The Original CZ Forum

GENERAL => General Firearms Discussion => Topic started by: KingPolymer-III on September 19, 2005, 06:44:31 PM

Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 19, 2005, 06:44:31 PM
I know I have said this before, but I will say it again, its rare that you can continually boast about a firearm, that you end up buying a second one of the same kind (different finish though).  Originally Kevin (CZ57) turned me on to this gun, so I have always had a bias toward the Ruger P series centerfire guns, and had the old P85 and subsequently the P89,  built like tanks and a tremendous value for the $$$.
  So I ended up getting the new KP345 stainless when it came out right after Kevin got it.
  I liked it so much that last week I got the blued finish as well.  The gun is a jewel!!!.  Exceedingly accurate,  very controlled recoil,  I am particularly in love with the trigger.  I shot 200 gr. Black Hills Semi Wadcutters with it for a box of 50 and subsequently put it through 185 gr. Speer full metal jacket lawmen.  The gun is soooooooooooooooooooo accurate.  (the shooter had a minor role).  I was grouping an inch at 15 yards without lasers or optics, although they do come with a picatinny rail.   What a sweet gun.  For $400, there is no better deal for the money out there.  Don't get me wrong,  I am not going to trade in my Glock 21 or CZ97, but this pistol is very unique.  For those who have not tried it,  I simply ask you to part with $400, but then you can thank me later because its exceptional.  Once again, the trigger is what got me.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/speerlawman45.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/bha200grSWCinAmericanEagle.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/rugerprofile1.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/rugerprofile2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/left.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/345PR.gif)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: BRASMAN on September 20, 2005, 03:12:08 AM
King why did you do this! I almost had my self talked out of another pistol now I must have the Ruger! I was thinking of the Glock 21 also but do not know if I want to go that high on the price tag. The only thing that has realy held me back is 8rds instead of ten. I have seen some after market 10 and 15rders but do not know if they are any good. I also was thinking of the new poly witness with the rail but they have not realy got them out and about yet. Since Ruger is american made I think that just might be the ticket. $800 for a SIG just is not my personal cup of tea. I have always heard people bad mouth Rugers for the slide being so wide but when I campared it to the Sig at the store they looked the same in width to me. Do not get me wrong because I am not trying to knock Sigs. I am just a bang for the buck guy. If it is reliable and accurate I could care less what name comes on it for the most part and I have always liked the Look of the Rugers but their grip just did not do it for me but this new .45 feels unlike any Ruger I have held. See what you did King!:lol
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 20, 2005, 03:55:34 AM
brasman:
  You see will how much more narrow the profile of this Ruger is.
Now all the people complaining about the old Ruger P centerfire pistol series, must be in the minority, because my personal experience has been good, the experience of others I know has been good and so have the reviews.  They are simply built like tanks, will feed any ammo and are VERY accurate.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/rugerprofile1.jpg)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: mbott on September 20, 2005, 12:22:12 PM
Manual safety or decocker?

I've always picked up one of the polymer P-series as they came available and the KP345PR was no exception.  My only regret was that the manual safety model of the KP345PR came out first this time.  Oh well.  It will get as much use as the P95 and P97 still do.  :)  

--
Mike
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CZ57 on September 20, 2005, 04:34:23 PM
KP III: Sounds great! Now if Ruger would only bring it out in 10mm! The locking system was what sold me on the gun originially, then accuracy was reported to be on par with the P-97, which is pretty good for a carry pistol. The first report I received actually came from mbott, who must have bought one as soon as they arrived at the dealers. I really like the grip contour and checkering. I could still use a longer trigger though and I'm working on it. Probably a shoe that will also provide an overtravel stop.

I would agree, this is the .45 ACP DA pistol to beat. I believe the recoil reduction system is superior to the H&Ks, shoots almost SIG like and cost about half of either. Now you have a daytime and nightime option!;)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 20, 2005, 06:30:22 PM
cz57:  bold statement about the recoil reduction being superior to H&K, but true, I just didn't have the courage to say it. :D  
 
mbott:
   They have both!!, manual safeties and decocks.  Take your choice, same price either way,  I went with the manual safeties.
   I did something very demented, 8)  ,  when I went to the police range to shoot it,  the Black Hills 200 gr. semi wadcutters, fed superbly, so I bought another box,  I had a dozen rounds left over.  I cleaned the gun, and the following night used the leftover semi wadcutters in the magazine on my nightstand and loaded it up with them as my home defense option.  
  I saved the target from the range.  The holes were amazing, they sure pack a wallop!!:D  

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/bha200grSWCinAmericanEagle.jpg)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: mbott on September 20, 2005, 07:23:23 PM
Quote
Quote:
The first report I received actually came from mbott, who must have bought one as soon as they arrived at the dealers.


