Ruger's LC9

[737tdi]

I would like to post this topic as an open minded conversation. The other thread is now way to long and full of BS. Was it what "You" wanted? Probably not, but Ruger is in the business of making money. That money maybe subsidizing some of the guns we really like.

I think this might be a very successful niche. 9mm subcompact, just a little over a pound, very concealable. My current is a CZ sub and weighs 3X and is overall larger. If it's reliable and controllable give it a chance. It's not for hunting, pliinking. It's for, protect my butt in a really bad situation. Come on guys, It's like we say at my company "we trust them because they made a profit every year." Maybe your .44 flattop will fit in your pants but it don't fit in mine....And neither will my slabside. JMO.

Semper Fi:

Karl

 

[oregon73]

I like the looks of the LC9. I think Ruger will sell boatloads of them. I'll probably be one of the people who brings one home. I guess to some it is not their cup of tea and that's fine. I hope this thread doesn't go downhill like the other one. :roll:

Rob

 

[Hobie]

The shop stool sitters were disappointed that Ruger didn't announce something with a "wow" factor. The Ruger fanatics were non-plussed by another copy of a KelTec product. The LCP sells despite the price difference from the KelTec. No, I won't be buying one (didn't buy the KelTec OR LCP either). However, as Jeff Quinn says I bet 100,000 will be sold this year.

 

[Lateck]

There seams to be a bigger market for the sub-compact guns and Ruger is "going for it". That's fine with me.
I personally think it is still a little bit big when you look at the spec's of say SIG's new P-290. BUT, let's see which comes to market first. :D

I will seriously be looking at it.
I have an LCP & SR9c, so it might fit in nicely...

Lateck,

 

[contender]

I fully agree.
While I personally see no real need for me to buy this new offering,, except to use as a show piece for my WOT clinics. Does that mean I'll pass judgement on it without handling or shooting one. No. Miss Penny is recoil sensitive due to her Lupus. The first time she fired her LCP,, she was a bit surprised at the felt recoil. She still doesn't shoot more than 20-40 rounds per outing in it,, but she does like the size for carrying sometimes.
She asked me what I thought about it,, and I told her that more than likely,, it'll have a bit more felt recoil than her LCP,, BUT to wait until I get to shoot one to see. We do like to show the ladies in the WOT clinics as many different offerings as we can. Will we get one for that,, it remains to be seen. Would we carry it,, maybe,, sometimes,, but I usually prefer a DA revolver to bet my life on. That,, or my 1911 that I've got a lot of trigger time on. Could it be a nightstand gun? Yes,, just like many others. So,, as noted,, Ruger is in the business to make money,, and yes,, it will not be what everyone wants,, but it'll be something a lot of people will want. Sales equals a strong company.

 

[bub]

I'd like to actually see or hold one before passing judgment. It looks like it has a longer butt than a subcompact Glock (which is my standard of comparison since I have and carry one) but is thinner. Depending on how it carries, and if they make a stainless one, I think I'll buy one for a lower profile off duty gun. Not what I expected but should prove to be a good seller for Ruger, who is, after all, in the business to make money.

Bub

 

[Mike J]

I do believe it will be a good seller. Especially once it is approved for sale in California. Personally I already have a subcompact 9mm of another brand that is shorter in length & height. While my gun is .10 thicker according to the specifications it has a 10 round magazine & does not have the politically correct features Ruger included on the pistol so they could sell in California & Mass. So while I do think they will sell a lot of them this is not a must have for me. I also think they over hyped it & annoyed a lot of people with the more information tomorrow & then the next day saying the announcement would be the next day. I am sure from a marketing standpoint what they did worked because it got everyone talking about it but I found it tiresome.

 

[Pal Val]

The eternal question: Do you want a gun to carry or to shoot?

Ruger has just jumped again into the "gun to carry" side of the question. There is no middle ground, and it's smart marketing to have both ends covered. No big deal. As to me, I'll stick to my SP101. Take me out of the postol game.

 

[skeeter]

I like it. I probably won't get one though. I have an LCP and an LCR. I says on Rugers website that it has adjustable sights. That's a nice advantage over the LCP and LCR. Both of those have minimal sights.

 

[hdonlybob]

I really don't know the actual nitch in the market for this new Ruger, but agree pretty much with the above.
I is not my style, but It probably will do well.
As for the "Wow" factor....that is long gone.
Ruger is in business to make money. Period. Look at the missing "S" in the logo and that says it all.
HD :D

 

[Armybrat]

I have the LCP & SR9...and a Kahr PM9.

Would still like to have the new LC9...and a Kahr PM45.....and an SR45 if they ever make one.

 

[J Miller]

It seems to me that some years back before Bill Ruger died Ruger fans were bugging the company for small CCW type weapons. At that time big boss Bill Ruger said something to the effect of "no way, you peons don't need concealed carry guns". Or something like that.
Now that he's gone the company has done a 180 and is producing what was wanted all along. That is a good thing.

