I am actually thinking about coming back to Ruger

[chaim]

My first auto was a Ruger P89. It was a 100% reliable pistol that was durable as all heck, sturdy and built like a tank. It also wasn't particularly "nice", the trigger wasn't great, and it wasn't very accurate so I sold it.

Well, I'm thinking about returning to Ruger with the KP345. It should have the advantages of Ruger (sturdy, reliable, durable), but it actually is a good looking pistol and much trimmer than most Rugers (not at all brick-like). It does have the Ruger trigger, but hopefully I'll be able to deal with it (I think so, but we'll see)- this would be mainly a HD and winter CCW (when out of state) gun anyway, not a target gun, so a perfect trigger isn't such a big deal anyway.

As for the accuracy (or lack thereof) that I didn't like about the P89 I had, I'm less worried about it with the P345. The P89 was something about the pistol itself- I could pick up any other gun I didn't have any familiarity with and outshoot my P89. A friend had a P90 however (same gun in .45ACP) and it was very accurate, even with me shooting it. I also recall reading in a gun mag (yeah, I know) that Ruger 9mms aren't really all that accurate, but their .45s are quite accurate. So with the P345s being .45ACPs I'm pretty confident that it should be OK.

All that said, I'd prefer the Decock only version as opposed to the decocker/safety since I'm used to 1911 style frame mounted safeties that work in the right direction (up means safe, down means fire). I'd hate to use the decock/safety version and accidentally set the safety reverting to my practice with my 1911, my CZ, and my Taurus PT140. So, I'd prefer one with the decock and no safety. However, I haven't seen one in this configuration in the stores around here. Anyone know if it is out yet?

Anyway, I'd love to hear whatever feedback I can get on this gun.

 

[martinbr]

Hi, I have a kp345pr that I bought in Feb. This was my first handgun so I didn't have anything to compare it too. But since then I have had a p89 also. I experienced the p345 to be very accurate. I did pretty good with the p89 as well, but i thought the p345 was more accurate than the p89. But you like you said the p89 has a crappy trigger while the p345 has a decent trigger. I ended up trading my p89 for a kahr k9 which I am having fun with! I think the p345 is a great gun though. Just get one with serial numbers that are higher than 664-2xxxx and you will have a good one. Actually I have a chance to trade my p345 for a sig 226r 9mm.
with around 2000 rounds in it now. I just might just do it and pick up another .45 later.
good luck!
Martin

 

[RON in PA]

I went to the Ruger homepage and they list both a manual safety and a decock only version of the P345. If you go to the Ruger forum you will find comments that some of the first production P345s had problems that were fixed by Ruger service. Newer P345s seem to be OK.

I have handled the P345, not shot it. Feels good in the hand. If it shoots as well as my P97 it's an excellent gun. My P97 has a very good SA trigger and the DA isn't that bad. Too bad the P97 was discontinued. I've shot my son's P90 and that is another good shooter. Both are accurate.

 

[Croyance]

My feelings about Ruger are forever colored by two things from Bill Ruger:
"No honest man needs more than 10 rounds"
and working with Bill Clinton on the Assault Weapon Ban.
People swore off S&W for working with HUD in ways less drastic, but nothing on Ruger.
It may help (me) that Ruger makes nothing I need and my wants are covered pretty well.

 

[gudel]

ruger guns are ok, i've bought 3 of them so far, they're difficult to get accurate with.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

One thing that struck me about the P345 was that it seemed really light for a .45 ACP. This would make for a great carry gun if you get out of MD. Also, while I liked the curved shape of the P345's backstrap, the grip was too narrow for me. Obviously, this is a personal thing and you might like the P345 grip just fine. I wound up buying the P90 that RON in PA mentioned (Hi Dad) and like it a lot. It's accurate and very reliable. I've made it my HD gun.

 

[OH25shooter]

Well, for me I like my Blackhawk revolver. Not one auto pistol. However, I do own a 22/45 (those are fun I must admit for a .22), but it was returned for service problems. Took 8 weeks. I still have those two Ruger's, but will never give that company another penny do to their crappy customer service. Just my experience with Ruger. Hopefully, you will do better.

 

[brickboy240]

If you must have a d/a decocking 45...I'd look at a Sig 220 or if you want 9mm, how about the Sig 226? Buy them used and their not much more than any Ruger. Much nicer looking, too.

- Brickboy240

(sold my P-89 after shooting a Hi-Power....kicked myself for not buying the HP first!)

 

[_N4Z_]

*

"My feelings about Ruger are forever colored by two things from Bill Ruger:
"No honest man needs more than 10 rounds"
and working with Bill Clinton on the Assault Weapon Ban."

