Ruger P95DC - Mid 90s 9mm bench and range review

The Ruger P-series pistols were developed for military trials and were available in several different configurations. The P95DC was made after the 1994 "Assault Weapons" ban and because of that, it was made with a 10 round magazine. These bulky, chunky and heavy pistols are soft shooting without harsh recoil, and the triggers are pretty nice as well.
Caldwell Matrix Shooting Rest:
Enter small10 @ checkout for 10% off
bit.ly/344RgDZ
Champion Silhouette Targets 100 pack (Amazon):
amzn.to/3FyvTb1
Peltor Sport RangeGuard Electronic Hearing Protector (Amazon):
amzn.to/3F79HnS
Check out some of my favorite channels dedicated to the "Old West" and other firearms related stuff!
Arizona Ghostriders
/ @arizonaghostriders
Guns Of The West
/ @gunsofthewest
Chuckin'
/ @chuckintv
Squib Load
/ @squib1911

[@keithtate1241]

My nephew purchased one at a pawn shop and was having failures to feed issues and I told him I would check it out. It was filthy after cleaning it I took it to the range and ran brass, aluminum, and steel cased ammo as well as a couple of different types of JHPs. It was so accurate and smooth I thought about telling him it could not be fixed but I would take it off his hands 😂. Actually I showed him how to field strip, clean and lube the pistol and told him that he has a great firearm. Thanks for the video and have a great weekend.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It's amazing what a good cleaning can do. From what I read, they were designed to handle all sorts of ammo and have great reliability. Thanks for watching!

[@deucedeuce1572]

Good thing you showed him. No person should ever have a gun that they don't know how to maintain. I think that if a person owns a firearm, he should know precisely how it works and how to fix and maintain it... and especially he should know how to verify/guarantee that it is in safe working condition. I've seen dangerous failures of firearms, because the owners were too ignorant to clean them or to maintain them... so they let them get so dirty they failed or they allowed parts to wear (or rust) to the point that the guns failed, and some failed in dangerous ways (delayed firing, double-firing, unintentional binary and/or full-auto firing) and other kinds of failures like that). I always thought it was crazy that a person would have a firearm and not even know how to maintain it.

[@jasonroberts9357]

This guy is a boss. When it's time to shoot, he just turns around fires right out from his living room!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Not exactly my living room, but my Saloon!

[@jasonroberts9357]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview LOL Nice! BTW great review of an awesome classic pistol! God bless you and yours!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@jasonroberts9357 Thank you! God bless you and yours as well!

[@jasonroberts9357]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Thank you!

[@sebby5]

Great review. I love my P95DC. It's solid and dependable. Almost indestructible. Soft recoil is a plus. Well-made gun.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@deucedeuce1572]

I really wish I could find a parts kit for one, but all I ever see are P95's and/or P89's, but none are ever the DC models.

[@stelthy100]

IVE HAD MINE FOR YEARS AND ITS NEVER FAILED IM KEEPING MINE THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Very nice! Thanks for watching!

[@anthonyb2334]

I purchased my P95 new. My first non revolver pistol. Yes, bulky and chunky but as you say, a very easy gun to shoot. Of all my guns, this is my most accurate pistol. Maybe because I’ve put so many rounds through it, I can not shoot it for a couple of years, then pick it up and still get a very good pattern with it. Too big for me as a concealed carry ( I have smaller frame for that), but never had a jam, and a will never get rid of it. Thank you for a good video

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

A nice heavy gun helps with accuracy sometimes, glad you enjoy it. Thank you for watching!

[@DeanY98765]

The P95 was my first pistol. Ruger's Manufacturing SCAM made me buy another P95 stainless, then a Ruger 10/22, then Ruger Mini 14, and then a Ruger SR22. Been very happy with Ruger.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Ruger does it too??? The SR22 has got to be one of my favorite semi auto .22 pistols and probably my most fired gun. Thanks for watching!

[@deucedeuce1572]

Damn. It's not right they scammed you into buying those. You should get a lawyer and sue them for free guns as restitution.

[@richdubbya]

I wish Ruger would bring back a DA/SA like the P to complement their Pistol line.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'd say that history will repeat itself....someday. Thanks for watching!

[@deucedeuce1572]

A lot of people have been calling for that. They've gotten pretty popular recently for some reason. I think it's because of the whole 3d printing community... but at the same time, there has also been more videos on them in the last year or so.

