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Ruger P345PR: Should I buy this?
March 21, 2006 | JewishRighter

Posted on 03/21/2006 10:07:57 AM PST by JewishRighter

I am considering buying a pistol for personal, home protection. I don't expect to have any concealed carry needs/opportunities/license. I am pretty well settled on 45ACP as a benchmark for stopping power. I am also limiting my preferences to American manufacturers. I don't expect to do a lot of shooting, except for regular practice to maintain proficiency.

I've seen a lot of discussion of various weapons and I'm really asking for views on reliability, durability, user-friendliness, safety and degree of kickback for the Ruger P345PR. If anyone suggests another American made 45, please tell me why it would be preferred over the Ruger.

Thanks to anyone who can weigh in.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous; Outdoors; Reference; Sports
KEYWORDS: 45acp; banglist; guns; personaldefense; pistols; ruger
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To: ladtx

"Besides that it's just a "purty gun"."

You ain't kiddin'. I've always loved that gun for it's purty looks and its history.


21 posted on 03/21/2006 12:11:57 PM PST by JewishRighter
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To: Rio

That's 2 votes for the 12. What do you say to the argument about the manuevarability of the 12 as opposed to a pistol in confines of home?


22 posted on 03/21/2006 12:14:59 PM PST by JewishRighter
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To: JewishRighter

How steady will your aim be after the glass has shattered, or the door has been kicked in. Would you rather have a pistol that shoots one little slug of lead at a time, or would you rather have a 12 gauge scatter gun loaded with buckshot?


23 posted on 03/21/2006 12:31:39 PM PST by 300magnum (We know that if evil is not confronted, it gains in strength and audacity, and returns to strike us)
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To: JewishRighter
What do you say to the argument about the manuevarability of the 12 as opposed to a pistol in confines of home?

no problems. an 870 with an 18" barrel and a pistol grip is not that large. add a mag tub extender, a flashlight and a reddot of some sort, and you have a formidable weapon. also, a tricked out home defense shotgun will still cost less than a good, reliable handgun.
unless you're in a tiny apartment, or for some other reason think that a perp might be right on top of you before you can get off a shot, long gun is a better choice. its more stable- which will give you more accuracy- puts out more lead, and probably 9 times out of 10 the sound of a pump being racked will scare off intruders.
generally, the best home defense is a pump backed up be a reliable pistol. but whatever you get, spend as much time as you can get on the range.
24 posted on 03/21/2006 12:32:28 PM PST by absolootezer0 ("My God, why have you forsaken us.. no wait, its the liberals that have forsaken you... my bad")
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To: 300magnum

I'm seein' yer point, bigtime. Thanks


25 posted on 03/21/2006 1:20:59 PM PST by JewishRighter
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To: JewishRighter

For a double-action auto the trigger pull isnt too objectionable. The weight is good for concealed carry, yet not too light as to make it uncontrollable in shooting doubles and triples.

The sights, as from the factory, are ok, but better than the ones that come on most smith double action autos.

If you cock the hammer to fire it, the trigger pull is just as good as that of the 1911.

The mags that comes with it are 8 shots, plus the one in the chamber makes nine rounds of 45acp power in the gun.

I carry Glocks, but if I were to go to a double action auto for street carry, I'd probably go for that one.

The whole gun is just extremely well thought out. I dont know why they saw a need to change it. I guess it's the same reason the dropped the Security Six. Probably one of the strongest 357 magnum wheelguns ever made.


26 posted on 03/21/2006 1:25:31 PM PST by Armedanddangerous (Master of Sinanju (Emeritus))
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To: absolootezer0

In a perfect world, one should have both a handgun and a shotgun for homeland defense.

Remember, a shotgun is best when used from a fixed position. By that, I mean this.

Let us say you know people are downstairs, and they are not friendly. You collect all known family members in the house into your bedroom. That is, for all intents and purposes, your saferoom.

When you collect all your loved ones, and someone is banging on the bedroom door with a hammer, it is safe to assume he is someone hostile to you. Once he gets through the door, you see the goblin, and determine he isnt a drunken relative or neighbor, then your purpose is clear.

You hide behind cover with a shotgun loaded with buck or slugs, and shoot at the door. You want the most power you can muster flying across the room toward the threat.

The handgun is for backup for your shotgun, and to carry when you are collecting your kids to a safe location.

I have a double barrel shotgun loaded with buck in my bedroom, and a Glock 17 loaded with a 19 round extended magazine for my home defense pistol. I figure the cops can collect all the brass from the encounter with a coal shovel if thats what it means to keeping my kin safe.


27 posted on 03/21/2006 1:33:25 PM PST by Armedanddangerous (Master of Sinanju (Emeritus))
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To: Armedanddangerous

that's why you have to have a wife, so she can gather the kids while you cover. that, and i feel more confidant that i can retain a shotgun if it comes to very close quarters, and use it effectively as a club if need be.


