Ruger LC380 Review and Price
A Comprehensive Guide
Technical Data
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Caliber
380 Auto
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Action
Double Action
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Barrel Length
3.12 in
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Capacity
7 Rounds
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Weight
17.2 Oz
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Length
6
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Height
4.50
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Finish
Black
This Ruger LC380 review article will focus on the new Ruger LC380 firearm. If you are a gun enthusiast, you may have heard of it as the Ruger LC9S as well as Ruger’s answer to concealed carry pistols. A little later, we will discuss why some consider this new semi-automatic pistol from Ruger as one of the best new guns on the market. The Ruger LC380 is a .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol released during the 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. It is one of the most popular guns on the market today that is ideal for concealed carry, home defense, and just simply as a fun gun to shoot. Its design, weight, and small size make it ideal and perfect for carrying along with you throughout your day without weighing you down or making itself known that you are carrying a gun. Let’s take a closer look at the Ruger LC380 features.
Table of Contents
Features of Ruger LC380
Grip and Textures
The Ruger LC380 is a very rugged gun with a through-hardened steel slide and a one-piece, high-performance grip frame. The grips are made from glass-filled nylon for great durability and resistance to surface wear. One of the main reasons this gun is so popular and carries is that you can switch out grip sizes and even colors if you so choose. The Ruger LC380 also includes a finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine for comfort and grip. This extension will also help you control the gun better when firing.
This particular gun has three grip inserts included with the purchase. This is the main feature of this product because it has interchangeable backstraps. This means that if your hands are on the smaller side, you can use one of the smaller back straps for a more comfortable fit. But, if you have larger hands, the Ruger LC380 comes with three grip inserts designed for large hands. However, if you still would like to use the small insert, there are many other products on the market made by third parties that can help with this.
Size and Weight
The Ruger LC380 measures just under 6 inches in length, 4.5 inches in height, and has a width of just under one inch, that is .90. This gun weighs in at 17.2 ounces and has a barrel length of 3.12 inches. With that being said, this is one of the smaller guns on the market today that is made for concealed carry and home defense. Its weight and smaller size make it perfect for carrying along with you daily, inside or outside the home.
Stopping Power
The Ruger LC380 comes standard with a seven-round magazine built into the gun. However, this particular gun also has an option for you to carry an extra magazine or two along with it if need be. This gun has not been designed to stop power, but it will get the job done if needed. For most people, the stopping power of the Ruger LC380 is perfectly fine for their concealed carry needs or to even keep inside their home. However, if you find that this gun does not meet your standards, there are other small handguns out there on the market today that can get the job done. The reason is that the Ruger LC380 is not a very heavy-duty gun, and it does not have the stopping power that some other guns do.
Safety Features
Just like most other handguns on the market today, the Ruger LC380 comes with many different safety features that you can choose from. The first is a manual safety found just beside the trigger itself. This is one of the biggest selling points of this handgun because it does not require you to take your finger off of the actual trigger to use it. This is a great feature that protects you from the accidental discharge of the gun when not in use. Another safety feature that comes standard with this handgun is a magazine disconnector. When it becomes disengaged, the Ruger LC380 will not allow any bullets to be fired from the chamber while the magazine is removed. However, while this feature is great for protecting you while carrying, it can also hold you back when trying to protect yourself in a time of need.
Ruger LC380 also has an internal lock that prevents you from firing the gun when necessary. This lock can be removed by following the directions in your owner’s manual. Still, most people use it as a safety feature for their homes so curious little fingers won’t accidentally shoot themselves or others. The other safety is the patented loaded chamber indicator, which pops up to show you that there is a bullet in the chamber of your gun. However, this indicator does not work for everyone because it can get stuck halfway if your handgun has been used before. This indicates no bullet in the chamber, but it will still pop back down after use without any help.
Slide Stop and Magazine Release
The slide stop and magazine release are essentially the same design as the LCP. The slide stop is located at the frame’s rear, just forward of the left grip panel. It’s large enough to be easily manipulated with your thumb, but it doesn’t protrude so far that it’s likely to get caught up in anything while carrying. The magazine release is a small button located just behind and below the trigger guard. Even though it sits fairly low on the grip frame, it’s also easily manipulated with your thumb. The slide material is alloy steel and has a polished black oxide finish. The slide stop on the Ruger LC380 is a manual safety that can be used with the thumb of your dominant hand to release the slide and load a new bullet. However, many people have found themselves with an accidental discharge when trying to use this feature because it is placed so close to your fingers.
