Ruger LCP Review and Price
A Comprehensive Guide
Technical Data
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Action
Striker-Fired/DA/SA
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Barrel Length
2.75
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Caliber
.380 ACP
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Capacity
6+1 Rounds
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Weight
9.6 oz
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Length
5.16
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Width
0.82
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Finish
Black
This article will explain the Ruger LCP review in depth. It will provide a quick overview of its features. The Ruger LCP was introduced in 2008 by a company called Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc. It’s light and small, with a barrel length of just 2.75 inches and a weight of just 9.6 ounces when unloaded. Furthermore, the diamond plate textures on the back of the grip give you an excellent handle on this little gun and make it easy to conceal in smaller compartments like pockets or purses.
Table of Contents
The Ruger LCP is a semi-automatic pistol, which means that when you pull the trigger, the next round will automatically pop out of the chamber and load into place. You can fire as fast as you want without having to cock the gun before each shot because it’s semi-automatic, and this is one of the reasons why many police officers choose guns like the Ruger LCP as backup weapons. Let’s take a look at the features and specifications of Ruger LCP in detail.
Features of Ruger LCP
Grip and Textures
One feature that makes the Ruger LCP so popular is its one-piece grip frame. This makes it very easy to hold and conceal and helps prevent the gun from snagging on clothing or other objects. The Ruger LCP is made from high-performance glass-filled nylon, making it lightweight and durable. This material also gives the gun a high degree of toughness, which is important since the LCP is designed for concealed carry. With a checkered grip and a finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine, the Ruger LCP is designed for concealed carry. The textured surfaces on the grip make it easy to hold, even when your hands are wet or sweaty. And the extension floorplate allows you to hold more rounds in the magazine, which is important since the Ruger LCP only holds six rounds.
Size and Weight
The Ruger LCP is very small and light, so it’s easy to conceal and carry. The gun’s barrel length is just 2.75 inches long, which further reduces the gun’s weight and makes it easier to conceal in your pocket or purse. The gun’s overall length is 5.16 inches long, and it weighs just 9.6 ounces when unloaded. That’s slightly heavier than some other guns in this class, such as the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard, but still well below average for a .380 caliber pistol. The overall width is just 0.82 inches so that it can fit in most pockets with ease, and the height is likely less than 3.60 inches, although we weren’t able to find a good measurement for this dimension, so it’s difficult to be certain.
Stopping Power
The Ruger LCP is chambered for .380 caliber bullets, smaller than many other bullet types such as the 9mm. That means that your stopping power with this gun isn’t going to be as powerful as it would be if you were using a larger bullet, but the .380 has been effective enough for police officers and private citizens. The LCP fires standard .380 caliber bullets with 88-grain weights that are small enough to limit penetration while still giving you good stopping power compared to other guns in the .380 class. The 88-grain bullet’s velocity is about 941 feet per second when fired from this gun. The muzzle energy of the LCP is about 181 ft.-lbs.
Safety Features
The LCP has no safety features, which is one of the things that make it so popular with police officers for backup guns. You can fire the Ruger LCP in an emergency without having to cock it or practice too much trigger discipline. But it’s not good for new gun owners and private citizens because there is no safety feature, which increases the risk of an accident. The best thing you can do if you buy an LCP is to get some additional training on using it and carrying it in self-defense situations. Also, make sure that your finger never holds the trigger unless you intend to shoot, and always keep an eye on the safety so you know whether or not it’s engaged.
Slide Stop and Magazine Release
The slide stop release is located directly above the trigger, making it available for left-handed or right-handed shooters no matter which hand you use to fire. The slide stop is made with a gentle convex curve, so it’s easy to press for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. This is an ideal design for a gun like this because you can release the slide stop while firing with your other hand if you need to eject a round or load more bullets. The magazine release is located on the left side of the grip, and it’s easy to use even though you’re firing with your off-hand. You can easily swap out magazines with your firing hand or support hand, which is valuable for a gun like the LCP. It reduces the risk of an accidental magazine release while you’re drawing or shooting.
Trigger Mechanism
The trigger is striker-fired single or double action, and it’s a bit stiffer than some other pistols. That means you will have a more difficult time pulling the trigger, but once you do, you’ll feel a distinct click as the striker releases. The trigger is small with a grooved front that makes your finger want to slip off of it when firing rapidly, which could lead to a lack of accuracy and increased risk of an accidental or negligent discharge. That’s why we recommend shooting the LCP only in single-action mode, which is very safe with such a small gun.
