it but it had the usual hard Ruger/Mattel trigger that made it real hard to shoot accurately. It became my truck gun, perfectly good S/D gun just not a fun to shoot gun. Later traded it for a P97, plastic .45 ACP, it had a better S/A trigger but rather clunky, still no fun but it was also reliable.
Buy the one you like, Beretta and Ruger both good pistols. Also, the P95 was a decocker only gun which I prefer, I had the Beretta converted to decocker. I shot IDPA with the Beretta, it is easy to turn on the safety after a reload if you sling shot the slide.
Your mileage may vary,, buy the one you like..

TomNJVA · May 18, 2020, 10:05 AM

You should do yourself a favor and hold a CZ 75BD. A superb pistol that meets all of your requirements.

sigarms228 · May 18, 2020, 10:18 AM

Definitely the Beretta 92 without a second thought.

FrankenMauser · May 18, 2020, 10:42 AM

I spent some time with ratty M9s, now own a Beretta 92S, shot a friend's uncle's P89 and P90 a lot in high school, owned a P94 for a time, and still own a P95 that I bought new in about 1998.

My opinion:
Buy the Beretta if you want a shooter that's reliable, smooth, and likely to have plenty of parts available for another 30+ years. But, depending upon the age of the pistol that you buy, may have parts fitment issues, due to incremental tweaks done over the past 45+ years. (Modern 'gen 3' barrels and locking blocks do not fit my 92S, or those 92Ss belonging to some other people, for example. They drop in, but they don't fit properly.)

Buy the Ruger if you want something that's a bit unrefined, probably never going to be as smooth as a Beretta, doesn't really have an aftermarket, and is already showing parts availability issues for the few people that manage to break them; but probably won't break any important bits, will eat anything you throw at it and ask for more, and can be mistaken for a brick.

I like my 92S (and hate ratty, worn M9s). I also like my P95 and the other P-series pistols that I've spent time with.
Just pick the one that you like and run with it.

TunnelRat · May 18, 2020, 10:53 AM

I've never owned a Ruger P-series, only held one. I do have a Beretta 92A1 into which I've put a number of Langton Tactical parts, as well as Beretta match parts. I love that pistol. The reset with the LTT trigger bar is nuts, the match hammer and lighter D spring make the DA very nice, and converting it to decocker-only is very easy now with the available kit from Beretta. I spent a number of years primarily shooting SIGs, and I like my 92 better now than I did those SIGs. The Beretta with irons can rival other pistols I have equipped with red dot sights. It's a laser.

TruthTellers · May 18, 2020, 12:29 PM

Seems the Beretta is the way to go. I have also thought of getting the Ruger P90 in .45, so I think I'd rather get a P series in .45 than 9mm.

At the least they will have likely been shot less than the 9mm.

JDBerg · May 18, 2020, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truth Tellers:

I'm not familiar with CZ pistols

I’d take the Beretta over the Ruger, but I’d take (my) CZ 75B over either of these.

dyl · May 18, 2020, 01:01 PM

I'm a sucker for parts availability. Or rather, a worrier over unavailability. So I'd do the Beretta.

But I also suggest having a look at a CZ. Specifically, the CZ SP-01 Tactical (for decocker) or regular for safety. It has a full length dust cover / rail and non-tapered slide that will add more weight up front and soak up recoil even better (in theory) than a standard CZ-75b. That also means it won't be as nimble to swing around but recoil management is the goal right? Be warned the single trigger isn't as crisp as something like the P226's, but Cajun Gunworks has all the nice parts you could ever want.

jmr40 · May 18, 2020, 01:19 PM

I've had several of the Ruger P series pistols and a couple Beretta's. I no longer have any of them and wouldn't spend my money to buy any of them again. But if I were issued a Beretta to use I'd use it with confidence.

Skans · May 18, 2020, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Looking to get a full size metal framed DA/SA 9mm and have narrowed it down to either the Beretta or the Ruger. S&W 5900 would be cool, but I think I'd rather have that in .40 for the police nostalgia and I'm not familiar with CZ pistols, nor do I have the money for a vintage HK.

