Ruger LCP .380 Auto Review
Safety suggestions: 1. Keep in mind this is a short firearm and it's easy to accidentally shoot your non shooting hand with a two hand grip. 2. These Small Firearms are easy to drop, and you need to not try to catch it mid air if you do drop it.
I want to first say: since this is a pocket gun I prefer the stainless steel two tone version to keep down the corrosion, but I prefer stainless materials for most of my firearms now days anyway, except Glock, the Glock does not seem to have an issue with corrosion. I have been carrying the magazines in my pockets for a long time and have no complaints as to corrosion on magazines, they hold up extremely well.
(Not Sure if Gen I and Gen II are appropriate but that's how I'll describe it for this article because these guns keep getting better)
Straight to the point: To me the Ruger LCP .380 Auto is a no brainer, they are awesome for the money. Even if you don't plan to use it for self defense on bad guys, this gun is worth owning; especially for walkabouts you know, when you need a little something to keep the ferral dogs and cats off ya.
If you want to check out all the detailed specifications, visit the site below, this article here is just my opinion on this firearm.
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcp/models.html
http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=4593
Reliability:
This is the first attribute I look for in a defensive firearm. Since I have had some jam-o-matics in my day, I truly appreciate a fully reliable semi-automatic handgun, and this Ruger LCP is among them for certain. Keep in mind that all guns can fail or jam and the first generation models did have some issues with the trigger mechanism. I have had both a first gen and second gen version of this firearm and both of them worked just fine for me, but the second generation definitely has a better trigger pull. Out of both LCP's (Gen I and Gen II). I submerged my Gen II bi-tone LCP in a nearly frozen river fully loaded with 6 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber for over 15 minutes, then tossed it in the snow, the temperature at the time was -11 degrees Celsius or about 12.2 degrees F and then I did an accuracy test. It fired all 7 rounds very accurately and reliably. A strong part of reliability is the magazines as well, these magazines are very well designed and are very reliable. The only draw back on that is they only come with one and they are super expensive if you want more.
update 1/20/2017 - Fired 100 rounds of reloads, did have a failure to extract stoppage; nothing I could not clear fairly easily, had to drop the magazine, and rack the slide, then re-inserted the magazine, other than that, the reloads worked well.
Accuracy:
Fixed combat sights. The accuracy for this handgun is plenty and exceptional in my opinion, I see a lot of reports on line that this is not good for anything passed a few yards, but I don't think that is true because my LCP gets really good groups for what it is and I have shot it out to 30 feet and am able keep all the holes in the center zone.
Update 1/20/2017 I shot this out to about 30 yards and was able to hit. This firearm is effective I would say as far as you have the ability to shoot to.
Stopping Power or Muzzle Energy: (See my article on handgun stopping power listed below)
http://www.wavecresttactics.com/handgun-stopping-power.html
http://www.wavecresttactics.com/muzzle-energy.html
The .380 is a very weak cartridge that gets between 55% and 70% one shot stop ratings depending on the ammunition you use. However, 55% to 70% means it works. I prefer the Sig Sauer 100gr elite ball FMJ for reliability and for penetration. The FMJ seems to have a 55% one shot stop rating but I choose to take that chance because I like the idea of better penetration and high reliability. I consider myself qualified enough that I can use this weak cartridge because I know the LCP is reliable and holds 6 to 7 rounds giving me plenty of follow up shots. This would be a good time to mention that shot placement is going to be more of a concern for this model and cartridge.
