"The Ruger LCP pistol: Undercover Cool" by Nutnfancy

The 9.6 oz Ruger LCP is another excellent choice as both an officer's backup gun or a civilian's primary carry gun. As stated in the review video, a 24/7 carry system generally has to be comfortable for its user to employ high percentage carry. And the LCP is indeed comfortable in carry. It is a close copy of the proven Kel-Tec P3-AT but does incorporate a couple of notable improvements: a memory groove above the magazine release, a convex shaped manual slide lock (should be function as last shot hold open as well!), a recessed mag release button, more precise molding on frame (glass-filled nylon), excellent build quality, and a slightly smoother trigger. For these reasons I do slightly prefer the Ruger LCP over the Kel-Tec P3-AT (with more competitors on the way) since their cost is similar. But the LCP also shares several of the design limitations inherent in these sub-compact polymer pistols: like low contrast milled-in sights, stiff DAO trigger, and mag release that can be easily actuated with the thumb. The sights are unimpressive and provide little precision. But with proper trigger control, the Ruger LCP with its 2.75 barrel is capable of impressive accuracy for its category. Expect to spend some time mastering this trigger and learning to maintain sight picture throughout the pull (rec. dry fire practice with snap caps for this). Rapid firing benchrest groups with the LCP (or any tiny pistol) is pretty much impossible but rounds can easily be kept into a plate sized area with practice. Field stripping, like the P3-AT, is relatively easy and reliability was excellent on this LCP with NO stoppages experienced. However some firing of your defensive load choice should be performed to ensure function. As noted in the table top review, Ruger has instituted a recall for early Ruger LCPs due to reports of ADs when dropped on hard surfaces (no details provided by Ruger). Factory upgrades to these models include a new hammer mechanism, heavier firing pin spring, and a titanium firing pin and these upgraded pistols can be identified by a diamond stamping in the portion below the hammer (pistols with the 370- serial number prefix need modification, 371- and subsequent models do not). I applaud Ruger for the recall and it does not affect my very favorable impression of the model. A nice Ruger soft case and lock (unneeded) are included with the LCP. Downsides of the LCP are few but might include non-functioning checkering on the grip, fewer factory accessories (vs Kel-Tec), and the mag release can still be accidentally actuated during firing (I think all these small pistols should have a heal mounted mag catch). But that's about it. Overall it's an impressive little gun that sets a new standard for super compact pistols that can comfortably and reliably serve as part of your personal defense systems. /////////////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 9 of 10

Category:

Science & Technology

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[1983gogators]

Ya know Mr. nutnfancy, you refer to yourself in the 3rd person so much that "your" name nutnfancy contradicts your words. Frequently referring to ones self in the 3rd person speaks well in identifying themselves as being stuckupnfancy or having the personal view of being superior to others. Oh Yeah.... Safety Check!

[nutnfancy]

@1983gogators This is such an idiotic thing to whine about... -- Veri

[MikeReiner]

I love how this video starts off making it clear you don't care at all about being politically correct.

Political correctness be damned I say.

Oh, nice gun too. :P

[Maruader25]

Why does every review start out with nutnfancy bring out his KelTec?

[coveredinblood1111]

This pistol looks influenced by the Makarov, and the CZ-83. Looks like a scaled down Makarov.

[hmiranda71]

if you like more firepower i will go with the LC9.

[SeanManks]

... Sorry got truncated.

Last point to add.

The 9mm shots have more "damaging" power as compared to 380s... they also are cheaper and readily available too.

Hope it somewhat helps to make your final choice.

[SeanManks]

DeeRugz4u.... There is no straight answer for your question.

Two main questions to ask to yourself ...

1. Why and what do I need the gun for?

2. CCW, range or just looks?

They both look great & are good as CCWs, but LCP is more small and compact than other.

Cumbersome to shoot LCP if you got large hands.

The LC9 has four safeties, none for 380 (just like Glocks).

Almost non-existing sights on LCP... but it really doesn't matter at close proximities in which a CCW gun will be "used".

The 9mm

[DeeRugz4u]

Can anyone tell me what they like better the LCP or the LC9......I'm getting close to buying one of the other...let me know what you think, love to hear from owners, all the best - D

[Kylef7735]

@TheVert1276 Check the foot pounds of energy buddy.

[TheVert1276]

@Kylef7735 my facts on what? What are you? Captain save a hoe for the 380? I get it bro you own a 380 and now your all butt hurt someone doesn't like it. Grow up and learn what your talking about before you tell me to "check my facts". a 90gr bullet with 4.5gr of powder behind it is never gonna be "on par" with a 158gr 5.5gr of powder behind it! I dont have a problem with the 380. I just thought it was dumb to say its "on par" with a 38sp. Because its clearly NOT!

[HKmanlp1]

@Kylef7735 Your a little late to the ball there Cinderalla

[Kylef7735]

@killajuggaloz5 if you arent planning on conceled carrying it, the p95 is a great gun.