The P85—a Ruger invention that was consistently updated—is a good example of the company's ability to improve upon classic designs. It is a dramatically revised concept of the Colt M1911, the legendary semi-automatic even inventor John Browning thought could be improved upon with the Hi Power. But Bill Ruger gave his engineering team carte blanche to create the first P-series pistol he envisioned as being evenbetter, the P85—named after the year it was designed.
Picture if you will the Eighties: The Gipper was president, Stretch Armstrong was king of the schoolyard, and Atari was cutting edge. It was also the age of the Wonder Nines: high capacity nine-millimeter pistols for everyone and their brother. And like Yakov Smirnoff and shoulder pads, Bill Ruger’s P85 is a forgotten favorite of this not soon forgotten era.
Found a barely to gently used pre-'98 Ruger P85 (9mm) for $300. Fits my wishes for an economical 9mm single/double action first handgun. Reviews and opinions from those with experience with this gun would be much appreciated.