[@420feend]

I just got one of these with maybe 10 rounds through it. This has been the most informative review ive found. Thank ya sir

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@J1Z06]

A guy that I used to shoot with probably had every Ruger pistol available I've shot this particular model. I don't know how many times I just came across one at a local gun shop for $250. It's in mint condition with a box 2 magazines and a holster. I look forward to picking it up tomorrow evening after work it'll be my second Ruger pistol as I had an SP 101 previously no problems great video thank you

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Sounds like you got a great deal! I hope you enjoy it.

[@J1Z06]

@ It's unfired! I just took it apart and there was ZERO powder residue, dirt or anything besides a little factory cosmoline! Truly amazing! Looking for magazines for it(I have 17 pistols and like to have a minimum of 5 per gun) it came with two mags, the box and a holster. 😁😎😬🤘🏼 I can't wait to fire it! Thanks!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@J1Z06 Wow! You did get a good deal. Good luck on the magazine search and I hope you enjoy it.

[@J1Z06]

@ Thank You! I'm beyond excited and happy that I scored a good deal. 😀😃

[@danonlawson6816]

Bought mine and a gun show in oklahoma city... Still have it and one of my favorites

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@DumpTruck0733]

The 15 rd mags from my Ruger P89 DC work perfect in this gun. I bought this gun from a friend for $200, it came with a 32 rd mag WTF. I have not shot it yet but I like the feel of it. I now have 3 Ruger's, a Security 9, a P89 DC and now this P95 DC

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Nice collection! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesorth1521]

Why the 32 rd. mag? Rapid-fire as fast as you can until empty. You will be smiling. That's what they are for. 😅

[@enriqueoliva6988]

I have the .45 cal version P97DC with stainless steel slide.The frame on these pistols are fiberglass reinforced.You said your slide is brown.They actually starts out with a blue finish,but some Ruger steel turns into a plum color over a period of time.For example my security six,mini 14 reciever,super Blackhawk and Blackhawk loading gate turn into a plum color when they aged,I kinda like it.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for one chambered in .45acp. I should have mentioned the fiberglass reinforcement of the frame. I did read about the changing of the color on the blued parts, it made me think of the bottle of Birchwood Casey "Plumb Brown" I've been saving for a muzzle loader project. Thanks for watching!

[@xipingpooh5783]

I purchased the kP94 which is almost identical. It is typical Ruger, built like a tank. It is thick and slightly odd in shape. It does function extremely well and is a very forgiving pistol as far as recoil. Accuracy is average with 115 grain ammo. Mine didn’t fair well with 124 grain. I’m happy to own it and even new it was a very inexpensive pistol. I’ve seen them used in the 300 dollar bracket. A very cost effective pistol with good bang for the buck. Semper Fidelis 🇺🇸

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I agree, very well built pistols. I've never really thought about them but I just might have to see if I can pick up one in .45acp for myself. Thank you for commenting and thanks for watching too!

[@deucedeuce1572]

Never heard of that one. It looks similar. Do you know if the slides are compatible with the P95 and/or P89 frames?

[@ddorko]

I have a first run DC that my dad bought for me when I was 11. Has shot many thousands of rounds of reloads and factory ammo alike with zero issues. Only thing I have done is add tritium sights and a grip of 17rnd mecgar mags. Its the trusted bedside piece that my wife can shoot quite good as well.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There's nothing like a good old reliable pistol! Thanks for watching!

[@swhedge71]

WOW! Loved this video! I bought a P95DC (stainless slide though) brand new circa '95-'96. Fell in love with it. Carried this for many years, no failures whatsoever, ran all kinds of different ammo through it! Accurate and dependable! De-cocker is awesome for 'locked and loaded', bulky and heavy, yeah. but mitigates the recoil. She's a beaut, I'll NEVER get rid of her! Thanks for the review. Sounds like you like it too! Cheers, -Steve- BTW, love your channel!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I do like it, alot. I wish this one wasn't a loaner. I think I'll look for one in .45acp, I don't have enough pistols in that caliber! Thanks for watching!

[@swhedge71]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview If you liked the Ruger P95DC, try the Kahr CW45 (stainless slide also), I think you'll like it too! Thanks for the response.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@swhedge71 one of these days I'd like to say, "I've tried them all". I'll do my best to get to them!