Purpose is I want a heavy pistol to soak up recoil and to shoot accurate fast. Not for competitions, just for fun.

So, that being said, which is the one to get? I'm privy to going with the Ruger because they're no longer made, but the Beretta's are easy to come by for a good price.

Out of the ones you mention, I like the S&W 59 or 5906 the best; then the Ruger P89. I don't like the Beretta 92, so I won't even include it with the other two.

TunnelRat · May 18, 2020, 02:26 PM

I’ve owned full-size CZs in addition to the Beretta 92. I prefer the 92. When it comes to pistol preferences there’s not really a right or wrong answer.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rockrivr1 · May 18, 2020, 02:50 PM

A Beretta 92 is one of those guns that everyone should own at least once in a lifetime. Not a big fan of Ruger semi auto's so I'd pass on that.

mikejonestkd · May 18, 2020, 04:21 PM

I have a 92FS and my brother has a P89 and a P90.
The Beretta is significantly better in every category than matters to me.

hub1home · May 18, 2020, 04:52 PM

I have a Beretta 92F made in or around 1985. It is a great gun. However, I had a CZ75B and I liked it even better but not for quality differences but rather the CZ fit my hand much better and didn't feel as bulky. You should really look at the CZ75B or the compact before you decide. However, I think that you will like the Beretta if you go that route.

navy87guy · May 18, 2020, 05:04 PM

I have a Beretta 92G Vertec (along with an M9, PX-4 Storm, and a Billennium), and I’ve owned a Ruger P89 and P93. Out of those, I'd join the recommendations to try out a CZ. I have the SP-01 Tactical and I’ve also owned a CZ 75BD and a CZ 97. Those are solid pistols and naturally more comfortable (to me) than either the Beretta or the Ruger.

If I absolutely had to pick between your two choices, I’d go with the Beretta.

SHR970 · May 18, 2020, 07:33 PM

In 1992 I voted with my wallet. The P89 won out over the slide cracking Beretta. Over the years I rode it hard and it is still rock solid.

shep854 · May 18, 2020, 07:51 PM

Another wild card...Taurus PT92. A cousin to the Beretta 92, but with a frame-mounted ambi hammer-drop safety, permitting Condition 1, or if you like, hammer down with safety.
Taurus gets a lot of flak, but the PT92, being a direct variant of the Beretta, is the best of the lot.

Forte S+W · May 19, 2020, 10:16 AM

If you're interested in a .40cal variant of the 5906, then I strongly suggest putting the Beretta 92 and Ruger P89 aside temporarily in favor of a S&W 4006TSW CHP.

I just bought one last week from CDNN Sports for $399, picked it up a few days ago, and it's an insane value. That said, there are only about 10,000 of them ever made, being a special order by the California Highway Patrol, and they've shown up in batches on the civilian market since 2017, with the word being that this will be the last of them since the CHP has finally finished replacing the 4006TSW with M&P40s.
Last I checked CDNN was sold out, but they're still available on Summit Gunbroker for $385.

TailGator · May 19, 2020, 03:06 PM

Few pistols are as smooth as a Beretta, and all those that I can think of that are cost a considerable amount more.

TruthTellers · May 19, 2020, 11:57 PM

I forgot to mention that I shoot a lot of steel 9mm. How do the 92's run with steel?

May 18, 2020, 03:05 AM	#1
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	Beretta 92 vs Ruger P89 Looking to get a full size metal framed DA/SA 9mm and have narrowed it down to either the Beretta or the Ruger. S&W 5900 would be cool, but I think I'd rather have that in .40 for the police nostalgia and I'm not familiar with CZ pistols, nor do I have the money for a vintage HK. Purpose is I want a heavy pistol to soak up recoil and to shoot accurate fast. Not for competitions, just for fun. So, that being said, which is the one to get? I'm privy to going with the Ruger because they're no longer made, but the Beretta's are easy to come by for a good price. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

May 18, 2020, 07:15 AM	#2
ccSnoopycc Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2010 Posts: 123	Most people will probably say get the Beretta but if it were me I would go with the Ruger. I have had both a P90 and a P95. The P90 is pretty close to the P89 build wise. Its built like a tank decently accurate and has an acceptable trigger. And as you mentioned the thing is built like a tank and can be used as a war hammer if you run out of ammo __________________ "The 9mm will kill the body, the .45 will kill the soul"

May 18, 2020, 09:18 AM	#4
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	Checking in with a vote for the Beretta. Had a 92F and 96D. Both flawless guns. __________________ Say when.....

