Ruger American Duty .45 ACP
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Pistol · In Production · 2016
Also known as: American Pistol Duty .45, Ruger American Pistol .45 ACP, RAP Duty .45
Overview
The Ruger American Duty .45 ACP is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 893 g (31.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1042 g (36.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Barrel Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Width | 27 mm (1.06") |
| Sight Radius | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 26.7 N (6.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 260 m/s (853 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 504 J (372 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Black Nitride |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 11.43x23mm, .45 Automatic Colt Pistol
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Internal Striker Block, Manual Safety
- Features: Novak Lomount 3 Dot Sights, Picatinny Rail, Modular Wrap Around Grip, Interchangeable Backstraps, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Pre Tensioned Striker, Recoil Reducing Barrel Cam, Low Mass Slide, Low Center Of Gravity Barrel
Base model
Production
Production years: 2016-present
Moderate production volume alongside the 9mm variant; competes with Glock 21, S&W M&P 45, and FN FNX-45 in the full-size .45 ACP duty pistol market
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The .45 ACP variant of the Ruger American Duty pistol was introduced approximately one year after the original 9mm model. It shares the same pre-tensioned striker system that partially pre-loads the striker during the slide cycle for a lighter, more consistent trigger pull. The recoil-reducing barrel cam and low-mass slide help manage the heavier .45 ACP recoil compared to the 9mm version. The barrel twist is 1:16-inch RH with 6 grooves, optimized for the larger .45 caliber projectile. The modular grip system allows shooters to customize palm swell and trigger reach. The manual safety is an ambidextrous frame-mounted lever. Ships with two 10-round magazines. MSRP is approximately $579-$649. With a 230-grain FMJ load, the 4.5-inch barrel produces approximately 853 fps (260 m/s) with 504 joules of muzzle energy. Weight loaded is estimated with 10 rounds of .45 ACP at approximately 14.9g each.
Background
The .45 ACP variant was a natural expansion of the Ruger American Pistol line, catering to shooters and agencies that preferred the larger caliber's proven terminal ballistics. While the 9mm version was Ruger's primary MHS competition entry, the .45 ACP model addresses the enduring demand for .45 caliber duty pistols among law enforcement officers and civilian shooters who favor the heavier, slower-moving projectile's reputation for stopping power. The .45 ACP chambering also appeals to the significant market of shooters who remain loyal to John Browning's century-old cartridge design.