USA – The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) represents Ruger’s first major attempt at making a lightweight concealed carry pistol in 380 ACP.
Long noted for their “sporting designs”, Ruger built this pistol with self-defense in mind.
When it first hit the market, the LCP delivered a firestorm of controversy as many gun owners felt it was too close of a copy of Kel-Tec’s successful 380 pocket pistol, the P-3AT.
On a casual inspection, the two handguns look remarkably alike, with the Ruger gaining better points on final fit and finish.
Very few of Ruger’s ideas are completely original as they often hearken back to older designs with improvements in materials, sights and execution. The late founder, Bill Ruger, was noted for bringing to market the firearms that shooters actually wanted.
The main gripe here may have been that the Kel-Tec was a fairly recent design unlike the M14 (Mini-14), Japanese Nambu (Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3), Colt Single Action Army (Single-Six, Blackhawk, Vaquero), Colt New Service (Redhawk), or M1 Carbine (10/22).
Ruger offers dealer-exclusive LCPs in a plethora of finishes from basic black to hot pink and various shades of camo in between. Our Ruger LCP is a special edition, an exclusive made for TALO, a firearms distributor which commissions many special versions of common factory handguns and rifles. In this case, the stainless steel slide is laser engraved and features an inlay of the Ruger eagle in gold.
Like most embellishments of this type, it does not make for a more accurate pistol, but lends a touch of class.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Talon Grips Textured Adhesive Grip Fits Ruger LCP/LCP II, Black - Custom Grip Fits Improved Control on Ruger LCP - EV10R Palmetto State Armory $ 25.99 
Lcp Max(TM) Magazines - Ruger Lcp Max Magazine 10-Round Brownells.com $ 27.99 $ 27.85 
LaserMax CenterFire Red Laser for Ruger LCP Pistol GunMag Warehouse $ 120.99 
Pearce Grip Grip Extension for Ruger LCP and LCP II Pistols - PG-LCP Palmetto State Armory $ 11.99 $ 8.89
Ruger LCP Handgun – The Good
At 9 ounces unloaded, the Ruger LCP lives up to its name of being lightweight and compact. A pistol this small tends to be carried more often than not, which is what we want in a CCW pistol.
Equally important are the external surfaces. There are no sharp edges, protrusions or areas prone to snag or otherwise impede the draw of the Ruger LCP.
This is not just with the special edition we purchased, but something we have seen on hundreds of LCPs over the past few years.
Aftermarket support in the way of extended magazines, lasers, holsters and even a pocket clip is very strong for the LCP. The author is not a fan of lasers on handguns but can see their merit and there are several out there that work well with the LCP.
Finally, Ruger offers outstanding customer service should anything befall the pistol at the range or while maintaining it. Ruger literally treats their customers like royalty.
Ruger LCP Handgun – The Bad
The Ruger LCP uses very crude sights with the front being integral to the slide and the rear as a fixed notch. This is definitely not a handgun you would use for any serious target shooting but it is intended for distances within reach of bad breath.
Squeezing the trigger is not much better and yields a long pull with a longer reset. Not quite as bad as a kick start on a Harley Davidson, but nowhere close to what you would find on a 1911.
Ruger LCP Handgun – The Reality
Aside from the inherent flaws with regard to the trigger or the sights, the LCP’s accuracy is satisfactory. We were able to obtain a group of 3” at 25 feet while using the sights; moving closer at 5 and 10 feet did not seem to reduce the group sizes at all.
In a sense, the trigger may be ideal for this type of firearm as the shooter will be firing it under extreme stress if it fulfills its duty as a self-defense piece. That long deliberate trigger pull is to compensate for the lack of an external safety and for some shooters, this seems to fit the bill perfectly.
The Ruger LCP is not the pistol that you want to leave in your range bag for when you run out of 22s and want to enjoy the rest of your afternoon shooting.
On the other hand, this is the one you want to leave in a pocket holster or an IWB holster and can easily forget that it is there so that you will have it, should you ever need it.
About Mike Searson
Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.
Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites, and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
- Home page: www.mikesearson.com
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mikesearson
I own one and for the most part it is what I thought it would be, a low cost ($200) pocket gun for close up self defense. Like the author says it’s purpose is for “Bad Breath” distances. I’ve used the sights and yes they’re combat style and for some, difficult, but again the application is for “I’m in trouble” not “Let’s go plinking”. I’ve got roughly 300 rounds through it with no issues to mention. I’ve run mostly FMJ’s with a small diet of Hornady Critical defense rounds and both fed well. For me it’s fine for the intended… Read more »
I am convinced that when a gun manufacturer makes a “hot seller” gun, so-called Reviewers, some on their own and some paid by competitors will try very hard to “trash” the gun. Jealousy causes about as much trouble as anything i can think of, both personal and in business. I own and shoot several of the so-called s____ guns and every one of them goes bang flawlessly every time I pull the trigger. What more could I want?
You are completely wrong about the gun being “basically cocked ” the LCP is a true DAO pistol. The only thing you are doing when you rack the slide is putting a round in the chamber. There is nothing spring loaded, or coiled like a snake! That’s what makes DOA so safe. Only when u pull the trigger, and the hammer comes back, and snaps forward, is the ONLY way the LCP can discharge.
This has to be the worst review of a firearm I have ever read. No ballistics, nothing… just some cheesy comments about its appearance. Did you really bother to analyze this firearm at all? Absolutely crap.
bought one recently with a laser which counters the bad sights. I love it. have about 50 rounds through it with no issues.I find the pocket carry to be less intrusive than a belt or clip holster.
My Ruger LCP slide is very difficult to open. What can be done to have it slide easier and smoother
Tiffany Blue Handgun
Got my LCP from Gander Mountain a fewf months ago for $199 out the door. I’ve put around 400 rounds of FMJ & HP through it w/no failures until it gets very dirty, around 100 rounds, then it will stovepipe on the last round in the mag. Prior to that it runs fine. As a senior citizen w/a few medical issues it’s light, accurate and easy to carry. Picked up a 7 round mag for EDC and that gives me 8 rounds on board w/an extended grip for better purchase. Replaced my J frame .38 for daily errands. Not fun… Read more »
For all of you on this blog, and others that will research and find it, the TOP .380 ammo, as reviewed thoroughly, results being published on the we, comes from Precision One Ammunition, out of Charleston, SC. This ammo has the best penetration, expansion, etc. Precision One also has FMJ ammo for plinking, but the self defense round is their crown jewel. I have over researched ammo because I know if, or when, the time comes, I want the best ammo in my LCP. I hope this info helps everyone on this blog. Vote Trump for 2nd, if for no… Read more »
Just got back from the range with my LCP.380. I fired 120 rounds with no issues at all. I fired Blazer Brass .95 grain. I cleaned and oiled my gun before I shot it which is highly recommended. There is a very high amount of dirty factory oil in this gun. Breakdown is quick and easy. Only problem I had was the 6 round magazine was not locking in that great. The 7 round magazines work great, and I highly recommend them because of the added grip. Great gun for $228 out the door. Just don’t expect much past 10… Read more »
The reality is that it works, every single time. Have had mine since 2012 and have fired all manner of ammo thru it. It goes bang every time and will make cranium shots at 10yds using any ammo I have tried.