May 18, 2020, 10:05 AM	#7
TomNJVA Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2014 Location: Floyd, VA Posts: 241	You should do yourself a favor and hold a CZ 75BD. A superb pistol that meets all of your requirements. __________________ In NJ, the bad guys are armed and the households are alarmed. In VA, the households are armed and the bad guys are alarmed.

May 18, 2020, 10:18 AM	#8
sigarms228 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2011 Posts: 1,765	Definitely the Beretta 92 without a second thought. __________________ “When the people find that they can vote themselves money that will herald the end of the republic.” ― Benjamin Franklin

May 18, 2020, 08:51 AM	#3
John D Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2000 Location: No. Arizona Posts: 436	HAD a P89 at one time - it had a trigger like a cap gun. Awful. (didn't buy this pistol; it was an inheritance). Really a disappointment, as I'm a strong "Ruger guy"

May 18, 2020, 09:48 AM	#5
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Although they have their place, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone claim that a Ruger P Series is as good as the Beretta 92, in looks, refinement, accuracy, or really anything. P series is reliable, but clunky, with slide action sometimes so slow you can see it. Beretta is reliable also, but with Movie Star looks ( featured repeatedly in action films ) and slide action that Ayoob wrote “ was the envy of the industry.” Especially since you say the Berettas are widely available at a good price. The P series no longer being made won’t add value, just eventually make parts harder to get. Trigger and other refinements are available for the 92 from Wilson Combat and Langdon Tactical. Langdon dominated the competition for several years with the 92, so accuracy and speed is clearly there. Did anyone ever use a Ruger P series in high level competition? Why not? I don’t really care, get what you want. Just kind of repeating what the remarks might be from your more knowledgeable gun buddies.

May 18, 2020, 09:51 AM	#6
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I like the Beretta better than the Ruger. The trigger is a lot better on the Beretta I have than on the Ruger pistols I've shot. I did own a P95(plastic) for several years, it was totally reliable, shot where you pointed it but it had the usual hard Ruger/Mattel trigger that made it real hard to shoot accurately. It became my truck gun, perfectly good S/D gun just not a fun to shoot gun. Later traded it for a P97, plastic .45 ACP, it had a better S/A trigger but rather clunky, still no fun but it was also reliable. Buy the one you like, Beretta and Ruger both good pistols. Also, the P95 was a decocker only gun which I prefer, I had the Beretta converted to decocker. I shot IDPA with the Beretta, it is easy to turn on the safety after a reload if you sling shot the slide. Your mileage may vary,, buy the one you like..

May 18, 2020, 10:42 AM	#9
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	I spent some time with ratty M9s, now own a Beretta 92S, shot a friend's uncle's P89 and P90 a lot in high school, owned a P94 for a time, and still own a P95 that I bought new in about 1998. My opinion: Buy the Beretta if you want a shooter that's reliable, smooth, and likely to have plenty of parts available for another 30+ years. But, depending upon the age of the pistol that you buy, may have parts fitment issues, due to incremental tweaks done over the past 45+ years. (Modern 'gen 3' barrels and locking blocks do not fit my 92S, or those 92Ss belonging to some other people, for example. They drop in, but they don't fit properly.) Buy the Ruger if you want something that's a bit unrefined, probably never going to be as smooth as a Beretta, doesn't really have an aftermarket, and is already showing parts availability issues for the few people that manage to break them; but probably won't break any important bits, will eat anything you throw at it and ask for more, and can be mistaken for a brick. I like my 92S (and hate ratty, worn M9s). I also like my P95 and the other P-series pistols that I've spent time with. Just pick the one that you like and run with it. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

