The Ruger Lightweight Compact Pistol (LCP) is a 270g (9.4oz) pocket pistol, released by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 2008. Various modifications have been made to the LCP since its release to open it up to other markets and fit in to standard market regulations.
Design Details[]
The extremely low weight of the LCP exists due to the use of a nylon frame (filled with glass) and blued steel slide. Furthermore the grip is only big enough for two fingers which, although makes the LCP a difficult gun to grip properly, means that the LCP can be concealed and drawn easily.
The LCP uses features seen on the Kel-Tec P-3AT, such as the same breech-locking mechanism and similar lightweight hammer and tension spring system. Further features are taken from Glock, most notably the extractor and external slide stop.
The LCP uses a short recoil action, as well as 6 round box magazine. From 2013 LCPs would also be fitted with a 7 round box magazine.
Canadian Version[]
Informally known as the 'Canadian' LCP, a 106mm (4.2in) barrel was fitted to the LCP from 2011 for sale in Canada, where the barrel length must exceed 105mm. Since this point the 4.2in barrel LCP has been a regular production gun for Ruger in the US and Canada.
Ammunition[]
The Ruger LCP is, at present, only avaliable chambered to fire the .380 ACP round. These rounds are shot from either a six round box magazine or from 2013 a seven round box magazine.
Usage[]
The Ruger LCP was announced at the 2008 SHOT Show. The LCP was Ruger's first real venture into the concealed weapon market, intended for sale to the police as a side-arm for personal defence. Several LCPs were recalled following safety concerns in late october 2008, when it was found that the LCP could fire when dropped on a hard surface.
The LCP was, perhaps most famously, used by Texas Governor Rick Perry to shoot a coyote during a morning jog in Austin in 2010. Used to defend his daughter and dog from the coyote, Ruger recognised this feat by releasing a special edition of the LCP named the LCP 'Coyote Special'