RUGER AMERICAN COMPACT
Posted May 19, 2023
When it comes to handguns, Ruger is already a household name. Ruger handguns have become synonymous with reliability, durability, and quality craftsmanship, making them a favorite among law enforcement officers, competition shooters, and everyday gun owners alike. The Ruger American Compact is no exception. This versatile and lightweight pistol is reliable, accurate, and comfortable to shoot; all while being chambered in a wide variety of calibers. It’s no wonder why the Ruger American Compact has become a popular choice for self-defense, concealed carry, recreational, and competition shooting.
To begin, the Ruger American Compact is a compact, polymer frame handgun with a semi-automatic action designed for both civilian and law enforcement use. The frame itself is constructed of reinforced nylon, making the handgun both light and rugged, as well as resistant to corrosion and extreme temperatures. The slide, barrel, and internal parts are all made from stainless steel, providing a high amount of durability and strength. The Ruger American Compact also features an ambidextrous manual safety which can be used to carry the handgun in a single-action only or double-action only configuration.
In terms of accuracy, the Ruger American Compact delivers. The pistol is equipped with a 3.5-inch stainless steel barrel and fixed sights, allowing for consistent, accurate shots at both close and longer distances. The handgun is also equipped with adjustable rear sights, allowing the shooter to customize the sight picture to suit their preferences. If more accuracy is desired, the pistol features a threaded barrel, allowing for the easy attachment of accessories such as an suppressor or muzzle brake.
In terms of ergonomics, the Ruger American Compact thrives. The pistol features a textured polymer frame with aggressive grip serrations and an undercut trigger guard, allowing for a firm yet comfortable grip. The handgun is also equipped with a reversible magazine release, giving a true ambidextrous design and allowing for easy reloads. The Ruger American Compact is also equipped with an accessory rail, allowing for the attachment of a variety of tactical lights and lasers.
In terms of recoil management, the Ruger American Compact thrives. The pistol is equipped with a low-bore axis, which helps to reduce muzzle climb and perceived recoil. Additionally, the pistol also features a reduced recoil spring assembly, allowing for smooth, comfortable shots even with heavier loads. The handgun also features an adjustable recoil buffer, allowing for further recoil reduction.
All in all, the Ruger American Compact is an excellent handgun for both self-defense and recreational shooting. It is reliable, accurate, and comfortable to shoot while being chambered in a wide variety of calibers. It also offers excellent ergonomics and recoil management, allowing for enhanced control and accuracy. The Ruger American Compact is certainly a handgun that stands apart from the crowd and one that any shooter would be proud to own..
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and light-weight design makes the Ruger American Compact a great carry-gun.
- Light 3.55-lb trigger pull, smooth trigger and short reset allows for accurate and consistent shooting.
- Durable construction allows for long-term use and extreme weather conditions.
- Adjustable fiber-optic sight aids in increased accuracy.
- Fully ambidextrous design allows for comfortable use by both right and left handed shooters.
Cons
- Barrel is short for caliber meaning reduced effectiveness of the round used.
- Low magazine capacity (9+1 for .223 Rem and 10+1 for 9mm) compared to other guns in its class.
- High price point compared to similar models.
- No Picatinny rail for easy attachment of optics, lasers, and lights.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is legally eligible to own a firearm and who is in need of a good quality American made handgun should consider the RUGER AMERICAN COMPACT. The pistol is reliable, accurate, and easy to use. It is also relatively lightweight and is suited for concealed carry or home defense.
Those who are not legally eligible to own a firearm or who do not have any need for a handgun should not buy the RUGER AMERICAN COMPACT. The rifle is not designed for recreational use and should not be purchased for that purpose.
Comparisons
| Ruger American Compact | Beretta PX4 Storm Compact | CZ P-10 | H&K VP9SK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.55” cold hammer-forged barrel | 3.2” cold hammer-forged barrel | 3.5” cold hammer-forged barrel | 3.8” cold hammer-forged barrel |
| 5.2” overall length | 6.8” overall length | 6.8” overall length | 6.7” overall length |
| 0.71” width | 1.3” width | 1.30” width | 1.3” width |
| Striker-fired action | Semi-Auto DA/SA Action | Striker-fired action | Striker-fired action |
| 17+1 capacity | 13+1 capacity | 15+1 capacity | 10+1 capacity |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 3.55"
• Overall Length: 6.65"
• Weight: 25.5 oz.
• Magazine Capacity: 10-round standard
• Sights: Adjustable 3-dot
Popular Accessories
RIMFIRE?
- Scope/Red Dot Sight - A scope or red dot sight is one of the most popular accessories for a Ruger American Compact Rimfire, as it allows you to line up your shot more accurately and prevents you from having to estimate the distance.
- Laser Sight - A laser sight can help you to acquire your targets faster, and more accurately, by allowing you to easily identify where your rounds are going to go.
- Flashlight or Tactical Light - Attaching a flashlight or tactical light to your Ruger American Compact Rimfire can help you to locate your target in low light conditions.
- Sound Suppressor - Adding a sound suppressor will help to reduce or eliminate the sound of firing your Ruger American Compact Rimfire, which can be a great help when it comes to avoiding detection when shooting.
- Bipod - Adding a bipod can be a great help in making sure your shots are more consistent and accurate by allowing you to rest your gun on a stable surface.
Accuracy
The Ruger American Compact is renowned for its accuracy. This compact .22 rifle is renowned for its ability to maintain its accuracy at long ranges, even after extensive use with various ammunitions. It has a crisp trigger pull and an adjustable comb for extra comfort and precision. The barrel length is 21.73 inches and the overall barrel length is 28.75 inches. This gives the Ruger American Compact the ability to take precise, long range shots. On top of its impressive accuracy, the Ruger American Compact is an incredibly reliable rifle and is perfect for shooters of any skill level.
