New Ruger LC380 Runs Perfectly

[weblance]

My wife has decided she is getting her Concealed Handgun Licence. She has been thinking about it for several years, but is now going to take the steps to complete the idea. When she was talking about it a while back, she asked me what she should buy for a pistol. I told her a Ruger LC9, based on my experience with the one I sometimes carry. We went to the LGS and she purchased an LC9. After shooting it, she decided that the recoil was too much for her. She latched onto my LCR-22 and has enjoyed shooting that at the range. I really dont want her carrying a 22, so I coaxed her to try my Sig P238, just to see how she handled the rack, and recoil. She was good with that, so then we try the Bersa Thunder 380. Nope, too much recoil. When Ruger announced the LC380, I knew that would be the pistol for her. I like the idea of the Double Action Only operation, for her. She has shot lots of 22 revolvers over the years, so the long trigger of the LC380 wont be an issue.

I cruise Armslist regularly, just for entertainment. I spotted an LC380 with 21 rounds fired, for sale with box and all accessories and a box of 50 Blazers for $350. I went this morning and purchased it, and got $10 off. So, $320 for the pistol, taking the $20 discount for the ammo. I took 150 rounds of Blazer Aluminum, and 50 rounds of Blazer Brass with me, and after the transaction, went to the range. I shot 250 rounds with no failures of any kind. The pistol locked open at the end of every magazine without fail. Accuracy is just like I expected, right on the money at 5 yards. This is another success for Ruger.

The pistol is easy to rack. Felt recoil to me wasnt as light as I expected, but certainly reasonable. I am not recoil sensitive, but I guess I expected it to feel like a 22, which it doesnt. I shot my LC9 along side today for comparison, and really didnt feel a HUGE difference. Yes, the LC380 has less recoil, but its not dramatic, IMHO. I then shot my Kel-Tec P32(32acp) and there is a substantial difference in felt recoil there. Then the FN FNX-45. That brings a smile to my face every time I shoot it. What an exceptional pistol that is.

My wifes birthday is the end of this month. Along with a few things I have picked up for her, including a Hydrangea tree that she has asked for, she will get the LC380. I need to hit Ebay for a Crimson Trace Laser for it, and she will be all set. Bottom picture is 5 yards, elbows rested. 3"x3" Post-It note

 

[MedWheeler]

Sooo.... she hasn't shot it yet?

I'm surprised she found the recoil of the Thunder too stiff. The Ruger should indeed be lighter, being a locked-breech gun. Hope it's light enough. Could you tell a difference (did you happen to notice?)

I'm not a .380-basher, and the Ruger is intriguing. Doubt I'd ever get one, though, as I do have the Thunder, and a Kel-Tec PF9. My wife has no interest in carrying (yet.)

 

[weblance]

She hasnt shot it yet. Its a birthday present. She made the comment about the LC9, that it would be great if it was easier to rack, and the LC380 is easier than the LC9. I shot 250 rounds thru the LC380 with no discomfort. I shot the Bersa the same amount when I got it, and the web of my hand was tender. The LC380 has less felt recoil than the Bersa. My wife has strength issues with her hands. She found the Sig P238 easier to control, compared to the Bersa, but didnt like the Single Action, Cocked and Locked operation. Being used to a DA revolver, she will be better served by a DAO pistol.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I'm a big fan of the LC9 I own. I see no logical reason why the LC380 isn't an excellent gift for your wife. If the 9mm has a bit too much recoil the .380 should fit the bill.

My fiance is a big Ruger fan too, I don't think there is a Ruger firearm made that she didn't like.

 

[MikeJackmin]

That's a very nice gift.

The crimson trace is a thoughtful addition. I have one on my .38 snub and like it very much. I especially like having the activation button on the frontstrap, very intuitive and natural in use.