Ruger American Pistol Compact 9mm is a striker-fired, polymer-frame handgun that condenses Ruger’s duty-size American Pistol design into a more concealable package while preserving full-featured controls and duty-capable performance. With a 3.55-inch barrel, interchangeable grip modules, ambidextrous controls, and a pre-tensioned striker system optimized for reliable ignition, it is configured for shooters who want a compact 9mm that still feels and behaves like a full-size service pistol.
Key Features
Compact duty-style format – Offers a shortened slide and grip for easier concealment while retaining the handling characteristics and robustness of a full-size service pistol.
Pre-tensioned striker system – Uses a powerful striker spring and pre-tensioned design to promote positive primer ignition without requiring an excessively heavy trigger pull.
Recoil-reducing barrel cam – Employs a barrel cam that spreads recoil forces over a longer period of time to help reduce perceived recoil and improve controllability.
One-piece stainless steel chassis – Features a rigid, precision-machined stainless steel chassis with integral frame rails and fire control housing for consistent lockup and durability.
Glass-filled nylon grip frame – Utilizes a high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame that keeps weight manageable while providing a solid, impact-resistant foundation.
Modular wrap-around grip system – Includes interchangeable wrap-around grip modules that adjust palm swell and trigger reach to fit a wide range of hand sizes.
Ergonomic wrap-around grip – Wrap-around grip shape and texturing are designed to promote a high, secure hand position and predictable recoil control.
Novak LoMount Carry three-dot sights – Comes with genuine Novak low-profile three-dot sights with a wide rear notch to support rapid sight acquisition and alignment.
Ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release – Provides mirrored controls on both sides of the frame so the pistol can be operated by right- or left-handed shooters without modification.
Black nitride slide and chassis finish – Uses a black nitride treatment on the stainless steel slide and chassis for enhanced corrosion resistance and a non-reflective appearance.
MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny accessory rail – Integrates a rail section on the dustcover for mounting weapon lights, lasers, or other rail-compatible accessories.
Non-slip gripping surfaces – Combines functional slide serrations with purpose-designed grip texturing to help maintain control during rapid strings of fire.
Tool-less takedown without trigger pull – Allows safe disassembly without pulling the trigger and without special tools, supporting straightforward maintenance procedures.
Loaded-chamber inspection port – Includes an inspection port that provides a visual indication of whether a round is present in the chamber.
+P ammunition tested – Factory-tested for sustained use with 9mm +P ammunition to confirm performance with higher-pressure defensive loads.
Specifications
Model number – 8639.
Caliber – 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum).
Action type – Semi-automatic, striker-fired operation with a pre-tensioned striker system.
Capacity – Standard 17+1 configuration with extended magazine; compact magazine capacity 12+1.
Barrel length – 3.55 inches with six-groove rifling and a 1:10" right-hand twist.
Overall length – Approximately 6.65 inches from muzzle to backstrap.
Height – Approximately 4.48 inches from top of slide to bottom of magazine.
Slide width – Approximately 1.05 inches for a relatively slim carry profile in a double-stack format.
Unloaded weight – About 29.2 ounces
Slide material and finish – Stainless steel slide treated with a black nitride finish for strength and corrosion resistance.
Chassis construction – One-piece, precision-machined stainless steel internal chassis with integral frame rails and fire-control housing.
Grip frame material – One-piece, high-performance, glass-filled nylon frame supporting modular wrap-around grip panels.
Grip configuration – Ergonomic wrap-around grip modules supplied in small, medium, and large sizes to tailor fit and trigger reach.
Sights – Novak LoMount Carry three-dot fixed sights with a wide rear notch for fast sight alignment.
Safety systems – Includes an ambidextrous manual safety, integrated trigger safety, internal automatic sear block, and a loaded-chamber inspection port.
Controls – Ambidextrous slide stop and ambidextrous magazine release for fully bilateral operation.
Accessory rail – MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.
Magazine type – Nickel-Teflon plated steel magazines, including one 12-round compact magazine and one 17-round extended magazine with grip extension.
Competing Items
Glock 19 (Gen 3/4/5) – Compact double-stack 9mm polymer pistol with similar barrel length and capacity, widely used for duty and concealed carry roles.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact – Striker-fired 9mm compact with interchangeable backstraps, ambidextrous controls, and comparable capacity aimed at the same defensive and duty market.
SIG Sauer P320 Compact – Modular 9mm striker-fired pistol with a removable fire control unit and multiple grip module and slide options in the compact size range.
FN 509 Compact – Duty-grade 9mm compact pistol offering ambidextrous controls, polymer frame construction, and capacities comparable to other double-stack compacts.
Ruger American Pistol Compact 9mm brings the American Pistol design into a size well-suited for concealed carry and general defensive use while retaining the durability, modular ergonomics, and ambidextrous controls expected of a duty-capable handgun. Its combination of a pre-tensioned striker system, recoil-reducing barrel cam, stainless steel chassis, high-performance grip frame, and full complement of safety and control features makes it a versatile option for shooters who want a compact pistol that feels substantial in the hand and is built for regular use with modern defensive ammunition.
Please visit the manufacturer's website for more information.
