Ruger LCP .380 Review 2024: Ubiquitous 380 Pocket Pistol

The 380 pocket pistol market is flooded with options that are proven, affordable, and easy to carry. The Ruger LCP series of pistols undoubtedly are the majority of what you are going to find on gun store shelves. In 2021, Ruger announced the micro-subcompact LCP Max, which takes 10-12-shot magazines. The Max is essentially a double-stack version of the six-shot LCP II, which itself is a product-improved version of the original LCP. This review concerns the original LCP that kicked off the pocket 380 craze all the way back in 2008. 

[Update] I reviewed the Ruger LCP .380 last year, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on it again since I’ve been wanting to shoot it some more. After spending more time with it and putting several hundred rounds through, my thoughts on this little gun have shifted a bit. So, let’s dive into this updated review and see what’s changed!

Ruger LCP Background

The Ruger LCP wasn’t the first carry pistol chambered in the 380 ACP cartridge nor was it the first to use a polymer frame. In 2003, Keltec launched the Keltec P3AT. That pistol was the follow-up to their P32, a polymer-framed single stack 32 ACP pistol, upsized slightly for the more powerful 380 cartridge. The P3AT was an outsized success, but it took a mainstream brand in Ruger to make the concept of the 380 pocket pistol available to the masses. In 2008, Ruger launched the LCP or Lightweight Compact Pistol, a six-round single-stack polymer framed 380 that is functionally identical, to the P3AT—albeit a bit more refined. As a lifelong shooter, it’s impressive to see how the LCP has endured through various upgrades, including the LCP II and LCP Max, yet remains a staple in Ruger’s lineup, with millions sold.

Ruger LCP 380

1 Snag Free

Low profile milled iron sights and no exposed hammer

2 Manual Slide Stop

Thumb up and run the slide rearward to lock open

3 Size

Extreemly Compact

Models and Variations of the Ruger LCP

The LCP comes in many different color combinations and a few different sight and trigger options, but all are chambered in 380. They also released a Ruger LCP II chambered in 22LR and the Ruger LCP Max, which increases the 380 capacity to 10+1 and includes dovetail sights.

Ruger LCP –  Our Take

There are many subcompact 380 pistols on the market and as a general rule, they tend to be tricky to shoot well and rapidly. The LCP is no different. Like most of its class, the LCP is a lightweight gun that touches off a round with modest power. The 380 ACP cartridge is a step-down from service cartridges like the 9mm Luger, but it doesn’t feel so out of this 12-ounce pistol. It is important to keep in mind that the 380 might be considered the biggest of the small calibers, rather than the weakest of the big ones. 

Shootability

Recoil is snappy and it is not helped by the lack of grip that is designed to keep the pistol’s small footprint. The grip has plenty of texture, although some did not like it, as it was improved upon with the LCP II. But the grip itself is narrow and when grasped, your pinky will want to hang free. Every shot digs into your palm and after about fifty rounds downrange, I am generally ready to put it down. But leaving that aside, it takes mental energy to get a proper grip on the LCP and hang onto it to control recoil and enable you to get fast follow-up shots if you need them. 

The learning curve gets a bit steeper thanks to the LCP’s low-profile sights and the long double-action trigger pull. These are aspects generally corrected with the LCP II, but I found them to be fine for a deep cover handgun. The sights are small and, as they come from the factory, do not have any contrast. But they can’t be knocked out of alignment and they pick up small on targets that are intended to be large and close. The trigger operates similarly to a double-action revolver. When pulled, it draws the hammer to the rear and then drops it at the end of its travel. The trigger has to be let off completely in order to reset for each shot. The subsequent LCP II has a shorter trigger but trigger weight on both models is right around eight pounds. 

Reliability

The LCP is one of the most proven pocket rockets on the market, but that does not make it perfect. My particular LCP has close to 2000 rounds through it. Out of these rounds, I have had a grand total of six malfunctions. Four of those where light primer strikes on steel-cased ammunition, which are notorious for having hard primers. The other two malfunctions were failures to feed when chambering the first round. The slide would not go fully into battery. However, I found that with these small pistols, you have to work the slide vigorously and let the recoil spring do the work when chambering the round, rather than riding the slide forward. 

On the whole, my LCP runs like a top and it has a high round count by pocket pistol standards. Few will put many rounds downrange in small guns because of how tricky they are to shoot. On the other hand, practice is key to success with the LCP, whether it is through shooting, learning a high, steady grip, or keeping up with a regular cleaning and lubrication schedule. These are more important with smaller guns, whereas a full-sized pistol can be more forgiving. 

Ergonomics 

The original LCP leaves much to be desired when it comes to ergonomics, at least compared to what is available now. The newer generation of LCPs come with higher sights, higher-textured grips, and in the case of the Max, more capacity. Leaving that aside, the original LCP is deceptively easy to understand. There are a total of two controls: a slide lock and the left-side magazine release. The only safety is the long pull of the trigger. 