[@379Pete]

Thank you for this. I just inherited a P93DC I didn’t know much about, this helps.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@chriss5010]

My very first handgun purchase was a used P95. Loved that "brick" of a gun but sold it when I got my first 1911. Currently own a SR9,absolutely 💘 Ruger firearms. Cool video

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I have a few Rugers myself. Thanks for watching!

[@chriss5010]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview I have the EC9,SR9,LCR n a few single actions. Have 3 Security 6's,the pride of my collection.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@chriss5010 I think my two stainless Vaqueros are my favorite Ruger revolvers. I'm really fond of my SR22 also, that little pistol is flawless.

[@TexHoss1]

I have P 89 DC that has that 10-round mag. On the plastic case it comes in it says Special Edition. I got 4 - 17 round mags for it. Nice ole gun. When I bought it, the man said he had never shot it & it had been in a drawer since the day he bought it.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Very nice! Thanks for watching!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Switched off the new Garand Thumb video for this. I enjoy Richard and his content far more.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Wow! Thank you!

[@8626John]

Richard's videos are short and to the point, without a bunch of excess verbiage or chest beating. One of the best firearms channels on KZbin, in my opinion.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@8626John Thank you! That means a lot to me!

[@IamJ007]

Still got it NIB with the test round extra mag and the paperwork. Blued and beautiful. Bought it in 2008.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Nice! I never see guns shipped with the test round these days, I wonder why that is? Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbordeaux575]

Really well made and reviewed video... Subscribed.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Much appreciated!

[@harleyboy65]

I recently bought a never been fired in the box(except by Ruger) P93dc, it is the compact model..lol. I cleaned what looked like cosmoline out of it, I have not shot it yet. I know they are meant to be shot, tough breaking the cherry on it. This gun came with a 10 and 15 Rd mag, a sticker on the manual envelope said it could be shipped with one of each.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I've hear they exist. I know how you feel, I have a second generation Colt 1851 Navy that was made in 1971 and it's unfired. The 1994 "Assault Weapons" ban screwed things up for a lot of people and manufacturers.

[@harleyboy65]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview A friend bought a P85 when they came out, I got to shoot back then. I really kick myself for not buying some version of these back then

[@kevincollier4147]

The P95 series guns are surprisingly comfortable to carry IWB as the slide is very rounded and does not poke as badly as more square built slide guns.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Good to know. I'd like to pick up the .45acp version (P97 I think) I just don't have enough .45acp firearms. Thanks for watching!

[@tommygatch]

I acquired the P95PR recently. The PR has a pic rail under the barrel. Always wanted a P series ever since firing my father's P85 he bought in 1987. They aren't a high demand pistol, so when you see them they usually aren't priced insane.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There's nothing fancy about them but if you're looking for function over form, they're a great choice. Thanks for watching!

[@tommygatch]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview reliable and reasonably accurate are my requirements for a gun I want for self defense. Oh, and not insanely expensive. If I ever have to use it, I know I will be losing the firearm for quite a while if not forever. I'm not looking for beauty contest winners, I want a workhorse. This Ruger DEFINITELY fits the workhorse category. BTW, poking through your other videos. Just subscribed. Looking forward to watching more.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@tommygatch those are the best prerequisites for any personal defense weapon! I like the pretty ones too but like you said, if you use it in a self defense situation, you're going to be without it for a bit. Thanks for subscribing, I really appreciate it!

[@americanpatriot2422]

Great video. I love both of my P95s

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I can see why. Thanks for watching!

[@rickbaier1042]

I have had my Ruger p95dc non safety since 1996. It's my go to gotta fire apocalypse firearm. Also ng with the Beretta PX4 storm sub compact.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@chiefjoseph8154]

P89DC. My absolute go to.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Not a bad choice whatsoever. Thanks for watching!

[@MartinPiasecki]

Bought this p95 used after a good cleaning and lube it shoots almost as nice as my p97 i prefer 45cal. As far as bulky i have 3x hands and it fits just fine

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Sounds like this was made for you! Thanks for watching!

[@vman8835]

I bought this gun 20 years ago and it still has never jammed once on me. Just keep it clean like any gun.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I can believe it, they seem to be very well made. Thanks for watching!

