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For my first post I decided to do a thread on my experiences with the Ruger LC9 after seeing a review here that gave the Ruger a “C+” (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...php?t=409866); my purpose isn’t to disagree but rather to offer another perspective.
A useful evaluation of a gun must take into account what one wants it for. For example, I’ve seen threads where people bash the Hi-Point brand as an utter junk, yet for someone who can’t afford more it has been a great buy (and possibly their only option). While I personally wouldn’t buy one, I understand why someone else would.
A gun can be many things to its owner. Power, ability to conceal, dependability, beauty, mechanical brilliance, carry weight, accuracy, penile compensation (just kidding) . . . IOW, I don’t think one can grade a decent gun without including what one is judging its use for, and few would disagree that Ruger makes at least “decent” pistols.
The LC9 has a spot, maybe not for everyone’s needs, but it “works” for the spot it occupies. It is affordable, it is concealable (here I dispute the earlier review that it is “too big for pocket carry”), and it offers the power of a 9mm hollow point.
Let me describe my situation to explain why the LC9 works for me.
I am a “reluctant” gun owner in that I do so only because of the rise in home invasions and gang violence. Although I live in a relatively safe area, I decided to prepare for the worst (but, of course, hope for the best). My first preparation was buying a Mossberg 930 SPX semi-auto shotgun. From what I read, I understood it might take time to get to the shotgun, so a more readily available weapon is a good idea.
My thinking on a handgun was something concealable, affordable, and dependable. The LC9 seemed right and I bought it. As of now, I’ve put about 400 rounds through it (mostly Fiocci 124 grain JHP), with no glitches whatsoever. I concede, it is not easy to be accurate with it past 20 feet, but that is fine with me since I want it only for someone on top of me before I can get to a shotgun.
We live on 20 acres, so I carry it easily in my back pocket when a stranger comes over, say to buy something from Craig’s List or to sell me on Comcast (we like Dish). They can’t see the Ruger in my pocket. I also take it to my car when I travel, it hides nicely in its little locked case next to my seat.
Now I have decided a thorough home defense system will require at least three handguns placed at strategic locations, and therefore I am deciding what next to buy. I love CZ, Beretta, Kimber . . . but my lust for them is just that, lust. On a practical level, and on a restricted income, the LC9 seems the best choice. I can share magazines, and perfect my shooting technique by using only one gun.
I will add, the LC9’s trigger loosens up after awhile to become buttery smooth; it can also be dry-fired without worry so one can both get the trigger smooth and practice getting used to the way works (BTW, I wrote Ruger to make sure one can dry fire it; they assured me there is no problem since quote “the firing pin in Ruger LC9-Series pistols is of the inertia type and dry firing should cause no damage to the firearm”). Last point, I don't understand any complaint about the safety features, even if one lives outside CA. I absolutely LOVE the loaded chamber indicator because I can instantly make sure (see or feel) that I've got one in the chamber (it is invisible while shooting), while the normal safety clicks on only with some effort, but off very easily. I included some pictures to show how concealable it is.
Front pocket, without any pocket holster:
With a bit of twist in my torso, you can see a bulge from the LC9:
Back pocket, using a Blackhawk size 4 pocket holster (http://www.opticsplanet.net/blackhaw...er-40pp.html):
Back pocket, shirt down:
With a “stealth holster” (a neat product, but too expensive IMO http://www.stealthholster.com/node/11). It is “neat” because you can use it with either hand, in the back (my preference), or for cross draw, and it holds mags:
The Stealth Holster exposed:
A useful evaluation of a gun must take into account what one wants it for. For example, I’ve seen threads where people bash the Hi-Point brand as an utter junk, yet for someone who can’t afford more it has been a great buy (and possibly their only option). While I personally wouldn’t buy one, I understand why someone else would.
A gun can be many things to its owner. Power, ability to conceal, dependability, beauty, mechanical brilliance, carry weight, accuracy, penile compensation (just kidding) . . . IOW, I don’t think one can grade a decent gun without including what one is judging its use for, and few would disagree that Ruger makes at least “decent” pistols.
The LC9 has a spot, maybe not for everyone’s needs, but it “works” for the spot it occupies. It is affordable, it is concealable (here I dispute the earlier review that it is “too big for pocket carry”), and it offers the power of a 9mm hollow point.
Let me describe my situation to explain why the LC9 works for me.
I am a “reluctant” gun owner in that I do so only because of the rise in home invasions and gang violence. Although I live in a relatively safe area, I decided to prepare for the worst (but, of course, hope for the best). My first preparation was buying a Mossberg 930 SPX semi-auto shotgun. From what I read, I understood it might take time to get to the shotgun, so a more readily available weapon is a good idea.
My thinking on a handgun was something concealable, affordable, and dependable. The LC9 seemed right and I bought it. As of now, I’ve put about 400 rounds through it (mostly Fiocci 124 grain JHP), with no glitches whatsoever. I concede, it is not easy to be accurate with it past 20 feet, but that is fine with me since I want it only for someone on top of me before I can get to a shotgun.
We live on 20 acres, so I carry it easily in my back pocket when a stranger comes over, say to buy something from Craig’s List or to sell me on Comcast (we like Dish). They can’t see the Ruger in my pocket. I also take it to my car when I travel, it hides nicely in its little locked case next to my seat.
Now I have decided a thorough home defense system will require at least three handguns placed at strategic locations, and therefore I am deciding what next to buy. I love CZ, Beretta, Kimber . . . but my lust for them is just that, lust. On a practical level, and on a restricted income, the LC9 seems the best choice. I can share magazines, and perfect my shooting technique by using only one gun.
I will add, the LC9’s trigger loosens up after awhile to become buttery smooth; it can also be dry-fired without worry so one can both get the trigger smooth and practice getting used to the way works (BTW, I wrote Ruger to make sure one can dry fire it; they assured me there is no problem since quote “the firing pin in Ruger LC9-Series pistols is of the inertia type and dry firing should cause no damage to the firearm”). Last point, I don't understand any complaint about the safety features, even if one lives outside CA. I absolutely LOVE the loaded chamber indicator because I can instantly make sure (see or feel) that I've got one in the chamber (it is invisible while shooting), while the normal safety clicks on only with some effort, but off very easily. I included some pictures to show how concealable it is.
Front pocket, without any pocket holster:
With a bit of twist in my torso, you can see a bulge from the LC9:
Back pocket, using a Blackhawk size 4 pocket holster (http://www.opticsplanet.net/blackhaw...er-40pp.html):
Back pocket, shirt down:
With a “stealth holster” (a neat product, but too expensive IMO http://www.stealthholster.com/node/11). It is “neat” because you can use it with either hand, in the back (my preference), or for cross draw, and it holds mags:
The Stealth Holster exposed:
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