Ruger LCP

The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) is a subcompact, .380 ACP pocket pistol announced by Sturm, Ruger at the 2008 SHOT Show. The pistol lacks certain features required for sale in California or Massachusetts.

Overview
Weighing just 9.4 oz (266.5 g) this is Ruger's first entry into the field of tiny, ultra-light defensive pistols. LCP stands for "Lightweight Compact Pistol" and was designed in direct response to customer requests for a compact firearm for use by police as a back-up, and as a defensive handgun for civilian concealed carry needs.

The pistol has a glass-filled nylon frame, a two-finger grip, and a through-hardened blued steel slide. It is similar in appearance to the Kel-Tec P-3AT which weighs 8.3 oz. and uses a similar tension spring for the lightweight hammer, identical locked breech mechanism, and similar takedown method. The main differences are the Glock style extractor and the incorporation of an external slide stop. It is possible to tell if there is a round chambered by looking at the "view hole" next to the extractor. MSRP for the Ruger LCP was $330, raised to $347, and is currently $379 (US).

In 2013, a seven-round extended magazine was released for the LCP.

Recall
On October 29, 2008, Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. announced a recall of some of the LCP pistols due to the possibility of some of the guns discharging if dropped onto a hard surface. The recall announcement stated that Ruger would upgrade the hammer system, make other unspecified improvements, and compensate the owner by providing a grip extension, which may be attached to the provided magazine.

Coyote Special edition
In April 2010, Texas Governor Rick Perry brought further spotlight to the weapon when he used it to shoot a coyote that was menacing him and his daughter's Labrador retriever during a morning jog near Austin. Perry stated that the coyote put him and his dog "in imminent danger" during a stare-down, and that he drew his weapon and fired a single hollow point round when it was clear that the coyote was not backing down. Perry is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, and Texas law allows the use of deadly force against any predator that places the gun owner or his or her property in imminent danger. Neither Perry nor his dog were injured, and the governor left the dead coyote where it fell, stating that "he became mulch". Sturm Ruger has since released a "Coyote Special" edition of the gun to commemorate Perry's encounter.

Canadian Version
Ruger is tentatively scheduled to begin production of a special 4.2" (106 mm) barrelled version of the LCP for the Canadian market in 2011. The long barrel is to comply with Canadian law which normally prohibits firearms with barrels 105 mm and shorter. This follows Ruger's 4.2" barrelled offering of their popular GP100 revolver, also manufactured specifically for the Canadian market. The 4.2" LCP, like the GP100, is slated to be a regular production item and available both in the United States and Canada.