[@adriannarobeson4758]

I had my P95 Rugar 9mm since 2002 with the two 10 round mags, I decided to drive up to Pennsylvania from Maryland to pick up a 15 round mag for it fits the gun perfect but I noticed It missed fire a couple of times with it , perhaps it needs a real good cleaning like feild stripped, I do clean it but it hasn't been Disassemble feild stripped in a while for a good clean so I am assuming that's the problem, great gun though never had any problems especially owing it for 22 year's.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Cleaning always helps, it doesn't always fix issues though. Sometimes things can get a little out of whack with feed lips or a follower on a magazine. I hope you get it worked out and a good cleaning is all you need. Thanks for watching!

[@williammccaslin8527]

I had a p-85 an it was the most accurate 9mm I ever had ,sorry I let it go. Never had a problem with it, always ate everything I fed it. Thx for the vid

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I don't believe I've heard any really bad things about these Rugers. Thanks for watching William!

[@carolannesparkman6938]

My Daughter has a Ruger P90 .45! Nice pistol, never had any problems with it. 😊

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Nice. I'll be looking for one in .45 for myself, one of these days. Thanks for watching!

[@8626John]

Kind of a chunky looking thing. Good review, Richard.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Yes it is, but it shoots well. Thanks, and thanks for watching too!

[@steverugerguy9606]

I have a 2007 p95dc..blued...love this thing.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They are pretty sweet. Thanks for watching!

[@garyh1449]

I have a P95 that I just picked up used. Put about 75 rounds of 115 gr fmj's through it. I wouldn't call it accurate by any means but it functioned quite well. Will try other loads to see what shoots best. I like the heft . It's a keeper.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks for the info

[@Plainsimple67]

Try some 124 gainers in that P95DC, just picked up a used unfired in brand new condition, I paid $200.00 more then what I like to pay for these pistols, but in new condition and in communist California for $499.00, I said the heck with it. The mags are around $50.00 for original Ruger mags, it came with two. I collect the Ruger P series pistols, P85, P89, P94, I always look for these pistols out there. The last one i passed on was a P94 in .40 S&W, it had no mags and no box, not in a perfect condition for $400.00, i said no thanks for $50.00 mags that i needed to buy for it.. someone ended up buying it, after sitting on that shelf for 2 to 3 months!!🤷‍♂️

[@jamesorth1521]

Keep in mind that over 80% of defensive shooting occurs in 3s. 3 seconds, 3 rounds, 3yards. Accuracy at distance is mostly irrelevant to self defense.

[@wesleyquerns8225]

Nice range shed

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks!

[@josel.montelongo6897]

My first pistol i bought back in 1995 was a ruger p95dc I still have it... Never bought a holster for it any recommendations.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Not really, it may be hard to find one for that specific pistol, from one of the bigger holster makers. If you can find someone that makes the Kydex type holsters, they should be able to make one using your pistol as a mold. It usually doesn't take very long either, some will do it while you wait. Check with your local gun store, they usually know somebody that makes them. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@dakingdavid97]

it is a nice gun.. i have the P95 and the P97(45acp)

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'd like to check one out in .45, I'll bet they're good shooters too. Thanks for watching!

[@matrox]

Why didn't it replace the 1911? What was wrong with the 1911?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There's not a thing wrong with the 1911 in my book!

[@deucedeuce1572]

Can a P95 be converted into a P95DC without having to buy expensive parts? I know some guns (like the Beretta 92) can be converted by removing a simple part or spring... and others can be converted by just adding a simple inexpensive part... but I don't have a clue how the P95 works or if it can be converted. I just see P95's for sale all the time, but I never see the DC models.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I really couldn't tell you. This is the only P95 I've handled and I don't know what the actual mechanical difference are. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Thanks for watching!

[@deucedeuce1572]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview I can't say for certain either... but I found a person that did convert one. It took an entire DC upper, a modified trigger bar and one other part had to be modified. As far as I know though, that's the only way to do it. (So I guess the answer is no). Appreciate the reply.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@deucedeuce1572 You're absolutely welcome.

[@matrox]

Prices are rising on these guns because peeps want them. I bought mine new right before they stopped making them. Paid a little less than $450 which was on the high side just because I went to my closest dealer for convenience.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That happens. Thanks for watching!

