Ruger American 9MM - Comments? Good? Bad?

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triplebike

triplebike

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My local LGS has both the full-size and compact on sale. Price NIB is $265 in either version. Anyone have one of these. I have an SR9C, anyone know how it compares. Any owner info would be greatly appreciated. Seems like a great price.
 
That is a great price for new. I thought $289 + shipping and $20 transfer fee was good. I have both of them. Both are 9mms. Both of them have handled well. They are easy to take down to the frame for deep cleaning. I no regrets with either one.

I'd like to add a RAP in 45 in the future.
 
triplebike said:
My local LGS has both the full-size and compact on sale. Price NIB is $265 in either version. Anyone have one of these. I have an SR9C, anyone know how it compares. Any owner info would be greatly appreciated. Seems like a great price.
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Is that the Pro version (no manual safety)? I assume that's $265 + tax? If that's the Pro model then that is a good price. Just make sure you get the one with the black barrel as the stainless one was subject to the recall.
 
stchman said:
Is that the Pro version (no manual safety)? I assume that's $265 + tax? If that's the Pro model then that is a good price. Just make sure you get the one with the black barrel as the stainless one was subject to the recall.
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Good to mention about the recall, but for further information mine was subject to the recall and Ruger paid shipping both ways and returned a new barrel to me within a week. Just wanted to give you that information.

In regards to the performance, mine has been fine. I couldn't pass up the price of $250, glad I bought mine for that price. I've been thinking of buying a compact version if I can find a deal. I don't think you'll be displeased and if you are I bet you can find a buyer for the same price you paid for it.

The modular nature of the fire control group is nice, especially for maintenance, the whole guts come out as a whole when the slide is removed and the retainer pin in the lower is removed. Makes it really easy for cleaning, lubrication and maintenance. And the materials used is really good, lots of SS parts in the FCG.
 
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I had one in .45, and it beat my hand to death. i wanted to like it, and I may try out a 9mm to see if its a better fit. Loved the beefiness, the take down, etc. It just hurt my hand to shoot the thing. It won't be replacing my P320 anytime.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'm looking to get my son an inexpensive but reliable gun to keep with him while he's out working. He owns a landscaping business and I just want him to have something fairly inexpensive to keep in his truck. The fact that its a simple takedown is a big plus.
 
I got one for my wife when they hadn't been out long. I haven't shot it a lot but we haven't had any problems from it. I believe it to be a good gun.
 
Depending on what your son likes, that sounds like a solid choice. My truck gun is a Ruger EC9S. Rugged, inexpensive, concealable, takes affordably priced mags, nice trigger if a bit light.

I like Shield way better for carry, and you have to make sure you protect it from a bit of rust, but the EC9S only set me back a couple hundred bucks and didnt beat my knuckle up like the RAP.
 
I am one who finds the weird blocky interface between the grip and the top section painful and annoying. Others have no issue.
 
I've never owned one, but the American is a robust design meant to be on par with any of the offerings made by Sig, Glock or S&W. It was designed to meet all of the requirements of the military trials, but was never submitted. The SR9 series were designed and intended for light duty use from the beginning. For most casual shooters looking for a gun to be placed in a nightstand for home defense and shot occasionally they will provide a lifetime of service. But for duty use or someone who shoots a lot the American pistol is the better choice.

I have handled a few of the Americans and was tempted to buy one a while back. I think it is a good gun, but it didn't offer me anything over my current Glock or Sig pistols. They are a little on the heavy side and not the best ergonomics, but at that price I'd probably buy it.
 
<*(((>< said:
Good to mention about the recall, but for further information mine was subject to the recall and Ruger paid shipping both ways and returned a new barrel to me within a week. Just wanted to give you that information.

In regards to the performance, mine has been fine. I couldn't pass up the price of $250 shipped, glad I bought mine for that price. I've been thinking of buying a compact version if I can find a deal. I don't think you'll be displeased and if you are I bet you can find a buyer for the same price you paid for it.

The modular nature of the fire control group is nice, especially for maintenance, the whole guts come out as a whole when the slide is removed and the retainer pin in the lower is removed. Makes it really easy for cleaning, lubrication and maintenance. And the materials used is really good, lots of SS parts in the FCG.
Click to expand...

Where are people getting a RAP in 9 for $250. Right now the cheapest place I have seen to buy them is at CDNN for $299.

Fiv3r said:
I had one in .45, and it beat my hand to death. i wanted to like it, and I may try out a 9mm to see if its a better fit. Loved the beefiness, the take down, etc. It just hurt my hand to shoot the thing. It won't be replacing my P320 anytime.
Click to expand...

I currently own a RAP in 45 and it is a great shooter. I find it a soft shooting gun. Maybe you have some REALLY hot 45 loads?
 
stchman said:
I currently own a RAP in 45 and it is a great shooter. I find it a soft shooting gun. Maybe you have some REALLY hot 45 loads?
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Nah, it's a pretty well known issue some folks have with hand-fit. The junction where the grip meets the end of the slide causes the gun to smack the bejeezus out of some shooters thumb knuckle. I could adjust my grip and keep it from happening, but it would never be a way I would naturally draw the gun.
Loved everything about it. I really wish it fit my hands though. I developed a flinch shooting it, so off it went.
 
Probably can get a really good deal.on a .40 S&W Glock since they are out of style right now.

I know my LGS has Glock 22-4 for $349 or $369 with Night Sites that are in NIB condition. They were sold to Police but never issued before the Glock 17-5 changeover.
 
triplebike said:
My local LGS has both the full-size and compact on sale. Price NIB is $265 in either version. Anyone have one of these. I have an SR9C, anyone know how it compares. Any owner info would be greatly appreciated. Seems like a great price.
Click to expand...
Did you end up purchasing the Ruger? I have the RAPc 9mm and enjoy shooting it. It’s a soft shooter and haven’t experienced any discomfort from the frame.
 
Fiv3r said:
I had one in .45, and it beat my hand to death. i wanted to like it, and I may try out a 9mm to see if its a better fit. Loved the beefiness, the take down, etc. It just hurt my hand to shoot the thing. It won't be replacing my P320 anytime.
Click to expand...

I very seldom have that issue anymore with a handgun. Try Choking up with your weak hand. As an example on my .45 Shield my index finger is about half way up the front of the trigger guard and the only reason it only goes that high is because of the amount of tilt in my hand which helps me lock my wrist. You do have to be careful not to drag on the slide to much. I find this improves stability, trigger control, recoil control and reduces felt recoil for me. If you are over inserting your trigger finger on smaller guns you will have to pull it back out to avoid dragging the tip. It works for me and might be worth a try.
 
Fiv3r said:
Depending on what your son likes, that sounds like a solid choice. My truck gun is a Ruger EC9S. Rugged, inexpensive, concealable, takes affordably priced mags, nice trigger if a bit light.

I like Shield way better for carry, and you have to make sure you protect it from a bit of rust, but the EC9S only set me back a couple hundred bucks and didnt beat my knuckle up like the RAP.
Click to expand...

It's really surprising how much difference minor changes make for some people. I love my .45 Shield. The 9mm/.40 never was right for me despite how much I wanted to like it. It's not a caliber issue it's a fit issue.
 
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