Ruger American Compact Review: A Great Option for EDC and Concealed Carry
As a firearms enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Ruger American Compact. With its compact size and 10-round magazine capacity, I thought it would be the perfect sidearm for every day carry (EDC) and concealed carry. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the Ruger American Compact, highlighting its pros and cons, and whether it meets its claims as a reliable and accurate pistol.
Out of the Box Experience
The Ruger American Compact arrived in a cardboard box with a soft case and some documentation. The pistol itself looked sleek and well-crafted, with a matte-black finish that hiding its flaws. The texturing on the grip was pleasant, and the ergonomics seemed well-designed. I was eager to put it through its paces.
Shooting Experience
I took the Ruger American Compact to the range, loaded with some Hornady 124-grain JHPs, and began testing its accuracy and reliability. Here, the pistol impressed me:
- Accurate and Consistent: The Ruger American Compact delivered surprisingly accurate results, with most shots grouping tightly within a 2-inch circle at 25 yards. FMJ JHPs saw a 1.5-inch group, while JHPs from Federal and Remington showed a 1.75-inch spread. The pistol’s recoil was manageable, thanks to its 3.15-inch barrel and Ruger’s Double-Action Trigger (DAT) system.
- Reliable: I experienced zero malfunctions during my testing, even during prolonged strings of fire and when pushing the pistol’s manual safety to its limits. The Ruger American Compact proved to be a reliable companion, just like its non-compact cousin.
- Easy to Handle: The pistol’s ergonomics and grip texturing made it easy to manipulate, particularly in dry conditions. The 10-round magazine was a breeze to load and unload, thanks to its butterfly design.
Disappointments and Drawbacks
While the Ruger American Compact delivered in many areas, some aspects fell short of my expectations:
- Sights: The standard-issue sights, though functional, lacked precision. The front sight was a bit too low, and the rear sight’s aiming notch was thin, making it difficult to get a good sight picture.
- Magazine Ejection: The butterfly magazine’s spring-loaded design made ejection a bit tricky, occasionally causing the magazine to get stuck or require a push-pull motion to get it to come free.
- Trigger Pull: While the Double-Action Trigger system was an improvement over standard double-action triggers, the take-up was a bit rough, and the break was less consistent than I’d like.
Conclusion
The Ruger American Compact is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and accurate concealed carry or EDC pistol. Its ergonomics, compact size, and 10-round magazine capacity make it an excellent option for self-defense. While it may not be perfect, the Ruger American Compact excels in many areas, making it a great starter pistol or a reliable sidearm for those with experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accurate and consistent
- Reliable, with no malfunctions during testing
- Easy to handle, with good ergonomics and grip texturing
- Compact size for EDC and concealed carry
- 10-round magazine capacity
Cons:
- Sights could be improved for precision
- Magazine ejection can be finicky
- Trigger pull is not as refined as some users may prefer
Final Verdict
The Ruger American Compact is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, accurate, and compact pistol. While it may not be perfect, its advantages far outweigh its drawbacks, making it a great option for those seeking a capable and practical self-defense sidearm. If you’re in the market for a reliable companion, the Ruger American Compact is definitely worth considering.
Please note: The opinions expressed in this review are based on my personal experience with the product and may not reflect the opinions of others. It is essential to remember that firearms should be handled and used responsibly. Always follow local laws and regulations when handling firearms, and ensure proper safety precautions are taken when shooting.
