In a move that will likely appease 1911 shooters looking for a polymer framed compact .45 with a thumb safety, Ruger has added a thumb safety to the American .45. While manual safeties aren’t really my thing, I understand that many shooters appreciate the redundancy when first starting out in the hobby or those that have been around guns for a good while that require a manual safety on any firearm they own.

While the want for a thumb safety isn’t wrong and adding that option for those that want it is admirable, it may not be for everyone.

The Ruger American has been around since late 2015 and was designed with input from law enforcement and military all over the Unites States. Ruger wanted to build a pistol that was loved by those who rely on one to get through their day safely and hopefully the rest of the market would follow. Sadly sales aren’t as good as they could have been and the American has been clearanced out by several online retailers much to the elation of Ruger pistol fans. Frankly, I think that the American is a fine handgun that dosen’t get near enough attention for the price bracket it lives in.

MSRP is a bit high at $579, but street price on the American pistols frequently falls under the $400 mark when shopping around.

You can learn more about the new thumb safety model by visiting Ruger’s website.