Strum, Ruger & Co., Inc., engineered a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol in response to a Request for Proposals by the U.S. military in September 2015. As a result of the MHS program, the American consumer has access to an entirely new pistol line from Ruger—the American Pistol—that has since expanded with an offering designed for competition use.
The Ruger American Pistol Competition is a striker-fired design based on a one-piece, glass-filled nylon frame that features a user-customizable grip. Three modules are provided with Ruger’s competition texturing treatment. Fitted to the synthetic frame is a stainless-steel slide tailored to provide competitors with features that enhances the range and target-acquisition experience. Ruger’s American Pistol Competition is designed to accommodate optics—the slide is drilled and tapped for direct mounting of Vortex, Burris, Sightmark, Docter, MeoRed, MRDS or similar footprint optics.
Running with the theme of competition use, Ruger provides a 5” stainless steel, competition-grade barrel. The forward part of the slide incorporates porting to reduce overall weight. Atop the Competition model are target sights, with a fully adjustable, serrated rear and a front fiber-optic pipe held within a post.
Ruger chose to include a preloaded striker assembly in its American Pistol Competition that increases strike force while reducing the necessary pull weight required to break sear engagement. A chassis manufactured from stainless steel is included within the frame and provides the fire-control group as well as slide rails. Steel components are nitride-treated black for durability.
Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about Ruger’s American Pistol Competition chambered for 9 mm Luger.
Ruger American Pistol Competition Specifications Manufacturer: Strum, Ruger & Co., Inc. ActionType: striker-fired, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol Chambering: 9 mm Luger Frame: glass-filled black nylon Slide: stainless steel Barrel: 5” stainless steel Finish: black nitride Magazine: 17-round detachable box Sights: fully adjustable rear, fiber-optic front Height: 5.6” Length: 8.31” SlideWidth: 1.05” Weight: 34 ozs. MSRP: $579