As for the magazine release, there are two options here. The first is a button release that you can use to eject the magazine with your thumb, located on the right-hand side of this handgun. However, you can also push down on the magazine release and pull out the magazine with your dominant hand’s index finger. The slide stop and magazine release are easy to use, but it may take some time to get used to them if this is your first handgun. Overall, the slide stop and magazine release are great safety features for beginners who want to keep their fingers away from the trigger until they are ready to shoot.
Trigger Mechanism
The trigger mechanism on the Ruger LC380 is double-action-only, so it does not have a single-action capability or a safety lever. This means that this handgun has no actual safety but multiple safety features that keep you protected when stored and in use. However, this also means that the gun will always be in a cocked position when loaded unless you cock it back yourself. Trigger means that you have to pull the hammer back with your thumb to shoot it. You will feel some slight resistance before the hammer is released when pulling the trigger. This can take some practice to get used to if you are not familiar with handguns that operate this way. This happens because it is designed with a two-stage action that must be fully cocked for the gun to fire.
The first stage of this mechanism gives you an indication that your Ruger LC380 has been loaded and cocked. You will hear a significant ‘click’ when this handgun is loaded and cocked. This lets you know that your Ruger LC380 is ready to be fired, but the second stage of the trigger mechanism does not indicate that it has been activated. As with most double-action handguns, you will have to pull back on the trigger to cock the hammer back before actually firing the weapon. This is both for mechanical safety and to manage pressure on your finger to don’t accidentally pull it while firing the gun.
This trigger mechanism of this handgun is safety conscious, but some more experienced shooters may not like how heavy the first stage of the trigger pull feels. It is also not as accurate as you might want it to be, so firing multiple rounds in a row can be more difficult than on some other handguns. The overall weight of the trigger pull is 6 pounds, and this is a long pull, meaning that it requires some muscle to operate.
Recoil and Muzzle Flip
The Ruger LC380 is a small-caliber handgun in 380 ACP or .380 Auto. This means it uses 9 mm in diameter bullets and has a relatively low muzzle velocity. Because of this, recoil can be an issue with this handgun. Some people have also experienced more muzzle flip when firing the Ruger LC380 than when shooting other brands and models of handguns. While recoil and muzzle flip is always going to be an issue with firearms that shoot smaller rounds at lower velocities, they can be especially problematic in a handgun with such a short barrel length like this one. This is because you will fire with only 2-3 inches of the gun at your immediate disposal to control muzzle rise and recoil.
Although it does not have a large amount of grip space or any sort of texturing on the backstrap, this handgun does come with interchangeable rubberized grips that can help you manage recoil and muzzle flip when firing this handgun. However, it still has noticeable problems that may make it a less effective handgun for some people. Recoil and muzzle flip will be worse with this handgun than it would be with similar handguns that have a longer barrel length, more grip space, and texturing on the backstrap to assist you in firing the weapon. This can be especially problematic for new or inexperienced handgun shooters, who may want to try other brands and models of handguns before making the Ruger LC380 their first purchase.
Advantages of Ruger LC380
Concealability
The Ruger LC380 is a handgun that is small enough to be concealed and light enough for easy carrying. This makes it an ideal choice for people who want to carry the weapon daily, whether in their purse or on their person.
Reliability
For the price, this handgun is very reliable. The Ruger LC380 utilizes a double-action trigger pull mechanism that has been tested multiple times to ensure it will be regarded as reliable when you need it most.
Durability
Another advantage of the Ruger LC380 is that it does have a strong build quality. This handgun has been designed to be durable enough for everyday carry and to stand up against rough handling so that you can use it as your everyday firearm.
Disadvantages of Ruger LC380
Low Accuracy
The accuracy of the Ruger LC380 is not great, especially when compared to other handguns in the same price range. This can make it a little more difficult to use for shooters who are not used to lower levels of accuracy.
Low Magazine Capacity
The Ruger LC380 comes with only 7-round magazines, which means that it will only be able to hold a low round count before you need to reload or insert another magazine. This can make this handgun less effective at the range and in situations where more shots are needed than normal.
Aftermarket Accessories - Ruger LC380 Review and Price
When purchasing a firearm, you will always want to make sure that you can afford the appropriate accessories for it. These can include custom grips, better sights, and higher-grade magazines than the ones that come included with your handgun purchase. Some aftermarket accessories are as follows:
Sights
Most handguns come with standard sights that may not be optimized for accuracy or speed, which means that you may want to consider purchasing aftermarket handgun sights for added performance. Several sights are available, but they typically consist of steel dots, three-dots, and fiber optics. Ruger LC380 comes with a standard 3-dot sight. However, you can always replace this with a tritium three-dot, fiber optic adjustable rear sights or a tritium night sight from many different manufacturers.