28 posted on 03/21/2006 1:50:18 PM PST by absolootezer0 ("My God, why have you forsaken us.. no wait, its the liberals that have forsaken you... my bad")
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To: absolootezer0

Bill Ruger said he thought the S Six was a wonderful gun but the big problem with it was, it could not show a profit.


29 posted on 03/21/2006 2:17:07 PM PST by ruger1
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To: JewishRighter

Well I'm a big guy and have no problem with maneuvering the shotgun. It's loaded with #4 turkey or goose loads, then a couple slugs. Nothing in the chamber as I'm depending on that unmistakable sound of putting the first round in to scare off all but the most determined bad guys.

I get what you mean about close quarters and a big gun.

Also the SG is hard to conceal. It's farther away most of the time, so my wife and I each have .45 autos close by in case we're surprised. We shoot the autos enough that we're confident in their reliability. I suppose that's the key to any one that you choose.


30 posted on 03/21/2006 2:34:09 PM PST by Rio (Don't make me come over there....)
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To: Armedanddangerous

Handguns are to get you back to your long guns.


31 posted on 03/21/2006 2:47:04 PM PST by B4Ranch (The truth is good for you, like sunlight, but too much all at once can really hurt.)
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To: Mikey_1962; JewishRighter
Dan Wesson 44 magnum with the 2 in heavy barrel.

Mikey you're not seriously suggesting a 44 magnum for a novice shooter? Are you NUCKING FUTZ?

JR: I'm an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. You should first off get trained by a certified instructor who should start you off on a 22LR just to detect and correct any fault in technique inasmuch as the basics of pistol marksmanship are concerned. When I teach for the Florida CCW class, I don't care if you're an out of state cop, an airborne ranger, or mickeymouse, everybody starts on a Ruger Super Single Six Single Action revolver 22. Then we progress up through 9mm, 40, 45 etc. My guns, you pay for ammo and range + my fee. I don't proceed to the next strongest caliber until proficiency is demonstrated at the current level. For my personal standards, proficiency is defined as being able to dump all the rounds of a firearm's magazine at it's full capacity or all the rounds of a revolver cylinder....twice....at a range of 7 yards into the center of a standard silouhette target. Pace of fire should be one round every two seconds or faster.

I personally dislike Ruger semiautos. I'm a BIG fan of the H&K USP 45 both the full size and the compact. I like it in the variation one trigger and carry mine with the chamber hot, hammer down so the first shot is double action. I also like my Sig P245 and my Glock M27 40.

I no longer carry any of my 1911's. Not that they're bad guns, it's just my personal preference. I like the long take up of the DA instead of the short crisp break of the 1911. Even with the new castle doctrine law here in Florida, I don't want any hint by anybody that just maybe my gun went off prematurely or by accident. There's a real danger when facing a jury of that. Especially with a savvy antigun prosecutor. All they have to do is to take the average jury member (totally ignorant of firearms most likely) and ask them to pull your trigger on a dry fire. Even with a 5 pound trigger pull, it'll seem to Mr or Mrs John Q Public that the gun went off so easily! That's why I personally choose to carry a DA pistol.

I'll say one thing. I bought my H&K USP new and with only the lube from the factory I shot over 2000 rds thru it without a cleaning and it never once failed. Not one single time! It's also the most accurate out of the box 45 I've ever fired as well. My 1911's can't do that. My Glock probably could. But if I had to choose only one handgun to take straight from the box and into a war, it'd be the USP hands down.

Mikey is right about one thing, though: For pure home protection you can't beat a good shottie in 12 guage. I'll stick with my slightly enhanced Benelli M121, semi auto. For a novice, IMHO, a semi is better than a pump right off. Under extreme pressure there is a distinct tendency for the novice to short stroke the pump resulting in the nasty (and potentially lethal) double feed jam.

32 posted on 03/21/2006 2:49:25 PM PST by ExSoldier (Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.)
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To: ExSoldier; JewishRighter

I'm an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. You should first off get trained by a certified instructor who should start you off on a 22LR just to detect and correct any fault in technique inasmuch as the basics of pistol marksmanship are concerned........ everybody starts on a Ruger Super Single Six Single Action revolver 22. Then we progress up through 9mm, 40, 45 etc..... .........

As a NRA Certified Training Counselor
I train hundreds of NRA Certified instructors a year.
I concur; JR should get trained first!

Handguns are good but nothing beats a 870 12Ga. shotgun for home use.

The sound of an 870 being racked will put the fear of G-d into anyone.

There is also the concern of over-penetration with a handguns,
which leads to collateral damage.


