Ruger was an upstart company in 1948 that rose to fame with an ad for a quality .22 caliber self-loading pistol in the American Rifleman. And the rest is history. Ruger became an American icon with a wide selection of firearms for hunting, recreation, target shooting and personal defense. With three production facilities, Ruger firearms offer the reliability many use as a baseline for personal defense. And while most of the handguns lack the bling of those made by other manufacturers, Ruger guns don’t compromise in quality or performance.
Ruger American Pistol
The Ruger American is available in compact, duty and competition models. This is a striker-fired pistol with a black-coated stainless slide and glass-filled nylon frame. The American is a reliable handgun. I have tested two of the available models. With 17 rounds in the full-sized 9mm, this pistol compares well to any other striker-fired 9mms. Simplicity of operation is important. There is also a model for those who prefer a manual safety.
9mm Duty Specifications
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel length: 4.20 inches
Overall length: 7.5 inches
Height: 5.6 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Ruger Security-9
This is a different variation on the polymer theme that many find attractive. The Security-9 is designed for affordability. Its mechanism is different from most, with a hammer-fired double-action-only trigger. A manual safety and blade-type safety set in the trigger are well designed safety features. The compact model is an ideal size for personal carry. This pistol is affordable and perhaps the best buy in modern 9mm handguns of this size and weight class.
Security-9 Specifications
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel length: 4 inches
Overall length: 7.24 inches
Height: 5 inches
Weight: 23.8 ounces
The Ruger Security 380 exhibits flawless reliability and was more accurate than expected.
Ruger Security-380
I am not a fan of small calibers for personal defense. However, a pistol that is easily racked and loaded makes a lot of sense, especially for those without sufficient hand strength. The Security-380 is a Security-9 redesigned into a straight blowback action. The magazines are easily loaded, unlike many modern high capacity 9mm magazines. The .380 ACP cartridge is surprisingly accurate in this compact-sized handgun. Recoil is negligible. This pistol is one of the more fun guns I have fired and evaluated during the past few years. Its low recoil and good accuracy are attractive. If accuracy can make up for power, this handgun is a fine choice.
Security-380 Specifications
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel length: 3.42 inches
Overall length: 6.52 inches
Height: 4.35 inches
Weight: 19.7 ounces
Ruger LCP
My wife has owned her Elsie Pea for more than a decade. Reliable and easily carried, it is a trusted pistol. The LCPII is a superior pistol based on better sights and an improved trigger. The LCP line is something of a rarity, being a pocket gun with good reliability and reasonable accuracy. The LCP Max is an increased capacity version that, while incrementally larger, is also easier to handle and shoot well than the original.
LCP Specifications
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel length: 2.75 inches
Overall length: 5.16 inches
Height: 3.6 inches
Weight: 9.6 ounces
The LC9s
This slim line 9mm is easily carried and is light on the hip while still being more accurate than most … for a shooter who practices. The pistol is reliable and fits most hands well. With a striker-fired action in the LC9s, this light 9mm is a lot of gun for the size and money.
LC9s Specifications
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel length: 3.12 inches
Overall length: 6 inches
Height: 4.5 inches
Weight: 17.2 ounces
Ruger Max-9
If I could own but one 9mm Ruger, it would be this one. At less than 19 ounces unloaded, the Max-9 features 13 rounds capacity and a superb set of combat sights. The Ruger Max-9 is perhaps the best combination of size and handfit among Ruger handguns. With safety features including a blade safety in the trigger as well as a manual safety, the pistol has much appeal. The Max-9 is affordable, light enough and controllable.
Max-9 Specifications
Capacity: 12+1
Barrel length: 3.2 inches
Overall length: 6 inches
Height: 4.52 inches
Weight: 18.4 ounces
Ruger GP100
The GP100 is a modern double-action revolver with a massive frame and hand-filling grip. There are both six- and seven-shot versions in .357 Magnum. These revolvers are capable of absorbing thousands of .357 Magnum cartridges. It is larger than the other handguns covered. But the GP100 is also available in 2 ¾-inch barrel versions with fixed sights. With good quality leather, the GP100 may be carried comfortably. For those preferring a smooth-rolling double-action trigger and the hard hitting .357 Magnum cartridge, the GP100 is an outstanding choice for home defense or animal defense.
GP100 Specifications
Capacity: 6
Barrel length: 4.2 inches
Overall length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
Ruger LCR
For those who prefer the revolver, the LCR is a modern handgun with good features.
The Ruger LCR is among the most modern revolvers. With a very smooth, tight and fast action on a polymer frame, its design allows a wide variety of grip configuration as a modern five-shot either .38 or .357 Magnum revolver. I have seen several shooters ace a class with this handgun. The LCR is lightweight for easy carry yet as rugged as any handgun. And the grip design limits recoil.
LCR Specifications
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 1.87 inches
Overall length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 13.5 ounces
Ruger SP101
When Ruger first introduced this stainless-steel revolver, it was a sensation … and it still is in many ways. The original version was a .38 Special. Today, a five-shot .357 Magnum and six-shot .32 Magnum are available. All share a smooth action and good reliability. The Ruger SP101 is a chunky little beast. By the same token, there is no more robust handgun better suited to long hours of practice and firing heavy Magnum loads. With the weight of the SP101, recoil is manageable. There are many advantages to a revolver, and the SP101 makes the most of these advantages.
SP101 Specifications
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 2.25 inches
Overall length: 7.20 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
SR1911
When Ruger introduced its long-awaited 1911 pistol, it brought a quality modern 1911 with stainless steel construction and excellent reliability to the market. The SR1911 features good sights, a smooth trigger and well-designed controls. As far as 1911s go, if you find one for cheaper than the SR1911, it’s likely corners were cut. And you could pay more and not obtain a better pistol. Ruger offers commander length with 4.25-inch barrel in both aluminum and steel frames. It’s available in 9mm and .45 ACP. An officer model is also offered. These are reliable and useful handguns well worth their price.
SR1911 Specifications
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel length: 5 inches
Overall length: 8.67 inches
Height: 5.45 inches
Weight: 39 ounces
Ruger handguns offer a diverse choice. They are similar in that they offer reliability, longevity and a good value for the money.