Lasers
These can be a good accessory for your handgun as they allow you to aim the firearm from different angles more easily. After minor alterations, you can purchase them from most firearm accessories retailers and install them on your Ruger LC380.
Flashlights
A flashlight is another popular accessory that many gun owners like to buy for their handguns. This can be helpful when it comes time to shoot in low-light conditions or when you have too much light and need to put less on your target for a clear view of the surrounding area.
Grips
You may want to consider investing in a few different types of handgun grips. Many people like using over-molded rubberized grips for their handguns. These add extra texture and comfort to the grip while making it much easier to control the recoil that results from firing your gun. They also come in many different colors to help you express your style preferences.
Magazine
Another accessory you may consider is a better-quality magazine. This can be a good way to add more rounds to your handgun without purchasing aftermarket Ruger LC380 magazines. Some Ruger LC380 owners have used M&P Shield 9mm magazines in their handguns or Ruger P94 models since these magazines are compatible with the LC380. But you can also purchase Ruger LC9 mags for the Ruger LC380. The Ruger LC9 is a more compact version of the LC380, and it can hold 7+1 rounds in 9mm Luger. This way, you get to carry an extra round or two compared to LC380 magazines.
Magazine Pouches
Magazine pouches can be used to carry and protect your extra magazines while you are out in the field. Depending on their size and design, they typically hold two or three magazines. You can purchase these from most firearm accessory retailers and use them for added convenience when you need to reload your handgun during a personal defense situation.
Slings
Another accessory that many handgun owners like to use with their handguns is a sling. These are specially designed straps that you can attach to your back or around your shoulder, so it hangs in a comfortable position for quick access if needed.
Holsters
Holsters are specially designed carrying cases for handguns that allow you to carry your gun around safely. You can purchase various holsters, including ankle holsters, shoulder holsters, and belt holsters. You can also purchase a universal holster that fits various handguns. Holsters can be made from various materials, including leather, Cordura nylon, and Kydex. Each material has its pros and cons that you should consider before purchasing. For example, leather is typically more expensive due to its durability and comfort when in use, but it is also heavier than most other types of materials. Cordura nylon is lighter and more affordable, but it is not as durable or comfortable. Kydex holsters are also easy to clean, and they protect the handgun better than most other materials. Here is our recommendation for the Ruger LC380 holster:
Bulldog Cases Right Hand Ruger LC380 IWB Holster
The Bulldog Cases Ruger LC380 IWB holster fits the Ruger LC380 pistol. It features a flexible plastic shell that molds itself to the shape of your gun for a secure, custom fit. The injection-molded polymer clip secures the holster onto your belt and allows quick draw and easy re-holstering. This holster can be worn inside the waistband and has a metal clip that fits up to 1.75 inches belt. The two-point adjustable retention system allows you to adjust how tightly it holds your gun in place with a simple adjustment of the screws on either side of the holster. This holster also features adjustable retention pressure, so you can adjust it depending on how tight you want it to hold your gun in place. This holster also includes an adjustment tool so you will never have to worry about using something sharp or damaging your firearm while adjusting its retention.
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FAQs
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The LC380 is very simple to clean, especially compared to other handguns on the market. This is because all parts are easily accessible, and it has a small, straight-in chamber.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The Ruger LC380 was specifically designed to work with a variety of different holsters, which means you shouldn’t have any problem finding one that works well with this handgun.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The LC380 is thicker and heavier than some other compact handguns, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to conceal effectively.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Standard pressure ammo can be used with the LC380 model. Some people reported over-penetration problems with hollow-point rounds, so you may want to stay away from those.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Yes, the LC380 is a striker-fired handgun. The trigger doesn’t have safety, but it does have a firing pin block.
Recommended Holsters for Ruger LC380
Conclusion
The Ruger LC380 is a good handgun for those looking for something easy to conceal and carry around. It is comfortable to use, simple to clean, affordable, and easy-to-rack slide. If you are looking for an affordable self-defense handgun that is easy to conceal around town, you might want to consider purchasing a Ruger LC380. You can also purchase aftermarket Ruger LC380 accessories to help improve its performance. These include magazines, slings, pouches, holsters, and targets. If you are looking for a compact self-defense handgun with additional features that can be used by experienced or novice shooters, this is probably your best option on the market today. I hope this article about Ruger LC380 Review has been informative.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
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