Three years ago when The Shooter’s Log reviewed the then-newly released LC9 Ruger 9mm semiautomatic pistol, many readers, along with our reviewer, agreed that the pistol was quite possibly too safe—especially for a concealed carry weapon.
Developed through Ruger’s Voice of the Customer program, the original thin and easily concealable, hammer-fired, double-action only LC9 incorporates multiple safeties—a manual, frame-mounted thumb safety and a magazine disconnect safety that prevents the gun from firing unless a magazine is completely seated in the pistol. These safety features along with the loaded chamber indicator makes the Ruger LC9 legal in states that are more restrictive.
Ruger describes the LC9’s safeties: “Safety features include integrated trigger safety, manual safety, magazine disconnect, inert magazine for safe disassembly and a visual inspection port that allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber.” Commentary on the review of the Ruger LC9’s safety features includes:
- “Won’t buy it unless they redesign it…”
- “The magazine safety seems foolish for a carry gun.”
- “I would not buy one if it were not for this shortcoming…”
Besides the complaints about the safeties, many found the trigger pull way too long—preventing customers from purchasing the first Ruger LC9.
To overcome these grievances, Ruger released the Ruger LC9s in July 2014. This striker-fired version lightened up the trigger pull significantly from a near 7-pound pull to less than 5 pounds! However, all the safeties remained.
To Ruger fan’s delight, Ruger finally released the newest model LC9s—the LC9s Pro—in December 2014 eliminating the external safeties on the 9mm subcompact pistol.
Ruger’s press release states:
“The LC9s Pro contains many of the same advanced features, but is offered without the thumb-operated external manual safety and magazine disconnect. The all-new Pro version is designed to meet law enforcement specifications as a back-up gun for high-stress situations when there may not be time to deactivate an external manual safety. The absence of a magazine disconnect safety also is a benefit for tactical reloads that allow the user to engage a target with one round remaining in the chamber and the magazine out of the gun for reloading.”
Just in case you are unsure of the changes to the gun, The Firearm Blog reports the “Gun will fire with magazine removed” is stamped on the slide of the new LC9s Pro.
The dimensions of the LC9s Pro model have not changed. Like the Ruger LC9, the Pro has a 3.12-inch barrel, 0.9-inch width and is 6 inches long. It holds eight rounds and retains the same blued, hardened alloy steel slide, glass-filled nylon grips and adjustable 3-dot sight system as the LC9 and LC9s models. Ruger’s new LC9s Pro fits all current LC9s holsters and accessories, as well as accepts 9-round extended magazines.
The Ruger LC9s Pro currently retails for $339.90.
| Ruger LC9s Pro | |
|---|---|
| Action | Double-action |
| Barrel Length | 3.12 inches |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Overall Height | 4.50 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.00 inches |
| Overall Width | 0.90 inches |
| Weight Unloaded | 17.20 ounces |
| Sights | Adjustable 3-dot |
| Grip | Black, high-performance glass-filled nylon |
| Capacity | 7+1 |
| Frame | Polymer |
What do you think about the new Ruger LC9s Pro model? Will you buy it? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section.
For more on the LC-series of handguns, read the following articles:
- The Ruger LCR — The Most Advanced Revolver in the World
- My Favorite LC—The LC9
- Ruger LC9 Pistol
- Crimson Trace Laser for Ruger LC9
[price] [suzanne]
I already commented on this earlier, but will throw in one more. I didn’t need to take a class for my cc permit in VA, due to my military background. But I WANTED to take one anyway. There was one lady who the instructor had a business relationship with outside of the training class. He was her financial advisor. This lady pointed her gun all around during the hands on training, causing many of us to yell at her, duck, walk away, etc. She did not hit her target the required number of times that the instructor required either. She still received her cc permit ! Later, at a gun shop, she was purchasing a gun, and when the salesman handed her the gun she immediately put her finger ON the trigger and pointed it at a shelf where a man was standing behind in plain sight. I know this first hand because I was in the class with her. She is my neighbor. And my other neighbor took her to the gun shop and told me about that incident. This actually caused me to not be friends anymore with her. She scares the living hell out of me ! An accident waiting to happen. She smartly tells me that the gun wasn’t loaded, what’s the big deal ? But the gun WAS loaded during the training, and her gun jammed send she was turning around pointing it everywhere she was looking at. That instructor should be fired in my opinion. (I reported the incident to the gun club where we took the training and top the local sheriff where we went to get our actual permit.) Nothing ever happened though. This kind of thing puts guns into the hands of people who should NOT have them. I wouldn’t knock on my neighbors door at night if my life depended on it ! Because my life would depend on it. I would probably be shot. Thankfully, she was trading in a gun with no external safety on one that had an external safety. And got a revolver which my other neighbor showed her to leave one empty under the trigger. Scary what can happen.
