simonm:
There is no guarantee of reliability for any firearm, including the Ruger LC9..
About the only thing you can do to insure your "best" chance for obtaining reliability in your firearm choice is to start with one that has a history of reliability and hope you get a good one..
For example I've had Ruger firearms for over 40 years and, so far, (kow) yet to have one that was unreliable..
Between my wife and myself we have three LCP's and one LC9.. They've ALL been absolutely reliable right out of the box. We have friends who have LCP's (and now LC9's) and THEY have experienced the same reliability with their Ruger LCP's and LC9's..
If you have the time, and interest, "google" LCP reliability/LC9 reliability and while you'll always find one or two folks who aren't happy I guarantee you 95% of the folks who actually own, and shoot these little pocket rockets are happy campers.
If you want to hear complaints about either pistol then you can expect some about the long trigger pull on both.. A long trigger pull, I might add, that I PREFER in a cc firearm.
I don't care for a light trigger pull on such a weapon as I don't want to accidentally shoot myself in the butt withdrawing it in a crisis, nor do I want an accidental discharge shooting someone else under similar conditions.
I can also warn you that from my experience the finish on the slides of the LCP is prone to wear if carried daily.. I don't care...
I have absolute confidence in that IF I have to defend my self with ANY of my Ruger pistols (or revolvers, I have a couple of those too) they will go "bang" every time I pull the trigger until I have exhausted all rounds.
That's all they are designed to do, and they, in my personal experience, do that...
You are much more likely to have a reliability issue with ANY quality firearm related to the ammo, or magazine, than you are the actual functioning of the pistol itself..
One more comment about those folks who prefer snubby revolvers over pistols such as the LC9 for cc..
I have 5 snubbys.. I love 'em all.
But the thickness of the cylinder bulge makes comfortable concealed carry more difficult, and the limited capacity (5 or 6 rds) make them a less desirable cc option than say, the Ruger LC9..
My LC9 is thinner, easier to conceal, has a higher capacity, a better round (9MM vs 38cal.), and finally, in my experience (again) has been absolutely reliable.
One hundred percent reliability is 100%...
No subby is going to be more than 100% reliable, and if and when the ball falls and I am FORCED to use potentially lethal force defending my life, those extra 2-3 rounds are gonna come in mighty handy.
No offense to anyone..
Just conversin', not confrontin', and what is a great choice for ME, might not be a great choice for someone else.
Best Wishes,
Jesse