First Look: Ruger American Pistol

Ruger has announced the release of the new Ruger American Pistol, which follows on the heels of the highly successful Ruger American centerfire and rimfire rifles. The new striker-fired semi-automatic pistol will be available in both 9mm and .45 ACP.

The Ruger American pistol uses a one-piece nitrided stainless steel chassis that contains the frame rails and fire controls. The chassis fits into a glass-filled nylon frame that incorporates a modular grip system with three interchangeable panels to adjust palm swell and trigger reach. The dust cover incorporates a 1913 Picatinny rail for the mounting of accessories, such as lights or lasers.

The trigger pull is designed to be short in length, just .225 inches, and breaks at six pounds. Initial models do not feature an active external safety, however, the American's trigger uses an integrated safety, and there is a passive internal sear block. There is no need to dry fire the Ruger American pistol during the takedown, which offers an additional margin of safety. Both the slide stop and magazine release are ambidextrous.

The barrel and slide are made from stainless steel, and the slide is black nitrided to reduce corrosion and friction. The barrel length is 4.20 inches long on the 9mm and 4.50 inches long on the .45 ACP. Overall lengths are 7.5 inches and 8 inches, respectively. The slides are fitted with genuine Novak LoMount steel three-dot sights. Thanks to a recoil-reducing barrel cam and a low bore axis, the Ruger American is reported to have a mild recoil impulse with minimal muzzle flip.

The 9mm variant weighs in at 30 ounces and the .45 ACP is 31.5 ounces. Both models ship with two nickel-teflon plated steel magazines with capacities of 17+1 and 10+1 rounds. Suggested retail is $579, and the guns will be available at retailers immediately.

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