Ruger American Pistol 45: Honest Review

by Alex Braham 40 views

Alright, guys, let's dive straight into an in-depth look at the Ruger American Pistol 45. If you're considering adding this handgun to your collection or are simply curious about its performance, features, and overall value, you've come to the right place. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its design and ergonomics to its shooting experience and potential drawbacks. So, buckle up and let's get started!

First Impressions and Overview

The Ruger American Pistol 45 is Ruger's entry into the world of polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols chambered in the venerable .45 ACP. Known for its ruggedness and reliability, this pistol aims to deliver a dependable sidearm for both duty and personal defense. Right off the bat, the robust construction and no-nonsense design are apparent. It's built to withstand the rigors of daily carry and frequent use, which is a huge plus for anyone looking for a trustworthy firearm. The American Pistol 45 distinguishes itself with a few key features that set it apart from its competitors. The most notable is its unique recoil-reducing system, designed to make shooting the powerful .45 ACP cartridge more manageable. This is achieved through a combination of a low bore axis and a well-engineered recoil spring system. Additionally, the pistol boasts a modular wrap-around grip system, allowing users to customize the grip size to better fit their hand. This is a fantastic feature for ensuring a comfortable and secure hold, which can significantly impact accuracy and control. From a purely aesthetic perspective, the Ruger American Pistol 45 has a functional, almost utilitarian appearance. It's not the flashiest gun on the market, but it exudes a sense of purpose and reliability. The slide is made from pre-hardened stainless steel, and the frame is constructed from a durable polymer, ensuring longevity and resistance to the elements. Overall, the Ruger American Pistol 45 makes a strong first impression as a serious contender in the .45 ACP pistol market.

Design and Features

When it comes to design, the Ruger American Pistol 45 focuses on functionality and user-friendliness. The slide is made from pre-hardened stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The black nitride finish adds an extra layer of protection and gives the pistol a sleek, understated look. The frame is constructed from a high-quality, glass-filled nylon polymer, which is both lightweight and incredibly strong. This combination of materials ensures that the pistol can withstand the stresses of repeated firing and harsh environmental conditions. One of the standout features of the Ruger American Pistol 45 is its modular grip system. The pistol comes with three interchangeable grip modules, allowing users to customize the grip size to fit their hand. This is a huge advantage, as it ensures a comfortable and secure grip for a wide range of shooters. The grip modules are easy to install and remove, and they make a noticeable difference in the overall feel of the pistol. The trigger on the Ruger American Pistol 45 is another area where Ruger has put in considerable effort. It features a short take-up, a clean break, and a positive reset. While it may not be match-grade, it's certainly more than adequate for a duty or self-defense pistol. The trigger pull weight is typically around 5.5 to 7 pounds, which is a good balance between safety and shootability. The sights on the Ruger American Pistol 45 are drift-adjustable Novak LoMount sights. These sights are known for their durability and visibility, making them a great choice for a defensive handgun. The three-dot configuration is easy to acquire and provides a clear sight picture in a variety of lighting conditions. The Ruger American Pistol 45 also features an ambidextrous slide stop lever and magazine release, making it easy to operate for both right- and left-handed shooters. This is a welcome addition, as it enhances the pistol's versatility and makes it a viable option for a wider range of users. The pistol also includes aMil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail, which allows users to attach lights, lasers, and other accessories. This is a must-have feature for any modern defensive handgun, as it allows users to customize the pistol to meet their specific needs. Overall, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is packed with features that make it a versatile and user-friendly handgun. Its durable construction, modular grip system, and ambidextrous controls make it a great choice for both duty and personal defense.

Ergonomics and Handling

Ergonomics and handling are critical factors in any firearm, and the Ruger American Pistol 45 doesn't disappoint. The pistol's design takes into account the natural contours of the hand, resulting in a comfortable and secure grip. The modular grip system, as mentioned earlier, is a game-changer, allowing users to tailor the grip size to their individual preferences. This ensures that shooters with small, medium, or large hands can achieve a comfortable and consistent grip. The grip texture is aggressive enough to provide a secure hold, even in wet or slippery conditions, but not so aggressive that it becomes uncomfortable during extended shooting sessions. The pistol's balance is also well-executed. The weight is distributed evenly, which helps to reduce felt recoil and makes the pistol easier to control. The low bore axis further contributes to recoil management, as it minimizes muzzle flip and allows for faster follow-up shots. The slide is easy to rack, thanks to the generous serrations at the front and rear. This is especially important for shooters with limited hand strength or those who may need to manipulate the slide under stress. The controls are also well-placed and easy to reach. The ambidextrous slide stop lever and magazine release are intuitive to use and can be easily accessed with either hand. The trigger guard is large enough to accommodate gloved hands, which is a plus for shooters who live in colder climates or who wear gloves for tactical reasons. Overall, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is a well-designed pistol that is comfortable to hold and easy to handle. Its ergonomics are top-notch, and its balance and recoil management make it a pleasure to shoot.

