Compact Model Added to Ruger American Pistol Line

by
posted on September 29, 2016
Building on the success of the full-size Ruger American Pistol introduced in Dec. 2015, the company has announced a Compact model that will appeal to armed citizens and concealed-carry practitioners. The Compact retains the full suite of features and mil-spec construction of the full-size American Pistol—including replaceable backstraps, bi-lateral controls and Novak three-dot sights—but the grip frame and barrel have been trimmed down to enhance portability.

American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach was part of an exclusive group of gun industry writers who got an early look at this new model, and you can see him fire the pistol and explain its features in better detail in this "NRA First" video

 
 
Initial offering will be chambered in 9 mm Luger, featuring a 3.55” barrel and feeding from a flush 12-round magazine or a 17-rounder with a grip-extending collar. This new model is available in both Manual Safety and Pro model configurations. For more, visit Ruger.com.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Ruger American Pistol (Compact)
Action Type: striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.55”
Rifling: six-groove, 1:10” RH twist
Slide: stainless steel with black nitride finish
Height: 4.48”
Width: 1.05” (slide); 1.40” (controls, Pro model); 1.50” (controls, Manual Safety model)
Overall Length: 6.65”
Weight: 28.75 ozs.
Sights: Novak LoMount Carry 3-Dot
Magazine: detachable box, 12- and 17-round capacity
MSRP: $579

Latest

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS

Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 NTS

In 2010, Smith & Wesson applied its "Bodyguard" moniker to a polymer-frame, .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol. Recently, the company updated that design with the Bodyguard 2.0 NTS.

The Armed Citizen® March 17, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Wilhelm And Paul: Rx For Success In Rifle Making

Though many men have contributed to the design of the bolt-action centerfire rifle, none have done as much as Paul and Wilhelm Mauser to make this rifle a success.

Preview: Origin VRSA Utility Pant

The concept of “Made in the U.S.A.” has been taken to an entirely new level by Origin, a company that doesn’t just make its products domestically, it also sources all its raw material from U.S. suppliers.

New For 2025: Heckler & Koch VP9A1

Heckler & Koch has updated its popular VP9 design with the VP9A1, which includes a Universal Ergonomic Grip that even allows for length-of-pull adjustments.

Preview: TOPS Knives El Chete

Despite its 12" blade of 0.250"-thick 1095 steel, the TOPS El Chete comes in at only 29.5 ozs. with a balance and ergonomics that help it make quick work of clearing shooting lanes or building shelters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.