[@paulwhite8381]

I have a Ruger p95 with the manual safety, I found a like new p95 entire slide with the decocker, will the dc fit the frame of my manual safety p95 ??? I’ve asked so many people and nobody will answer me. If you know would you let me know ?? I love the p-series Ruger guns with the decocker but I hate their safety !! Please let me know if you know…..thx

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Unfortunately, I do not know. I would imagine they would but, I have no idea. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Thanks for watching!

[@johnroseman9087]

My first semi-auto purchase! P95 ,I thought was in '95, could've been '96. I will check the receipt. I still have that. I paid $183 for it!! The slide half on mine is a brushed metal? The grip half is black polymer. I have extra capacity mags 15? Could this be the military issue??

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I think there were several different "experimental" versions of the P95 both on the civilian and military versions.

[@johnroseman9087]

@Small Caliber Arms Review Thank you! Most don't believe it was purchased for $183, but I have the paper receipt. The salesman at the gun shop said it was just released and usually new firearms come out less expensive, to get them out and noticed. Then they increase the price as sales increase. Do you know if the military issue was brushed metal or blued?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@johnroseman9087 I have bought several new release guns for way less than they're selling for now. I do not know about the brushed metal finish though. Sorry.

[@johnroseman9087]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Thanks

[@jamesorth1521]

There was no military issue.

[@Squib1911]

I got to shot one of these I think back in 2001. Not a bad gun.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They seem to be very well made. Thanks for watching Squib!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Is the process you're talking about called MIM? Metal injection molded?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I believe Ruger used investment casting for the P-series pistols. MIM is usually considerably more expensive and was still pretty new in the 80s.

[@joeblow4566]

Ruger is very good at investment casting heat treatment everything all of the slides investment cast on the P-Series even their revolvers that are extremely strong investment cast frames

[@jamesorth1521]

No, investment casting. It's a different process.

[@eagleviewhd]

You erroneously and dangerously said this gun had a safety decocker. But it is does not. All it does is decock the gun and it is now in double action, which means you can squeeze the trigger and it will fire. Some P95s did come with a decocker/safety which decocked the gun and placed it on safety, which prevents the gun from firing when you squeeze the trigger. I own a P95 with the decocker/safety. It came with two 15 round magazines. So apparently I purchased it after 2004.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Not sure what you mean. It does indeed, safely decock the firearm.

[@richki.24]

nice pistol ..

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks, I wish it was mine!

[@jt2473]

For 1st round, I can't cock it with thumb of shooting hand like a 1911. Easiest way I know of to cock for 1st shot is to pull trigger just enough so hammer comes back about half way, then use thumb of non shooting hand to finish cocking the hammer back. Yours is a great review. Thank you.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I've done it like that before, you just have to be careful with it. Thanks for watching!

[@matrox]

Eff the ass. weapons ban! ...by the way I have this gun with the full size mag.✊😁

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@georgehorner1578]

no more bulky then a Berretta and more durable

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Could be. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesorth1521]

It sure didn't like that ammo!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It happens from time to time. Thanks for watching!

[@joeblow4566]

Old school economical totally reliable can't beat it for the money if you can find a good deal on one now in 2022 with hyperinflation and overpriced firearms

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Overpriced ammo too!

[@joeblow4566]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview very much I refuse to purchase any that's the problem people stop buying it the cost will go down it's a crazy cycle have a good day man I enjoy your Channel

[@Plainsimple67]

@@joeblow4566 NOW ONLY WE CAN DO THAT WITH SHOTGUN SHELLS FOR SPORTING CLAYS COMPETITION AND PRIMERS FOR RELOADING, WE'LL BE GOLDEN!! I NOTICED 9MM HAS DROPPED DOWN TO AROUND $12.50 FOR A BOX 50 RECENTLY, HOPEFULLY IT WILL DROP DOWN TO 2019 PRICING AGAIN.

[@jamesorth1521]

They're available every day on Gunbroker for $200 or less.

[@charleswesley9907]

Hell I did better than that freehand at 25 yards, it shot a 3 inch group at 15 yards and I wear regular glasses . That P95 never , ever jammed or failed to cycle. You could dump a garbage can in it and I believe it would spit it out.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Oh, I never claimed to be an excellent marksman. It is not a bad pistol at all. Thanks for watching!