Ruger P-345.......Any Good?

[Gunpaq]

Hey, has anyone had a chance to see or fire the new 45acp Ruger P-345?

Curious to whether or not this new "brick" lives up to Ruger's sales pitch.

I am itching to add another Ruger 45acp and this sounds like the ticket but little real life info to go on so far.

[Remington597]

I have not personally fired it, but I have heard nothing but positive things about it, and it looks awesome. Looks very ergonomic.

[Bucky Bronco]

It is definitely NOT a brick. Fits perfectly in the hand and is a handsome looking piece. Looking forward to shooting it at our Ruger promo here in Huntsville, AL shortly.
Bucky Bronco

[denfoote]

Yeah, but all those gadgets, designed to fulfill Sara Brady's hottest wet dream!!

No thanks!!
Neat looking does not go far enough to hide the anti gun hardware!!
I'll keep my trusted KP97DC, thank you very much!!

[tuckerd1]

Originally Posted by Bucky Bronco

It is definitely NOT a brick. Fits perfectly in the hand and is a handsome looking piece. Looking forward to shooting it at our Ruger promo here in Huntsville, AL shortly.
Bucky Bronco

Welcome to TFF Bucky Bronco! When an where is the Ruger promo?

Checkout Hey Bucky Bronco

[Bucky Bronco]

The Ruger promo is 20-21 August at Larry's Pistol and Pawn in Huntsville, AL. There usually real, really, are great prices on all the guns, plus the newest model firearms are available.
Bucky Bronco

[Wadcutter]

I purchased a 345 a couple of days ago. Here are my impressions
thus far.

I like the overall look and feel of the gun. It points well and fits my
hand nicely. My sausage fingered friend found that even he could
manipulate the controls with a bit of a stretch.

I personally do not care for the safety features. The loaded chamber
indicator looks out of place when activated. However, there can be no
doubt as to whether or not a round is in the chamber. The manual lock will
never be activated and hopefully never become a problem. The
magazine disconnect seems rather redundant with the loaded
chamber indicator sticking up like a red flag on the top of the slide.

The gun feeds and fires like a Ruger. It will fire anything I have put
through it thus far. Including lead reloads, cheap ammo, and +p
cor-bon loads, even empty brass. Two hundred rounds without a
mishap. Sights were true to point of aim at 20 yards.

The double action trigger was the worst I have ever felt on a quality
auto pistol. I suggest that if you have the time, cock the hammer first!
No complaints in single action.

Although this gun is not perfect, I feel the advantages far out weigh the
drawbacks. It is Ruger reliable and accurate. Slim enough to conceal
with a jacket. Light enough to carry all day. Big enough to be
controllable. The three-dot sights are easy to see and durable.

Rugers are inexpensive, rugged as tanks, utterly realiable, and
accurate. In my opinion, the p345 is no exception.

[Remington597]

Very well written, like a professional review. Thanks for sharing.

[BlkHawk73]

i too have heard no bad reports about these new "P" models. I'm sure they will do it so I'm waiting for the 9mm model myself. (preferably blued)

[SOT_II]

I can't wait to try one out...they look great, sound even better and hopefully will be MA compliant.

[beetle]

About the New Ruger P345, I bought one a few weeks ago and have shot about 200 rounds and I LOVE IT! Feels great in my hand and performs great as do most Ruger firearms. Not sure if i like the LOADED CHAMBER FLAG at the top of the slide but getting use to it. I have owned the ruger p95, p89 and p97 and the 345 is my favorite. I compare it pretty close to my glock. I have 2 buddies that have bought a 345 and they also feel the same i do. Would i recomend it? YEP sure would in a heart beat!

[Combat]

I took a look at the P-345 a week or so ago and found it far more visually pleasing than other Rugers. The gun did fit well in my hand and seemed lighter than other Rugers. It was not till a few days later while reading a gun magazine that I discovered that "Chamber Loaded" notch atop the slide. I'm not sure how I feel about that as I carry a weapon in the course of my job (armored car company) and wonder how that notch protuding from the top would wear on my holster after time passes. Of course, if it does not sit higher than the sights I suppose it's all moot.
When I looked at the gun, I did not bother to rack the slide. I just held it.
Afterwards, I got to wondering whether or not the thing had a decocker on it. After looking closer at the photo, it would appear that it does, but several friends tell me otherwise.