Disassembly is a straightforward affair. With the slide retracted a touch, the takedown pin is removed from the left side of the frame. A tool like the edge of a pen, or a fired case, is useful. With the pin removed, the slide can be removed from the frame.

Accuracy

You might expect that with such a small gun like the Ruger LCP, it’s really meant for bad-breath distances where accuracy is secondary. At distances inside seven yards, I can achieve pie-plate size groups with most types of ammunition by looking over the top of the slide, indexing the front sight to target, and pressing the trigger. Beyond that, you really have to make the best use of those narrow sights. The good news is that they will not cover up your targets, even relatively small bullseyes.

The LCP is not a bullseye gun by any stretch, but when actively using the sights, I could regularly keep a six-inch group at ten yards while firing semi-rapidly. At twenty-five yards, it is not difficult to keep seven rounds on a torso target, although sight alignment and achieving a good trigger press becomes ever more important the further out you get. 

Value

The LCP line has evolved since our original gun debuted. If you want a shorter trigger and taller sights, the newer generation of LCP pistols will wet your appetite. The LCP II is $350. The LCP Max is $450. Prices are going to change, so I use them here only in relative terms. By comparison, the standard Ruger LCP can be had for about $250. The newer generation is anywhere from 40% to 80% higher in price. Does that mean they are that much better in terms of functionality, reliability, and accuracy? I never thought so. For what it is, the Ruger LCP is a no-nonsense no frills handgun that was so good that its best competition are newer versions of itself. However, if you want to see what did make our list of top 380 handguns read that article. A little teaser, the LCP II is on the list, but how high does it rank?

Ruger LCP Pros and Cons 

Ruger LCP .380 – FAQs

What’s the difference between the Ruger LCP and LCP II?

The biggest differences are in the trigger, sights, and overall feel. The LCP II has a lighter, shorter trigger pull, and the sights are taller, making it easier to aim. The grip texture is also more aggressive, offering better control over recoil.

How does the Ruger LCP handle recoil?

Recoil is snappy, which is typical for a gun this small and lightweight. The narrow grip means your pinky may hang off, and after firing about 50 rounds, you’ll likely start to feel it. With practice, the recoil becomes more manageable, but it can take some getting used to.

Can the Ruger LCP be used for concealed carry?

Yes, the LCP is designed for concealed carry. Its compact size, lightweight build, and snag-free design make it ideal for pocket carry or discreet holster use.

How accurate is the Ruger LCP?

For close-range self-defense, the LCP is accurate enough. Inside 10 yards, you should be able to hit your target effectively. At longer distances, accuracy decreases, but with practice, you can still maintain reasonable shot placement.

Does the Ruger LCP have a safety?

The LCP does not have a manual safety. Instead, it relies on a long double-action trigger, which functions similarly to a revolver’s trigger, offering an additional layer of safety with careful trigger discipline.

Ruger LCP Starter Pack

If you own, or plan, on owning this pocket pistol for concealed carry, there are a few other things you will want to have on hand.

• Gun Cleaning Kit: This small pistol is designed for concealed carry, which can be rough on firearms. Check out some of our favorite gun cleaning kits to keep your CCW weapon in great condition.  
• Eye Protection: Whenever firing your guns, you need to have eye protection on. Here are our recommendations for the best shooting glasses!
• Hearing Protection: Such a small handgun will be snappy and with such a short barrel, probably loud. Pick up some good hearing protection to make the shooting experience more enjoyable.

We looked around and found you some of the best deals on the internet for the Ruger LCP.

Upgrades and Accessories for the Ruger LCP

We always suggest purchasing spare magazines for your handguns, and in most cases sticking to factory magazines is a safe bet.

You will also want a good holster. Since this is such a small handgun, we found a pocket carry holster option for the LCP.

We also found a laser sight that will fit the LCP that may be helpful in aiming your handgun when you are in a position that makes normal aiming through the sights a challenge.

Best Accessories For The Ruger LCP

Laser Sight LaserMax Centerfire Laser Sight		holds rounds securely twist to release once seated in cylinder	Check Price
Spare Magazines 7 Round Magazine		Holds 6 rounds Loads two at a time Compact and convenient	Check Price
Pocket Holster Galco Front Pocket Leather Holster		Always ready when you need them Daytime confidence under low light conditions Totally integrated day/night sighting Maintenance free	Check Price

Best Ammo for Your Ruger LCP

You are going to need to have some ammo so you can train with your handguns. We found some good deals on some lead free training ammo for use at indoor ranges and some high quality defensive ammo to use when carrying your Ruger LCP.

Other Pocket Pistols of its Class to Check Out

Maybe after reading our review of the Ruger LCP you dont think it is right for you. Here are a few other options that are in a similar class for you to check out.

How to Care for Your Ruger LCP

We found this four part series from Brownell’s that shows you how to take apart, clean, and reassemble your Ruger LCP. The videos are short and to the point.

Important Links and Manuals for Your Ruger LCP

Looking for some more information on the Ruger LCP? Check out the links below for the manufacturer’s website and operator’s manual.

• LCP by Ruger
• Ruger LCP 380 User’s Manual