POTD: Ruger’s First Autoloading Pistol – The Ruger P85
Sam.S 10.24.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Ruger P85, introduced in 1985 and first produced in 1987, marked Ruger’s entry into the centerfire semi-automatic pistol market. Designed by Roy Melcher and Larry Larson, this double-action/single-action 9mm pistol featured an innovative use of investment cast parts, including its 4130 steel slide and aluminum alloy frame. The pistol incorporated a Browning-style tilting barrel system with SIG P220-type locking, ambidextrous controls, and a 15-round magazine based on the Browning Hi-Power design. While not selected in the military’s XM10 trials of 1988, the P85 found success with law enforcement, including adoption by the San Diego Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol. Production numbers tell the story of its commercial success: from 7,000 units in 1987 to over 80,000 by 1989. By 1993, Ruger had produced more than 700,000 P-series pistols. While not revolutionary in design, the P85’s use of casting technology allowed Ruger to produce a reliable, durable service pistol at a competitive price point.
“Manufacturer: Ruger
Model: P 85Type: PistolGauge: 9x19mmBarrel: 4 1/2 inch roundFinish: black/painted camoGrip: rubberWith matching hard case, manual, the original plastic grips, and an extra magazine. Features a Hogue rubber grip.”
Lot 953: Ruger P85 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Case. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2038/953/ruger-p85-semiautomatic-pistol-with-case.
