Ruger American Competition Review

Experience precision with this 9mm Luger, boasting a 17+1 capacity, 5-inch barrel, and a weight of 34.1 oz. Features include a stainless steel slide, glass-filled nylon frame, ergonomic grip, fiber optic sights, a crisp trigger, and comprehensive safety features. Optics-ready with a Picatinny rail for accessories. As someone who has spent considerable time with this firearm, I’m excited to share my insights, highlighting not just its specifications but the real-world application of its design, performance, and overall value.

Things I Love About the Ruger American Competition

1. Accuracy and Precision: The 5-inch barrel and tight manufacturing tolerances give this gun exceptional accuracy. It consistently lands shots where I aim, crucial for competitive shooting.

2. Ergonomics: The adjustable grip and well-balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to hold and shoot, even during long practice sessions. It feels like an extension of my hand.

3. High Capacity: With a 17+1 capacity, it reduces the need for frequent reloads, keeping my focus on the target and the competition.

4. Durability: The stainless steel slide and high-performance, glass-filled nylon frame withstand rigorous use. It’s a workhorse that has yet to let me down.

5. Optics Ready: Being able to easily mount a red dot sight without additional machining is a huge plus. It’s allowed me to customize the firearm to fit my shooting style perfectly.

6. Trigger Quality: The trigger has a short takeup and a crisp break, which improves my control over shot placement and timing, enhancing my overall shooting performance.

Things I Don’t Like

1. Weight: At over 34 ounces empty, it’s on the heavier side. While this aids stability and recoil management, it can be a bit much to handle for newer shooters or those preferring a lighter firearm.

2. Complexity for New Shooters: Its advanced features and customization options are fantastic, but they might overwhelm someone new to competitive shooting or firearms in general.

3. Holster Compatibility: Finding the right holster that accommodates the firearm, especially with an optic mounted, can be a challenge. Not all popular holsters fit it well, which limits carry options.

4. Aesthetics: While functionally superb, its appearance is very utilitarian. Some shooters might prefer a firearm with more traditional or elegant styling.

5. Price Point for Beginners: Though it offers great value for its features and performance, the initial investment might be steep for beginners not yet committed to competitive shooting.

Personal Maintenance Routine

As a long-time user of the Ruger American Competition, I’ve developed a personal maintenance routine that ensures my firearm remains in top condition, ensuring reliability and accuracy at every competition. Here’s a walkthrough of my maintenance routine, based on years of experience and fine-tuning:

Weekly Maintenance (After Every Range Visit)

1. Basic Field Strip and Clean

• Disassembly: Following safety checks (ensuring the firearm is unloaded), I begin by field stripping the Ruger American Competition. This model makes it easy, requiring no tools for disassembly.
• Cleaning the Barrel: Using a bore snake soaked in gun solvent, I pass it through the barrel several times. Then, with a clean bore snake, I remove any remaining solvent.
• Cleaning the Slide and Frame: I wipe down the slide, frame, and any exposed parts with a microfiber cloth lightly coated in solvent, focusing on areas where powder residue accumulates.
• Lubrication: I apply gun oil to friction points, especially the slide rails and barrel. A light touch is key; over-lubrication attracts dirt.

2. Inspection

• Wear and Tear: I inspect for unusual wear, especially on the barrel, slide, and recoil spring. Any irregularities could signal the need for a professional look or parts replacement.
• Spring Condition: The recoil spring’s condition is crucial. If I notice a significant decrease in tension or deformation, I consider replacing it to maintain optimal performance.

Monthly Deep Clean

1. Detailed Cleaning

• Besides the weekly routine, I use a gun cleaning kit for a more thorough clean. I disassemble the firearm as much as my comfort and knowledge allow, cleaning each part with a dedicated brush and solvent.
• Magazine Maintenance: I disassemble and clean the magazines, removing dirt and debris that could affect feeding reliability.

2. Function Checks

• After reassembling, I perform function checks (in a safe direction and without live ammunition) to ensure everything works as expected. This includes checking the trigger pull, slide return, and magazine release.

Semi-Annual Professional Service

1. Professional Inspection

• Even with diligent personal maintenance, I take my Ruger American Competition to a trusted gunsmith for a semi-annual checkup. They can spot issues I might miss and perform deep cleaning and lubrication.