Well at least a few people are interested in this kind of info. I replied earlier, and I carry both with and without a safety. But, being I have carried for 35 years I much prefer a pistol with a safety, or at least a fairly long and semi heavy trigger. I am not a fan of the so called Safe Action Glock as it is more like a slightly longer and heavier SA trigger, which is not safe enough for me. I compare the reasoning to Hunting, which I have been doing for over 45 years. I would never hunt without a safety, and I would never hunt with anyone that did not use their safety. Yes you can pull up and forget to remove the safety, but then you could pull up an bump the trigger on a firearm with to light and short a trigger. All of my pistols that do not have a safety have a simple home made trigger plug that I install mainly for holstering. I got the plug idea years ago as they were being made for use with Glock’s. Either way be careful with one in the pipe at all times, and consider every firearm as having one in the pipe.
I’ve owned the Ruger LC9s Pro for a couple of months now, having put about 200 rounds through it, no problems at all. It is quickly becoming the favorite of my firearms. Though small, it feels good in the hand. The lack of safety isn’t an issue one way or another for me. Proper handling and the correct holster should make this as safe a firearm to carry and use as any other firearm. The accuracy of the LC9s Pro is great – on target every time. Recoil is a bit snappy – to my thinking, the only reason to consider a Glock 43 over the LC9s Pro is recoil. All other factors – capacity, size – make the Ruger, at about $100 less – the better value. Happy with mine, your experience may very. Shoot safely!
Over the years a short and light pull trigger has become common. Way too common. Most shooters will not train enough to really know their trigger and too short and light a pull is bad news. Then putting the thing in a holster has to be a slow and careful process. Might as well learn to use a pistol with a safety, and all it takes is training and practice. The original LC9 with a safety and long hard pull is almost overkill. Dare I say this one you could carry with the safety off. Now, many a gun writer has suggested carrying with the safety off, but the gun they are talking about has a light and short trigger. Not smart, and someday a few gun writers will get sued and they might wake up. Thanks Dave
I know that a lot of so called smart people will say that the best safety is between your ears but I personally would never carry a striker fired single action gun. Safeties are not for dummies they are for smart people who realize that we are all capable of making a mistake or being distracted at the wrong time or trip over something, etc. These type of guns are for Law enforcement and/or bedside but I would not carry something like LC9s Pro and Glocks unless I was in a combat situation were seconds count. I do not think that personal protection qualifies as a combat situation.
