I got a little more trigger time on the Ruger LC9 this week. I shot a quick video to answer the most freq1uent question I’m asked about the latest Ruger semi-automatic firearms (how far does that loaded chamber indicator stick up?) and to show one of the things that was VERY notable the first time I shot it.
The baseplate of the magazine moves. It moves a LOT. There is a sub-floorplate in there, and it seems they used one from an LCP magazine. This is purported to be identical to shipping products, so I’m not impressed.
In terms of shooting it, the recoil isn’t that bad to me, but I try to take into account that some people are more sensitive to it than others. I don’t see anyone having issues with it with standard 9mm range ammo, but I do think that some will find it a bit too much when shooting 9mm +p defensive loads.
Groups were terrible. All of those shooting it felt that the trigger pull was inconsistent, and the accuracy was not really good. Several of us had rounds that were way off. Expect to require a lot of practice with it in order to reliably hit your target with good shot placement every time. Much more than with a Glock or Springfield XD right out of the box.
The three-dot sights are far better than what you have on the LCP. But the way it performs, it’s still a close-range gun – not a good target firearm. I would not classify it as being suitable for even 25-yard shooting without a TON of practice.
Before I forget, there is a magazine disconnect in this firearm. It will not shoot without a magazine inserted. I’m not a fan, and one person that looked it over (take down isn’t uber simple) felt that this part of the mechanism was weak. We’ll see where it goes.
While this isn’t a formal product review as we do on JeepGunner.com, I’m comfortable saying that this is a close-range firearm, out to about 21 feet or so maximum. I recommend a ton of practice with it, until you are able to accurately place shots consistently at that distance, before you carry it.
9mm is certainly better than .380 auto, and this is a very thin gun. At the price point I can see a lot of folks looking into it, but I’d go a little bigger (and a bit more money) and get a Glock 26, Ruger SR9c, or consider a Kahr.
At this point, that’s my opinion. If you are going to get one, practice with it until you can reliably, consistently, make accurate shots at a minimum of 21 feet before you actually carry it.