Ruger American Pistol in 9mm Review - First Look!

Published on January 3, 2016
Duration: 23:58

The Ruger American Pistol in 9mm is a service-sized, polymer-framed handgun with a 17+1 capacity. While featuring ambidextrous controls and a trigger disconnect for safe disassembly, it suffers from significant ergonomic issues, including 'knuckle bite' due to its wide, square frame. The trigger reset is poor, and the pistol experienced light primer strikes during testing, leading to a 'just okay' assessment with a high MSRP compared to competitors.

Quick Summary

The Ruger American Pistol in 9mm has significant ergonomic flaws, notably 'knuckle bite' from its wide, square frame and a poor trigger reset. While it offers ambidextrous controls and safe disassembly, it experienced light primer strikes and is heavier than competitors, making it 'just okay' for its MSRP.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Ruger American Pistol
  2. 01:02External Features and Sights
  3. 01:57Grip and Trigger Mechanics
  4. 02:46Safety and Controls
  5. 03:56Range Testing and Ergonomic Issues
  6. 07:06Handling and Weight Comparison
  7. 10:52Disassembly and Internals
  8. 12:24Comparison with Ruger SR9
  9. 14:44Final Assessment & Primer Strikes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ergonomic issues with the Ruger American Pistol?

The primary ergonomic concern is 'knuckle bite,' where the wide, square rear frame impacts the shooter's thumb knuckle. Additionally, the trigger reset is poor, requiring a near-full release, which can slow down follow-up shots.

Does the Ruger American Pistol have ambidextrous controls?

Yes, the Ruger American Pistol features fully ambidextrous controls. This includes both the magazine release and the slide stop lever, making it suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.

What are the sights like on the Ruger American Pistol?

It comes equipped with Novak-style 3-dot sights that are dovetailed for easy replacement. However, they lack a ledge for one-handed slide manipulation, which is a drawback for concealed carry scenarios.

What safety features does the Ruger American Pistol offer?

A key safety feature is that the pistol can be disassembled without needing to pull the trigger. It also includes a loaded chamber indicator located on the barrel hood for visual confirmation.

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