Ruger American Pistol

[Slater]

Looks like Ruger has introduced a line of compact models as well as versions with mechanical safties.

Given current handgun trends, compact guns in many areas seem to be outselling the full-size versions. Think this will be the case with the American Pistol?

 

[CNobbe]

Hard to say, Ruger has a cult like following. I've noticed a lot of Ruger American pistols in the used gun displays at several shops near me. Seems something with the grip pinching the hand is the issue.

I have yet to hold a Ruger American in my hand, but anything compact/small is selling faster than full size at the moment.

 

[Hangingrock]

The problem to date with the Ruger American Pistol series that I've noted there are few respondents that have actual hands on experience with the pistol. I have a RAP9 Pro model acquired in Jan/Feb of this calendar year, to date 7000 rounds fired a mix of ball and self-defense (Federal HST 147Gr-JHP +P) problem free. The RAP9 is on par with my examples of the Glock G17 and S&W MP9. As for the compact versions I have a Glock G19 and S&W MP9c when the opportunity allows I'll acquire the compact version of the RAP9 thus comparing it with the previously mentioned Glock and S&W pistols. I am not a Ruger person per se but I like the American series to date and also acquired a RAP45 Pro model.

 

[1KPerDay]

I am one who is very bothered by the square ledge right by the right thumb. Even gripping the pistol properly in the shop was painful for me. If you lock your thumbs down it won't be an issue.

 

[Hangingrock]

I'm somewhat perplexed by the "Comfort Issues" That is referred to by individuals firing the RAP. The day before yesterday, yesterday and to day I fired a RAP9 for a combined total of 300 rounds ( six magazines per firing session equals 102 rounds at 17 rounds per magazine on the 3rd day 96rounds). The ammunition used Speer LE Gold Dot 9mm Luger +P 124GR GDHP. For me there were no discomfort or control issues in rapid fire sequences. The new grand total number 7300 rounds fired.

 

[Ibmikey]

Hangingrock, Thanks for your report on the Ruger pistol, as you indicated so many comments, mostly negative, on any new product come from those who do not own or contemplate owning the product. With 7000+ rounds you are certainly qualified to give a valued opinion. I have no desire for the Ruger American pistol ( have a American 300 BO rifle and .22 rifle) but enjoy factual information gained by shooters on new weapons.

 

[BLB68]

I'm somewhat perplexed by the "Comfort Issues" That is referred to by individuals firing the RAP./QUOTE]

Different people have different size and shape hands, and the gun is uncomfortable for some people to shoot. Seems pretty simple.

 

[Hangingrock]

BLB68 "Different people have different size and shape hands, and the gun in uncomfortable for some people to shoot. Seems pretty simple." The RAP comes with (3) palm swell inserts to acuminate different hand sizes. I have not measured the circumference of the gripping area but I believe they (Ruger) utilized human engineering studies to determine palm swell sizes L-M&S. The grip surface texture may be more aggressive then say as my example of the S&W MP series. I've been shooting handguns now for fifty plus years staring with the 1911A1 at Parris Island as a Marine recruit. That said I maybe more tolerant and less sensitive to the suggested uncomfortable issue.

 

[worldtraveler119]

I have a RAP9 and the first day at the range I went through 10 mags worth of ammo. Sweet shooting gun, very accurate and absolutely no discomfort in the hands during or after. My hands are on the large size. Can't wait for them to come out with a longer barrel.

 

[BLB68]

BLB68 "Different people have different size and shape hands, and the gun in uncomfortable for some people to shoot. Seems pretty simple." The RAP comes with (3) palm swell inserts to acuminate different hand sizes. I have not measured the circumference of the gripping area but I believe they (Ruger) utilized human engineering studies to determine palm swell sizes L-M&S. The grip surface texture may be more aggressive then say as my example of the S&W MP series. I've been shooting handguns now for fifty plus years staring with the 1911A1 at Parris Island as a Marine recruit. That said I maybe more tolerant and less sensitive to the suggested uncomfortable issue.

The palm swell isn't the area people are complaining about. Again, different people have different hands. If you haven't figured that out in your fifty plus years of shooting, I don't know what to tell you. Go read the details on the complaint before you dismiss it.

Edit: Here's a decent explanation of the issue, starting at the 15:47 mark (forum software stripped timestamp off of YouTube link, so it'll start at beginning):

 

[Hangingrock]

BLB68 have you personally shot a Ruger RAP in 9mm-Luger or 45ACP?????????????????? or are you basically deferring to an individual on You-Tube for your opinion as opposed to actual experience. I base my commentary on actual hands on personal experience. If you haven't figured that out I don't know what to tell you either. We may have to simply agree to disagree and maintain a perception of civility.