Hi William, and thank you for your comments. I don’t think the average person means to say that the brain is the best safety, but it is the ultimate safety. For even when the safety is snapped off on a firearm, the pull of the trigger is definitely a reasoned response (from the brain), and therefore it is the final safety. As to the choice of safety or no-safety, I believe it is up to the individual’s skill level and preference. One might even argue that if someone couldn’t be trusted with a gun without a safety, perhaps they shouldn’t be trusted with a gun, period. True, mistakes are made. I’ve found a couple of stories online where a (or “an” allegedly) trained law enforcement officer negligently fired their Glock, one a stress response, the other, simply putting their gun back in its holster at (gasp) a safety demonstration. Everyone can make a mistake, even with a firearm with a safety. I’ve read passionate comments on both sides of the coin. My LC9s Pro is, in my opinion, a very safe gun to carry for one who trains properly and has the correct mindset.. It will not discharge unless the trigger is pulled. And as I wrote earlier, part of the good-sense approach to carry, is to have a holster that covers the trigger. We live in a world where it really isn’t too hard for the average Joe to acquire a CC permit. While I’m cautious about regulations pertaining to law abiding citizens having and carrying firearms, it is fairly reasonable to require those same citizens to take firearms safety courses. In any event, safety or no safety, should an individual choose to carry, it should be with full knowledge that he has the ability to take a life – deliberately or negligently. I do take exception to your remark that manual safeties are for smart people – I consider myself moderately intelligent, and take every precaution with my firearms. You cannot breath life back into dead person. But I consider my non-safety Glocks and Rugers to be in good – and intelligent – hands. For the record I also have a M&P Shield with safety, and for those devoted to non-safety firearms, I can only say that were I need to quickly draw and fire that same gun, it clicks off with a motion of the thumb that can be done while drawing from the holster, with no loss of speed or accuracy. A safety is not an inconvenience – or a guarantee. Nor is a lack of safety make a gun more dangerous. Ultimately I’m only saying that it is an individual’s choice, and will remain so unless our big-brother government mandates safeties on all firearms. Again, thank you for your post, I respect your view and your position that we should all be careful. On that we are in 100% agreement. And I believe it falls on all of us to share without reservation, all our knowledge about safety with firearms, and to allow no exceptions for poor handling. When I’m working with new shooters I tell them up front, the first time I see an unsafe action on their part the shooting is over for the day – things like only pointing in a safe direction, and only putting the finger in the trigger guard when they are ready to fire the shell. And of course, there is NO such thing as an unloaded gun.
As an LEO for the past 30 years, I am glad to see the magazine disconnect gone, glad to see the manual safety gone, but I wish they kept the hammer. Though it would toughen up trigger pull, I like a carry gun with a few extra pounds on the trigger. But that hammer is a comfort knowing it’s down and not going to go off. We carried striker fired, Glocks and M&P 45… I’m used to them, but it does give me the creeps when holstering in something like a pancake holster. A hammer, no worries.
So they are close, but no LC9 for me unless the hammer comes back, no safety and no magazine disconnect. They almost got it right. At least they appear to be listening.
Striker fired guns without a safety are an accident waiting to happen, when any child old enough to walk or crawl can fire the weapon!!! period!!
I know we are suppose to be safe when handling weapons, but we make mistakes and lay a firearm down on a table or whatever is handy. I love he way glocks handle and shoot but i wil never own one, because of this non feature, (safety) Just my humble opinion!!
Thank you Ruger for listening to your customers. I hope you continue to offer all three models of the lc9,different strokes for different folks. I prefer the pro model but as I state, folks ARE different.
I commented earlier, but here is a little more. I own a number of SA or SA-DA hammer and striker fired pistols, and of course a number of pistols that have have safeties. I much prefer a safety as it is just to easy to have the trigger moved by something other then a finger.
I will pick on Glock which has a very short and light free travel, followed by a short and light release. They are an accident waiting to happen, period. Would I carry a pistol like this yes. But, years ago I saw a little plug that goes in behind the trigger and you cannot fire it, period. I make my own and use them all the time. I have ones attached to my pocket holsters with a string and when you draw they pop out all by themselves. I cannot have an accidental discharge with the plug inserted. But, when you re-holster it you slip the plug in. Sorry, light short triggers need a safety. And, yes cops shoot themselves in the foot often, and how about the lady teacher that had a permit, but her gun discharged while she was using the schools restroom. Now I am not saying these were Glocks, but they must have been Glock style triggers.
If you want to take these chances have at it, but please stay away from me and mine. My Grand-babies, so far all girls, will all learn to shoot, mainly with a safety, but also with a simple little plug behind the trigger. I believe these were invented for, you guessed it a Glock. Now I believe striker fired pistols have been around about 100 years, but the old ones always had a safety. Revolvers, make mine 357, have a big old cylinder sticking out in front of the trigger that moves the holster out of the way, and they have a pretty safe heavier and longer trigger pull.