Time to let it go ladies. Both Bill and "The Ban" are dead, let them rest.

I own two Rugers (revolvers) that are very accurate and very well made.

 

[chaim]

I went to the Ruger homepage and they list both a manual safety and a decock only version of the P345. If you go to the Ruger forum you will find comments that some of the first production P345s had problems that were fixed by Ruger service. Newer P345s seem to be OK.

I have handled the P345, not shot it. Feels good in the hand. If it shoots as well as my P97 it's an excellent gun. My P97 has a very good SA trigger and the DA isn't that bad. Too bad the P97 was discontinued. I've shot my son's P90 and that is another good shooter. Both are accurate.

Yup, I noticed the homepage, but unfortunately I haven't seen a decock only version around here yet. Of course, guns can be slow to show up in MD so I was wondering if it is just here, of if anyone else has seen them yet. As for the problems with the earlier ones, I had heard about that.

The P345 sure does feel good. I was amazed at how light it felt- that thing is a (smaller) full-sized .45 and it felt light as air. It is a narrow single stack (and I love thin single stacks). Full-sized (controlability, longer sight radius, full sized grip), narrow single stack, light weight, and add in Ruger near indestructability and reliability and I'm thinking that IWB this may just be a near perfect carry gun.

As for the P97, no offense but it never really appealed to me. Still, the store does have two with the decock only feature (which I want) sitting right next to the P345s with the decocker/safety for $40 less ($325 v. $365). That is tempting too (the P97 is a great gun even if not my favorite design).

My feelings about Ruger are forever colored by two things from Bill Ruger

Ruger tried to make ammends. Bill Ruger has been dead for a few years. Strum Ruger the gun manufacturer does not = Bill Ruger.

One thing that struck me about the P345 was that it seemed really light for a .45 ACP. This would make for a great carry gun if you get out of MD. Also, while I liked the curved shape of the P345's backstrap, the grip was too narrow for me. Obviously, this is a personal thing and you might like the P345 grip just fine. I wound up buying the P90 that RON in PA mentioned (Hi Dad) and like it a lot. It's accurate and very reliable. I've made it my HD gun.

I agree about the lightness being surprising. As for carry, I do spend some time in VA and PA so occasional carry is a consideration even now. Also, I'd say there is probably a near 50/50 chance that I'll be going to grad school next year in VA or PA instead of MD (well, probably more accurately 60/40 favoring poor gun states just because my first choice, which probably won't accept me, is in NYC, my second choice, which I probably have about a 50/50 chance to get in, is in MD, and otherwise it would probably be a little less money to go to school in MD). Now, narrow is not a disadvantage for me, I'm a big 1911 fan and also, being into IWB holster styles, narrow is an advantage (maybe, if I'm lucky, it may even be narrow enough for IWB tucked carry).

The P90 is a great gun. While not in a hurry (there are other guns higher on my want list) I do plan to eventually get one. I occasionally miss my P89 from a nostalgia perspective (it was my first auto). However, I really wasn't particularly happy with it, and now that I can compare it to some great guns I'll probably be even less happy with it. My friend's P90 was every bit as good in the areas the P89 excelled (durability, strength, and reliability) yet was very accurate. The P90 has much the same look and feel as the P89. Thus, I when I do eventually go this way for nostalgia, instead of getting the same gun I will get the very simliar P90. Plus, on its own it is a great gun- affordable, reliable, OK trigger, durable, strong, and accurate. Not much not to dislike. Heck, some people say these aluminum framed Rugers are ugly- I love the look.

 

[TimboKhan]

probably 75% of my posts include some mention of my P90, but to repeat, again, I flat out love that gun. I am a major Ruger fan, but my one gripe with Ruger autos has always been the grips. On some, P89 and P90 especially, not a big deal. 15 bucks for a set of Hogue wraparounds, problem solved. On some of the later models, your only option is to buy that rubberband thing hogue offers, and aside from being ugly as sin, I just don't think that they would be as durable as an actual grip. Anyway, thats just me though, maybe others like the grips, and while I haven't shot a p345, in handling one, I have to say that I didn't find the grips objectionable. I have contemplated purchasing a 345, and very well might, but really, if I had to choose between the 345 and the P90, it would be the P90 every time.

 

[one45auto]

Hey Chaim, want to get rid of your Beretta?

 

[Pilot]

I like Ruger revolvers and their .22 semi-auto pistols, but their centerfire semi-autos don't do anything for me. I'd rather have comparably priced CZ's or spend a few more bucks for the higher end semis. YMMV.