Shooting Experience

Okay, let's talk about the fun part: how the Ruger American Pistol 45 performs at the range. In short, it's a solid and reliable shooter. The recoil is surprisingly manageable for a .45 ACP pistol, thanks to the low bore axis and effective recoil spring system. While you'll definitely feel the power of the .45 ACP cartridge, it's not punishing or uncomfortable. The pistol's balance and ergonomics also contribute to its shootability. It sits comfortably in the hand and points naturally, making it easy to acquire and maintain a sight picture. The trigger, as mentioned earlier, is decent. It's not match-grade, but it's certainly adequate for a defensive handgun. The short take-up and clean break make it easy to shoot accurately, and the positive reset allows for fast follow-up shots. The sights are also a plus. The Novak LoMount sights are easy to see and provide a clear sight picture in a variety of lighting conditions. The three-dot configuration is simple and effective, making it easy to acquire the target quickly. Accuracy is good, especially for a service-grade pistol. With a little practice, it's easy to keep shots within a tight group at typical self-defense distances. The pistol is also reliable, with no malfunctions experienced during testing. It fed, fired, and ejected a variety of ammunition types without any issues. Overall, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is a pleasure to shoot. It's comfortable, accurate, and reliable, making it a great choice for both recreational shooting and self-defense.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Ruger American Pistol 45.

Pros:

  • Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily carry and frequent use.
  • Modular Grip System: Allows users to customize the grip size for a comfortable and secure hold.
  • Manageable Recoil: The low bore axis and effective recoil spring system make shooting the .45 ACP cartridge more manageable.
  • Ambidextrous Controls: The slide stop lever and magazine release are easy to operate for both right- and left-handed shooters.
  • Accessory Rail: The Picatinny rail allows users to attach lights, lasers, and other accessories.
  • Reliable: Proven to be reliable with a variety of ammunition types.

Cons:

  • Utilitarian Aesthetics: The pistol's appearance is functional but not particularly stylish.
  • Trigger: While adequate, the trigger is not match-grade and may not appeal to shooters who prefer a lighter, crisper trigger pull.
  • Size and Weight: The Ruger American Pistol 45 is a full-size pistol, which may not be ideal for concealed carry for some users.

Final Verdict

So, where does the Ruger American Pistol 45 stand in the crowded market of .45 ACP pistols? Overall, it's a solid and reliable handgun that offers good value for the money. Its durable construction, modular grip system, and manageable recoil make it a great choice for both duty and personal defense. While it may not be the flashiest or most refined pistol on the market, it's a dependable and capable performer. If you're looking for a no-nonsense .45 ACP pistol that will go bang every time you pull the trigger, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is definitely worth considering. It's a workhorse of a handgun that will serve you well for years to come.

Who is This Gun For?

The Ruger American Pistol 45 is best suited for:

  • Home defense: Its reliability and stopping power make it an excellent choice for protecting your home and family.
  • Duty carry: Law enforcement officers and security personnel who prefer the .45 ACP cartridge will appreciate the pistol's durability and performance.
  • Open carry: Shooters who prefer to carry openly will find the pistol comfortable and easy to handle.
  • Experienced shooters: While the recoil is manageable, the .45 ACP cartridge is still a powerful round that may be best suited for experienced shooters.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Ruger American Pistol 45 doesn't quite fit your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Springfield XD-S Mod.2 .45 ACP: A more compact option for concealed carry.
  • Glock 21: A popular and reliable .45 ACP pistol with a large capacity magazine.
  • Smith & Wesson M&P 45: A comfortable and accurate pistol with a modular grip system.

That wraps up our review of the Ruger American Pistol 45. We hope you found this information helpful. Happy shooting, and stay safe out there!