Ruger LC9? I am looking to buy a subcompact soon. I stopped by a local shop today and looked at the LC9 by Ruger. It felt really good in the hand, but I could not figure out how to strip the gun. After watching hickok45s review, I was a little leery about the "dismantle pin", but otherwise he seemed to have pretty positive things to say about it. I started doing some internet research on the pistol, and there are A TON of stories about people having to send back their new pistols to Ruger for service for a variety of reasons. I am just wondering what feedback you all have on this.
I owned a Glock 26 years ago and really liked it- so that is a possibility as the "kinks" for that pistol have been worked out a decade or more ago
I am looking at the PPS because of it's slim design
I like the features, but not the weight of the springfield xd subcompact
I was excited by the weight and small size of the Ruger LC9, but I hate the headache of dealing with ANY customer service and returns - ESPECIALLY regarding firearms.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions. This purchase would be for an everyday carry.
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Like you, I had a ton of questions about the LC9 and after tons of research, I found good and bad reviews, which I can only assume it is like as with any gun, vehicle, motorcycle, etc.. You'll always people who like or dislike everything and nothing gets perfect reviews.. So I bought mine yesterday. I had to have it. :o)
[QUOTE=hogwylde;256680]Like you, I had a ton of questions about the LC9 and after tons of research, I found good and bad reviews, which I can only assume it is like as with any gun, vehicle, motorcycle, etc.. You'll always people who like or dislike everything and nothing gets perfect reviews.. So I bought mine yesterday. I had to have it. :o)
Nice purchase hope you enjoy it ;)
Congrats on the new pistol. I've had mine for 4 months now. I love it. Fits fine in my pocket (using a Desanto Nemisis holster). Shoots as well as it looks.Originally Posted by hogwylde
Like you, I had a ton of questions about the LC9 and after tons of research, I found good and bad reviews, which I can only assume it is like as with any gun, vehicle, motorcycle, etc.. You'll always people who like or dislike everything and nothing gets perfect reviews.. So I bought mine yesterday. I had to have it. :o)
I've had minor issues with the sights. They're adjustable, so it's expected for them to be able to move. I just wasn't expecting either front or rear to move while firing.After adjusting them properly and then tightening them down, not a problem.
So far, it's fired everything I've fed it, from 115gr FMJ to 124gr +P JHP of various brands. Now, +P in a small frame like that kicks a little. :)
Let me ask you this as I am somewhat of a newbie. I used to have a S&W .357 revolver but this is my first semi auto so I consider myself new.
I know the LC9 is a good belly gun and it's primary purpose is for protection and even though the gun shop salesman complimented the gun, he said that I would probably be disappointed if my intentions were to take it to the range due to the short barrel. How do you feel? I'm assuming you've taken it to the range.
Of course, at the end of our conversation I had asked him if he's shot the LC9 and his answer was "no". :o/
I agree, it's hard to know what to buy when you read through all the reviews and get such mixed opinions. I was in the process of looking at an LC9 at a local shop and the guy next to me, while buying a Sig P250, felt the need to tell me not only that I shouldn't buy the LC9 because he just got rid of his and had a ton of issues with it, but also his whole life story. It was slightly amusing.
I'm weary of buying any gun for carry that has a safety, and to the best of my knowledge there isn't an option to buy the LC9 without one. I've heard of people getting killed because they draw their weapon in self-defense only to forget that the safety is on and by the time they figure it out, it's too late.
But like you, I've been strongly considering this gun as my daily carry. You can't go wrong with Glock because you know that it will always shoot. Always. They're as solid as they come. Ergonomically speaking, I've also been looking at a Smith & Wesson M&P Compact. Both are considerably more expensive than the LC9, and a little heavier, but far less bad reviews on each. Most people tend to like the ergonomics of the M&P Compact over the Glock, but as far as reliability I'm not concerned about either of these. I always like to give it a little time for the company of a brand new gun to work out the kinks before purchasing. With so many options to consider, it's a tough call but reliability is at the top of my list. Good luck on your decision, let us know what you end up getting!
Firing it, is ... Nice. Ruger did a good job with ergonomics on it. Sights are night sights that actually work. You'd think that a pistol with such a short sight radius would make it harder. Never found it to be a problem.
The felt recoil is pretty typical for a subcompact. Not nearly as bad as it can be though. I've put over 500 rounds through it and haven't had a problem with it. Not even with some of the light FMJ loads that were giving my XD9 fits.
As for carrying it to the range and practicing with it. Well, let's just say that it isn't my plinking gun. I do put at least 2 boxes of ammo through it during range visits. Between drills and maintaining familiarity with the pistol, that's the minimum I would do. If I'm going to be shooting more than that, I'll switch to another weapon (usually a .22 Buck Mark III or my XD9) for technique or just fun shooting.
You mentioned reservations about the manual safety. From the Glock reference, the external safety is your concern? Well, it's non intrusive and easy to work into dry fire drills for drawing from a holster. The key is to practice clicking it off with the thumb during the draw stroke. It affects the draw just like 1911 pistols, Beretta92 series pistols and others. On the lc9 it placed convenient to the thumb (for right handed shooters) so is a simple swipe of the thumb to turn off. Just takes practice to make it part of your draw.
Over all, I'd recommend it from personal experience. I daily trust my life to it.
Good to hear someone say they would trust it to their daily life. That gives quite a bit of reassurance. I'm not sure if you were referencing my post in that last paragraph but I think in any real life situation where you have to defend yourself, adrenaline is rushing, and you have enough to think about it as is, I'm not sure I want to worry about the safety. You're right though, if you practice enough and make it a part of your draw, it shouldn't be a problem. I was also wondering about it being intrusive, so thanks for clearing that up. I think it would make a great summer carry gun because of its size, but I'm still debating between that and an M&P Compact.
I carry the LC9 daily. I've had it for about six months now and have never had an issues after about 1K rounds of various types. I wouldn't say that it's a pleasure to shoot but it certainly isn't as rough as a snubbie. I actually like the safety. As mentioned I've practiced drawing and incorporated it into my drills. If I perceive a threat I may also just reach into my pocket and click it off before the draw. I have 30 years of firearms experience and I doubt I'll ever have a ND but shat does happen. Having a safety on a sub compact pocket gun isn't a bad thing IMO. If you don't like it just leave it on hot.
It's never a good idea to publicly display the serial number of your firearm.Like you, I had a ton of questions about the LC9 and after tons of research, I found good and bad reviews, which I can only assume it is like as with any gun, vehicle, motorcycle, etc.. You'll always people who like or dislike everything and nothing gets perfect reviews.. So I bought mine yesterday. I had to have it. :o)
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