My biggest gripes are personal choice, not quality or design.
I simply don't like plastic 9mms.

But if they sell ...... good on Ruger.

If they sell maybe they'll make a run of mid sized Flattops in .45 Colt. That would make me sit up and take notice.

Joe

 

[Hammerdown77]

I've been trying to come up with a good pistol to carry with me when out riding my racing bike in the country (like Tour de France, not Moto GP). You'd think being out in the country on lonely roads, one wouldn't need a pistol, but with the unrestrained Pit Bulls and the 400 lb Bubbas with baseball bats who are upset about you being on "their" road (yes, this happened, and I was lucky to get out of that without a scratch), I'd rather be armed.

Anything all steel is out. It needs to go in my jersey pocket and not require a full holster rig. Even something like a bellyband wouldn't be good because I ride when it's feaking hot and I couldn't tolerate a thick piece of elastic material around my midsection while toiling up some mountain. It has to be something more effective than a .380 (no offense to .380 lovers).

A small, lightweight plastic 9mm fits the bill. A Kahr PM9 might have been an option, but those things are awfully expensive for what they are. I had been looking at Kel-Tec, but this Ruger just might be perfect. I'll reserve judgement until I can get one in the hand.

Let's not knock something just because it doesn't fit your "all steel, wood, big caliber" model. Everything has a purpose, and I think this new offering from Ruger is a perfect evolution from the LCP.

 

[Doc Mark]

Greetings,

Personally, I kind of like the look of the new Ruger mini-9. Don't have one like that, so I'm "interested", and look forward to seeing it, and hopefully, shooting it. I wish Ruger lots of success with it. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I like it.

If I didn't already have a Walther PPS I might consider getting one.

-- Sam

 

[marlin1881]

I have an LCP already, and it fits the niche of the CCP quite nicely. And, with an Uncle Mike's size 1 pocket holster, it fits in the hip pocket just right. And, it's not too much to sit on when driving.

From the measurement difference, I'm not sure I could get the LC9 to fit in a hip pocket, in a holster with a tab. This keeps the gun positioned correctly, and covers the action to minimize lint getting inside.

The LCP setup I have gives me no excuse to not carry concealed. From the measurements on the LC9, I'm not sure it would be as handy as the LCP.

Then again, if I didn't have an LCP, I'd consider the LC9, and would get setup appropriately for CCP. I'll take a look at one when they get to my dealer. No rush here.

 

[btrumanj]

Gonna wait and see but personally I like the idea of a small 9MM and I like the looks of the the LC9.
FWIW, I was one of those people who wasn't high on the plastic(polymer) frame guns until I handled, then bought my P 97. It's been my main carry gun going on 6 yrs now. May not be as pretty as the classic blue steel and walnut grip guns but it works and works darned well as a self defense and concealed carry gun. If you aint tried it, don't knock it just because it has a polymer frame. If you want all steel or pretty, buy something else.
BT

 

[mike7mm08]

I don't think i will buy one. But I said that about the SR9 LCp and LCR. All It took was getting my hands on one of them and I was hooked. The same may happen with the LC9 if I handle one. My biggest concern with the LC9 is what the trigger is going to feel like. If it is the long heavy pull like the LCP I definitely won't buy one. The trigger of the LCP makes it difficult to shoot accurately. The LCP is a very close range point and shoot type of gun for me. If I am carrying a 9mm I want to be able to engage targets accurately at distances greater than across the table. If I cannot do that I have no need for something bigger than the LCP.

 

[The Highlander]

I was in the market for a Rohrbaugh, but price, and the lack of a dealer network have kept me from buying one. The SIG 290 caught my attention, but it isn't in the market yet, and will likely be priced $200 above the Ruger. And, I own Ruger stock, so, the LC9 will probably find me buying at least one copy, maybe more if the wifey takes mine.

 

[Capn27]

It's not bad looking, but other than the use of plastic to make it a little lighter than a steel gun, I see no reason to spend a bunch of money to replace the 25 year old technology of my Detonics Pocket 9.

Gotta trim those fingernails today or paint 'em. :oops:

 

[GDSimms]

Right now people are buying Concealed Carry weapons and all the companies are cashing in on it, including Ruger. Ruger has been producing new guns at a fast pace and I don't think this will be the last one! Probably be at least one or even two more before this year has ended!

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I want to handle it before I make a decision. I do think Ruger will sell a pile of them. I think Jeff is being cautious to predict only 100,000 will sell this year. Bottom line, it will depend on how many they can make and keep up with everything else.