 

[BLB68]

Hangingrock, don't you realize that a gun can have an ergonomic issue that only affects some users? No gun fits everyone equally. Plenty of guns fit a lot of people well, but no one gun fits all hands. It's a simple fact. I don't need to shoot every gun made to understand this.

If you're happy with your Ruger, that's great. But that doesn't mean you get to basically call other people who are having an issue liars without being called out on it.

We get it. You like Ruger. You're happy with your purchase. That's fine and dandy. Nobody has said anything other than some users have a problem with the back of the gun rubbing on their hand. Whether that's a difference in hand shape, or shooting grip, or whatever, it's a real thing. It doesn't make your Ruger suck, and it doesn't invalidate your experiences. Neither do your experiences invalidate those of the people who are having issues.

Seriously, a child should be able to understand this. Grow up and quit being a white knight for Ruger. They have a fine reputation and don't need your services in that regard.

 

[CZ9shooter]

BLB68, You didn't answer his question. Have you shot one??

If not, I think Hangingrock's opinion is more valid than your.

Personally, I havent shot one, but have handled one. It felt fine to me then.

You can call me names now too if you like.

 

[Mike J]

I do not know if the compact will outsell the full size or not. I got one of the full sized ones for my wife some time back. We really haven't shot it that much. I need to shoot more often. I haven't had any issue with the hand being hurt by this pistol so I don't really have an opinion about that. It is a nice pistol that works. Not much else to say about it.

 

[BLB68]

The compact seems appealing from the perspective of having a single gun that can do carry and nightstand duty.

 

[Hangingrock]

Yesterday afternoon did a short range session with the RAP45 that was acquired after the RAP9. Employed my usual practice ammunition composed of mixed head stamp cases, Winchester or CCI LP primers, 5.6Grs HP38/W231 and 230Gr FMJ Precision Delta bullets (120Rds). Shooting distances 50Yd Slow, 25Yd Slow & Rapid, and 7Yd Rapid Fire sequences all from standing.

The RAP45 accuracy is on par with examples of Colt, Glock, SIG, Springfield and S&W that I have employed in the past and currently. The proper terminology would be Service Grade Accuracy.

I had zero issues in regards to firing hand interface with the griping surface of the pistol. No hand discomfort with the web of the hand between the Index/trigger finger and thumb.

I’m reminded of the comment of Col Charles Askins made in reference to Gen Hatcher of the NRA about lace and under garments.

 

[Hangingrock]

I am curious has anyone seen a RAP9c at a firearms dealer yet?

 

[Fish Springs]

Ruger American Pro Compact and the Larger Ruger American shoot very well. Bought the American(s) and a pile of ammo for practice. No SIG for me, thanks.

 

[bumbazine]

I am curious has anyone seen a RAP9c at a firearms dealer yet?

I fondled a Ruger American Compact (not the Pro model) at a LGS last week and was able to compare it side-by-side with a Ruger SR9C they also had. (I already have an SR9C that I like very much.) They felt very much alike, with the American being a little bit heavier but more comfortable in my (left) hand. The American also had a much better trigger when dry firing. I liked it.

 

[Hangingrock]

bombazine, thank you for the reply!

 

[LOLBELL]

I am curious has anyone seen a RAP9c at a firearms dealer yet?

They've been on the shelves here for a few weeks now. Had to have one for myself. I haven't handled a full sized RAP yet so I can't compare the two. However I have about 500 rounds down my compact with no issues yet. An LC9 has been my EDC for a few years now but the compact will most likely take it's place. It is heavy but I'm a fair sized guy so I don't mind the weight. The extra rounds are a + also.

 

[Hangingrock]

This afternoon with the RAP45. Standing timed fire. Accuracy on par with my examples of the S&W 4506 and Glock G21.

 

[BlackJack]

I've owned and shot both the full size and the compact versions in 9mm. Neither cause my hand any discomfort of any sort. Both are soft shooting, accurate and comfortable guns for me and I'd recommend them to anyone. Keep in mind there are three grip sizes you can install on the 9mm versions which should address the hand size problem. Just my .02.

 

[Walkalong]

I deleting the insults and bickering. Please stay on track.

 

[Hangingrock]

This day the local indoor shooting facility had a promotional event concerning the Ruger American RAP9c fire (10) rounds for free. The RAP9c version with external thumb safety. I'll wait till a Pro Model is available before making a final buy decision. My example of the RAP9 Pro Model continues to be problem free as I close in on the ten thousand round fired bench mark (Mix of 115Gr,124Gr & 147Gr FMJ reloads, 124Gr-FMJ NATO Spec, Federal, Speer & Winchester defensive ammunition standard pressure and +P) On par accuracy with Glock G17 Gen3 and S&W MP9