Ruger LC9s Pro 9mm Pistol


First, let's get the obligatory specifications, according to Ruger, out of the way.

Model Number: 3248 | Caliber: 9mm Luger

Slide Material:

Through-Hardened Alloy Steel

Slide Finish:

Blued

Barrel Material:

Alloy Steel

Barrel Finish:

Blued

Barrel Length:

3.1"

Length:

6"

Width:

0.9"

Height:

4.5"

Weight:

17.2 oz.

Sights:

Drift Adjustable 3-Dot

Capacity:

7+1

Grip Frame:

Black, High Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon

Twist:

1:10" RH

Grooves:

6

MA Approved & Certified:

No

CA Approved:

No

Safety Option:

Pro Model: Integrated Trigger Safety Only

Suggested Retail:

$449.00

Features:

  • The LC9s® Pro model has no external manual safety or magazine disconnect.

  • Striker-fired version of the award-winning LC9® has a short, light, crisp trigger pull for faster, more accurate shooting.
  • Uses all existing LC9® accessories including lasers, holsters and extended 9-round magazines.
  • Slim, lightweight and compact for personal protection, just slightly larger (less than 1" taller and 1" longer) than the popular and incredibly compact LCP®.
  • Rugged construction with blued, through-hardened alloy steel slide and black, one-piece high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame.
  • Checkered grip frame provides a secure and comfortable grip.
  • Includes finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine for comfort and grip.
  • Dovetailed, high-visibility 3-dot sight system with windage adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight.
  • Blued, alloy steel barrel.
  • Safety features include integrated trigger safety and a visual inspection port that allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber.
  • Also Includes: one 7-round magazine; soft case.


To get right to the point, Ruger finally got it right with the LC9s Pro model. It isn't much more than a pound, it is easily concealable, feeding is reliable, ejection is reassuringly strong, and the trigger is superb. It finally gets rid of the clutter of external safeties and the irritating magazine disconnect that have plagued Ruger pistols for too long.

The LC9 is four years old by now, having been introduced at the 2011 SHOT Show. The double-action only trigger pull feels like you are pulling on that (original) trigger for a mile. The striker-fired version was released late last year.

On this LC9s Pro, the trigger breaks at a consistent 5 lbs. 2 ounces pull after pull. It is extremely easy to shoot and the felt recoil with 115 grain Federal hollow point ammo is surprisingly mild, especially considering that the smallish grip is hard plastic. A pistol like this couldn't be simpler to use: you just keep your bloody finger out of the trigger guard until you deploy it. Retailing at $449, current street pricing is about $350.

There is really nothing to gripe about with the LC9s Pro itself, although I really think that Ruger should supply a second magazine with it, and the 9 round magazine is ridiculously overpriced at $44.95 + $8 for Priority Mail from Ruger. You read this right, it is $52.95 to get a 9 round magazine direct from Ruger: too bad there is no easy self-defense against this stunt.

I really like this pistol just as supplied. Some will no doubt want a bit larger grip, the aftermarket sight choices are endless, but that is all a matter of personal preference. My particular preference is for the Big Dot Tritium Express Set from XS Sight Systems. As for grips, I prefer the rubber Talon grips.

In the ammo area, the Hornady 9mm Luger 115 gr FTX® Critical Defense® loads have been quite good, rated at 1140 fps from a 4 inch test barrel. Those looking for a very soft-shooting load might want to consider the Hornady 9mm Luger 100 gr FTX® Critical Defense® Lite which is a similar velocity (1125 fps) with the lighter 100 grain bullet. You might also want to consider the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition 9mm Luger +P 124 Grain, and the Barnes 115 grain rounds. Although we readily accept that all rifles individuals, handguns are as well, so it does take bit of experimentation to find the elusive penultimate load for any firearm.

In any case, Ruger has hit a home run with the LC9s Pro. It is the ideal intimate, close-range self defense piece for just about everyone.


 

 

Copyright 2015 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.

  

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