It won’t be long and enough of the gun companies will get sued by people shooting themselves or worse an innocent bystander because of a to light and to short trigger that you will have a hard time finding one. I own a number of these newer pistols plus one revolver, and the first thing I do is check the trigger. If it is too light and short I make sure it has a plug before I even shoot it. It strikes me a funny that most people seem to own one pistol, yet have never tired something along the line of a Colt 1911, or a Browning High Power, just a name a few, or even a Kimber Solo, which is a wonderful pistol for pocket carry, but with any of these you would have to put up with the darn safety. Don’t carry a Solo off safety, please. Stay Safe or Stay Away.
I bought the Ruger LC9s because Of the safe. I own a Glock that makes me very uncomfortable because it doesn’t. I now carry the Ruger
Glocks have 3 safeties built in. I carry a G23 or a Kahr CM9 every day. If you keep your finger off the trigger, the gun will not fire. Firearm safety is more about the user of the weapon and less about the gun itself.
okay you state 3 safeties.. lets see, trigger safety. ummmmmm that is it.
the striker firing pin block is to prevent discharge when dropped.
biggest problem is anything from fingers, holster, clothing sticks etc that hits the trigger safety fires the weapon.
as one person here stated, no firearms with out an external safety are banned from sales. he lived in California. imagine more and more states ban firearms with out external safeties.. specially since so many are making cheaper firearms with out hammers and no external safeties which still cost near as much.
it is interesting the more hammer less striker fired trigger safety firearms made, the more accidental discharges.
Handling fire arms for 45 years, owning them over 40 years, I agree with a previous poster that a safety is a requirement. When Ruger offered the then new LC9s, I immediately ordered one and the fact that there are multiple safeties is the main reason, as well as shortening the length of the trigger pull, makes it my first carry gun of choice. While I have been lucky to receive safe handling training early and often, I have never had an unintentional discharge. That said, I have been lucky to not have received a unintentional discharge from all the ‘gun owners’ I have encountered. For all the LEO’s who practice more than most people know, the Pro is exactly the tool they require. So leave well enough alone, if Ruger offers all three models for purchase, everyone can get what they need.
West, very nicely said. I agree with you, even though I have a Ruger LC9 and I LOVE it, other people may need or prefer a pro model. I personally would never carry a semi-automatic pistol without a mechanical external safety. I’m just old school and have been raised with those type of safeties. I’m comfortable with the external safety so I’ll stick with it. Off topic, but I also wouldn’t consider a revolver without an external hammer. It all depends on what we are used to and comfortable with. The main thing is to practice safety no matter what gun you prefer.
I have hunted for 50 years and would never hunt without a safety. Nor, would I hunt with anyone that does not use their safety. I have shot all types of handguns, and when it comes to any pistol I would take a safety before any other. Train and it will be instinct to click the safety off. Yes under stress you may forget and you could end up dead. But, to many mistakes can happen with a light trigger and no safety that i guess I will take my chances and protect you all from any type of mistake I might make. I have carried daily for over 40 years with no mistakes, but one never knows. God Bless that little 2 year old as he now has a long road to hoe.
I would purchase this pistol only with these new changes. A magazine disconnect safety is a death sentence. A thumb safety is a matter of personal choice. Very pleased Ruger did not go the way of Smith and Wesson and decide my acceptable levels of safety for me. When I purchase a sub-compact pistol, Ruger will be my first choice. I own a .45 Colt BlackHawk and have owned a SP-101 in .357 magnum. I trust a tank tough, over built firearm.
Sincerely,
Dan Maddox
I like the thumb safety . If you train with it there should not be a problem . The mom that was shot by her child shows how it might save an innocent life . I plan on buying an LC9s and having the mag safety removed or disabled.