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/380auto-100gr-elite-ball-fmj.html
Muzzle Energy 180 foot-pounds to 200 foot-pounds
http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=4593
Practicality:
This is possibly the most practicle handgun I have ever owned, it's in a category that no other size handgun can fulfill. This is a great back up gun and a great pocket gun. In fact, it is my favorite. I don't always pick my firearms based on what someone else tells me because I think picking a handgun is a personal thing and the only way you can get psychological confidence is to pick a gun you trust, not a gun someone else trusts. This is a good gun for the lazy dog, what I mean is, you just slide it in your pocket and go, not much of a hassel and I can't tell you how often that is nice. Because let's face it, it's better to carry a .380 auto than to not carry anything at all. If you go to leave the house and think, meh, I won't pack today because I don't feel like going in there and putting that junk on my hip, then this gun is definately a good solution for you. It's also good for light clothing where you don't have a belt, like say, to pick up the newspaper in the morning or to let the dog outside, this firearm is perfect for having on when you are just lounging around the house too.
Ability to add Night Sights:
Definately a CON - Most LCP's have fixed combat sights that are not night compatible. I also like to be able to rack the slide with one hand, so I prefer night sights with a lip, this model doesn't have that because it's a pocket gun. I almost have to submit that since this is a pocket gun, it can be excepted regarding it's sights. It's probably better that they don't snag under those circimstances. Plus I don't know if your's will be as good as mine, but both of my LCP's were not only accurate but the sights are also on target or zero'd very well.
Magazine Capacity: (Fire Power)
For a pocket gun, I think the firepower is excellent, you have one round in the chamber and 6 in the magazine. If this firearm gets a 55% one shot stop rating, then I figure that just means you'll need to shoot twice or more per bad guy. I don't think it's all that difficult to consider the fact you may need to shoot more than one time.
Availability of Accessories:
This particular model of firearm has plenty of accessories available for it. I like the uncle mike's pocket holster size number 4. I also have their inside the waistband holster and I think I paid like $10 for each. I also like that it fits in the hook n loop holsters from 5.11, so I put one of these in my Tactical 5.11 vest as a back up.
The target you see below was at 7 yards, and it was approximately 30 degrees F outside when I shot that group, so I'm sure the gun does better but to me that is very good accuracy for fixed sights and it's also very good zero for fixed sights. Those rounds were the Sig Sauer 100 grain Elite ball FMJ rounds.
Safety suggestions: 1. Keep in mind this is a short firearm and it's easy to accidentally shoot your non shooting hand with a two hand grip. 2. These Small Firearms are easy to drop, and you need to not try to catch it mid air if you do drop it.
I want to first say: since this is a pocket gun I prefer the stainless steel two tone version to keep down the corrosion, but I prefer stainless materials for most of my firearms now days anyway, except Glock, the Glock does not seem to have an issue with corrosion. I have been carrying the magazines in my pockets for a long time and have no complaints as to corrosion on magazines, they hold up extremely well.
(Not Sure if Gen I and Gen II are appropriate but that's how I'll describe it for this article because these guns keep getting better)
Straight to the point: To me the Ruger LCP .380 Auto is a no brainer, they are awesome for the money. Even if you don't plan to use it for self defense on bad guys, this gun is worth owning; especially for walkabouts you know, when you need a little something to keep the ferral dogs and cats off ya.
If you want to check out all the detailed specifications, visit the site below, this article here is just my opinion on this firearm.
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcp/models.html
http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=4593
Reliability:
This is the first attribute I look for in a defensive firearm. Since I have had some jam-o-matics in my day, I truly appreciate a fully reliable semi-automatic handgun, and this Ruger LCP is among them for certain. Keep in mind that all guns can fail or jam and the first generation models did have some issues with the trigger mechanism. I have had both a first gen and second gen version of this firearm and both of them worked just fine for me, but the second generation definitely has a better trigger pull. Out of both LCP's (Gen I and Gen II). I submerged my Gen II bi-tone LCP in a nearly frozen river fully loaded with 6 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber for over 15 minutes, then tossed it in the snow, the temperature at the time was -11 degrees Celsius or about 12.2 degrees F and then I did an accuracy test. It fired all 7 rounds very accurately and reliably. A strong part of reliability is the magazines as well, these magazines are very well designed and are very reliable. The only draw back on that is they only come with one and they are super expensive if you want more.
update 1/20/2017 - Fired 100 rounds of reloads, did have a failure to extract stoppage; nothing I could not clear fairly easily, had to drop the magazine, and rack the slide, then re-inserted the magazine, other than that, the reloads worked well.
Accuracy:
Fixed combat sights. The accuracy for this handgun is plenty and exceptional in my opinion, I see a lot of reports on line that this is not good for anything passed a few yards, but I don't think that is true because my LCP gets really good groups for what it is and I have shot it out to 30 feet and am able keep all the holes in the center zone.
Update 1/20/2017 I shot this out to about 30 yards and was able to hit. This firearm is effective I would say as far as you have the ability to shoot to.
Stopping Power or Muzzle Energy: (See my article on handgun stopping power listed below)
http://www.wavecresttactics.com/handgun-stopping-power.html
http://www.wavecresttactics.com/muzzle-energy.html
The .380 is a very weak cartridge that gets between 55% and 70% one shot stop ratings depending on the ammunition you use. However, 55% to 70% means it works. I prefer the Sig Sauer 100gr elite ball FMJ for reliability and for penetration. The FMJ seems to have a 55% one shot stop rating but I choose to take that chance because I like the idea of better penetration and high reliability. I consider myself qualified enough that I can use this weak cartridge because I know the LCP is reliable and holds 6 to 7 rounds giving me plenty of follow up shots. This would be a good time to mention that shot placement is going to be more of a concern for this model and cartridge.
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/380auto-100gr-elite-ball-fmj.html
Muzzle Energy 180 foot-pounds to 200 foot-pounds
http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/article_archive/results/details?id=4593
Practicality:
This is possibly the most practicle handgun I have ever owned, it's in a category that no other size handgun can fulfill. This is a great back up gun and a great pocket gun. In fact, it is my favorite. I don't always pick my firearms based on what someone else tells me because I think picking a handgun is a personal thing and the only way you can get psychological confidence is to pick a gun you trust, not a gun someone else trusts. This is a good gun for the lazy dog, what I mean is, you just slide it in your pocket and go, not much of a hassel and I can't tell you how often that is nice. Because let's face it, it's better to carry a .380 auto than to not carry anything at all. If you go to leave the house and think, meh, I won't pack today because I don't feel like going in there and putting that junk on my hip, then this gun is definately a good solution for you. It's also good for light clothing where you don't have a belt, like say, to pick up the newspaper in the morning or to let the dog outside, this firearm is perfect for having on when you are just lounging around the house too.
Ability to add Night Sights:
Definately a CON - Most LCP's have fixed combat sights that are not night compatible. I also like to be able to rack the slide with one hand, so I prefer night sights with a lip, this model doesn't have that because it's a pocket gun. I almost have to submit that since this is a pocket gun, it can be excepted regarding it's sights. It's probably better that they don't snag under those circimstances. Plus I don't know if your's will be as good as mine, but both of my LCP's were not only accurate but the sights are also on target or zero'd very well.
Magazine Capacity: (Fire Power)
For a pocket gun, I think the firepower is excellent, you have one round in the chamber and 6 in the magazine. If this firearm gets a 55% one shot stop rating, then I figure that just means you'll need to shoot twice or more per bad guy. I don't think it's all that difficult to consider the fact you may need to shoot more than one time.
Availability of Accessories:
This particular model of firearm has plenty of accessories available for it. I like the uncle mike's pocket holster size number 4. I also have their inside the waistband holster and I think I paid like $10 for each. I also like that it fits in the hook n loop holsters from 5.11, so I put one of these in my Tactical 5.11 vest as a back up.
The target you see below was at 7 yards, and it was approximately 30 degrees F outside when I shot that group, so I'm sure the gun does better but to me that is very good accuracy for fixed sights and it's also very good zero for fixed sights. Those rounds were the Sig Sauer 100 grain Elite ball FMJ rounds.
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