The new Compact Ruger American Pistol provides a great option for Detectives, off-duty, and CCW carry.
Ruger has recently released the Compact version of their Ruger American Pistol. It has been exciting to see Ruger expanding their line of polymer framed, striker-fired handguns. The previous Ruger 9E, SR9, and SR45 were good handguns, but just didn’t seem to grab enough attention to make them serious competitors in the striker-fired market.
The new /easyazon_link series has improved upon the previous Ruger concepts, and has added more features shooters desire. Like the full-size versions, the Compact RAP has the option of having an external safety lever or not.
The Compact Ruger American Pistol
Compact Ruger American Pistol
We reported on the new Ruger American Pistol (RAP) during our SHOT Show 2016 coverage, and were able to shoot both the 9mm and .45 ACP versions during the Industry Day at the Range. We found the RAP fit our hands well, and shot very good as well. The RAP trigger lived up to its claim of having a smooth pull and crisp break.
The RAP controls are easily accessible, but the slide lock lever could be better quality. (External safety model).
The Glock-like trigger safety bar is very beneficial in my opinion as it allows the shooter to have a more positive tactile feeling of the trigger and initial pull, without the concern of a negligent discharge. Like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0014VX2M2″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Glock[/easyazon_link] pistols, the RAP will not fire until the trigger safety bar is fully in-line with the trigger itself. This safety feature is becoming more prevalent in striker-fired handguns, which are the hottest handguns on the market right now.
A better look at the RAP Glock-like trigger and Picatinny rail.
There are internal safeties on the Ruger American Pistol as well as the trigger safety bar on the trigger. Safety features include:
- Internal, automatic sear block system
- Ambidextrous manual safety (option)
- Integrated trigger safety
- No trigger pull required for takedown.
Major controls are ambidextrous on the Compact Ruger American Pistol, just like the full size RAP. This includes magazine release, slide stop lever, and manual safety (if option selected). Ambidextrous controls (that do not protrude too far to hinder grip) are incredibly advantageous for serious shooters. The ability to operate your firearm with either hand is important in real-life deadly force encounters.
There were some complaints on the material and appearance of the slide lock lever, but overall we have a very good impression of the RAP. The new Compact RAP provides shooters a nice CCW option, that would work well for detectives, off-duty, or perhaps even a back-up handgun for police.
Criss-crossing slide serrations provide excellent grip, while the low axis barrel helps reduce recoil. (No external safety model).
A look at the optional external manual safety version of the RAP.
Compact Ruger American Specifications
- Slide Material: Stainless steel, black nitride coating
- Frame Material: Glass-filled nylon
- Overall Length: 6.65 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.55 inches
- Height: 4.48 inches
- Width: 1.05 inches
- Weight: 28.7 ounces (unloaded)
- Action: Pre-tensioned striker-fired
- Twist Rate: 1:10 RH, with 6-grooves
- Sights: Novak LoMount Carry 3-dot
- Capacity 9mm: 17+1 (10-round magazines available)
- Capacity .45 ACP: 10+1
- Ammunition Rating: Sustained +P use
- MSRP: $579.00.
The Compact RAP is still packed with the same features as the full size version.
Compact Ruger American Pistol Features
- Trigger features a short take-up with positive reset.
- Recoil-reducing barrel cam.
- Low-mass slide, low center of gravity and low bore axis.
- Performance tested for sustained +P ammunition use.
- Genuine Novak® LoMount Carry three-dot sights.
- Modular wrap-around grip system adjusts palm swell and trigger reach.
- Safe, easy takedown with no tools or trigger pull required.
- Ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release.
- Multiple safety features
- No trigger pull required for takedown.
- Pro Models come without manual safety.
- Includes (2) nickel-Teflon® plated steel magazines.
- Small (9mm models only), medium and large grip modules.
- Pre-tensioned striker system for positive ignition without a heavier trigger pull.
- Non-slip surfaces include slide serrations and grip frame texturing.
- MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for mounting lights, lasers and infra-red illuminators.
Replaceable palm swells allow each shooter to customize the grip to their hand.
Comparison of widths of manual safety lever and none, and trigger pull among competitors.
Final Thoughts
Having fired the full size versions of the Ruger American Pistol I have every confidence the Compact version will perform very well. The Compact RAP provides expanded options for concealed carry for civilians, and police officers alike. With a 17+1 capacity for 9mm the Compact RAP holds more than the Glock, S&W, and [easyazon_link identifier=”B01C95I8N4″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Sig Sauer[/easyazon_link] compact competitors.
So far I have enjoyed the Ruger American Pistol and would not hesitate to recommend one to shooters. The 9mm was a little snappier than the .45 ACP, and I just couldn’t get it to group as well either. However, the .45 ACP was very manageable and had incredibly tight groups. Either version would be a good selection.