Ruger LCP Review

Ruger is a fairly well known name in the firearms forum, being the fourth largest gun manufacturer in the States. The Connecticut based company has introduced various semi-autos and rifles over the years, but none had gained as much hype as the LCP series when it was first revealed in 2008. Let's see if all that hype was worth it.

The Ruger LCP, short for Lightweight Compact Pistol, is a pocket pistol intended for use over short distances or as a last resort. Though Ruger has produced several auto pistols before, the LCP is marketed as the company's first true pocket pistol.

The LCP has often times been compared to the Kel-Tec P3AT due to the similar dimensions they share. Aside from a few aesthetic and mechanical differences such as a thicker frame and a manual slide hold open, they are pretty much twins. The P3AT is also aimed at the concealed carry market, and is priced almost the same as the LCP.

The packaging includes a Padlock which itself is larger and heavier than the gun, along with a zippered lock and one magazine. When you first hold the Ruger in hand, you would be forgiven to think of the LCP as a toy gun since it weighs less than 10 pounds, all thanks to the glass filled nylon frame.

Perhaps the only gun lighter than the LCP would be the above mentioned P3AT, which shares slightly smaller dimensions as compared to the Ruger. Other than the weight, the design really gives homage to the concealed carry tag, easily fitting into the pocket of our jeans. The hammer also doesn't protrude, unlike most pocket guns.

The magazine release is conveniently located near the hand grip, making it easier for right handed shooters to reach for with the thumb.

One thing that we noticed was that our pinky finger was not able to fit onto the handgrip, leaving it astray. This may be a problem for some people, and we expect a few add-on enlarged magazines for those who want more grip estate.

The Ruger LCP holds 7 rounds, including one with the chamber. The release allows for magazine to be reloaded and fired within a matter of seconds, with the trigger pull being very smooth for a pocket sized gun.

For a pocket sized gun, the average testing distance is within 15 yards. However, we decided to take it 10 yards further. Surprisingly, the LCP was able to cope up with the distance, shooting accurate shots from a distance of 23 yards!

For the purpose of self defense from a short range, the Ruger LCP performed magnificently. Even though small sights don't usually allow for long range shooting, the LCP went the extra mile, allowing for even 25 yard distances.

The Ruger LCP is a must have for those planning on carrying extra protection with them. And at around $300 a piece, it's a steal!

Model: LCP

Action: DAO

Caliber: 380 ACP

Overall Length: 5.16"

Overall Height: 3.60"

Overall Width: 0.82"

Barrel Length: 2.75"

Sights: Fixed Low Profile

Capacity: 6 + 1

Weight: 9.40 oz.