It’s difficult to be accurate with this pistol between the short sight radius and the stiff trigger pull. You can improve your accuracy by using a two-handed grip and shooting from a stable position that doesn’t put a lot of torque on your wrist. This, combined with the small size of the gun and heavy trigger pull, makes it best suited for close-range encounters rather than long-distance ones. The trigger is smooth and rounded on the tip with a pull that’s consistent throughout. Pulling the trigger requires about 5.70 pounds of force, which isn’t too heavy, but it may be difficult for some shooters to manage due to hand strength or finger strength.
Recoil and Muzzle Flip
A major factor in recoil is the height and weight of the gun and the size of the controls. .380 caliber handguns tend to have a harder time controlling muzzle flip and recoil because their small frame makes it difficult to find a good balance between weight, height, and control. Ruger tried to reduce muzzle flip and recoil by adding a steel guide rod and a flat-back slide, but it’s still heavier than some other guns in this category. The .380 caliber cartridge itself produces more noticeable recoil because there’s less mass overall to absorb the energy. The overall effect of shooting a .380 ACP is that you get more recoil, muzzle flip, and report compared to other types of handguns.
This can be a disorienting experience for new shooters because of the rapid shifts in direction, affecting your ability to aim accurately. This is one of the most important factors for shooting on the move or under stress, so you must practice with the LCP to see if you can manage it. Some shooters will find that they’re more accurate and comfortable with a lighter .380, such as the Ruger LCP II, which is even lighter than the original model. The Ruger LCP uses a simple pinned recoil spring design rather than a full guide rod system, which reduces the gun’s weight and gives it a more reliable action. However, that also means that there’s no way to customize this recoil spring or make it easier for shooters with smaller hands.
Advantages of Ruger LCP
Concealability
The Ruger LCP is one of the smallest .380 ACP handguns on the market today, and it’s built to be compact enough for easy concealment. It measures 5.16″ long and 3.60″ high with less than 1″ width. This makes it very easy for shooters with smaller hands or larger pockets to find a comfortable way to carry their LCP, and it’s so small that you can use the included pocket holster for added concealment.
Reliability
The LCP has a very reliable action thanks to the steel pin used in the recoil spring rather than a full guide rod, but it’s also a bit more resistant to dirt and debris because of its simple design. Many other concealed carry guns use many moving parts that can get gummed up with grit from normal wear and tear, but the LCP doesn’t have as many points of failure issues. In addition to the simple recoil spring, this gun also uses a very hardy firing pin made from a stronger material that’s less likely to break under stress or normal use. If you’re going to carry a firearm every day, you must have one with high-quality parts that can go a long time between cleanings.
Durability
This gun was made to last even with rough handling, and the exposed hammer gives it a more visible cocking option if you need to make your shot in an emergency. The exposed slide also improves durability by preventing debris from getting stuck.
Disadvantages of Ruger LCP
Stopping Power
The .380 ACP cartridge only can do moderate damage because it doesn’t have enough mass or velocity to generate a lot of stopping power like other guns, but it is best in their price range.
Recoil
The Ruger LCP was built to reduce recoil and muzzle flip, but it’s still more difficult for shooters with smaller hands to control than larger self-defense handguns. If you’re new to concealed carry, it can be a good idea to start with a larger handgun and work your way down in size if you think you’ll be able to handle it. You can always trade up when you’re ready for something smaller, but there’s no “one gun fits all” option.
Trigger Pull
This gun doesn’t have a short trigger pull, making it difficult for shooters with smaller hands to fire accurately.
Aftermarket Accessories - Ruger LCP Review and Price
There are many different LCP accessories that you can buy, such as holsters and grips for personalizing your gun’s appearance. Some of these are:
Sights
The Ruger LCP comes with basic fixed sights that don’t provide as much visibility as other guns, but you can always add aftermarket night or fiber optic sights to make it easier to aim. Night sight or fiber optic sights are especially beneficial because it’s harder to see the front sight in darker conditions. This can make it difficult to aim accurately, which is why adding an aftermarket sight can be helpful.
Lasers
Lasers provide a way to line up your shot even in low light conditions because they attach to the trigger guard and send out a pinpoint of light along the top of your front sight. This makes it easier to aim, and some models use an adjustable laser instead of fixed sights to make the shooter’s life much easier. The green laser is the most powerful and brightest option because it uses a wavelength that’s easier to see in darker conditions, making them much more expensive. They’re well suited for shooting in dimly-lit areas such as an indoor range or against dark backgrounds. The red laser is easier on the eyes and less expensive, but it’s also not as bright. This is mostly a drawback in darker conditions because red lasers are harder to see, so this option may be better for shooters who want an accessory that they can use year-round regardless of lighting conditions.
