Opinions on the Ruger American 9 mm pistol?
- Thread starter MillCreek
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I will give Ruger one thing, they designed the grip in such a way that you felt like you were choking up on a sledgehammer...my thumb knuckle agrees when I fire it.
I think it may be the most ill fitted/formed grips I have even seen or held.
Styx
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The point I was making is that it's not just dead weight. The RAP9 has removable backstraps, a ones peice stainless chassis, Ruger reports the pistol can take a sustained a study diet of +p, and I believe it has a better barrel.. Pros and cons. With the added weight you get a stronger more robust military/duty grade pistol which is what I believe Ruger had in mind when they designed the RAP9. For a carry weapon, the SR9 would be a better choice since weight is an issue, but if you're wanting a home or range gun, the pistol version of Rugers' revolvers (something that's robust, overbuilt, and can take more abuse), and a softer shooting gun, then the RAP9 shines... With that said, seems most are more concerned about looks and apperences than anything else, and I agree, the SR9 is a lot more attractive looking.Is this a trick question? It's heavier because there's more or heavier materials used to make it. That's what makes anything heavier than something else.
If looks, weight, and concealablity is more important, the SR9 wins easily. The SR9 might also win in the aftermarket support department as well but IDK. For just about everything else, the RAP9 wins. Just a matter of what the OP wants to use it for, which he shoots better, and which fits his hand better.
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No doubt they "robust" in mind; they were hoping for the XM17 Modular Handgun System contract. If I didn't have the SR9c (and since it isn't still offered) I might try out the RAP. Most likely, I'd still get the M&P.
I do think the RAP is more robust than the SR series. You can tell it was designed to be ridden hard and put up wet. I have no doubt that you could toss it into a mud puddle, throw it in the dirt, pick it up and fire off a magazine no sweat. It felt like a very tough gun with a chassis system that wasn't as user friendly as the 320 but still would make an armourers job easier. I think they would have a winner if they whittled down that chunky butt.
As it stands they have a very robust gun that I would like to own. I certainly like the build quality of the American over the Security series which are just a bit too budget for my tastes. However, the RAP fits my hands about as well as one of those old Nokia push-to-talk brick phones fit in my back pocket.
As it stands they have a very robust gun that I would like to own. I certainly like the build quality of the American over the Security series which are just a bit too budget for my tastes. However, the RAP fits my hands about as well as one of those old Nokia push-to-talk brick phones fit in my back pocket.
Trey Veston
Member
I forgot all about the new Security pistols, which got rave reviews from a functionality and value standpoint, but when fondled, just gave off a vibe of a very cheap and unattractive firearm.
I give Ruger props for putting out new designs and decent pistols at an attractive price-point, but they had a winner with the SR series and should have just focused on improving the finish and refinement instead of introducing so many new crude models. They are trying to out GM, GM.
Styx
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I think that's what I ended up buying over the RAP9 if memory serves me correctly. I know I was debating between the RAP9 and something else.
Styx
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The newest, latest, greatest, and prettiest seems to be what sells nowadays. I reckon the SR9 wasn't selling that much, so Ruger made a financial decision... The LCP was cheap to produce and was a hit, so why not make a bigger LCP? Then they discontinued the LC9s Pro, and went with the cheaper to sell and produce EC9s.
Honestly, I don't see the RAP9 lasting the test of time either. Lightweight, concealable, and good-looking seems to be what's selling nowadays to consumers, and fast production, cheaper components, and higher profits are what companies are more concerned about. Both of which is an impending death sentence for the RAP9 IMHO.
Trey Veston
Member
Well, that and that it's ugly and uncomfortable to shoot...
sparkyv
Member
Yup, but it'll be quite a while before I reach the 10k rounds mark.
Actually it is quite painless process. If you can be down for about a week without the gun. No $ out of your pocket. With their prepaid box, you send in the slide/barrel/recoil spring. They'll inspect slide and replace if necessary. Replace the barrel. And you have it back in no time.
