Ruger LC9 opinions and report

[Ufatz]

Had an opportunity to pick up a new Ruger LC9-a 9mm 7 round pistol, a couple days ago and have put maybe 150 rounds through it just banging paper targets. It is one of the new generation of "concealed carry" handguns, of which there seems to be an endless and increasing supply. I've been around since Bill Ruger brought out his first little .22 auto, which copied a lot of it's panache from the ancient Luger pistols and was an immediate hit and still is, and I have owned Ruger revolvers and rifles through the years.

The LC9 is surely the worst shooting pistol I've ever fired! It exhibits nasty recoil and jump and it is not that accurate-a Bersa Thunder in .380 is far more accurate at 25 feet.

The problem of course is the 9mm packs a pretty good punch and the LC9 is not a large or heavy pistol. But it has many good features to recommend it (you can find reviews and specs many places) and those make it a worthwhile purchase. This one has the laser sight and that is handy I guess-at least it's fun! Being a Ruger it is well made and has not malfunctioned once, using three different brands and loads of ammo. You'll have to practice, practice practice with it, getting the right grip on it and becoming used to the loading/unloading and breakdown process.

BUT....it has surely one of the worst trigger pulls in the history of fire arms! But wait....there is a reason for that: you are going to have a tough time ACCIDENTALLY firing this little pop gun. It has a safety on the left rear of slide, locks open on final round etc. Because of the loooooonnnng trigger pull you COULD carry this little sneak gun WITHOUT engaging the positive, locking safety-that would be up to you.

It is slim and flat and easy to conceal. And should you EVER need it the comfort of having a 9mm rather than a .380 makes it worthwhile. There is little chance you will notice the bounce and bang of this pistol if you are in a deadly situation and therefore I conclude that a gent will have to work with this weapon based on the fact it is easy to operate, will undoubtedly prove totally reliable, can easily be concealed and packs 7 rounds of serious punch.

So, while you break it in and figure out where it wants to shoot just try not to pay too much attention to the fact that it is a nasty shooting little bugger with a mile long trigger pull.

My guess is it will be popular because like all Rugers it is cheap and dependable.

Go read all the on-line stuff for more because I am no gun reviewer.

I'm going to keep this. And the PPK....and the Solo....and the.....Ha Ha Ha.

[Whoaru99]

I've had one for a year or two, not sure, time flies...

The gun itself is plenty accurate. Shooting it accurately, well, that's another matter. It's a little handful.

[jmd1]

I have the 380 lcp and it will snap in my hand pretty sharp. If you have larger hands, my thought neither one the 9 or 380 are easy to hit anything with any accuracy. The 380 has a nasty recoil that after about 50 rounds i don't want to shoot it any more. The size is the reason why i have it, easy to keep out of sight and i can get access easily if needed.

[Ufatz]

A little update fellas: I now have 300 rounds through the LC9 and it IS more accurate than I first thought, although it is not as good as several other small pistols. I can now put most shots in a fist sized bunch at 20 feet. And it is true: you DO have to learn to shoot that little rascal. The trigger pull of course is the first thing that gets most of us and even though I understand and agree with the rationale behind the feature is IS a little hard to get used to.

But all-in-all I am more impressed than at first. It HAS features that other pistols at twice the price do NOT have and at much lower cost. I have not had one hiccup from the pistol in over 300 rounds with three different brands ammo. I believe I now see why it is so popular. Another Ruger hit!

And as far as the LCP goes....too small for me and even in .380 I'm sure it jumps around a bit.