 

[JDGray]

Heres some shooting I did last night with my P345. Two 8 shot groups + my 8 year olds .22 holes, free hand at 25 feet. The P345 is the only Ruger that fits my hand, besides my 22/45 & GP100 JDGray

 

[poppy]

I have handled but not shot the 345. I have the P97 and the KP90DC. I can outshoot any of my other handguns with the 90, it is simply the most accurate (in my hand) of any handgun that I have ever owned including 1911s, S&W, Kahr, Beretta 92FS, Hi Power, whatever. As soon as I have the money and find a good deal, a 345 decocker will be in my collection. poppy

 

[Rob96]

I was at the range today with my Ruger KP97 and Colt 1911. I used 230gr Sellier and Bellot FMJ, Federal Hydrashok and Black Hills Gold Dot. Fore one magazine from the Colt, then one magazine from the Ruger. I was more accurate with the Ruger.

 

[varoadking]

Ruger makes nothing I need

Everyone needs a doorstop...

 

[BozemanMT]

Don't do it, you'll only regret it.
I finally traded in my last two rugers.
I feel so clean now.

 

[GunnySkox]

Ruger tried to make amends.

I hate to argue with you in a thread such as this, but clearly, they didn't try hard enough.

Evidence: As I browse Ruger's list of available accessories, in the magazine department, on their website ( http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAAccFACat?group=9 ) I see exactly two items available for their centerfire autoloading rifles: a 5-round .223 magazine for the Mini-14, and a 5-round 7.62x39mm magazine for the Mini-30.

I bet you my right shoe that if I sent an email to Ruger right this very instant and asked if I could order a couple of 20-round factory magazines 'cause I just love the Mini-14 my dad gave to me when I was 15 to death, they'd tell me to frell right off, because my money is dirty civilian money, and they don't want that kind of mess on their hands. And I'm sure as heck not going to pay seventy bucks apiece for ruger mags, either, just for the privelege of having a guaranteed reliable, strong mag that holds a reasonable number of cartridges for my rifle.

Bill Ruger is dead, but his jackassetry lives on.

~GnSx

 

[cslinger]

Ruger will sell full capacity handgun magazines. Me thinks the reason for the 5 round Mini 14 and 30 magazines are less principle and more the damn things are inaccurate as hell after 4-6 rounds heat up the barrel. Just my own pet theory really.

Carry on. BTW I like my P97 very much.

 

[Robert J McElwain]

"My feelings about Ruger are forever colored by two things from Bill Ruger:
"No honest man needs more than 10 rounds"
and working with Bill Clinton on the Assault Weapon Ban."

Time to let it go ladies. Both Bill and "The Ban" are dead, let them rest.

I own two Rugers (revolvers) that are very accurate and very well made.

I'm not certain about this, but it's possible that by Bill Ruger working with Clinton, he prevented the gun ban from being worse than it was and may have got the sunset clause in there.

Anyway, I love his guns and wouldn't think of selling any of them. My grand kids will shoot them some day.

Bob

 

[WarMachine]

Breaking news...this just in.

Bill Ruger has died.
The Assault Weapons Ban has been lifted.
The Ruger gun company offers standard capacity mags.

Just let it die. Please. The company is no longer what it once was, and the P345 is just the first in what I am sure is to become a very muched improved autoloader line-up.

 

[jc2]

If you must have a d/a decocking 45...I'd look at a Sig 220

I've had both a P90 and several P220s (not to mention a P245). I'd take the P90 any and every day of the week (and you're not limited to a decocker with the P90). The P90 is simply the better of the two (not to mention you can buy a case and a half of ammo with the money you save by buying the Ruger. Frankly, for a $300 savings and at the very worse equal quality, the P90 is a no-brainer.

 

[cslinger]

I've had both a P90 and several P220s (not to mention a P245). I'd take the P90 any and every day of the week (and you're not limited to a decocker with the P90). The P90 is simply the better of the two

Now them's fightin' words.

Well opinions being like, well you know, but I digress, here's mine.

Anyway I do not think the P90 or P97 are better weapons then the P220. I think the P220 is the superior gun in my own personal experience. I will however say that the P220 isn't worth as much of premium over the P90/97 that they command.

Ehhh to each their own.

Chris

 

[jc2]

The Ruger will "take a lickin' and keep on tickin'" far better than the SIG (and doesn't have as many small parts "issues" (particularly once you hit three thousand rounds or so). At least we can both agree the P220 is grossly overpriced ($400 for the pistol and a $100 for each initial).