As soon as they were available, I ordered one.  I've done this with every polymer P-series Ruger has put out since the P95.  Accurate, sturdy, reliable.  And, I even like the looks.  :)

My preference leans to the stainless top over the black lower.  I like the contrast and the stock sights work well for me.  

I don't seem to mind the mag disconnect and the loaded chamber indicator 'cause I've dealt with both for quite a while with the Browning P35 and the Walther PP.

--
Mike
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 20, 2005, 07:41:58 PM
My only gripe is the 8 capacity.  Ruger is advertising the P345 is law enforcement magazines like -GUNS AND WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT- and -POLICE-.
  If they hope to match the Glock 21 with 13+1 and doublestack 1911s like Springfiled and Para, as well as high cap Sigs and Walthers/Smiths, then they need to somehow find a way to increase capacity.  I understand that its a narrow profile gun and it would be difficult, but I don't think an 8 capacity pistol is practical for law enforcement,  I know for years we got along just fine with police 6 shot revolvers, but the leave it to beaver days are long gone after the Bank of America North Hollywood shootout happened and in a post 9/11 climate.
  I think even a 10 rounder would go a long way.  , otherwise the pistol is perfect. and the good news is that it comes with two mags standard, so I gotta hand it to Ruger, another winner.  The P series centerfire Rugers are an incredible value for the money.
  Also for those who like the .40SW, the KP944 is a great gun.  

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/944alpha.gif)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: jwc007 on September 24, 2005, 06:57:16 PM
Had another student bring in a just purchased KP345 in and I got to play with it a bit more.  This one did not have a magazine disconnect in it, as I was able to have our student perform some dry fire drills, without the magazine in place.  This particular KP345 had a decocker/safety.  Am wondering if the magazine disconnect is particular to the Decocker model.

Also, I noticed while loading it, there were small indents in the top rear of the magazine feed lips.  Cartridge Rims must snap past it.  I have surmised that this is to keep the first cartridge from dropping out of the magazine and quite possibly apply some angular leverage to keep the bullet nose heading in an upward angle, preventing a nose down jam.

Anyways, this particular KP345 was nicely accurate and fed my .45 200 grn Flat Pointed IPSC loads perfectly.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 24, 2005, 07:29:02 PM
"fed my .45 200 grn Flat Pointed IPSC loads perfectly. "

Very interesting,  I am going to have to try that.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: mbott on September 24, 2005, 07:35:26 PM
Quote
Quote:
This one did not have a magazine disconnect in it, as I was able to have our student perform some dry fire drills, without the magazine in place.


Are you sure?

My manual safety version can be dry fired without a magazine in place, also.  Took me a while to figure out that the Ruger differed from the HiPowers I was used to in how the mag disconnect worked.   I ended up placing a piece of tape on a deprimed case to check the functioning of the disconnect and that's how I discover that it worked via the firing pin block and not by keeping the hammer from falling.  That first time the hammer fell without a mag really caught me by surprise.  :)  

--
Mike
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 24, 2005, 08:03:39 PM
"That first time the hammer fell without a mag really caught me by surprise. "

:D :D :D ,  I wish I had seen the expression on your face.  

Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: jwc007 on September 24, 2005, 10:50:20 PM
Quote
Quote:
it worked via the firing pin block and not by keeping the hammer from falling


I stand corrected then.  I am used to the mag disconnects in Hi-Powers and S&W Semi-Autopistols.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 25, 2005, 11:47:52 AM
The price for most has now settled in the $400-$450 depending upon the finish.  , which is an incredible value for the money.
  I am also curious if Ruger will offer a 5 inch barrel model? The current model is 4.25
  It would be nice to see a 5.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CZ57 on September 25, 2005, 12:24:45 PM
All of the P-345 series come with the magazine disconnect safety. It doesn't work off the trigger like the HPs. I don't have any issue with that at all and for those that do, I'm sure some have already modified their guns to disable it. You can dry fire without the magazine in the pistol,BUT, if you do, you'll be dropping the hammer on a firing pin that is blocked from forward movement and this is highly discouraged.;)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: jwc007 on September 25, 2005, 04:44:48 PM
Quote
Quote:
You can dry fire without the magazine in the pistol,BUT, if you do, you'll be dropping the hammer on a firing pin that is blocked from forward movement and this is highly discouraged.