I am looking seriously at purchasing a new carry weapon and the Ruger is one in the competition, unfortunately though, I'm not able to carry a weapon that does not have a decocker.

Can someone please clarify this matter for me?

Thanks

[rjjrwi]

Combat it looks like it --- read down
STURM, RUGER INTRODUCES MORE NEW RUGER® P345™ PISTOLS November 11, 2004

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), the nation’s largest firearms manufacturer, is pleased to announce the addition of two new pistols to the Ruger P345 family of polymer frame .45 Auto pistols. The new pistol models include a blued steel slide version and a stainless steel “decock-only” version.

“Demand for our new stainless steel slide Ruger P345 pistols has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Sturm, Ruger Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Chris Killoy. “Ruger pistols are known for their exceptional reliability, performance, and value, and the P345’s new styling, features, and slimmer ergonomic grip frame are a winning combination.”

The new blued steel slide P345PR is an “all-blued” manual-safety model that features a Picatinny rail to mount optical accessories. The new “decock-only” stainless KP345DPR features a spring-loaded decocking lever that safely lowers the hammer from the cocked position and also includes a Picatinny accessory rail. Both new models will be available beginning in 2005.

Ruger P345 pistols, introduced at the National Rifle Association show in April of 2004, feature a slimmer profile frame and an eight-round, single-column magazine. P345 pistols have a 4.2- inch barrel and fixed white-dot front and rear sights and feature an all-new Ruger Camblock design to reduce felt recoil. These new pistols also feature an unobtrusive internal lock, a magazine disconnect, and a loaded chamber indicator, to meet various state sales requirements.

The smooth, short trigger pull of the Ruger P345 helps improve accuracy, while the ergonomically shaped, contoured and checkered polymer frame provides a comfortable grip that accommodates a variety of hand sizes. The slimmer frame and slide of the P345 reduce overall weight, and the well-defined grip checkering improves handling and control. Two stainless steel, manual-safety model Ruger P345 pistols are currently available, one of which includes a Picatinny accessory rail.
Ruger® P345™ Decock-Only Model Pistol
Caliber .45 Auto
Model Number 6648
Catalog Number KP345DPR
Action Autoloading Ambidextrous spring-loaded decocking lever
Frame Black polymer with checkered grip and Picatinny accessory rail
Slide Stainless Steel
Barrel Material Stainless Steel
Finish Black satin frame / stainless slide
Barrel Length 4.2 inches
Magazine Capacity 8 Rounds
Sights Front: dovetailed, fixed white dot; Rear: dovetailed, fixed with two
white dots
Grip Ergonomic grip integral with frame
Overall Length 7-1/2 inches
Weight Unloaded 29 oz. (approximately)
Standard Accessories Plastic storage case, Instruction manual, Lock, Two magazines
Other Features

Manual safety, Loaded chamber indicator, Magazine disconnect, Internal lock
2005 Suggested Retail Price

$548.00


Ruger® P345™ Manual Safety Model Pistol
Caliber .45 Auto
Model Number 6647
Catalog Number P345PR
Action Ambidextrous manual safety lever
Frame Black polymer with checkered grip and Picatinny accessory rail
Slide Alloy Steel
Barrel Material Stainless Steel
Finish Black satin frame / blued slide
Barrel Length 4.2 inches
Magazine Capacity 8 Rounds
Sights Front: dovetailed, fixed white dot; Rear: dovetailed, fixed with two
white dots
Grip Ergonomic grip integral with frame
Overall Length 7-1/2 inches
Weight Unloaded 29 oz. (approximately)
Standard Accessories Plastic storage case, Instruction manual, Lock, Two magazines
Other Features

Manual safety, Loaded chamber indicator, Magazine disconnect, Internal lock
2005 Suggested Retail Price

$513.00



Sturm, Ruger is the nation’s leading manufacturer of high-quality firearms for recreation and law enforcement, and a major producer of precision steel and titanium investment castings components for consumer industries. Sturm, Ruger is headquartered in Southport, CT, with plants and foundries located in Newport, NH and Prescott, AZ.
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
“Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens”®
Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view PDF files.

[Combat]

Rjjrwi.

Many thanks for the clarity. I'm gonna head down to the local gun shop and take a closer look at that weapon. Thanks again for your response!

