Ruger LC9

[TMan]

When did they come out with the LC9? I missed it until I saw it on the shelf.



Comparing it to the LCP:

Attribute	LCP	LC9
Weight	9.4oz	17.1oz
Barrel Length	2.75"	3.12"
Width	.82"	.90"
Height	3.6"	4.5"
Length	5.16"	6"
Sights	Fixed	Adjustable
Capacity	6	7
Twist	1:16" RH	1:10" RH
MA/CA Approved	NO	YES

This is a DAO pistol with no second trigger pull capability. In other words, if it doesn't go bang, you have to pull the slide back a short ways to recock it. I don't know why they do this.

Instead of giving you two magazines and one having a finger extension they give you one magazine and two different base plates. It comes with the finger extension. It does have a safety, which the Kel-Tec PF9 does not have. Speaking of the PF9:

From an external dimension they are about the same. I've got to run so I won't do a PF9 LC9 comparison using the Kel-Tec specs, but I'll say the LC9 has a 8lb 13oz pull and the PF9 is 5lb 5oz pull.

I imagine the LC9 would be just as uncomfortable to shoot as the PF9, but I haven't taken the recoil spring into consideration.

The PF9 also has a rail that the LC9 doesn't have.

[MLB]

I don't think the second strike capability is relevant in a defensive handgun. If it goes click when it should go bang, "Tap-Rack-Bang" is a much better plan than hoping for a second chance on a defective cartridge.

I think the LC9 has been around for a year or so. The LCP is .380 isn't it? Perhaps a better comparison would be Kel-tec's PF9.

I like the chart by the way. I hadn't paid any attention to the option, as I usually use the "quick reply".

[TMan]

Correct, the LCP is 380 or 9mm Kurz it is 9x17mm vs 9x19mm for the 9mm Luger.

Notice that the rate of twist is different. The longer bullet in the LC9 requires a higher rate of twist.

[TMan]

OK, so here is the comparison with the Kel-Tec PF9:

www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/pf-9/



Comparing it to the PF9:

Attribute	PF9	LC9
Weight	12.7oz	17.1oz
Barrel Length	3.1"	3.12"
Width	.88"	.90"
Height	4.3"	4.5"
Length	5.85"	6"
Sights	Adjustable	Adjustable
Capacity	7	7

Why would the Ruger be ~5oz heavier? I'm wondering if they have the magazine in it.

[5ontarget]

I imagine the LC9 would be just as uncomfortable to shoot as the PF9, but I haven't taken the recoil spring into consideration.

I remember way back when, KT also made a .40 on the same frame as their earlier 9mm the P-11. You could swap slides on the same frame, if I remember correctly. It was discontinued several years ago. Rumor has it that the recoil was brutal and they were getting numerous complaints of FTE/FTF along with it. I think it was right at 15oz unloaded

[TMan]

Additional information comparing the Ruger LC9 to Kel-Tec PF9.

According to my scales, the Ruger weights 17.125oz and the Kel-Tec is 14.75oz. Both were with the magazines in the guns, but no rounds of ammo.

The Kel-Tec was a SOB to get back together after field stripping it. Having no idea where the manual for the gun is hiding, I got on Youtube and found instruction for reassembling. You have to press down on the chamber with a finger when retracting the slide. If you don't, everything gets jammed up, and trying to free it the whole thing flys apart, and the guide rod takes you 20 minutes to find. That was a great engineering feat. I've never had to do that on any other gun.

Part of the extra weight on the Ruger is the magazine disconnect and firing pin block safety. The Kel-Tec doesn't have either of these safety devices.

The Ruger also has an internal lock and you need the key (or a small punch/screwdriver to field stip the pistol. All you need for the Kel-Tec is a round of ammo or a spent casing. Not having a 9mm Luger round handy, I took a 380 round out if the Hellcat and used it. I was very careful.

I had a dream last night that I was at my Aunt's house and I had an accidental discharge. It was so real that I nearly wet the bed. I guess that is what they mean by a "wet dream".

(You know you are old when you dream about guns vs dreaming about girls.)

If I was to carry one of these in a front pants pocket w/o a holster, I'd feel more safe carrying the Ruger than the Kel-Tec. An accidental discharge while the gun was in my pocket could be very bad, but I guess after that I wouldn't have to listen to my wife complaining about me leaving the toilet seat up.