By Police1 Staff
Ruger debuted its LC380 — the combination LC9 pistol and .380 auto cartridge — at SHOT Show.
The pistol features a high-visibility three-dot system that allows adjustable rear and front sight, a checkered grip frame for added comfort and security, an internal lock, manual safety, and a loaded chamber indicator.
The reduced recoil of the .380 cartridge creates softer-shooting for the conceal-carry pistol, according to Ruger.
Both the barrel and slide finish are made with alloy steel, and the grip frame is created from black, high-performance glass-filled nylon.
In a review on the LC380, The Firearm Blog said, “The new pistol changes to a .380 barrel, extractor, extractor spring, magazine, and slide, but otherwise is very similar in size and features to the LC9.
“Although, the LC380 is slightly larger than the LCP, I think that shooters who have larger hands, or are just looking for a pistol that they can get more grip on, will find the LC380 a good match.”
Among the pistol’s dimensions and extras are:
· Length: 6 inches
· Width: .9 inches
· Height: 4.5 inches
· Weight: 17.20 oz.
· Barrel length: 3.12 inches
· Capacity: 7 + 1
· Twist: 1:10 inch RH
· Finger grip extension floorplate
In a post on Guns.com, David Higginbotham said, “A move that surprised a lot of us was the move up in size for Ruger’s .380 pistols. With the success of the LCP, which is really small, why go up?
“They covered that territory well with the LC9. The answer has to do with restrictive legislation and the manageability of the .380 round. The LC380 will make some folks in California happy.
“I like the idea. While I respect the LC9, the gun is harder to handle than I’d like. The size, though, is ideal. The gun will hold 7+1. Now the LC380 will be big enough to hold, and the .380 recoil is easier to manage.”