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Ruger · Pistol

Ruger P345

Short recoil (semi-automatic) · .45 ACP · introduced 2004

Also known as P345, KP345, P345PR

About the Ruger P345

The Ruger P345 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. since 2004. This American-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 8-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers compact firepower for concealed carry applications. The traditional DA/SA trigger system combines the safety of a long initial double-action pull with the precision of subsequent single-action shots, a time-proven design trusted by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The 4.3-inch barrel provides an excellent balance between sight radius and portability, making it equally suitable for duty carry and recreational shooting. Weighing 760g (26.8 oz) empty, this firearm strikes a practical balance between manageable carry weight and sufficient mass to moderate felt recoil during shooting. The polymer frame construction reduces weight while providing a textured, ergonomic grip surface designed for secure handling in all conditions. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.

The Ruger P345 represented the final evolution of the P-series pistol line, bridging the gap between the traditional DA/SA designs and Ruger's modern striker-fired SR-series. Despite winning 'Best Gun' at the 2004 SHOT Show, the P345 struggled commercially, partly due to the perceived clunky aesthetics of its P-series lineage. Its slim single-stack grip and extensive safety features made it a comfortable and safe .45 ACP option, but the market was already shifting toward striker-fired polymer pistols.

Ruger P345 specifications

General

Type
Pistol
Action
Short recoil (semi-automatic)
Firing mechanism
Double action single action
Trigger
Da sa
Trigger pull
2.0 kg (4.5 lb)
Calibres
.45 ACP
Magazine capacity
8 rounds
Magazine
Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length
108 mm (4.3 in)
Overall length
194 mm (7.6 in)
Height
146 mm (5.7 in)
Width
30 mm (1.2 in)
Weight (empty)
0.76 kg (1.68 lb)
Weight (loaded)
1.01 kg (2.23 lb)

Barrel

Rifling twist
1:16 in (406 mm)
Rifling
Right hand
Grooves
6

Materials

Barrel
Stainless steel
Receiver / frame
Polymer
Slide
Stainless steel
Finish
stainless

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical)
260 m/s (853 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical)
477 J (352 ft·lb)
Effective range
50 m

History

Introduced
2004
Discontinued
2013
Production status
Discontinued
Country of origin
US

Features

  • Polymer frame
  • Three dot sights
  • Ambidextrous decocker
  • Drift adjustable rear sight
  • Loaded chamber indicator
  • Magazine disconnect
  • Key activated lock
  • Camblock recoil reduction
  • Bobbed hammer

Safety

  • Decocker
  • Firing pin block
  • Magazine disconnect
  • Loaded chamber indicator
  • Internal lock

The P345 won 'Best Gun' at the 2004 SHOT Show. The name derives from '3' for 2003 (the design year) and '45' for the caliber. It was intended as a transitional model between Ruger's P-series and the upcoming SR-series. The P345 uses the same single-stack magazines as the earlier P90 and P97 models. Ruger's exclusive Camblock design was incorporated to reduce felt recoil. TALO Distributors produced 500 exclusive editions in 2007 with 24k-gold details and numbered serial plates. MSRP was $577 (blued) and $617 (stainless). Discontinued in 2013.

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