Besides the child accidentally shooting his mother, just a few days ago an off duty P.O. shot himself trying to stuff one of these small “quick draw/quick shoot/quick call 911” pistols. The handgun training course at the Los Alamitos P.D. first stressed what kind of gun you should have if you have small children. The best type is the Colt 1911. We have tested that with children up to 9 years old and they still can’t pull back the slide. Plus the other safeties on it help also. Our next best is a Llama .380 which is an exact scaled down copy of the 1911. Wish I had another in the .22 lr caliber.
In other words, if you do not have a strong enough grip to handle the safest type of firearm or want super speed for Hollywood type “almost” full auto firing, don’t have children or hire a body guard
What the … ?
For Alamitos Legend:
Some years ago the Los Alamitos P.D. sponsored a handgun training course for WOMEN only. However, due to my NRA membership, President of our “local” gun club and a competitor in various target matches the Sgt. and official NRA instructor asked me to sit in and a few weeks later when the women actually got to fire handguns I was asked to stand by as an assistant Safety Offiver.
The only problem the “little LAPD” had was describing the components of a cartridge with just a rifle round. Very hard for the people in the back row to see. I just happened to have a drill 40mm Anti-Aircraft round gathering dust so I donated it to them so the back rows could see primer, cartridge case and projectile with better “clarity”.
I live in CA, which requires an external safety among other things. I bought the original LC9. I had immediate problems with the magazine disconnect feature (locked up the gun even when the magazines – I bought an extra mag – were fully inserted)) but it seemed to smooth itself out after a while. Still, the long trigger-pull was disconcerting. The LC9S was not available in CA, so I bought a S&W M&P Shield 9 and sold the Ruger.
The S&W is almost the same size as the Ruger and it shot every time from the beginning; the trigger was a delight compared to the original LC9. I have handled an LC9S in another state and probably would have bought one if it was sold in CA. The “S” version has a MUCH better trigger than the original LC9.
I have a Ruger LCP .380 and I like it precisely because it has no external safety. I would like a lighter trigger (it’s about 12lbs), but in an emergency situation when you’re excited and on edge, it’s probably better to have a heavier trigger. If like the LC9 just fine. It should perfect to me.
this firearm is DESIGNED to be carried in a sleeve or a holster that covers the trigger guard, for safety, much like my XDM. I would prefer if it was striker fired, the DAO my wife hates.
I will never own a striker fired with only a trigger safety!
you need more then just one safety on striker fed firearms.
there was just a accidental shooting by a 3 year old, kid was playing in the moms purse at the store, ending in the mother getting shot dead.
i have known many officers getting shot while holstering their firearm ( glocks) if your going to have a trigger safety, then you should have a grip safety also at minimum.
Myself, i prefer to carry cocked and locked. or hammer down, when i sense troubles i cock it then. never had an accidental discharge unlike many friends i have with striker fired firearms. specially when the little catch for the firing pin is chipped or the firing pin ring is chipped. which has happened to many striker fired handguns that has accidentally discharged on the firing range, luckily it mostly caused multiple firing.
again, i will never own a striker fired firearm. also i hate plastic too 🙂
I agree to a degree, but I would urge you to not carry with the hammer down on a live round. There are many reasons for this, but it’s mostly a safety issue. Fingers slip under stress and exposed hammers are prone to being knocked around. (Just stick with cocked and locked; it’s a time proven and recommended method)
I agree with Jim Welsh, I would not purchase a gun
that does not have a manual external safety. If an individual prefers not to have a manual safety, just don’t use the one that is provided on the LC9.
I prefer to have an external safety – I looked at S&W M+P 9 and decided against it for that reason. I just don’t feel comfortable without that extra level of safety.
As a retired 25 year LEO I was a firearms instructor for our department and a motor officer for most of my career. Most of that time we either had a wheel gun (revolver) or a semi auto (sig P220 45acp) for duty weapons.
Neither the Wheel guns whether backups or duty style and the semi autos had external safeties on them In all that time not one of the officers with 13 agencies around us in our area had a accidental discharge because of no external safeties.