2. Replacement of Parts

• Based on the gunsmith’s advice, I replace any parts showing significant wear, such as springs or the barrel, to ensure the firearm remains in competitive condition.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Proper storage is part of maintenance. I use a climate-controlled safe with silica gel packs to control moisture, preventing rust and corrosion.
• Ammunition Checks: Regularly inspecting and rotating my ammunition ensures that I use only the best quality rounds, reducing wear on my firearm and maintaining accuracy.

This routine has kept my Ruger American Competition in excellent condition, ensuring it’s competition-ready at all times. Remember, consistent maintenance not only prolongs the life of your firearm but also enhances safety and performance.

Ruger American Competition Performance Evaluation: My Expert Ratings and Insights

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Accuracy	Exceptional precision and tight groupings at competitive distances.	9/10
Reliability	Performs consistently under various conditions with minimal malfunctions.	9/10
Versatility	Adaptable to a range of shooting disciplines and scenarios, somewhat limited by its competition-focused design.	7/10
Customization	Easily accepts optics and has adjustable features, but aftermarket options could be expanded.	8/10
Ergonomics	Comfortable grip and controls are well-placed; adjustable for individual preferences.	9/10
Value	Offers great features for its price, making it a solid investment for competitive shooters.	8/10
Overall	A top-performing pistol in competitive shooting environments, balancing performance and cost effectively.	8.5/10

Conclusion

The Ruger American Competition is a remarkable firearm that meets the demanding needs of competitive shooters while offering versatility and value that appeal to a broad range of firearms enthusiasts. Its design and build quality, combined with superior performance, ergonomic comfort, and ease of maintenance, make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to excel in their shooting pursuits. Whether for competition, training, or recreational shooting, the Ruger American Competition is a testament to Ruger’s excellence in firearms manufacturing, deserving a place in the arsenal of any serious shooter.

FAQs

1. What caliber is the Ruger American Competition available in? The Ruger American Competition is primarily available in 9mm, a popular choice for competitive shooting due to its balance of recoil, capacity, and accuracy.

2. What is the magazine capacity of the Ruger American Competition? The standard magazine capacity for the Ruger American Competition is 17 rounds, providing a good balance between firepower and the need for minimal reloads during competitions.

3. Does the Ruger American Competition come optics-ready? Yes, the Ruger American Competition is optics-ready, featuring a slide designed to accommodate various red dot sights, making it an excellent choice for shooters looking to enhance their targeting speed and accuracy.

4. What are the key ergonomic features of the Ruger American Competition? Key ergonomic features include a comfortable grip with interchangeable backstraps to fit different hand sizes, a balanced weight distribution to reduce muzzle flip, and a precision-engineered trigger for improved control and accuracy.

5. How does the Ruger American Competition perform in terms of accuracy? The Ruger American Competition is designed for high accuracy, featuring a 5-inch precision-machined barrel and adjustable rear sights for fine-tuning your aim. It consistently delivers tight groupings at competitive distances.

6. Can the Ruger American Competition be customized? Yes, it offers considerable customization options, including the ability to mount optics easily, change grips for better ergonomics, and attach various accessories via its Picatinny rail for lights or lasers.

7. What makes the Ruger American Competition suitable for competitive shooting? Its combination of accuracy, reliability, ergonomic design, and high magazine capacity makes it exceptionally suited for competitive shooting, where precision and speed are paramount.

8. Is the Ruger American Competition suitable for beginners? While designed with competition in mind, its ease of use, reliability, and adjustable features make it a suitable choice for beginners who are serious about developing their shooting skills.

9. How durable is the Ruger American Competition? Constructed with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the demands of competitive shooting, the Ruger American Competition is highly durable and capable of maintaining performance over extensive use.

10. What is the price range of the Ruger American Competition, and is it worth the investment? The Ruger American Competition is competitively priced within the market for high-performance competition firearms. Given its features, reliability, and performance, it offers excellent value for money, making it a worthy investment for competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts alike.

Remember, the true value of a firearm lies not just in its design or history, but in the skill and responsibility of the one who wields it. Stay safe, stay trained, and let every shot fired be a testament to the respect we hold for the power in our hands.