P345: extreme makeover: Ruger's 2x4 grip days are gone!

American Handgunner, Jan-Feb, 2005 by John Taffin

I used the following loads to fire groups two-handed at a distance of 50 feet, and they averaged 2"-3", which isn't bad at all. Muzzle velocities were as follows: American 230 FMJ, 767 fps; Black Hills 185 JHP, 940 fps; Cor-Bon PowRBall 165 P,1,209 fps; Cor-Bon 165 P JHP,1,248 fps; Cor-Bon 200 P JHP, 1,011 fps; Remington 185 JHP, 988 fps; Speer 200 Lawman JHP, 952 fps; Speer 230 Gold Dot JHP, 817 fps; Winchester 185 SilverTip JHP, 915 fps; and Winchester 230 FMJ, 786 fps.

See The Light

There are two versions, the standard KP345, and the tested version, the KP345PR. It's the "PR" that has changed me from using a revolver as my nighttime bedside sixgun. The PR stands for "Picatinny Rail" which means you can mount a light on it. The Trusted Tactical Tool mentioned in the beginning is the Streamlight X-Treme Series Model 6X Tactical Illuminator, a flashlight, to dinosaurs like me.

When the X-Treme is mounted on the pistol it's possible to see in low light or no light situations. On the bottom are four settings, "OFF, VIS, ILL, ILL VIS." The first setting is obvious, VIS provides a red dot laser sight, ILL is the flashlight, while the last setting provides both a flashlight and a red dot.

The red dot is easy to adjust for both windage and elevation. In the front of the Streamlight is what appears to be a small switch, which in actuality is the head of the adjusting tool. Turning the tool/switch allows its removal and use on the adjustment holes. To adjust, you simply sight on an object with the sights, while bringing the red dot to the same point.

Lights On

Operation of the Streamlight is very simple once any of the three "On" choices are selected. When the P345 is held normally, the extended trigger finger is able to press a lever on the Streamlight beside the front of the trigger guard. This turns on the light and leaves it on, while if it is pushed up the light stays on only while it is held in the "up" position.

This whole live-saving, trouble-ending unit comprised of the .45 ACP cartridge, Ruger P345, and the Streamlight M6X certainly makes me feel better able to handle any problems that may arise. The built-in shock system protects the incandescent lamp from recoil and impact and the airtight seal protects the whole unit from water and blowing sand.

I now have a voice-activated computer, digital camera, double action semi-automatic and a tactical light. I may be in the 21st Century after all.

For more information, contact: Streamlight 30 Eagleville Rd., Eagleville PA 19403, (800) 523-7488, www.streamlight.com; Sturm, Ruger is located at 200 Ruger Rd., Prescott AZ 86301, (928) 541-8820, www ruger.com.