 

[Doc Mark]

Hey, Capt27,

Neat little 9 you have there, Sir! I almost bought one of those, back in the day, but it was really heavy for it's size, and I was more into the .45 version, which was unobtainable when I was looking. Neat gun, though, and thanks for sharing it with us. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[Hugh]

Said it before; the LC9 looks like a nice little pistol. I'm looking forward to handling one when they come to town. Based on Ruger's suggested retail price of a little over $400; that probably means my local pusher will have them for less than $400 out the door. We'll see how it fits in my hand.

 

[deac45]

Even though I wasn't thrilled with the announcement, the idea of a small 9MM does appeal to me. I would like one that could stand up to a lot of shooting...I believe in traing with what you carry. I'll wait to get my hands on one to pass judgement. If it's thin and flat enough I just may give it serious consideration.
I hope Ruger sells a boatload of them. The more healthy financially the company is the better able they'll be to knock a few more of our collective wish lists.

deac45

 

[KWYJIBO]

I find this LC9 very interesting. When we were all making our guesses on what the much-hyped new "must have" gun would be, I never would have guessed this.

But I like it. It's a nice-looking little tool. I always thought they were onto something with the LCP, but I don't want one because of one major problem: it's a 380. I don't shoot that cartridge, therefore I don't reload it, therefore I'd have to buy factory ammo. .380 ammo is expensive and limited in selection around here. But 9mm is another ball game... although I don't load it myself, I have a source for cheap reloads. (I'd probably keep factory loads for defense, but shoot reloads for practice.) Factory ammo is much more available and a bit cheaper.

I think they had just the right idea with this. A big surge in new .380 models from other manufacturers seemed to follow Ruger's introduction of the LCP. I think we can't say for certain that the LCP sparked this surge of new models, but the S&W Bodyguard almost certainly came in response to it, as the Bodyguard revovler did in response to the LCR. Other manufacturers' compact autos may have come in direct response to the LCP or maybe to some more general trends and market factors. Either way, I will not be surprised if several other companies now follow with their own subcompact 9mm autos. (I know Kel-Tec already has one, and Glock makes one that's just a bit bigger.) I foresee a Sig 238 in 9mm, maybe a Smith Bodyguard 9, and others.

I may never own one of these, but who knows? I just might. I like the idea of a 7+1 9mm that weighs about a pound and fits in my shirt pocket, requires no maintenance, and has a MSRP of 450 bucks.

 

[Coop]

Another plastic/polymer sub-compact 9 MM. "Barf!!"

Ruger, get real. You have no clue. IMO, your earnings are going to decline. Your image in the financial world has/will fade. You rode the "Obama" surge to its end. After that, you are "toast".

You might survive if you stick to basics.

Coop

 

[DGW1949]

Carrying a gun is serious business. I do not cosider a sidearm to be a fashion ass'y, and carry-comfort aint high-up on my reasons for choosing the gun that I'll defend me & mine with.
If I'm going to fight for my life using a 36 cal handgun, I'll take a .38Spl or 357, thank you very much.
I don't have a bit of use for plastic sidearms.
Light weight don't mean squat to me. Matter of fact, I prefer some heft in a defensive pistol.....helps with the control, 'specialy when it's used to launch a serious cartridge.
I can hide a USGI 1911 very well. Been doing it for years.

Far as I'm concerned, that perty-much ends the "must have" LC9 discussion. But I do hope Ruger sells all they can build.

That open minded enough?

DGW

 

[737tdi]

DGW1949 from Cut n Shoot Texas: Maybe you should learn to shoot . If the weight of a gun alters your shooting then maybe you don't shoot so good. You tell me how you are concealing a 1911, I'm calling your bluff. There is no way in heck you can conceal a 1911 in Texas, period. You put Cutnshoot cuz you don't have a clue where you live? Come on?

Karl

 

[revhigh]

DGW1949 from Cut n Shoot Texas: Maybe you should learn to shoot . If the weight of a gun alters your shooting then maybe you don't shoot so good. You tell me how you are concealing a 1911, I'm calling your bluff. There is no way in heck you can conceal a 1911 in Texas, period. You put Cutnshoot cuz you don't have a clue where you live? Come on?

Karl

Geez .... that's a surprising post. I pretty much agree with everything DGW said .... it's hard to believe that someone couldn't agree with those points. Certainly a heavier, larger gun yields better control up to a reasonable point, especially when shooting a larger caliber. I doubt we'll see any 454 Casull LCP's any time soon. Certainly a larger gun is easier to hold .... think 1911 vs LCP. Certainly a larger gun yields a longer sight radius and most likely better sights, thereby resulting in increased accuracy. Can't conceal a 1911 .... give me a break ... I did it for years. Small of the back inside some jeans with an untucked t-shirt .... done .... nobody has any idea you're carrying. Not the most comfortable, agreed, for extended periods, but certainly do-able.

If your post was tongue-in-cheek, I apologize !! :D :D

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