Ruger LCP .380 ACP Pistol Review

 

RUGER LCP .380 pistol
RUGER LCP .380 pistol

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What Is A Ruger LCP?

The RUGER LCP .380 pistol is an affordable compact .380 semi-automatic pistol from Ruger, one of the leaders in reliable firearms. The LCP is used by law enforcement as well as for personal protection. It weighs just 9.40 ounces (with an empty magazine). It's a great concealed carry pocket gun and is ideal for all-day carry. The LCP is small and light enough to slip into your pants pocket and forget it's there. You just have to make sure you have a good pocket holster for it.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
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- Ruger LCP Pictures -

How Much Does The Ruger LCP Cost?

As of August 6, 2011 the LCP pistol cost about $289.

 

The Good Things About The Ruger LCP

  1. Small Profile, Light Weight & Thin Frame.

  2. Can Carry All Day Without Effort.

  3. It's Accurate.

  4. Holds 6+1 rounds.

  5. It's Reliable.

  6. Won't Print In Pocket.

  7. Long Trigger Pull Increases Safety.

  8. Small Size & Light Weight Make It East To Carry.

  9. Easy To Field Strip & Clean.

 

The Bad Things About The Ruger LCP

  1. Side Does Not Lock Back After Last Round.

  2. Small Grip/Hard To Hold Without Grip Extension.

  3. The Ruger LCP will not shoot with Too Much Trigger Finger.

 

First Impressions

When I first picked up the gun I was surprised at how small and light it was. It seemed like a toy gun as compared to the larger caliber guns that I had been shooting but appeared to be a high quality firearm. The small size and light weight of the Ruger LCP made it a perfect choice for concealed carry in my pants pocket (with an appropriate holster of course).

 

Shooting The Ruger LCP

The first time I shot it I was a little bit apprehensive about the recoil that I would encounter. Since the gun was so light and small I didn't know what to expect. The fact that I could only grip the gun with two fingers didn't help much either. In my mind I could imagine the little gun jumping out of my hand after firing the first shot. Fortunately, I was wrong. It did have a little "kick" to it but nothing that was not manageable. Later, after I installed the grip extensions to the magazines and they helped out tremendously. Also, when shooting the LCP you will notice the very long trigger pull. It takes a while to get used to it, but it is also a good thing because it adds to the safety of the gun (preventing accidental discharges).

Another thing to note is that when I first began shooting the LCP I could hardly hit anything with it beyond 15 feet. I wasn't used to shooting such a small, slim gun with such a long trigger pull and with almost non-existent sights. I was lousy at hitting the target. It took a few sessions at the range for me to become comfortable and confident with the gun (it takes a little getting use to).

 

What Type of Ammo Does It Shoot?

The Ruger LCP is chambered for 380 auto ammunition.

 

Concealed Carry Of The Ruger LCP

The Ruger LCP is one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market today. It's slim design, small profile and light weight lets you slip it into your pocket and forget about it. When you walk around with some of the other pocket guns you feel the gun slap against your thigh each time you take a step. Not so with the LCP. You really do forget it's there.

 

    

 

This is my favorite holster for carrying my LCP in my pants pocket. It's small and light weight and does not print. It doesn't grip the gun tightly, but it will hold it in place. When you insert your hand into your pocket it naturally grabs the grip and the gun slips out easily and ready to fire. This is a Blackhawk Inside Pocket Holster. There are a lot of other holster available for the LCP (Cabela's Ruger LCP Holsters).


Recommendation

The Ruger LCP pistol is a great little gun that packs a pretty good size wallop with modern personal defense ammunition. It's a great little gun that you can just stick in your pocket and forget about it. 

 

Ruger LCP Pistol Reviews & Related Procedures

Read All Reviews.

Ruger LCP Specifications

Ruger 6 + 1 Round 380 ACP w/2.75" Barrel/Blue Finish/Soft Case/ Ultra-light, compact carry pistols weigh only 9.4 ounces in Ruger's. Smallest pistol frame with a height of 3.6 inches and a width of just .82 inches. The LCP is comfortable and affordable, making it a natural choice for a dependable back-up or personal defense carry pistol. High performance, glass-filled nylon frame is topped by a through-hardened steel slide in a blued finish. Soft case included.

