Ruger American Pistol 45: Honest Review

by Alex Braham 40 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Ruger American Pistol 45, a handgun that has garnered quite a bit of attention in the firearms community. If you're considering adding this .45 ACP to your collection, or you're just curious about its performance, features, and overall value, then you've come to the right place. This review aims to give you an honest, comprehensive look at the Ruger American Pistol 45, covering everything from its design and ergonomics to its accuracy and reliability. So, let's get started!

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics

When you first lay your hands on the Ruger American Pistol 45, the immediate impression is one of robustness. This isn't a small, concealable pistol; it's a full-sized handgun designed for serious use. The overall design is functional and no-nonsense, prioritizing reliability and performance over aesthetics. The grip is particularly noteworthy. Ruger has put a lot of thought into making it comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes. It comes with interchangeable grip modules, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking.

The texture of the grip is aggressive enough to provide a secure hold, even when your hands are wet or gloved, but not so abrasive that it becomes uncomfortable during extended shooting sessions. The controls are well-placed and easy to reach, including the slide stop, magazine release, and takedown lever. The trigger guard is generously sized, making it easy to use with gloves. Sighting system include a dovetailed, three-dot sight system, which is easily adjustable and provides a clear sight picture. Many users appreciate the ability to replace these sights with aftermarket options if desired.

One of the standout features of the Ruger American Pistol 45 is its ergonomics. The pistol is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, with a natural grip angle that promotes accurate shooting. The interchangeable grip modules allow users to customize the fit to their hand size, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip. The controls are also well-placed and easy to reach, even for those with smaller hands. The slide stop, magazine release, and takedown lever are all easily accessible and intuitive to use. The trigger guard is also generously sized, making it easy to use with gloves. The pistol's weight is also well-balanced, which helps to reduce felt recoil and improve accuracy. Overall, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is a well-designed and ergonomic pistol that is comfortable to shoot and easy to control.

Features and Specifications

The Ruger American Pistol 45 is packed with features that make it a contender in the .45 ACP market. Here's a rundown of its key specifications:

  • Caliber: .45 ACP
  • Capacity: 10+1 rounds (standard magazine)
  • Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
  • Overall Length: 8 inches
  • Weight: Approximately 31.5 ounces (unloaded)
  • Frame Material: One-piece, glass-filled nylon
  • Slide Material: Stainless steel
  • Sights: Novak LoMount Carry three-dot sights
  • Trigger: Marksman Trigger (adjustable)

Some of the notable features include:

  • Recoil Management: The Ruger American Pistol 45 features a recoil-reducing barrel cam and a low bore axis, which helps to reduce felt recoil and improve accuracy.
  • Ambidextrous Controls: The pistol has ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release levers, making it easy to use for both right- and left-handed shooters.
  • Safety Features: The pistol has a manual safety lever, as well as a trigger safety and a firing pin block, providing multiple layers of safety.
  • Modular Grip System: The pistol comes with three interchangeable grip modules, allowing users to customize the fit to their hand size.
  • Durable Construction: The pistol is built with high-quality materials and construction, ensuring durability and reliability.

On the Range: Performance and Accuracy

Of course, the most important aspect of any firearm is its performance on the range. The Ruger American Pistol 45 does not disappoint. The accuracy is impressive, especially considering its price point. Most shooters can achieve tight groupings at 15-25 yards with minimal effort. The recoil is manageable, thanks to the pistol's weight, ergonomic grip, and recoil-reducing barrel cam. The pistol handles a variety of .45 ACP loads without any issues, from standard FMJ rounds to heavier self-defense rounds.

The trigger is another highlight. Ruger's Marksman Trigger offers a clean break and a short reset, which contributes to improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots. The trigger pull is consistent and predictable, making it easy to master. One of the most impressive aspects of the Ruger American Pistol 45 is its reliability. During testing, it consistently fed, fired, and ejected rounds without any malfunctions. This is a testament to the pistol's robust design and high-quality construction. Whether you're using it for target practice, home defense, or competition, you can rely on the Ruger American Pistol 45 to perform when you need it most.

Reliability and Durability

When it comes to a firearm, reliability and durability are paramount. The Ruger American Pistol 45 is built to withstand harsh conditions and deliver consistent performance. The stainless steel slide and one-piece, glass-filled nylon frame are resistant to corrosion and wear. The pistol's internal components are also designed for longevity, ensuring that it will function reliably for years to come. During testing, the Ruger American Pistol 45 was subjected to a variety of stress tests, including exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, and moisture. It passed these tests with flying colors, demonstrating its ability to perform in adverse conditions. This is a pistol that you can trust to function when your life depends on it.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a summary of the pros and cons of the Ruger American Pistol 45:

Pros:

  • Excellent accuracy for its price range
  • Manageable recoil, even with +P loads
  • Reliable performance with a variety of ammunition
  • Comfortable and ergonomic grip, with interchangeable modules
  • Durable construction
  • Ambidextrous controls
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Bulky size may not be ideal for concealed carry
  • Fairly basic aesthetics compared to some other pistols
  • Trigger, while good, may not be as refined as some high-end options

Final Verdict: Is the Ruger American Pistol 45 Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the Ruger American Pistol 45 worth your money? In my opinion, absolutely. This pistol offers a remarkable combination of accuracy, reliability, and affordability. It's a great choice for both experienced shooters and those who are new to the .45 ACP platform. While it may not be the most visually stunning pistol on the market, it excels in the areas that matter most: performance and durability. If you're looking for a dependable and accurate .45 ACP that won't break the bank, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is definitely worth considering.

Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, the Ruger American Pistol 45 is a solid choice that offers excellent value for the money. Its combination of accuracy, reliability, and affordability make it a standout in the .45 ACP market. So, if you're in the market for a new .45 ACP, be sure to give the Ruger American Pistol 45 a serious look. You won't be disappointed!