Crime Series, Vol 10 - The Ruger P85 and Family of Pistols

Published on October 24, 2021
Duration: 14:42

This video provides a detailed look at the Ruger P95 pistol, discussing its history, design, and common issues. It highlights the P95's origins as a budget-friendly firearm for the working class, its double-action/single-action trigger mechanism, and its use of investment casting in earlier models. The presenter also covers disassembly and reassembly, notes the crude machining, and discusses the unique ballistic signature these pistols can leave, making them traceable in crime scenes.

Quick Summary

The Ruger P95, produced from 1985 to 2013, was an affordable and rugged DA/SA semi-automatic pistol with a polymer frame. It featured ambidextrous controls and left a unique ballistic signature on spent casings, aiding in forensic identification. Its low cost made it accessible as a 'working man's pistol' and a common firearm in criminal activity.

Chapters

  1. 01:35Introduction to the Ruger P95
  2. 01:41Ruger's History and the P95's Origins
  3. 02:02Investment Casting vs. Polymer Frames
  4. 02:31The P95 as a Criminal's Choice
  5. 03:00DA/SA Operation and Safety Features
  6. 03:23Ambidextrous Controls and Serial Number Placement
  7. 03:55Magazine Capacity and Calibers
  8. 04:09Disassembly Procedure
  9. 04:40Machining Quality and Barrel Design
  10. 05:04Frame Construction and Ejector
  11. 05:58Safety Features: Firing Pin Safety
  12. 06:07Trigger Pull and Reset Analysis
  13. 06:23Ruger P-Series Calibers and Models
  14. 06:56P85 and the XM9 Program Trials
  15. 07:31MSRP and Price Point Comparison
  16. 07:39P89, P90, P91, P93, P94 Models
  17. 09:02The P95: First Polymer Frame
  18. 09:24Trigger Pull Specs for P95
  19. 09:36P97 and P345 Models
  20. 09:57P345: Loaded Chamber Indicator & Magazine Disconnect
  21. 12:03Range Test and Observed Malfunctions
  22. 12:50The P95's Unique Ballistic Signature
  23. 13:38Overall Assessment: The Working Man's Pistol
  24. 13:55Comparison to Newer SR Series
  25. 14:03Competition in the Market
  26. 14:20Traceability in Law Enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main features of the Ruger P95 pistol?

The Ruger P95 is a DA/SA semi-automatic pistol known for its polymer frame, ambidextrous magazine release and safety/decocker. It typically came with 15-round magazines for 9mm and was produced from 1985 to 2013.

Why was the Ruger P95 considered a 'crime gun' or 'working man's pistol'?

The P95 was manufactured at a low price point, making it accessible to a wide range of people, including criminals. Its affordability and ruggedness contributed to its status as a budget-friendly firearm.

What is the significance of the Ruger P95's ballistic signature?

Ruger P-series pistols, including the P95, leave a distinctive ballistic signature on spent casings. This includes a circular firing pin mark, frame drag, and shear marks, which forensic analysts can use to identify the firearm model.

How is the Ruger P95 disassembled?

Disassembly involves unloading the firearm, pulling down a small lever on the side, aligning the slide with a frame notch, pushing out the slide release, and then sliding the slide off the frame.

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