To fire off a round you have to have your finger on the trigger and that is one of the most important things we stressed during training and fire arms quals.
Like all things practiced you resort to memory or muscle memory when you are stressed and if taught and have that teaching of no finger on the trigger until your ready to shoot in the memory you resort to that when under a stress or situation where you are pulling a weapon from a holster or under a garment.
Not feeling safe having a weapon with a loaded chamber and no external safeties is just not having enough practice carrying and shoot from the position your having the weapon. GET TO THE RANGE or where you shoot and di regularly and shoot from that concealed method or external holster you carry . Said it out loud every time you pull your weapon “No Finger On The Trigger” until your on your target and are prepared to shoot it.
Even if your target is a human keep your finger out of the trigger guard until it is the moment your going to fire a round off.
Remember this, Once you do pull that trigger your life is forever changed. !
I see your point, but, as in the earlier comment, what about the kids playing in the mom’s puss at the supermarket ? Yea, I know that’s the mom’s fault right ? S&^t happens. I LOVE my LC9. But it all boils down to what an individual likes. My preference is to have that extra level of safety, just in case I turn my head for ONE second and a kid pulls the trigger in my weapon.
I think an external safety is still a very good idea. I would not feel comfortable carrying a loaded pistol with one in the pipe, either open or concealed, without a safety. Just my 2 cents worth.
Never owned a ruger hand gun. Their semi autos look. Cheaply made.
Oh George no, no, no. Ruger semi autos are outstanding guns. I have 3 of them in the arsenal and love them. they are a bit heave but accurate, comfortable and never miss a beat. Give them a try.
American Owned, American Made
I was looking at the Sr 9 . Almost purchased it. But then heard to many bad reviews. .
bought one for my wife, hope she never has to save her life with it , genuine politicians gun, called cs at ruger all I will say is rude, will sell this gun asap, she does not carry it hot, I carry a 1911, nuff said.
I bought the LC9s after rejecting the trigger pull off the LC9. Not happy with the manual safety and mag disconnect. Now I’m stuck with it as the new MSRP on the Pro is less than the one on the LC9s. Next time I will wait it out. I tape my safety off as its for quick use and all my other pistols, Glock and Sig have no manual safeties. It would be nice if 2 mags came with it.
I like your products and the variety offered. You have many options of safeties for many personal preferences. I myself will gravitate toward the new LC9S PRO as I have a dislike for the magazine disconnect on the other model. Your design engineer has the market on sleek and formfitting. Hats off to you all at Ruger. Now, where do I find the new LC9S PRO in the Salem Oregon area?
These issues are worthy of consideration for someone who is a pro. My recent purchase of an LC( w/ Viridian Laser however is THE suitable choice. The 7 lb trigger pull and the easily switched safety allow one to feel more comfortable with finger in loop. The magazine safety makes little sense to me, but I will teach my wife how these all work and how to quickly be on aim ready to fire.
I would in no way feel comfortable with the LC( pro in her purse.
The comments of the Ruger LC9 being to safe seems odd to me since the Bersa Crimson Flash has the same safeties an I never read any comments about it. I Have the Bersa and love it. As I understand from your website the Bersa sells like hotcakes.
Glock may have waited too long to come out with its single stack 9mm. This Ruger will beat a single stack 9mm Glock price wise…. and do every thing a shooter needs in a small concealable 9mm self defense handgun.
other than owning a Ruger GP100, I don’t own another Ruger. Is teLC9 Pro a striker DA such as the Walther P99QA?
I’m tired of waiting for Glock to come out with a small single stack 9mm. I might have found my next handgun.
From their 10/22 carbine to their Red Label shotguns I have never owned a Ruger I didnt Love.
Amen Joe I have 11 Rugers and have never found anything i like better. My LC9 is my everyday carry with safey and “heavy” trigger and it is a dream.
I like Rugers, they’re reasonably priced and reliable.
I own a few, never had a problem. My first gun was their 10/22
I still have it years, and years later.
Just like all Rugers a great little gun. American owned, American made.