33 posted on 03/21/2006 3:12:27 PM PST by Uri’el-2012 (Trust in YHvH forever, for the LORD, YHvH is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4))
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To: B4Ranch

Clint Smith bump.


34 posted on 03/21/2006 3:30:14 PM PST by Armedanddangerous (Master of Sinanju (Emeritus))
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To: XeniaSt
There is also the concern of over-penetration with a handguns, which leads to collateral damage.

Depends on the structure, the caliber and configuration of ammo. You think a 12 ga loaded with a slug or 0-0-0 Buck won't penetrate? Ball ammo in a pistol will tend to penetrate further than JHP or the frangibles like Glaser, MagSafe or RBCD.

35 posted on 03/21/2006 3:53:11 PM PST by ExSoldier (Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.)
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To: ExSoldier
XS> There is also the concern of over-penetration with a handguns, which leads to collateral damage.

Depends on the structure, the caliber and configuration of ammo. You think a 12 ga loaded with a slug or 0-0-0 Buck won't penetrate? Ball ammo in a pistol will tend to penetrate further than JHP or the frangibles like Glaser, MagSafe or RBCD.

All of that is true but way beyond the beginners question and understanding.

36 posted on 03/21/2006 5:57:09 PM PST by Uri’el-2012 (Trust in YHvH forever, for the LORD, YHvH is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4))
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To: JewishRighter
I think you ought to buy the gun that you imagine in your hand. If this Ruger feels good and suits your needs, then give it a good home.

Choosing a weapon to defend your house from intruders is a detailed process. Many use birdshot in a 12 gauge because it won't retain a lot of energy after going through walls and kill family members. The downside of a scatter gun is that if you have other family members in the room, they might get hit. Others prefer hand guns due to size and capacity. We keep a 9mm XD in our room with a tactical light on it because all the damned light switches in my house give an intruder the advantage. Keep in mind that a tac light lets a bad guy know where you are... and the beat goes on.

37 posted on 03/21/2006 7:05:41 PM PST by kerryusama04 (The Bill of Rights is not occupation specific.)
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To: absolootezer0
no problems. an 870 with an 18" barrel and a pistol grip is not that large. add a mag tub extender, a flashlight and a reddot of some sort, and you have a formidable weapon. also, a tricked out home defense shotgun will still cost less than a good, reliable handgun. unless you're in a tiny apartment, or for some other reason think that a perp might be right on top of you before you can get off a shot, long gun is a better choice. its more stable- which will give you more accuracy- puts out more lead, and probably 9 times out of 10 the sound of a pump being racked will scare off intruders. generally, the best home defense is a pump backed up be a reliable pistol. but whatever you get, spend as much time as you can get on the range

I have a mossberg 590 with a folding stock and a streamlight on it... in the basement. I have kids, it is hard to lock up a shotty and keep in handy for defense, and I really don't want to set off something that powerful in my house. The 9mm XD fits well in my safe.

38 posted on 03/21/2006 7:10:22 PM PST by kerryusama04 (The Bill of Rights is not occupation specific.)
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To: JewishRighter
This is a question I ask anyone who wants to buy a gun for the house:

Can your family operate it? Often, females have trouble with the heavy spring in a .45 auto pistol. A .357 Magnum may be better if this is the case in your home.

Also, don't get a shotgun with a pistol grip. They are impossible to aim. You have no sights and no frame of reference where the thing is really pointing. Get an 870 HD, or a nice Mossberg 590. They're not all that expensive, and they're bult like a brick you know what.

39 posted on 03/21/2006 8:57:26 PM PST by sig226
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To: XeniaSt
All of that is true but way beyond the beginners question and understanding.

Don't underestimate the capacity of the student to learn and comprehend, or you do him a major disservice. I've been a professional educator for eighteen years and spent the last nine in the inner city. My students have been accepted to Standford, Fordham and Cornell, to name but a few. Most all folks would say off the top of their heads that children from such a demographic could never hope to aspire to such lofty goals and they'd be wrong.

Bullet configuration, expansion, penetration isn't rocket science unless you want to make it incomprehensible gobbleygook to make yourself look like the wise man preaching atop the mountain. That's not why I'm a firearms instructor and it's not why I'm a teacher. I must be pretty good at what I do, my school of 170 faculty members voted me social studies Teacher of the Year in 2001.

I'm not trying to blow my own horn here, I hate that. My point is that I'm an experienced pro in the profession of education, of which the instruction of firearms is a part. Are you an NRA Training Counselor as a profession? If so, that's great! But you're already addressing a portion of the public that has more than a modicum of knowledge on the subject. Take Joe Schmoe off the street. TEACH HIM gun safety and marksmanship from the ground up. Make him into an expert capable of besting YOU on the range. That's a real teacher. Then do it over and over and over again.

40 posted on 03/22/2006 3:55:42 AM PST by ExSoldier (Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.)
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