OK, then it would be best to have a Snap Cap and Magazine in place for dry firing drills, for this particular series handgun and probably future iterations in other calibers, should they be forthcoming.  I will keep this in mind for that student and others!  Thankyou!
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 25, 2005, 05:00:33 PM
Most of the folks in the IDPA and IPSC have encouraged me to dryfire with an air pistol from day one.  I can tell you that it has increased my trigger control substantially.  They all do it.  The lessons learned from it that help reduce flintching to an extreme minimum and can be applied to any handgun.  The lessons learned in re-enforcing the fundamentals work and are transferable to all handguns.  I would recommend a $100 Gamo or Daisy and it will teach you just as well.  I don't like dryfiring my expensive weapons, even though I know if done correctly, its not detramental, but I am just obsessive that way.:)   , even though CZ includes the green dryfiring caps with theirs.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CZ57 on September 25, 2005, 05:46:42 PM
JWC: That's standard practice for me as well.
With the magazine in the pistol, the firing pin is no longer "frozen" and there are no problems with dry firing. It's only with the mag. removed that has caused issues that have been reported at www.rugerforum.com (http://www.rugerforum.com) ;)  

I think it would be a safe bet in Vegas for future iterations. I'm not tooting my own horn, but about five years ago or so, I  suggested a 10 X 23mm (.900" caselength) Ruger chambering to them for the P-97 at slightly less pressure than 10mm and slightly better performance than .40 S&W. REJECTED! But, the P-345 would be a dream, if Ruger would chamber it in 10mm. No polymer framed pistols in .40 to date, so it has left me to wonder if their all polymer frame will always remain confined to 9 X 19mm and .45 ACP. This pistol will handle +P .45 ACP and ask for more!;)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 25, 2005, 05:51:19 PM
Kevin(cz57):
  You just made my day.  I had no idea Ruger had a forum.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CZ57 on September 25, 2005, 06:20:29 PM
KP III: Check it out! Like all new pistol designs, the 345 has had some teething pains, but Ruger sets the standard for customer service. This is what I consider their first truly world class pistol. Then again, I wouldn't mind having that P-91 back! I kept looking for that perfect .40. Sold the P-91 and bought a H&K USP. Should have kept the P-91! ;)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 25, 2005, 06:25:28 PM
Thanks,  I just registered there and posted.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: BRASMAN on September 25, 2005, 10:34:41 PM
CZ57,
Why would you rather have the p-91 over the hk?
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 26, 2005, 04:18:35 AM
Knowing Kevin, he would rather have both.:D
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on September 26, 2005, 03:44:41 PM
I have wanted a 345 for a while now.  How much are mags there?  Here they are about $37 each, which is terrible compared to the 1911.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CZ57 on September 26, 2005, 04:59:06 PM
Brasman: As it turns out the P-91 was probably the most accurate of all the .40s I owned over the years. The USP was a good pistol, but not worth the difference that H&Ks reputation fetches. Now Ruger is making a pistol I like better and the cost savings from injection molding the polymer frame is past on to the buyer. Technologically, or otherwise, this pistol holds its own with any polmer framed pistol in the  World. More calibers will be coming!;)  

CanuckZ: I have never seen any Ruger magazines that expensive. I don't know the current rate of exchange, but at 75%, that would put them at $27.75 US. I've never seen or bought Ruger factory mags for more than about $20.;)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 27, 2005, 06:39:37 PM
Give it some time and MecGar will clone them and probably increase the capacity from 8-10. , as they did with the other Rugers and what they typically do with CZs as well.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on September 28, 2005, 12:00:31 AM
Where do you buy those magazines......website?
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: BRASMAN on September 28, 2005, 02:03:39 AM
I saw some 10rd pro mags on CDDN. I was wondering if you could put some 10rd wolf 1911 springs in them and make them worth using. You might not be able to it was just a thought I had. I love this pistol and can not wait to shoot one. I want another Glock because of capacity but every time I pick one of those Rugers up I can not help but want the thing. I would not buy any other double action .45 with 10 or under capacity over that pistol including the Sig which I am sure many people would prefer but I would still buy the Ruger instead. The only reason I am even considering another is capacity but in the end I think the Ruger will win out because of the value.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 28, 2005, 04:27:04 AM
Bras:
  All I see on CDDN is the 8 rounder for $24.99.  Can you link me up to the 10 rounders for the KP345.
  Here is the link to the 8 rounder.
CanukZ:
   See the link below and browse their magazine section as well.

