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Introduced at the 2008 SHOT Show, the Ruger LCP is marketed as a subcompact pocket pistol chambered in .380 ACP. The success of small .380 pocket pistol models like the Kel-Tec P3AT, coupled with the rising popularity of concealed carry, led Ruger to push the LCP into production as quickly as possible.
The LCP name is an acronym for Lightweight Compact Pistol and was designed mainly for law enforcement officers who wanted a secondary gun, and for members of the public who wanted a small pistol for self-defense and CCW that was easy to conceal.
The LCP ended up being one of Ruger’s most popular handgun models for the last 10 years. The only complaints that are commonly heard about regarding the LCP involves the following:
The LCP specifications are as follows:
It weighs in at 9.4 ounces and is just over 5 inches in length. The barrel length is approximately 2.75 inches and the width is just under an inch while the height is 3.6 inches. The popularity of this model is attributed to its small size and weight, overall reliability, and low price point.
Built as a double action only handgun, the LCP is only available in the .380 ACP cartridge. The gun comes standard with a 6-round magazine, but a larger 7 round version is also available. The LCP features a basic set of fixed sights with a slant and post design that are built into the slide and cannot be upgraded or changed. Given the size and effective range of this type of pistol, Ruger felt that more complicated sights would be unnecessary.
An interesting fact, in 2010, this Ruger pistol gained media attention when Texas Governor Rick Perry used the handgun to shoot a coyote that was bothering his dog. This led Ruger to release a special “coyote” edition of the LCP in limited quantities with special engraving that includes a reference to Texans, a Lone star engraving, and an image of a coyote engraved into the top of the slide.
Ruger has offered the LCP in as many as 20 different variations, including:
Over the years, Ruger also introduced a number of LCP variants, which were just built on the standard LCP frame, but featured different colored triggers, skeletonized triggers, or different colored slides.
While the original LCP model is still in production, Ruger introduced an upgraded and updated version of the LCP in 2016, calling it the LCP II model. This model addresses a few the more common complaints with the original LCP series, including:
Here are some of the more common questions that we see regarding holsters for the Ruger LCP .380ACP:
Our two most popular holsters made for pocket carry are these:
Yes and no. For a one-size-all type of holster, the LCP2 model will most likely fit the same one-size-fits-all model for a standard LCP. But, for a holster that is molded to fit, your LCP 2 will not fit in a fitted holster made for the LCP. The dimensions on the LCP II are different than those on the original LCP model. If you're shopping for holsters for Ruger LCP II, then follow this link: Ruger LCP II holsters.
It sounds like you are asking about a first generation LCP that comes with a Viridian E-series red laser. We do carry some holster options for that. Any of the holsters listed below made by MTR Custom, are available in a version to fit an LCP with a Viridian E-Series red laser.
The LCP pistol is/was only manufactured in a .380ACP caliber. Any of the holster models listed below are made in a version to fit an LCP chambered in .380.
Unfortunately, we don't currently carry any kydex holsters. We specialize in holsters made from premium leather and form fitted to a specific handgun.
All the leather holsters that we carry are form fitted to the firearm so they have a passive retention system that is built on friction. Some of the holsters displayed below are also equipped with a thumb break, and some of the MTR Custom holsters can be ordered with an optional thumb break added to the holster.
There are several different laser brands and models that are available in versions made specifically to fit the LCP from Ruger so we would need to know the specific laser model in order to be able to answer that question. The most and common laser models for the LCP are as follows:
Viridian E-Series Red laser – As mentioned previously, any MTR Custom holster listed below can be done to fit that specific LCP/laser set-up.
Crimson Trace LG-431 red laser – Another very popular laser for the LCP and LCP II handguns, any of the MTR Custom holsters listed below can be configured to fit the LCP with a CT LG-431 laser attached.
ArmaLaser TR2 or TR2G – The ArmaLaser TR2 is a red version made for the LCP and the TR2G is the green version. MTR Custom can support holsters for an LCP with either TR model mounted.
Laserlyte UTA-LCP – This Laserlyte model is another popular laser option for the LCP, and any of the MTR Custom holsters listed below can be configured to fit that pistol/laser combo.
LaserMax CF-LCP – Another laser option for the LCP, and this configuration is also supported by MTR Custom so any of the MTR Custom holsters listed below would work.
We do carry one ankle holster that is available in a version to fit the LCP pistol (without a laser):
With an IWB holster for Ruger LCP, it's important to differentiate between an LCP with or without a laser. If we are talking about an LCP without a laser, then any of the inside the pants holster models listed below would be a possible concealed carry holster option. If you have an LCP model with a laser mounted, then you’ll want to only look at the MTR Custom inside waistband holster models listed below.
The top selling Ruger LCP IWB holster models that were carry are these:
Don Hume H715M W/C Clip-on IWB Holster
MTR Custom Adversary Clip-on IWB with Bodyshield (sweat guard)
Don Hume H715M WCS Clip-on IWB Holster with Bodyshield
MTR Custom Tuckable Adversary Clip-on IWB Holster with Bodyshield
“Best” is a relative term as one person’s “best” LCP holster most likely won’t be the same as another person’s “best”. The answer really depends on several different factors, including how you want to carry the pistol, body type, climate, activity level, etc.
For concealment purposes, the most popular holster styles are IWB (inside the waistband), pocket holsters, and ankle holsters. For range use and general carrying, then the OWB (outside the waistband models) tend to be something to consider.
A number of our staff like carrying an LCP in a front pocket holster, but that’s just one set of opinions and experiences.
Unfortunately, that is not correct. While both models are chambered in .380, they are built on different frames and are different sizes. The LC380 is built on the same frame as the larger Ruger LC9 and LC9S so it’s larger than then smaller LCP.
Any of the gun holster models shown below are available as a Ruger LCP holster option, and all those models are available in a right hand draw or left hand draw, and are built to work with a 1.5 inch belt.