<*(((><
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I have a RAP9, couldn’t pass it up for $267 shipped from Palmetto. It’s a very well built fun, with quality internals for sure. The chassis is handy when doing a detailed cleaning and is robust. I shoot mine well and don’t know why others seem to think it’s not fun to shoot or horribly unergonomic. All of this coming from more of a Glock/CZ guy.
I contacted Ruger about their recall, they sent me a bag and postage paid box for the parts and I had the parts back in a weeks time. Very simple and efficient process.
with the prices one sees on these RAP’s they are definitely worth it. I’m waiting for the RAP9 compact to come back on sale at CDNN for $250 like I saw last winter during sales and I’ll pick one of those up to complement my full size.
I contacted Ruger about their recall, they sent me a bag and postage paid box for the parts and I had the parts back in a weeks time. Very simple and efficient process.
with the prices one sees on these RAP’s they are definitely worth it. I’m waiting for the RAP9 compact to come back on sale at CDNN for $250 like I saw last winter during sales and I’ll pick one of those up to complement my full size.
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Styx
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The lowest I seen was around $300. I'd get one too for $250.
Funny. I own a Walther P99 AS and I don't think it's an ugly pistol at all. I like the look of the Ruger American but I'm a guy that loves the look of the Remington RP9, so... Anyway the Ruger and the Remington look like built-like-tanks pistol to me. I can agree the APX is ugly...
I will get another also, at the price.
Trey Veston
Member
You definitely have a type, lol. I can't fault anyone for liking what they like.
Jeb Stuart
member
While some guns are ugly to some, others like them. I know a guy who has the ugliest wife I have ever seen, he thinks she is a trophy wife. I will give her credit, she is a great cook. I cannot figure out how one person can make a judgement on a particular grip. Maybe all grips should be universal, all the same. And let just one person pick out the grip and all manufacturers comply. I have never owned nor shot the Ruger American, so will not be so lame as to judge it. And I am not sure a Military Gun or Duty gun is suppose to be attractive, but more functional and a host of other qualifiers. But then again, I could be wrong.
As far as purchasing one, I would not be interested in a gun that heavy. I like the SR9C and a good fit and reliable. Some folks like heavier guns some lighter. Some men like fat women some skinny. Seems ok to me.
As far as purchasing one, I would not be interested in a gun that heavy. I like the SR9C and a good fit and reliable. Some folks like heavier guns some lighter. Some men like fat women some skinny. Seems ok to me.
<*(((><
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I will get another also, at the price.
Guess it wasn't shipped at that price but for $267, couldn't pass it up. And I've seen the compact versions at around that price last year, didn't have the funds for it then, but if they run the sale again (CDNN I believe is where I saw that price on the compact) I'll pick one of those up as well.
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LaneP
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Wow, I see what you mean about the APX. Yowza.
Styx
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I'd say out of all my polymer pistols, the APX is my favorite. I love it's unique looks, and think that it's a nice looking pistol. The thing I like most about the APX, Walthers, and HKs are that they don't have the typical cookie cutter apperence that 99% of the other pistols on the market have. One thing that I noticed is that the APX seems to be more popular and is more attractive apperence wise in the European market vs the U.S. market.
Member photos from the Beretta forum... Looks go to me. YMMV. It's great that we have so many options to choose from.
Member photos from the Beretta forum... Looks go to me. YMMV. It's great that we have so many options to choose from.
Jeb Stuart
member
Lol, Maybe ugly, but at least they do not have Light primer strikes.
Styx
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Wish those were mine. Those are imgur photos that belong to one of the mods over on the Beretta forum. I do plan on picking up a couple more.
Jeb Stuart
member
I will say one thing, they sure are some very well built solid guns. Beretta know how to make a some fine firearms. And their cost is very reasonable compared to other guns in the same class.
Ah, someone threw in Dino as a sprucer?
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