birddog
Member
Ruger KP 345 Range Report (45 ACP).
This is just a preliminary report, but I wanted to post a few thoughts about the new KP 345 from Ruger. With all of the odd sentiments on THR regarding this one, ranging from mild interest to outright distaste, I thought I’d toss my hat into the ring with a few opinions regarding my newly purchased KP 345.
The KP 345.
I selected this particular pistol because the controls are so similar to my daily carry piece, the Bersa Thunder. The DA trigger pull is long (a downside for some, but a selling point for me) and smooth, like my Bersa. The decock / safety functions exactly the same way (forward / up to fire) as my Bersa so switching back and forth between the two shouldn’t be an issue. I found the controls and grip very well designed with everything within easy reach at all times. The profile (see photo) is surprisingly slim as well. Also, aesthetically, I like the looks of the gun. Pretty slick. For all you 1911 aficionados, bear in mind I also own a Kimber Ultra CDP (well, my wife owns it, but I get to shoot it too) but wasn’t comfortable with the idea of IWB cocked & locked carry. I know, I know, it’s safe. But I’ve been spoiled by the Bersa’s decocker. The decision between this gun and a Springfield 1911 Ultra Compact was difficult for me but if today’s range trip is any indication, I’ve got a winner.
Performance
I took it to the range for the first time today and went through a box and then some of CCI ammo (230 gr FMJ). Of the seventy shots taken at various ranges, there were zero FTF’s, FTE’s, or any other malfunctions. In 70 rounds, it performed absolutely flawlessly. POA was POI at 3, 7 and 15 yards. The recoil was probably just a bit stiffer than the Kimber (owing to the polymer frame), but not much. It gave that pleasant kaPOW that .45’s are known for, but it was anything but unmanageable. I went through several double-tap drills and had no problem staying on target.
The three-dot sights are highly visible against their black bases, again making target acquisition easy.
Field Stripping
One way this pistol has our Kimber CDP beat is in field takedown. When I get a new gun, I tend to fumble through the first few times until disassembly (and subsequent assembly) becomes second nature but I had this gun stripped in less than a minute the very first time. Nothing to it, and no tools required. Reassembly went equally smoothly. A pleasant surprise. Again, similar to the Bersa in this regard.
The KP 345 came with 2 magazines and a picatinny rail. (Technically, this makes it the KP 345 PR).
Downsides?
1. Magazine disconnect safety.
2. Internal safety (but I'm afraid we're all going to have boxes full of these little keys that will never get used in the very near future).
3. Kind of a cheesy looking serial number plate.
Summary
I like it. I really like it.
This is just a preliminary report, but I wanted to post a few thoughts about the new KP 345 from Ruger. With all of the odd sentiments on THR regarding this one, ranging from mild interest to outright distaste, I thought I’d toss my hat into the ring with a few opinions regarding my newly purchased KP 345.
The KP 345.
I selected this particular pistol because the controls are so similar to my daily carry piece, the Bersa Thunder. The DA trigger pull is long (a downside for some, but a selling point for me) and smooth, like my Bersa. The decock / safety functions exactly the same way (forward / up to fire) as my Bersa so switching back and forth between the two shouldn’t be an issue. I found the controls and grip very well designed with everything within easy reach at all times. The profile (see photo) is surprisingly slim as well. Also, aesthetically, I like the looks of the gun. Pretty slick. For all you 1911 aficionados, bear in mind I also own a Kimber Ultra CDP (well, my wife owns it, but I get to shoot it too) but wasn’t comfortable with the idea of IWB cocked & locked carry. I know, I know, it’s safe. But I’ve been spoiled by the Bersa’s decocker. The decision between this gun and a Springfield 1911 Ultra Compact was difficult for me but if today’s range trip is any indication, I’ve got a winner.
Performance
I took it to the range for the first time today and went through a box and then some of CCI ammo (230 gr FMJ). Of the seventy shots taken at various ranges, there were zero FTF’s, FTE’s, or any other malfunctions. In 70 rounds, it performed absolutely flawlessly. POA was POI at 3, 7 and 15 yards. The recoil was probably just a bit stiffer than the Kimber (owing to the polymer frame), but not much. It gave that pleasant kaPOW that .45’s are known for, but it was anything but unmanageable. I went through several double-tap drills and had no problem staying on target.
The three-dot sights are highly visible against their black bases, again making target acquisition easy.
Field Stripping
One way this pistol has our Kimber CDP beat is in field takedown. When I get a new gun, I tend to fumble through the first few times until disassembly (and subsequent assembly) becomes second nature but I had this gun stripped in less than a minute the very first time. Nothing to it, and no tools required. Reassembly went equally smoothly. A pleasant surprise. Again, similar to the Bersa in this regard.
The KP 345 came with 2 magazines and a picatinny rail. (Technically, this makes it the KP 345 PR).
Downsides?
1. Magazine disconnect safety.
2. Internal safety (but I'm afraid we're all going to have boxes full of these little keys that will never get used in the very near future).
3. Kind of a cheesy looking serial number plate.
Summary
I like it. I really like it.
endment as they see fit for their purpose. :banghead: