Ruger lcp 380 review

Written past R.K. Campbell

Ruger LCP 380 Review

New pistols chambered for the 380 ACP go along to sell well considering these smaller handguns feature reduced recoil when firing the 9mm Kurz or 9mm Short, 2 other names for the 380 Auto cartridge. The 380's case is virtually 2mm shorter than the popular 9mm Luger case, though their bullet diameters are the same. The advantage of chambering ammunition with a shorter overall length and less power than a 9mm Luger helps keep these guns small and concealable and makes shooting them more pleasant. Some Members would argue that the 380 ACP is underpowered for self defence force, just many U.South. LawShield Members likely carry 380s anyway, countering that the gun yous volition carry is meliorate than the gun you get out at home.

I, the Ruger LCP 380, has sold in greater numbers than just whatever other modern 380 ACP pistol. The Ruger Lightweight Compact Pistol is a locked-breech semi-automated pistol that holds 6+1 rounds and shares nigh identical dimensions with the Kel-Tec P3AT.

For members who haven't had a chance to shoot the Ruger 380 pistol, U.S. LawShield conducted accuracy testing and combat-style firing drills at 5, 7, and x yards with half dozen unlike loads to prove y'all what the little gun can exercise. Test rounds were Winchester USA 95-grain FMJs, HPR 90-grain JHPs, Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 90-grain JHPs, Winchester Train & Defend 95-grain FMJs, Gorilla Ammunition 95-grain JHPs, and Black Hills Ammunition 60-grain Xtreme Defense rounds. Nigh important, there were no malfunctions of any type with the LCP. Here'south how it performed elsewhere:

The specific gun we tested was the LCP No. 3701, which we purchased for $229. The Ruger'south steel slide rides low on a polymer frame. This pistol featured a double-action-merely trigger press of nine pounds. The handle portion of the frame is pebbled for good adhesion, and the front strap is grooved. The rear strap is checkered at the lesser of the frame.

The sights are small and snag complimentary. In that location is an obtainable sight picture show from a solid benchrest, but this pistol does non offer much in the fashion of a good sight flick, even at modest range. The cocking serrations offer a good gripping surface for manipulation. The magazine release is positive. The pistol does non hold the slide open up on the concluding shot, but there is a slide lock that may be manually engaged to go along the pistol open.

At 15 yards, the Ruger shot a best group of three.8 inches with the HPR 90-grain rounds, proving to me, at least, that this smallish handgun can be fired accurately and controlled when the shooter does his or her function. Other accuracy, velocity, and power information are contained in the table beneath.

Is The Ruger LCP for Cocky-Defense?

The Verdict: The LCP is neat, minor, and has become even more than affordable because Ruger has lowered the price. At $229, the Ruger is a proven pistol well worth its toll for the Member who wants a sidearm modest and lite enough to become nearly anywhere the possessor goes.

RANGE RESULTS @ fifteen YARDS
Blackness Hills Ruger
60-gr. Xtreme Defense LCP
Average Velocity 1229 fps
Cage Energy 201 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group four.ii in.
Largest Group 4.7 in.
Boilerplate Group four.4 in.
HPR Ruger
ninety-gr. JHP LCP
Boilerplate Velocity 952 fps
Muzzle Energy 181 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group 3.viii in.
Largest Group 5.0 in.
Boilerplate Group 4.5 in.
Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics Ruger
90-gr. JHP LCP
Average Velocity 941 fps
Muzzle Energy 182 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group three.9 in.
Largest Group 4.half-dozen in.
Boilerplate Grouping four.3 in.

Accuracy data reflects five-shot groups fired off a solid benchrest. Velocities recorded with a Shooting Chrony Main Chronograph.

SPECIFICATIONS
Action Semi-Auto,
Locked Breech Double Action
Overall Length 5.2 in.
Overall Height iii.viii in.
Maximum Width 0.82 in.
Weight Unloaded 9.viii oz.
Weight Loaded 10.nine oz.
Mag 6-Rd. Detachable Box
Barrel 2.75 in., 1:sixteen RH Twist,
six Grooves, Blued Alloy Steel
Slide Blued Alloy Steel
Grip Frame Black Glass-Filled Nylon
Frame Forepart Strap Height 1.25 in.
Frame Back Strap Height ii.0 in.
Grip Thickness (max) 0.8 in.
Grip Circumference (max) 4.5 in.
Sights Integral
Sight Radius four.1 in.
Trigger Pull Weight Double Action 9.i lbs.
Trigger Span two.5 in.
Safety Firing Pin Block
Warranty None Written
Website Ruger.com
Telephone (336) 949-5200
CA Canonical No
MA Canonical & Certified No

Bob Campbell is a onetime peace officer and published writer with over twoscore years combined shooting and police and security feel. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice. Bob is the author of several books, includingThe Handgun in Personal Defense force, Holsters for Combat and Curtained Conduct, The 1911 Automated Pistol, The Gun Digest Book of Personal Protection and Domicile Defense, The Shooter's Guide to the 1911, The Hunter and the Hunted, and The Complete Illustrated Transmission of Handgun Skills. His latest book isDealing with the Dandy Ammo Shortage. He is as well a regular contributor to Gun Tests, American Gunsmith, Small Arms Review, Gun Digest, Concealed Deport Mag, Knife World, Women and Guns, Handloader, and other publications. Bob is well-known for his extensive firearms testing. He currently lives in South Carolina.

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The information provided in this publication is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The data included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.South. LawShield, to exist given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does non supersede the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the data included in this publication is accurate and current, still, no claim is made to the accuracy of the data and we are not responsible for any consequences that may consequence from the utilise of information in this publication. The utilize of this publication does not create an attorney-client human relationship betwixt U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.