Welcome the Ruger LC380, a merging the popular LCP and LC9 platforms.
Ruger is introducing a new .380 ACP chambered pistol in the same form factor as the LC9 handgun. The key benefit is less recoil than the 9mm version of the gun.
Many of the specs are the same or similar to the LC9. Width is 0.9″ for both and the weight is only slightly heavier (17.2 ounces for the LC380 and 17.1 ounces for the LC9). Magazine capacity, seven rounds, is the same.
For me, I would much rather have the 9mm version and run standard pressure ammo to keep the recoil mild. However, I completely understand how many people are very recoil sensitive – especially in smaller CCW guns.
MSRP is $449, so I would guess the guns will go for about $400 when you can find them. Ruger is very good about not announcing anything until they are ready to ship, but the industry is out of control right now, and finding anything gun related on the shelves is a minor miracle.
Ruger LC380 Specifications
- caliber: .380 ACP
- magazine capacity: seven rounds
- barrel length: 3.12″
- overall length: 6.0″
- width: 0.9″
- height: 4.5″
- weight: 17.2 ounces (unloaded)
- MSRP: $499
I’ve got to be honest: this is not one I anticipated. I expected the SR45, but not an upsized 380. As I mentioned previously, the good people from Ruger will be at Media Day, so I hope to shoot this pistol. Regardless, we will bring you plenty of photos and videos of the new gun from the 2013 SHOT Show.
Surviving the Street: Guide to Concealed Carry of a Firearm
Essential information on concealed carry. This book has just the basics - not a lot of fluff to get bogged down in. Easy to read, Surviving the Street introduces the reader to the important information you need as an armed citizen.
The author presents frank information about self defense in a way that is easy to understand and use.
About Richard
Richard Johnson is a gun writer, police trainer and really bad joke teller. Check out his other writing on sites like Human Events, The Firearm Blog and BlueSheepdog.
WTF? Why would I want a LARGER 380? Just buy the 9mm and move on.
This is not the Ruger I was looking for. But, that awesome new SR45 is. Glad to see they are making that.
I don’t know – I kind of like the idea of having a very low recoil pistol that is still very concealable. I could think of a lot of guns I would not carry before this one.
I like it. The .380 is a perfectly acceptable self defense caliber. And the LCP is too damn small to be reliable. I like this one a lot.
Perfect for my petite daughter, a nurse in San Francisco
I’m guessing she does not have a CCW. If not, then I am guessing the gun would be kept for home defense. In that case, something larger would be easier to shoot, more reliable and offer better performance. I’d suggest she look at something like a Glock 19 or Smith & Wesson M&P 9. Just my thoughts.
Just got mine $345.00 Love it. I also have a Bursa Thunder.Both are really good pieces
As the author stated the LC380 might be a good choice for someone who is adverse to heavy recoil. Many small women and even some men would fall into this category. No sense buying a gun you will not practice with. I have fired the LC9 and think the LC380 would make a great self defense gun for any recoil sensitive person.