RUGER AMERICAN PISTOL
Posted Jun 13, 2023
The Ruger American Pistol is a polymer-framed semi-automatic handgun from Ruger Firearms designed for the civilian market. The Ruger American Pistol is a solid handgun both visually and functionally, and offers a great value proposition for a quality gun that is relatively affordable. The design of the pistol is ergonomic and comfortable to handle and shoot, with a grip angle that works well in the hand and encourages proper trigger manipulation. The accuracy of the Ruger American Pistol is outstanding for its price, and the size makes it a great choice for concealed carry. The trigger of the Ruger American Pistol is one of its greatest features, with a crisp pull and a clean break that is very rare in handguns this price. Another great feature of the Ruger American Pistol is its modular construction, which allows the gun to be customized to fit any user’s hand size by simply changing the grip panels.
The Ruger American Pistol comes in several different varieties, including the full size, compact, and subcompact size models. The full size model is the most popular of the types, and is the version I have had the most experience with. The full size weighs in at 27 ounces unloaded and is 7.54 inches long with a 4.2-inch barrel. This makes it a great size for range and competition shooting, and fairly easy to conceal. The compact model is slightly smaller, measuring about 2 inches shorter in both length and height than the full size, and also weighs less, at only 22 ounces unloaded. The subcompact is even smaller, measuring only 6.65 inches long with a barrel of only 3.55 inches, making it great for concealed carry applications. The Ruger American Pistol also has several other features that make it more attractive to shooters, such as an ambidextrous safety, an integrated trigger safety, and the ability to field strip the handgun without the use of tools.
The Ruger American Pistol is a great option for shooters looking for a reliable and accurate handgun suitable for target shooting, competition, and self-defense. On the range, I have found that the Ruger American Pistol is very accurate and reliable. I find that it points naturally and is very comfortable to shoot. The trigger pull is smooth and crisp, and has a clean break. The size and weight make it a great choice for concealed carry, and I have found it to be reliable and accurate. I have also found that the modular construction of the Ruger American Pistol allows for easy custom fitting to the user’s hand size, making it even more comfortable to shoot.
Overall, I believe the Ruger American Pistol is an excellent choice for shooters looking for a reliable, accurate, and well-made handgun at an affordable price. It’s a very well designed and constructed handgun, with good ergonomics, a great trigger, and excellent accuracy. And the modular construction allows for easy customization to the shooter’s hand size. I highly recommend the Ruger American Pistol to anyone looking for a quality handgun for any application.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Ruger American Pistol is reliable and well made.
• This pistol has outstanding ergonomics, making it comfortable and easy to use.
• It is highly accurate and very controllable.
• It has excellent recoiling management which improves accuracy and shooting control.
• The Ruger American Pistol has a simple, easy-to-use takedown system.
Cons:
• It has a rather short grip which may prove uncomfortable with extended shooting sessions.
• The lack of features like stippling or an extended magazine release may make it difficult for some users.
• The trigger is a bit mushy and doesn't have a crisp break.
• It lacks an ambidextrous safety.
• It is heavy compared to other similar handguns.
Who Should Buy
It is important to note that the Ruger American Pistol is designed for those who intend to obtain a concealed carry permit. Therefore, anyone who is either prohibited or not willing to obtain a concealed carry permit should not purchase this type of pistol. Individuals who intend to pursue a concealed carry permit, and who are willing to take the necessary steps to become an educated and responsible gun owner, are likely the most appropriate candidates for purchasing a Ruger American Pistol.
Comparisons
| Feature | RUGER AMERICAN PISTOL | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9 mm | .45 ACP | 9 mm | 5.56 NATO/7.62 NATO |
| Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Action Type | Striker-fired | Single Action | Single Action | Semi-Automatic |
| Length | 7.25 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 28.5 in |
| Weight (unloaded) | 29.3 oz | 38.5 oz | 38.0 oz | 7.82 lbs |
| Frame Material | High Performance, Glass Filled Nylon | Steel | Steel | Aluminum and Steel |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm Luger, .45 ACP
• Capacity: 17+1 (9mm), 10+1 (.45 ACP)
• Operation: Semi-automatic, recoil-operated
• Frame: Glass-filled Nylon
• Slide: Stainless steel
• Finish: Black Nitride
• Grips: Ergonomic wrap-around
• Barrel: 4.2" stainless steel
• Sight: Adjustable 3-dot
• Overall length: 7.55"
• Height: 5.60"
• Weight: 29.6 oz. (9mm), 32.2 oz. (.45 ACP)
Popular Accessories
- Magazine Extensions
- Red Dot Sights
- Light Mounts
- Handgun Holsters
- Trigger Upgrades
- Ergonomic Grips
- Mounts for Optics
- Magazine Base Plates
- Laser/Light Combos
- Recoil Reducers
Accuracy
The Ruger American Pistol is renowned for its accuracy, which is made possible by its precision machined barrel and quality internal components. This pistol is capable of firing rounds with excellent accuracy and grouping. The highly sought after Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger offers a smooth trigger pull and adjustable trigger reach that help users achieve the best shot placement. Many users have reported firing multiple shot groups that measure as little as two inches at 25 yards with the Ruger American Pistol. Overall, the Ruger American Pistol is an extremely accurate shooting pistol that is capable of delivering precision results with every shot.
