Ruger American pistol!?

I am interested. I am a devot XDM fan, but feel guilty about using a foreign built pistol.

With no mag safety or safety, it will be hard to pass up if the trigger is good and the grip ergonomic.

I like this pistol but I'll wait a short while and see if a .45 compact is offered.

I like it. It won't replace my FNS, but if Ruger is smart and sells the magazines at reasonable prices, I may pick one up as a range toy.

I rather like the utilitarian look of thus new Ruger. Not handsome but not as blocky as a Glock.

Anmut wrote,
Still too much money for something that big and ugly.

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Glock sells bunches of G17's at the same price and size.

JTQ said:

Glock sells bunches of G17's at the same price and size.

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I could be wrong, but based on the "feel" of the 9mm Ruger American in my hands, it was *significantly* heavier than my G17, not as well balanced, and thicker. I'm sure it's a fine pistol, but IMO it will not do well competing with Glock and M&P models. Time will tell.

Here's the first video I've seen that's pointing out some problems with the Ruger American. Sounds like it's a pistol a potential buyer should definitely try out before purchase or they may be in for some painful shooting. Looks like the design of the rear of the pistol is poorly thought out.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxqL9L-0sN8

DukeNukem said:

Here's the first video I've seen that's pointing out some problems with the Ruger American. Sounds like it's a pistol a potential buyer should definitely try out before purchase or they may be in for some painful shooting. Looks like the design of the rear of the pistol is poorly thought out.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxqL9L-0sN8

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Just watched that video myself and came here to comment about it.

I'm not in the market for another pistol, and certainly see better choices for a full size striker fired polymer framed handgun near their price point. But if I were, and this issue proves to be true based on other reviews, then it's certainly not something I'd spend my money on.

But, seven people experiencing the same problem with the gun... not looking good.

I like MAC, Tim seems to do a lot of honest reviews, even when it's not a positive review, like the Ruger American.

The issue with the grip rubbing the knuckle may not be a problem for different people with different hand shapes...maybe. But it doesn't bode well that MAC had seven people have issues with it.

When I shoot my old Colt 1911 I go ahead and put a bandaid on the web of my hand where I get hammer bite, it protects it just fine and it's something I never worried about when I was carrying it.

The issue with the weak striker spring is easily fixable but shouldn't exist in a properly QC'd gun.

I would like to check out one of these in person, especially if a thumb safety model is in the works, but since I don't need a duty size gun I'll just wait until the compact comes out .

The fact that it is made in America, fully ambidextrous without switching anything around, has an adjustable grip, and a slide thickness of 1.06 inches are pluses in my mind.

We shall see.

Before I watched the review I was curious about the new American. Now, not so much.
The fact that it doesn't accept SR9 mags is a downer and American mags will likely be scarce, expensive or both. The knuckle busting frame is something is another issue intirely. That's where is looses me.

It's obviously biting, but how does this happen with the hand below the beaver tail? Does the recoil angle it upward and push the slide down into hand?

bowhntr04 said:

It's obviously biting, but how does this happen with the hand below the beaver tail? Does the recoil angle it upward and push the slide down into hand?

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it's not slide bite, it's the squared-off edge of the grip frame hitting the knuckle under recoil.

With this knuckle busting issue, I'll pass on it until they get this issue figured out.

Any SERIOUS gun owner looking to buy a new polymer frame pistol
should think carefully before buying this gun.

Polymer frame semi-autos do not seem to be a Ruger specialty!
They are still trying to figure out how to do it right.

Besides, if Ruger is consistent, they will eventually retire the "American"
line of pistols.

After all, they retired the "P" series, and they are replacing the "SR" series
with this latest design.

Just how economical is a $450 pistol, if you are encouraged by its
manufacturer to replace it in 5 years with another $450 pistol?

Why invest in an unproven firearm, that needs different magazines and
accessories? When they decide to retire the "American" pistol line, won't you
be forced to buy more magazines and accessories for its successor?

There are several companies that TRULY specialize in polymer framed,
semi-auto pistol design.

GLOCK, SIG, H&K, even Smith and Wesson with their "M&P" line,
seem to have pretty good reputations for making this type of firearm.

I really like Ruger revolvers; But, their polymer frame semi-autos
appear to be an endless work-in-progress.

If someone is really interested in buying one of these "American" pistols,
then wait at least two years. That way other buyers can be the "GUINEA PIGS".

Guess I may not be a serious gun owner!

If the opportunity arose, and the gun felt right, I'd "chance it"!

mooninpisces said:

After all, they retired the "P" series, and they are replacing the "SR" series
with this latest design.

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There's been no official announcement they're retiring the SR line. If they were doing away with it, I'm sure they'd make such an announcement and do a clearance sale.

