Issue 03 Preview – Ruger’s LC9-LM – Defensive Laser Pistol Jerry Tsai Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Contrary to what you may think, carrying a gun for protection isn’t just restricted to “gun nuts.” Plenty of people who aren’t dedicated enthusiasts trust their safety to firearms they carry with them on a daily basis. If you, your spouse,or even your elderly parents could use additional protection, it’s a good idea to seek out a reliable defensive pistol that’s easy to handle and carry. There are several factors to consider when looking for a defensive carry pistol.Small overall size is of the up most importance because it makes carrying and concealing the firearm easier. Stopping power is another point to consider; control ability and ease of use also top the list of what to look for. RECOIL recently took a look at the options available; the 9x19mm-chambered Ruger LC9 series of pistols grabbed our attention. The Prescott, Arizona-based manufacturer recently added two separate, factory installed, trigger-guard-mounted, lasersighting options to the LC9. A laser can be helpful for easier and faster targeting during stressful self-defense situations.The Crimson Trace Laserguard comes on the LC9-CT model and is operated with the use of a button located on the front of the grip by squeezing the middle finger of the firing hand. The LC9-LM comes with a LaserMax CenterFire and features a button on either side of the laser unit in front of the trigger guard that can be pushed by the support hand. Our evaluation unit was this one. Ruger www.ruger.com For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 3 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.