Ruger LC380
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Pistol · In Production · 2013
Also known as: LC380, LC-380, Lightweight Compact 380
Overview
The Ruger LC380 is a compact, hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, introduced in 2013 as a softer-shooting alternative to the 9mm LC9. Built on the same glass-filled nylon polymer frame and alloy steel slide as the larger LC9, the LC380 combines the heavier slide mass and larger grip of its 9mm sibling with the reduced pressures of .380 ACP ammunition, resulting in an exceptionally mild-recoiling pocket pistol. Weighing 17.2 ounces unloaded (488 grams) and measuring 6.0 inches in overall length with a 3.12-inch barrel, the LC380 occupies a unique niche as a .380 ACP pistol built on a 9mm-sized frame, giving it noticeably less felt recoil than smaller .380 pocket pistols like the Ruger LCP. The double-action-only hammer-fired trigger produces a deliberate 6-7 pound pull designed for safe pocket carry. The flush-fit magazine holds 7 rounds of .380 ACP. Drift-adjustable three-dot sights, a loaded chamber indicator, manual thumb safety, firing pin safety, and magazine disconnect provide a comprehensive safety feature set.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 488 g (17.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 582 g (20.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 152.4 mm (6.00") |
| Barrel Length | 79.2 mm (3.12") |
| Height | 114.3 mm (4.50") |
| Width | 22.9 mm (0.90") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Pull | 30 N (6.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 275 m/s (902 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 220 J (162 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Glass Filled Nylon |
| Slide Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9x17mm, 9mm Browning Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Drift Adjustable Three Dot Sights, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Front Rear Slide Serrations, Snag Free Profile, Finger Grip Extension Floorplate, Checkered Grip, Inspection Port, Key Lock Internal Safety
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Backup)
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2013
Production
Production years: 2013-present
Steady production since 2013. Popular with recoil-sensitive shooters and new handgun owners.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The LC380 was specifically designed for recoil-sensitive shooters who found the snappy 9mm LC9 difficult to manage but wanted a larger, more shootable platform than the tiny Ruger LCP. By chambering the LC9-sized frame in .380 ACP, Ruger created a pistol that is remarkably comfortable to shoot for extended practice sessions. The trigger pull measures approximately 6 pounds 10 ounces (30 N) in a long, deliberate double-action-only pull -- not a match trigger, but intentionally safe for a pocket carry pistol without a striker-fired passive trigger safety. The LC380's locked-breech short-recoil action is somewhat unusual for a .380 ACP pistol, as most .380s use simpler blowback designs; this contributes to the mild recoil. The aircraft-grade aluminum receiver sits within the polymer grip frame. The LC380 features the same slim 0.90-inch width as the LC9, making it suitable for pocket, IWB, or ankle holster carry. An extended 7-round magazine with finger grip extension is available for improved purchase.
Background
The Ruger LC380 occupies a deliberately counter-intuitive niche in the handgun market: a .380 ACP pistol built on a 9mm frame. While competitors raced to make their .380 pistols as small and light as possible, Ruger went the opposite direction, using the extra mass and grip size of the LC9 platform to create a .380 that shoots like a much larger pistol. The result is a concealed carry gun that almost anyone can shoot comfortably, making it particularly popular with new shooters, those with hand strength limitations, and anyone who prioritizes consistent practice with their carry gun. The LC380's locked-breech action further reduces felt recoil compared to blowback .380 pistols, making it one of the most pleasant-shooting subcompact pistols on the market.