Quick Look

The Ruger American Pistol Compact debuted in 2017 as a reliable, affordable compact pistol. Designed for concealed carry and ease of use, it balances performance and value. It holds a solid position among popular compact handguns favored by everyday carriers.

Why It's a Top Choice

• Proven Ruger reliability and durability
• Compact size ideal for concealed carry
• Interchangeable backstraps for grip customization
• Affordable price with quality construction
• Simple, user-friendly striker-fired design

Key Variants

Ruger American Pistol Compact 9mm

Standard caliber variant for balanced power and controllability, popular for daily carry.

Ruger American Pistol Compact .45 ACP

Offers greater stopping power in a compact frame suitable for experienced shooters.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Ruger American Pistol Compact	S&W Shield	Glock 43
MSRP	$399	$379	$599
Capacity / Size	10+1 (9mm), Compact	7+1, Subcompact	6+1, Subcompact
Weight	25 oz	20 oz	17.9 oz
Optics-Ready	No	No	No
Trigger Type	Striker-fired	Striker-fired	Striker-fired
Notable Pro	Interchangeable backstraps	Slim, lightweight	Excellent reliability
Notable Con	Heavier than some subcompacts	Lower capacity	Smaller capacity

Best Use Cases

• Concealed carry and self-defense
• Personal duty sidearm
• Range training and practice
• Home defense backup

FAQs

Can I use suppressors with the Ruger American Pistol Compact?

The pistol accepts threaded barrels suitable for suppressors, but model and local laws must be confirmed first.

What is the trigger pull weight?

The factory trigger pull is approximately 5.5 pounds according to official Ruger specs.

How does the grip customization work?

Interchangeable backstraps allow adjusting grip size for better control and comfort.