Compact Model Added to Ruger American Pistol Line

by
posted on September 29, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Staccato HD P4.5
Staccato HD P4.5

Review: Staccato HD P4.5

Combining an exclusive pistol design with a ubiquitous magazine makes the Staccato HD P4.5 practical and desirable.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Gold

Here’s how to improve your close-range carbine handling.

Caracal USA Awarded Government Contract in the Bahamas for CMP9K

Caracal USA announced it would be supplying its CMP9K platform to various government agencies in the Bahamas.

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Springfield Armory's XD Mod.4 OSP: Anything But Basic

For nearly 25 years, Springfield Armory has offered its affordable and reliable XD series of handguns, and for 2026, that design has now entered its fourth generation with the Mod.4 OSP.

The Armed Citizen® March 23, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.