[LeprechaunGunLover]

It's a new gun for me. I used to own a 1911, but gave it to my father as a gift. I wanted another .45 and saw that one so I bought it, on impulse of course. lol
Here's my question though:
If anyone here has owned or does own one, is there anything about this weapon I need to know, such as problems or preventative measures I can take with it?
Or does anyone simply have any suggestions on things I should do to creaste better performance out of it? (Keep in mind, I'm looking to start competing in IPSC matches with this gun once i get used to it.)
Oh ya, and if anyone knows where I can find accessories for it, that would be great because I can't find the things I am looking for such as a wider mag well adapter and extended mags.
Thanks

[BillM]

Had one for a while---no problems. Rugers are pretty darned reliable. The 345 is
a great gun for someone with small hands, it has one of the skinniest grip frames
in a 45 that I have seen.

IPSC competition. I'm assuming Limited 10 Division? You are probably SOL on a
magwell or extended mag basepads. It MIGHT be possible to modify 1911 stuff to
fit. IIRC the 345 mags are really close to 1911 dimensions. Close enough that I
wondered why Ruger didn't just design it for 1911 mags!

I've shot IPSC (USPSA) for years in all divisions and I can count on one hand the
number or Rugers I've seen in competition. Most of those were shooting Production
division, a few were shooting Limited.

[LeprechaunGunLover]

thanks for the input. I'm not into IPSC yet, just interested in starting so I have no idea what limited or any of that means. lol Could you explain that?

[BillM]

Originally Posted by LeprechaunGunLover

thanks for the input. I'm not into IPSC yet, just interested in starting so I have no idea what limited or any of that means. lol Could you explain that?

USPSA (the US region of IPSC) website here: http://www.uspsa.org/

Check out "How do I get started" and "Match rules" on the left menu
bar.

Briefly, there are 6 Divisions determined by the type of gun.

OPEN---Optics, compensators, 38 super and 9mm major guns holding
28-30 rds in the magazines. Most built on a SV or STI 2011 platform

LIMITED No Optics or compensators, most common is a 40 S&W
SV or STI holding 19-21 rds. 40 cal minimum for major, magwells
etc OK.

LIMITED 10--Same rules as Limited, but max of 10 rds in mag. Lot's
of people play here--1911's, Glocks, whatever. 40 cal minimum
for major.

PRODUCTION--all score minor, DAO, DA/SA or "Safe Action" (no single
action guns). 10 rds max in mag. No magwells, VERY limited mods
allowed. 9mm Glocks, Sigs, Hk, CZ, XD, M&P. Some people shoot 40
loaded down.

REVOLVER--max 6 shots before reload. Most popular is a S&W 625
5" in 45 ACP.

SINGLE STACK--1911 pattern guns, very limited mods, 8 rds max
major, 10 rds max minor.

Your 345 can be used in OPEN, LIMITED, LIMITED 10 and PRODUCTION
Divisions. It would be most competitive in Limited 10 or Production.

Download and read the rulebook, feel free to ask any questions you
have. If this expands maybe we can get the moderators to move it
to the Competition forum?

[LeprechaunGunLover]

right on, thanks alot man. If I start competing, I may just use my SIG P229. We'll see though. I guess it all depends on how well I can shoot and moe with the ruger. I think I might know a guy that can modify the trigger well I used to have on my old 1911. I didn't even think about that before, and I remember when I first picked up the ruger that it looked like the mags were at least close to a 1911 mag, if not the same, but i don't have an old one here to compare. You are a well of info man, I really appreciate it.
As you can see, I know how to shoot, but in the overall gun world, I'm still a novice when it comes to knowledge about the various types of competitions and weapon modifications.

[stalkingbear]

The polymer frame on the Ruger 345 is what's going to make it very difficult to fit a magwell from 1911 onto it. You can however be VERY careful and contour the inside edges to bevel angle. Honestly, while I'm a Ruger nut, I don't see the 345 winning many matches (none personally seen).

[micron929rr]

I just purchased a P345 as well. Congrats on the new purchase!!

[Mark F]

Yes, I have a P345. I keep it in condition one next to my favorite TV watching spot. It's an excellent polymer frame pistol. I keep Speer +P hollow points in it at all times.

[stalkingbear]

You can't keep it in condition 1 unless I'm grossly mistaken because the safety on Ruger P series pistols decocks the hammer when you put it on safe. Condition 1 means cocked & locked as in 1911.

Originally Posted by Mark F

. I keep it in condition one next to my favorite TV watching spot. It's an excellent polymer frame pistol. I keep Speer +P hollow points in it at all times.

[Mark F]

Originally Posted by stalkingbear

You can't keep it in condition 1 unless I'm grossly mistaken because the safety on Ruger P series pistols decocks the hammer when you put it on safe. Condition 1 means cocked & locked as in 1911.

That's actually correct. One in the chamber & safety off, is probably a better description... since this a DA/SA pistol.