Ruger LCP Safety Debate
One of the most prominent questions surrounding the Ruger LCP, a concealable and lightweight 9mm pistol, is "Does the Ruger LCP have a safety?"
Direct Answer
Unfortunately, the Ruger LCP does not have an external safety. Unlike larger pistols, which often come equipped with decockers, safeties, or other safety mechanisms, the Ruger LCP operates on a more streamlined basis. This simplicity has proven to be a winning concept for the Ruger, as the LCP remains one of the best-selling semi-automic pistol among individuals seeking a concealed carry.
Why No Safety
So, why would the Ruger LCP bypass the inclusion of an external safety? Several factors influence this design choice:
- In keeping with the concealed-carry ethos, Ruger aimed to minimize size while maintaining reliability. This translates to a lighter weight (<10 oz), easier one-handed operation, and concealability.
- Many operators, particularly in tactical training, prefer a safety free design. They contend this approach fosters proper recoil management, instinctive combat shooting, and immediate attention to the target rather than fumbling for an “on/off” switch during a high-pressure engagement
- Internal safety measures inherent to the design minimize human error. These intrinsic guarantees include the following:** *
Internal Safety Features on the Ruger LCP ¶-Striking notch above barrel’s chamber This safety keeps the hammer from resting uncocked when there isn’t a cartridge chambered ¶−Seperator (sear) £blockade when trigger is in fully relaxed position This prevents accidental firing whenever the trigger is pushed towards the rear and momentarily binds the sear while engaged within normal conditions only works only when the gun in off condition >
¶-Detent ball spring retention assembly Combines with other safeties to prevent unintentional detonation - Untrained finger placement or incorrect carry leads to accidental discharge
- Jammed or dirty components during maintenance may allow hammerless operation
**Risks without External Safety**
Despite internal protection, the Ruger LCP’s lack of external safety mechanisms opens risks specific to operators:
**Lessons Learned**
Concurrently discussing the Ruger LCP’s safety and carrying or handling the weapon under this context:
Nancy’s Story: Why Trigger Control Matters
Nancy, with a concealed-carry pistol novice by hand when suddenly exposed to a home robbery experience. She recalls hesiting for a brief time instead of immediately acting against his attacker. At least then, she said with trembling voice, but at precisely that moment when in which she was least experienced, the gun fell against in her hand due. Accidental discharge caused this occurred because she held down one side of the firearm so she could aim, to be more steady it "in time' in line along with the trigger which eventually caused the release due when the trigger has activated before the finger, due time to the springiness for the trigger was left engaged in the event as was not fully taken apart properly from the first when carrying it. When shooting pistol for the first and once again, one gets training in the hands first or in the practice then.
Zach’s Story: On Proper Maintenance
**Zach’s Story: On Proper Maintenance**
Zach got his Ruger LCP for self-defense while home alone. Although enthusiastic with regards firearms instruction class as was he, however when gun was not well. Unbeknownst him with a jam caused malfunction for a few hours with several rounds stuck and some had to be forced apart without the proper removal steps due to the block or plug that was put, had been put for not long.
While examining their maintenance checklist, Zach realizes, among other things:
