Sidearms & Scatterguns Ruger LC9

[Rookie]

Thought I would post a review of my new Ruger LC9. As a firearms instructor at the local PD, I was asked to qualify one of my guys on his new backup gun so we headed to the range.

First, I as a rule dont like tiny guns because typically, they feel like cheap crap, triggers suck, and sights are almost nonexistant. As a result, they shoot like crap. However I noticed right off that the sights on the LC9 are larger than on most pocket guns. The trigger feels like a long double action only trigger, requiring almost a complete finger off reset. However, I got used to it quickly.

The thing I couldn't believe was how accurate this little pocket pistol was! The officer easily qualed with it and so I got to put some rounds downrange with it and was totally impressed. The thing shoots where you point it.

I had to have one. So I got mine and while I dont think my trigger is as nice as his, its acceptable. Accuracy however is just as good and I'm thrilled wih mine. The other thing that suprised me is that I put about 100 rounds through the gun quickly but it just doesn't seem to get hot to the touch. Cant explain that one, maybe someone else can.

Compared to the Keltec competiton, it seems to recoil less but the trigger is not as nice. Overall, I love it. Qualed with it no problem and it now goes in my vest as a backup while on duty, and often gets stuck in a pocket when off duty. Wish it came with an additional mag, and I wish that there were more holsters made for it.

 

[Silver_Bullet_00]

Re: Ruger LC9

Here was my review of it when I first got it http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...505#Post2849505

I found the trigger smooth, but way to long. I ended up trading it for a kahr PM9 which has a much better trigger in my opinion.

Thanks for the review.

 

[Blue Line]

Re: Ruger LC9

I read all the reviews when they came out and talked our Det. Sgt. into buying one and got to shoot his last month. LOVED it! The trigger is long but the accuracy was outstanding and the sights were great. I'm going to buy one after I get a new SUV, it's going in my vest as well.

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Ruger LC9

I've been considering one as well.

 

[Grumulkin]

Re: Ruger LC9

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rookie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The thing I couldn't believe was how accurate this little pocket pistol was! The officer easily qualed with it and so I got to put some rounds downrange with it and was totally impressed. The thing shoots where you point it.</div></div>

Could you elaborate a bit on the accuracy? Range, group size, etc.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Ruger LC9

If you're in the market for a little pocket 9, make sure to check out and try a Kahr PM9 before you buy.

We had an informal "pocket 9" shootout at my club that included:

LC9, PF9, MK9, CW9, PM9, Solo 9, Sig 290, DB9 and a couple others I can't remember. The PM9 was the favored pistol by far.

 

[Blue Line]

Re: Ruger LC9

@ 12 feet slow fire 3 rounds through the same hole.
@ 20 feet slow fire 3 rounds about a 2" group.
@ 50 feet (had one round left) T shot in the head perfect.
I then had to pass the pistol to his son who wanted to shoot it (damn kids!).

The 2" group, honestly I should have done better I wish I had more time to shoot it.

 

[Roadwild17]

Re: Ruger LC9

I just picked up one yesterday, so far I believe it will fit the role of a slim line small 9. The trigger pull is long, fairly smooth , but long. I dry-fired it about 250 times so far, I'm looking forward to getting a holster and start carrying it. I'll try to get a few rounds through it Friday afternoon, and a function test within a week.

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Ruger LC9

I keep thinking I want one of these little things.

 

[Blue Line]

Re: Ruger LC9

NW, it's about $340 (ish) F it buy one! lol

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Ruger LC9

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blue Line</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NW, it's about $340 (ish) F it buy one! lol </div></div>

It has to wait a few months. I wouldn't mind an LCP as well.

 

[Grumulkin]

Re: Ruger LC9

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're in the market for a little pocket 9, make sure to check out and try a Kahr PM9 before you buy.</div></div>

It so happens my daughter recently bought a Kahr PM9, she is here and brought it with her so I'll get to try it!

 

[turbo54]

Re: Ruger LC9

The Kahrs have two "quirks"...

1. When you insert a mag to load it, have the slide locked back, and put a round into battery using the slide catch - not by pulling the slide back a little and releasing it (the slingshot). This is in the manual. If I slingshot mine, it'll jam 50% of the time, and it's a jam that requires the mag to come out, to reposition the top cartridge against the feedlips...

2. When you load the magazine, make sure that top round is fully rearward in the mag, and fully tilted up against the feedlips.

Every Kahr I've shot has these same quirks.

 

[Rookie]

Re: Ruger LC9

If anyone finds a good belt holster for this gun let me know. No IWB please.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Ruger LC9

http://www.rgleather.freehomepage.com/index.html

This is my local gun leather guy. He doesn't have a ton of blueguns, but he very well might have an LC9. He is very reasonable and does a beautiful job. He has made me a pocket holster for my PM9 as well as a high-ride OWB that really makes the pistol "go away". Very comfortable to carry and after 2-3 minutes, you totally forget it's there.

 

[Grumulkin]

Re: Ruger LC9

Well, I tried the Kahr PM9 and I don't think it's for me. My natural grip caused the magazine to release causing a failure to feed. I'm perfectly willing to accept all responsibility for this malfunctin but I'd rather have a gun that didn't do that without me thinking too hard about it.

 

[Silver_Bullet_00]

Re: Ruger LC9

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're in the market for a little pocket 9, make sure to check out and try a Kahr PM9 before you buy.

We had an informal "pocket 9" shootout at my club that included:

LC9, PF9, MK9, CW9, PM9, Solo 9, Sig 290, DB9 and a couple others I can't remember. The PM9 was the favored pistol by far. </div></div>

I have shot everyone you mentioned except the MK9 plus a few more slightly bigger than pocket. I also find the khar's pm9 & cm9 to have a better trigger. The pm9 is built tight which helps possible accuracy, but is also why there is a recommended 200 round break in. The pm9 gives you tight groups, but lets be realistic guys, who cares about an inch or 2 better groups in a close range point and shoot defensive pocket pistol.

I recommend the PM9 just because of the fact that I personally get better, faster, and more accurate follow up shots due to the smooth and less longer trigger compared to the lc9. Your fast follow ups is what is important on pocket pistols, not tight slow fire groups, but the khar won that category for me to. I am waiting to find someone I know that has bought a Nano so I can try it.

 

[Silver_Bullet_00]

Re: Ruger LC9

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Kahrs have two "quirks"...

1. When you insert a mag to load it, have the slide locked back, and put a round into battery using the slide catch - not by pulling the slide back a little and releasing it (the slingshot). This is in the manual. If I slingshot mine, it'll jam 50% of the time, and it's a jam that requires the mag to come out, to reposition the top cartridge against the feedlips...

2. When you load the magazine, make sure that top round is fully rearward in the mag, and fully tilted up against the feedlips.

Every Kahr I've shot has these same quirks. </div></div>

If you carry chambered its a non issue. Slide will lock back on last shot. Release mag, insert new mag, press slide release. No need to sling shot.

Also tap mag once against thigh to make sure round is to rear, if you just throw the mag in your pocket. Usually not needed if you carry your mags in a mag holster. If you throw them in your pocket the top round will work its way loose

If you carry non chambered it will take longer to chamber since sling shoting will possibly cause a jam. Pull slide back easy, then press slide release. No jam that way.

I've never had a jam, just follow the instructions.