www.cdnninvestments.com/rup3458rdstm.html (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/rup3458rdstm.html)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 28, 2005, 05:18:36 PM
American Handgunner Magazine.  November/December 2005. page. 89

John Taffin: Senior Editor.

direct quote.
"When my dog or cat wakes me at night,  I reach for my bedside companion, The Ruger P345 loaded with Winchester 230 grain Personal Protection JHPs." :D :D
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: BRASMAN on September 29, 2005, 12:54:58 AM
I was told that the p-90 mags work in the new .45 also. I do not have one though so I have never tried it. YET!


www.cdnninvestments.com/p...10nic.html (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/p9045ac10nic.html)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 29, 2005, 04:20:53 AM
Now that is interesting,  I have not tried it either, but will have to examine that.  Has anyone tried it?  I will post the question on the Ruger forum and get back to this thread.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 29, 2005, 04:22:17 AM
Ok, here is the thread.  I just asked the question.
www.rugerforum.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/005721.html (http://www.rugerforum.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/005721.html)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 29, 2005, 07:53:31 AM
The answer is yes.:D
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: BRASMAN on September 30, 2005, 01:21:49 AM
Well there you have it. 10rd mags for the New .45. They will probably need new springs though most of Pro Mags stuff that I have used is worse than garbage.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on September 30, 2005, 05:01:37 AM
I was told P-90 mags don't work....but not sure.  Someone try?

CDNN won't ship to Canada.  I need a mom and pop's gun shop lead.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: mbott on September 30, 2005, 11:38:19 AM
If you look at the Ruger Website, the P90 and P97 use the same magazine.  Now I own a P97 and the P345 and I can and have used mags from either in the other.  

Why the P345 mag is listed under a different part number is something I can't answer.  But, they are interchangable.

--
Mike
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: mbott on September 30, 2005, 11:45:07 AM
Quote
Quote:
All I see on CDDN is the 8 rounder for $24.99. Can you link me up to the 10 rounders for the KP345.
Here is the link to the 8 rounder.


KP III,

Why stop at 10 rounds?  See: GunClips (http://www.gunclips.net/rup9015nigun.html)

:lol

--
Mike
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 30, 2005, 05:25:28 PM
"KP III,

Why stop at 10 rounds? See: GunClips":D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

LOL
   I can convert my KP345 to a Feinstein Tec -30

LOL
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on October 02, 2005, 04:17:09 AM
P90, P97 and P345 use same magazine?  You'd think so.  That makes it easy.  The 345 marked mags here come to $40 with tax.  If I can half that, great!
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on October 02, 2005, 10:49:10 AM
CDNN has the best price so far at $14.99 for a 10 rounder.
See the link below.

www.cdnninvestments.com/p9045ac10nic.html (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/p9045ac10nic.html)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on October 04, 2005, 04:10:22 PM
CDNN won't ship to Canada, so without a source of cheap mags, I'll have to pass on what seems to be a first rate pistol. :o
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on October 04, 2005, 05:23:01 PM
How about buying from promag directly.
www.promagindustries.com/ruger.asp (http://www.promagindustries.com/ruger.asp)
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on October 10, 2005, 11:09:01 AM
I held a 345 yesterday.  All is well except I can't close the slide with my left trigger finger.  I need that in a combat pistol.  Perhaps an extended slide release can be made.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on October 10, 2005, 05:43:39 PM
I see what you are talking about , there is substantial distance of travel between the trigger guard area and the slide release ,  I bet you have medium to small frame hands like I do, but I really never thought about it.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: CanuckZ on October 11, 2005, 06:32:21 PM
I probably would drill and insert a large pin so it sticks out.  If the slide release stuck out about 1/4 inch it would work better for me.
Title: By far my favorite pistol now. Range report and review.
Post by: KingPolymer-III on October 11, 2005, 08:30:44 PM
good idea, let us know how it works out for you .