Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. More Info

About the Gun

The P85 Mark II refined the original P85 formula with running production upgrades that addressed every teething issue, most notably an enhanced plunger-style firing-pin block and enlarged ambidextrous decocker levers stamped “MKII” for instant identification. A one-piece barrel, tighter slide-to-frame tolerances, and smoother internal sear geometry elevated accuracy and consistency, while the same grips and finishes preserved the duty-ready aesthetic. Mechanically identical to post-recall originals yet free of any safety concerns out of the box, the Mark II bridged the gap to the P89 and cemented Ruger’s reputation for iterative excellence in the alloy-frame 9mm market—still a favorite among shooters who value no-nonsense durability over polymer trends.

Production

This model was produced from 1988 through 1990.

Market value

The last MSRP for this gun was $329 (circa 1990). The current market value for one in 95% condition ranges from $250 to $300.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	9 mm Luger
Alias:	9 mm Parabellum
More Info

Analysis

The P85 Mark II refines the original’s platform with tighter slide-frame fit and one-piece barrel, shaving ~0.5–1 MOA off groups: 1.5–2.5 MOA bench (124 gr FMJ), 3–4" off-hand at 25 yd. Recoil remains soft and controllable (same high bore, 32 oz mass), but improved sear geometry yields a crisper SA break (~5 lb) and shorter reset. DA pull still long/heavy (11–12 lb) but smoother than early P85. Ergonomics gain from enlarged decocker levers and subtle grip contouring—less snag, better gloved-hand feel—while retaining ambidextrous mag release. Extraction/ejection reliability jumps 99%+ with factory mags. Vs. original P85: markedly more accurate, consistent, and user-friendly; post-recall P85s match it mechanically, but Mark II avoids any safety stigma and delivers out-of-box excellence in the vintage DA/SA niche.