LCP Model Number: 3701
Caliber: .380 Auto
Type: Pistol
Action: Double Action Only
Caliber: 380 ACP
Barrel Length: 2 3/4"
Safety: No Manual Safety
Grips: Checkered Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Weight: 9.40 oz
Finish: Blue
Capacity: 6 + 1

 

Feedback Messages

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Buying A Ruger .380 LCP For My Husband

March 29, 2012
I would like to purchase this Ruger .380 LCP for my husband’s birthday. He is retired law enforcement and we both have our conceal carry and live in Florida. Can you please tell me, since i have never purchased a gun before, who to purchase it from? Also, do gun stores all sell the Ruger LCP .380 for the same price, or do I need to shop around? Can I buy it online, is that a good idea or not?
Lastly can you please give me he steps to purchasing a gun? I would like it to be a surprise and I know he mentioned the likes of the Ruger. Thanks so much!!
Mimi


Response - Mimi,

The Ruger pistol does not sell for the same price at all stores. You can likely get one cheaper online than in your local gun store and you won't have to pay sales tax (but you will have to pay a $25-$35 transfer fee).

You may want to call around to a few of your local gun stores for prices and to see if they have them in stock.

If you buy at your local gun shop, they may offer an "in house" warranty on their products (along with the manufacturer’s warranty) where they can do minor repairs without sending the gun back to the factory. You may want to ask about this if that’s important to you.

Shipping is usually free if you buy online and prices are usually cheaper.

I can’t tell you where to buy online but I have great luck buying guns online with Buds Gun Shop. I have purchased 4 guns from them so far without a problem. They delivered fast.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/54585

If you buy online just follow the procedure they describe on the website. Usually you just fill out the form, pay with credit card, specify where you want it delivered, then wait. When your local gun store (delivery location) receives the gun they will call you to come pick it up.

When you go to pick up your gun bring your CCW and a few dollars ($5 or $6?) to pay for a background check. When you get there. they will have you fill out the background check form. You return the form to them and they get on the phone to get approval for you (usually takes about 5-10 minutes). While waiting, you usually end up buying ammo or some other accessories. After background check approval you pay about $25-35 for the transfer fee and the $5 for the background check fee and anything else you buy while your there, then your done.

Info about buying guns online.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/howtobuy.php

Note – I think a new LCP only comes with one magazine. I would order 2 more when you buy the gun. I would also get some magazine extensions but you should probably let your husband worry about that.

One thing I am not sure about is “giving the gun” to your husband. He may have to come with you when you pick it up at the gun store. If I were you I would call a few of your local gun stores and tell them what you plan to do and see what they suggest.

Another thing to ask your local gun stores if they offer discounts to retired law enforcement officers.

Good luck,

Tanner

Reply - OMG u gave me a wealth of information....never thought about law enforcement % and I happen to have a extremely recent background check that I paid for 70.00..hope that works...I had planned to give him the gun right at the gun shop so he then can purchase his own style holster and anything else he wanted....thank you for the links and I did look up buds!! he seem to be very professional...
again..great info and much appreciation for the quick reply!
mimi

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Ruger LCP-380 Banned In Massachusetts

March 16, 2012
I understand the Ruger LCP-380 is banned in Massachusetts . If true, what is the reason?
Chris


Response - Chris,

I hadn't heard that before, but according to the following it was banned because it was not “drop safe”.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/dockside-chat/259719-any-gun-law-experts.html

Best regards,

Tanner

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Ruger LCP With Laser

March 02, 2012
Can the laser ruger lcp be used for the concealed hand gun qualifying class in texas?
Pete

Response - Pete,

Sorry, but I don't know.

The gun I brought with me didn't matter in the gun course that I took in Florida for concealed carry.

How well you shot also didn't matter, just as long as you know the rules and you could shoot safely.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use it, but you would have to check with the people who provide the class.

Tanner

Reply - Thanks, I will check.

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LCP Trigger Pull Is Too Hard

September 17, 2011
Where can I find a spring to make the trigger pull lighter? It is to hard to pull the trigger back.
Ryan


Response - Ryan,
Sorry, I don't even know if lighter trigger springs are available for the LCP.

You might try calling Ruger and asking them.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Customer Service Department
200 Ruger Road
Prescott, AZ 86301
Telephone: 928-778-6555
(Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm MST)
Fax: 928-541-8835

They may advise against it because it will be decreasing the overall safety of the gun.

I don't find my Ruger LCP trigger to be hard, JUST LONG.

If you have a new gun you may want to SAFELY dry fire it a few hundred times to see if the trigger will smooth out.

If you think that your trigger is uncommonly hard you may also want to compare your trigger against that of another Ruger LCP (maybe at a gun shop). At least that will tell you if there is something wrong with your trigger or if it's just too hard for your finger.
Best regards,
Tanner

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I love My Ruger LCP

October 8, 2011
Just got an LCP over a 738 (love me my Ruger). This site helped A LOT!
Kang

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