Crimson Trace LG-431 Laser for the Ruger .380 LCP

 

by Jeff Quinn

photography by Jeff Quinn

August 15th, 2008

 

 

 

A couple of months ago when I reviewed the Crimson Trace Lasergrip for the little Kel-Tec .32 and .380 autos, I was told by CTC that the Lasergrip for Ruger’s wildly popular LCP was in the works, and I have now received one for review. The Model LG-431 is very similar to the LG-430 that is built for the Kel-Tec. There is just enough difference between the two pistols that the 430 will not fit the LCP, and Crimson Trace is to be commended for not trying to make one model to fit both the Kel-Tec and the Ruger. CTC wanted a precise fit, and by making separate models for the very similar pistols, that is exactly what they got.

The LCP has been selling like beer at a NASCAR race since it was introduced just a few months ago. Like the Kel-Tec, the Ruger LCP is made for personal protection from the dregs of our society. The little LCP is small enough to always be with you, and is a dream to carry in the pocket, where it comfortably rides unnoticed until needed. The little pistol is lightweight, but the .380 cartridge will suffice as protection at close range. The only drawback to the little pistols is that the sights are necessarily small, and they are hard to see in low-light conditions; the very type of conditions in which criminals prefer to ply their trade. These little pistols, more than any other, need a good laser sight, and the LG-431 is the perfect compliment to the LCP handgun. Adding only one-half ounce to the weight, and nothing to the thickness and bulk of the little pistol.

The LG-431 is very easy to install on the LCP, and takes all of about three minutes, if you take your time. It comes with a good set of instructions, and the proper Allen wrenches to install and adjust the Lasergrip. The laser is activated by a small button in the front strap, right under the shooter’s middle finger. Activation is quick and natural. The LG-431 uses one small CR 1/3N battery, and the laser is bright and easy to see, even in bright daylight.

When carrying a pistol, any pistol, but especially a small pocket gun for defense, you need every edge that you can get in a defensive situation. You must be able to place your shots effectively on target. The Crimson Trace LG-431 gives that edge to folks who carry the LCP for defense, and I highly recommend it to those who put their trust in Ruger’s pocket pistol.

You can purchase the LG-431 at your local Crimson trace dealer. For a closer look at the entire line of Crimson Trace products, or for the location of a CTC dealer near you, go to www.crimsontrace.com.

You can order the pocket holster shown here from www.simplyrugged.com.

Jeff Quinn

 

The Crimson Trace equipped LCP carries easily in a Simply Rugged Pocket Holster.

 

 

 

 

Entire unit, including batteries, weighs less than two .380 ACP cartridges.

 

 

Crimson Trace equipped LCP compared to similarly equipped Kel-Tec P-32.

 

 

Ruger LCP compared to Smith & Wesson 342PD .38, both wearing Crimson Trace laser units.

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Click pictures for a larger version.

 

Crimson Trace LG-431 Laser for the Ruger LCP.

 

 

The LG-431 comes with everything needed to install on a Ruger LCP, including Allen wrenches.

 

 

The unit uses one CR-1/3N battery, which is included.

 

 

Assembly of the two halves is quick and simple.

 

 

Adjusting windage and elevation.