Flashlight
Many laser manufacturers also make a flashlight attachment that uses the same mount as your laser. You can always add both to your LCP, but this will naturally add bulk and weight along with making it more expensive. You can purchase flashlights and laser accessories separately to save money, but it can be difficult to find both in the same style, which is why some shooters like to get them together. An LED flashlight is the best option if you want to add a light accessory, and it’s also much easier on batteries than on other types.
Grips
Ruger makes a beavertail rubber grip that can make your gun easier to handle by providing a larger surface for your hands. If you have small hands, it may also be necessary to purchase an extended magazine, which will add just enough length to the bottom of the grip so that the pinky finger rests on top. This special magazine allows you to hold the grip more firmly and reduce muzzle flip substantially.
Magazines
The standard magazine holds 6 rounds, but it’s also possible to find extended magazines with a finger rest on the baseplate for an easier grip. Magazine extensions are necessary because the .380 ACP cartridge is relatively small, so there’s not much room for it in the magazine. This means that you’ll only be able to hold 6 rounds instead of 7 or 8 without an extended magazine, so you can always combine this with a stronger grip if needed.
Magazine Pouches
Some shooters like to keep their magazines in a pouch or case instead of having them strapped inside the gun. If you want to do this, then it’s best to purchase pouches with Velcro flaps, as they will be easier to attach and detach quickly than other options.
Holsters
Holsters are available in many styles: inside the waistband, outside the waistband, and pocket holsters. Each has its benefits for different situations. An IWB holster is worn inside your pants to not be immediately visible to other people. Most of these are designed so that you can tuck your shirt over them, which means that they’re easy to conceal and more comfortable than an OWB holster. An OWB holster attaches like a belt, but it’s worn on the outside of your pants or skirt so that you can draw it faster. These are more difficult to conceal because they depend on covering up with a shirt or jacket, but some shooters prefer this option so that they can take it off and on quickly. Pocket holsters are great for smaller handguns because you can carry them discreetly in your coat or pants pocket.
They’re difficult to draw from, but this is a viable holster style as long as you take the time to practice with it. Many holsters are made with leather because they are flexible and comfortable, but this material doesn’t hold well in humid conditions. Kydex is another very rigid option, but the materials degrade much less quickly than they do over time. This material also has a lower profile so that your gun won’t be as visible through your pants. Whether you choose leather or Kydex is more of a matter of your personal preference, and it can even depend on the weather so that you’ll have the right type of holster for where you live. Here is our recommendation for the Ruger LCP holster:
GALCO Triton Ruger LCP Right Hand Polymer IWB Holster
The Galco Triton is a compact, lightweight holster ideal for concealed carry of small to medium-sized handguns. Constructed of durable polymer, it features a streamlined design that makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry. The open-top allows a very fast draw and presentation from concealment, while the reinforced mouth allows a smooth and easy return to the holster after the draw. It fits belts up to 1 3/4″. Overall, the Galco Triton is a well-made, functional holster that provides excellent value. The sweat guard protects the gun’s sights and vital areas of the user from perspiration. It is available for right-handed shooters only and available in black color only.
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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.
Some parts that are easy to upgrade are the sights, trigger, and grips. You can replace some standard handguns’ factory materials with sturdier options for your protection needs.
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.
It’s much lighter than many other options like a 1911 or semiautomatic, which means that it’s easier to carry daily. The recoil is also very easy to manage, especially replacing the stock trigger with an aftermarket part.
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 most common complaints are that it’s too small for people with large hands. It’s also not very accurate at distances over 25 feet, though this is more of an issue with inexperienced shooters than anything else. Another complaint is that the trigger pull is rather heavy, making it more difficult to fire quickly and accurately.
Recommended Holsters for Ruger LCP
Conclusion
Ruger LCP is an ultra-small, lightweight 380 Auto pistol designed with the shooter in mind. It offers smooth edges with minimal weight for comfortable carry. The Ruger LCP keeps your shooting skills sharp when it’s not at home in the safe because of its superbly engineered grip and visible sights. Ruger LCP is a reliable handgun with many parts to replace or upgrade. It’s also very lightweight and easy to use, which is why it’s popular for home defense and personal protection. We hope this Ruger LCP review article was helpful. If you have any additional questions or concerns about Ruger LCP holster or related products, leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
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Author Profile
- 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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