Sturm Ruger Firearms – Ruger Light Compact Pistol (LCP)

Sturm Ruger Firearms – General Info and History of Company

Sometimes you need a small, unobtrusive, reliable pistol. In cases of concealed carry, a small, thin, smooth-edged pistol without an exposed hammer is best. That is exactly what the Ruger Light Compact Pistol (LCP) offers. With a virtually indestructible glass-filled nylon frame and a through-hardened, blued steel slide, the Ruger LCP may be small, but it’s tough as nails.

Safety is a big priority for the Ruger firearms engineers, and to that end, they have incorporated a “view hole” next to the extractor, to tell if there is a round in the chamber. This is enormously important, since the leading cause of accidental firearms discharges is “I didn’t know it was loaded”. With the view hole, all it takes is a quick glance, and there is no doubt.

The Ruger LCP comes in .380 caliber, with a six round magazine, and a barrel length of 2.8 inches. It weighs a mere 9.4 ounces, and has a width of .82 inches, which makes it perfect for use as a concealed carry or back-up gun. The LCP features fixed sights and a checkered grip with a contoured groove for your thumb.

Trigger pull on the Ruger LCP is 5.6 ounces. Recoil is surprisingly manageable, due to the fact that the Ruger LCP uses a locked-breech system, like larger pistols, instead of the blowback principle, like so many smaller pistols.

The level of reliability displayed by the Ruger LCP is exceptional, but like any pistol, it functions best with high quality ammo in good condition. In field tests by NRA certified pistol experts, the Ruger LCP functioned and shot without flaw, regardless of the type of ammo used; jacketed hollowpoint, round nose full metal jacket, flat nose full metal jacket, polymer tip powerball, hollow cavity, homogenous copper hollow cavity, and cast lead flat nose bullet ammunition. Everything fed, fired, and ejected without fail.

In defensive situations, heavier bullets are more desirable for the Ruger LCP, because they penetrate more deeply. The two biggest variables affecting penetration are velocity and weight. Since the Ruger LCP has a barrel length of only 2.8 inches, there isn’t a lot of length for pressure to build behind the bullet, so a defensive shooter would want to maximize the other variable: bullet weight.

Ideally, one of the best ways to carry a Ruger LCP is in a small, unobtrusive inside-the-waistband holster. Preferably one made of a soft material, like suede. Some concealed carry permit holding individuals prefer to carry a Ruger LCP in an ankle holster.

When it comes to firearms, especially concealed carry guns and backup guns, failure is not an option. Firearms are unique in this respect. If a wrench doesn’t work, it isn’t imperative. Get another wrench. It isn’t a life or death situation. If you need your pistol, chances are you really NEED your pistol! Chances are high that your life depends on it. You cannot afford to have a misfire or failure to feed. That is where the long, proven history of reliability among Ruger firearms comes into play. The Ruger LCP is no exception. In field tests and at the range, the Ruger LCP is exceedingly reliable, which is exactly what you want if you ever have to draw your concealed carry pistol or backup gun.

All in all, the Ruger LCP is a great little pistol: well made, reliable, light and convenient. It is as close to the perfect concealed carry gun as 21st century firearms engineering can achieve.