May 18, 2020, 10:53 AM	#10
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,214	I've never owned a Ruger P-series, only held one. I do have a Beretta 92A1 into which I've put a number of Langton Tactical parts, as well as Beretta match parts. I love that pistol. The reset with the LTT trigger bar is nuts, the match hammer and lighter D spring make the DA very nice, and converting it to decocker-only is very easy now with the available kit from Beretta. I spent a number of years primarily shooting SIGs, and I like my 92 better now than I did those SIGs. The Beretta with irons can rival other pistols I have equipped with red dot sights. It's a laser. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness

May 18, 2020, 12:29 PM	#11
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	Seems the Beretta is the way to go. I have also thought of getting the Ruger P90 in .45, so I think I'd rather get a P series in .45 than 9mm. At the least they will have likely been shot less than the 9mm. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

May 18, 2020, 01:01 PM	#13
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	I'm a sucker for parts availability. Or rather, a worrier over unavailability. So I'd do the Beretta. But I also suggest having a look at a CZ. Specifically, the CZ SP-01 Tactical (for decocker) or regular for safety. It has a full length dust cover / rail and non-tapered slide that will add more weight up front and soak up recoil even better (in theory) than a standard CZ-75b. That also means it won't be as nimble to swing around but recoil management is the goal right? Be warned the single trigger isn't as crisp as something like the P226's, but Cajun Gunworks has all the nice parts you could ever want.

May 18, 2020, 01:19 PM	#14
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	I've had several of the Ruger P series pistols and a couple Beretta's. I no longer have any of them and wouldn't spend my money to buy any of them again. But if I were issued a Beretta to use I'd use it with confidence. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

May 18, 2020, 02:26 PM	#16
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,214	I’ve owned full-size CZs in addition to the Beretta 92. I prefer the 92. When it comes to pistol preferences there’s not really a right or wrong answer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May 18, 2020, 02:50 PM	#17
Rockrivr1 Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 271	A Beretta 92 is one of those guns that everyone should own at least once in a lifetime. Not a big fan of Ruger semi auto's so I'd pass on that.

May 18, 2020, 04:21 PM	#18
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	I have a 92FS and my brother has a P89 and a P90. The Beretta is significantly better in every category than matters to me. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

May 18, 2020, 04:52 PM	#19
hub1home Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2014 Posts: 182	I have a Beretta 92F made in or around 1985. It is a great gun. However, I had a CZ75B and I liked it even better but not for quality differences but rather the CZ fit my hand much better and didn't feel as bulky. You should really look at the CZ75B or the compact before you decide. However, I think that you will like the Beretta if you go that route.

May 18, 2020, 05:04 PM	#20
navy87guy Junior Member Join Date: March 30, 2020 Posts: 9	I have a Beretta 92G Vertec (along with an M9, PX-4 Storm, and a Billennium), and I’ve owned a Ruger P89 and P93. Out of those, I'd join the recommendations to try out a CZ. I have the SP-01 Tactical and I’ve also owned a CZ 75BD and a CZ 97. Those are solid pistols and naturally more comfortable (to me) than either the Beretta or the Ruger. If I absolutely had to pick between your two choices, I’d go with the Beretta.

May 18, 2020, 07:33 PM	#21
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	In 1992 I voted with my wallet. The P89 won out over the slide cracking Beretta. Over the years I rode it hard and it is still rock solid.

May 18, 2020, 07:51 PM	#22
shep854 Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 632	Another wild card...Taurus PT92. A cousin to the Beretta 92, but with a frame-mounted ambi hammer-drop safety, permitting Condition 1, or if you like, hammer down with safety. Taurus gets a lot of flak, but the PT92, being a direct variant of the Beretta, is the best of the lot. __________________ Powder smoke- The Smell of FREEDOM! I don't shoot to kill; I shoot to live. Registration? NEVER!!

May 19, 2020, 03:06 PM	#24
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	Few pistols are as smooth as a Beretta, and all those that I can think of that are cost a considerable amount more.

May 19, 2020, 11:57 PM	#25
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	I forgot to mention that I shoot a lot of steel 9mm. How do the 92's run with steel? __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

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