Maybe they're waiting for such an announcement at SHOT show? Who knows, but for now the SR pistols appear to be staying.

Besides, so many have been waiting for that SR45c for so long now imagine how happy Ruger would make them if not only they announced at SHOT that they're coming out with one, but at a price nearly half that of a Glock 30? That'd steal the show.

Moon, you forgot Springfield....they make great polymer guns as well.

mooninpisces said:

Any SERIOUS gun owner looking to buy a new polymer frame pistol
should think carefully before buying this gun.

Polymer frame semi-autos do not seem to be a Ruger specialty!
They are still trying to figure out how to do it right.

Besides, if Ruger is consistent, they will eventually retire the "American"
line of pistols.

After all, they retired the "P" series, and they are replacing the "SR" series
with this latest design.

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The SR series hasn't officially been retired. We'll see how long they stay around but it's completely feasible that they keep around both. S&W does that with the SD and the M&P and has maintained separate pistol lines for many years.

Yes, they discontinued the P-series polymer guns, but that was after 18 years of production.

I was confused when I saw the release about this gun and after all this information that has come out, I am still confused. To me it makes no sense at all to make an entirely new handgun which competes with an already established line of handguns which you already sell. Especially since the SR series is available in more calibers and sizes, and is lighter in full size configuration.
I believe that if Ruger had wanted a slam dunk they should have began offering upgraded versions of the SR series. Maybe a Pro version without the manual safety and with an upgraded trigger bar, stronger striker spring, and polished striker indicator like Galloway sells. They could have offered a threaded barrel option, or factory night sights, or used the new finishes that they tout in the American design in the SR series.

It's pretty obvious that Ruger designed this pistol to directly compete with the SIG 320. Compare the designs of both pistols removable firing control units. These are the serial numbered parts of the guns. They want into the police and military market.

MAC's video sure is negative, Ruger needs to do some explaining.

ColoradoShooter77 said:

Moon, you forgot Springfield....they make great polymer guns as well.

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More like they IMPORT a quality poly frame gun. I have no idea who in Croatia manufactures them, but they are the ones building a decent gun.



Personally, I think Ruger should have kept up with the P series. Their P95 was a polymer frame, although it was a hammer fired DA/SA (which I prefer over striker fired for a full size).

I just don't see the Ruger American competing with the M&P or the Glocks, or any other mainstream, "tried and true" full size pistols in the $400-$500 range. It's not bringing in anything that hasn't been perfected elsewhere.

The MAC video certainly was enlightening. I have similar experience shooting the GP100 ( Wiley Capp version, anyway). The remaining video negatives were more or less subjective.

ewlyon said:

I was confused when I saw the release about this gun and after all this information that has come out, I am still confused. To me it makes no sense at all to make an entirely new handgun which competes with an already established line of handguns which you already sell. Especially since the SR series is available in more calibers and sizes, and is lighter in full size configuration.
I believe that if Ruger had wanted a slam dunk they should have began offering upgraded versions of the SR series. Maybe a Pro version without the manual safety and with an upgraded trigger bar, stronger striker spring, and polished striker indicator like Galloway sells. They could have offered a threaded barrel option, or factory night sights, or used the new finishes that they tout in the American design in the SR series.

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Ruger probably recognized they don't really have as large a share of the pistol market as they could for various reasons. One of which would be aesthetics. I just never liked the looks of their SR series, so I never bothered to pick one up. In general, I like Ruger's other offerings in rifles, revolvers, and sub-compact pistols.

This pistol appeals to me, which is something their other full-size pistols have yet to do. Apparently, considering all the hubbub over this pistol in just a week or so I'm not alone.

I would hate to see for a single video on an alleged issue with the design of the pistol based on a single person's experience submarine the debut of this pistol, too. While youtubers can be helpful, I don't give them too much sway over my decisions regarding firearms.

RON in PA said:

It's pretty obvious that Ruger designed this pistol to directly compete with the SIG 320. Compare the designs of both pistols removable firing control units. These are the serial numbered parts of the guns. They want into the police and military market.

MAC's video sure is negative, Ruger needs to do some explaining.

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I would hold off making a judgement on the design of the pistol just yet. It was only released a week ago!

It seems as though we have reached a state of near apoplexy over the release of this pistol!

A local indoor range had a two day event that allowed one to handle the pistol and fire five rounds. Now five rounds fired its hard to form an opinion one way or the other. I thought the trigger was better than the S&W MP9 series but then this wasn't hundred plus round test either. It felt good in the hand. The MSRP suggested by Ruger $579.00.

Apparently Ruger and Blade-Tech (manufacture of holsters) have reached a marketing agreement.