[Bucky Bronco]

Mas Ayoob just did a review in Combat Handguns Magazine (I think) and he had good things to say about rhe Ruger 345 and worth a read. His main point was in the accuracy department. The R345 scores high marks with 200 and especially 230 grain bullets--1"-.75" at 25 feet. Opens up with 185 gain bullets. Federal 230 Nyclads did the best. I 'd hate to spoil your read so I won't say more (from memory) but he did a good wring out and if you're like me and too cheap to buy the mag go to Barnes and Nobel for a free read. I spend my money on ammo.

[germank9]

hey gang,

i own a p345 for 1 week now and realy can say it is a damn good gun.

always on the target. no jamming so far < 320rd > in 10-25Yards

only 2 bad things i got to say

1. only 8 rd. clips ... disquallify this Gun as Duty Gun for LEO.

2. hard sofar to fin a fitting Paddle Holster from Fobus.

Prise was $100 less then said in rugers officale Offer.

all together i love this Baby moore then a Glock in the same Cal.

easy breakdown for cleaning ... nice balance loaded and during the shoting with les rounds.
I wouyld love to see this Gun runns Clock's technian's out of the Gov.Sale.

[inplanotx]

Welcome to our humble home there germank9! Glad to have you with us!

[OlcDog]

I have one, I feel comfortable shooting it, doesn't feel as stiff or flat as a 1911, the grip is thin, and with small hands it feels like it belongs there.

[BoxCar]

Originally Posted by Gunpaq

Hey, has anyone had a chance to see or fire the new 45acp Ruger P-345?

Curious to whether or not this new "brick" lives up to Ruger's sales pitch.

I am itching to add another Ruger 45acp and this sounds like the ticket but little real life info to go on so far.

I am new to the board but, Ok here goes

I too own The Ruger P345 and love every minute of it. It shoots strait and true the first time out with no hang ups or miss fires. The gun has a nice tight frame that feels good in the hand with a solid slide action that lets you know it is a RUGER through and through. Ruger has taken great pains in the design to also take away some but not all of the recoil and this makes the pistol very easy to handle.
What other people may call a nusance I call a good deal (safty features)
1) DA and decocker saftey. I personally like to keep my carry decoked and with a little practice you can draw and slide the safty upward and thumb the hammer into fire position with little or no effort.
2) Magazine release safty. This is a feature that was originally asked for by the LEO not the gun hatters because of close quater combat. Wheh the magazine is ejected the pistor will not fire even if a round is chambered.
3) Loaded flag. This will not get in the way of a quality holster as most of the holster makers will plan for this when they make your holster.

Now for the bad part and it really has nothing to do with the pistol but with accessories. They are not many, you can find lights and lazers for the rail, but when you go looking for a quality holster be advised I checked into about 40 holster makers for a IWB and only about 12 had the blanks for the P345 and could make them. A couple wanted me to ship them my gun (not an option) so I ended up ordering a Milt Sparks VMII.

My Son (26) also bought one and we are both CHL carriers and the pistol conceals very well.

Did not meen to be so long winded but this really is a nice solid gun for the money, you wont go wrong.

My next is going to be a Springfield 1911 A1 5"
_______________________________________________________________________________
He has put a new song in my heart!!

Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God,
and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

[tdyoung58]

I have one as well that I carry CC daily, I carry in a Don Hume, IWB leather, yes, finding a holster is a bitch, waited 8 weeks for mine, but was worth the wait.

[Terry_P]

Simply Rugged has a paddle holster for the P345. Have any of you that own it removed the mag disconnect safety? I understand it isn't difficult to do and eliminates the problem of dry firing with the magazine removed.

[obxned]

I've had mine for more than a year and have gone through a huge number of rounds. It is 100% reliable, very accurate, and the trigger action is great in both SA and DA modes. It is made thin and light, with low profile controls, to be easily concealable.

When I was shopping for a new .45, I was mainly looking at guns costing two or three times what I spent on the Ruger. I almost passed it by because I didn't think I get what I wanted in such an inexpensive pistol. Now I know otherwise.

[tdyoung58]

Mine shoots just as wel as my XD Tactical, or 1911's

[benellim1]

I just purchased a P345 used, but never fired, in the box. It's a great gun. I'm a hardline wheel gun man, but this is one amazing pistol. Great feel, shoots very well.

In fact, my 13yr. old brother, who had never shot a .45, was able to knock down silhouettes and spinning targets with ease!

[scottysocal]

i just got one and so far i like shots nice fits great in my hand