Sturm, Ruger & Co announced a new LCP variant that uses a Viridian red laser supplemental aiming device. The announcement comes on the heels of an announcement by Viridian that the company introduced a new series of laser products for OEM partnerships.

The new Ruger appears to be the first firearm manufacturer to take advantage of the new Viridian lasers. The E-Series lasers are designed by Viridian to offer “a high-quality AND value-priced laser sight designed to flawlessly integrate with firearm manufacturer’s highest-volume pistols.” The LCP certainly seems to be a good seller for the company, especially with street prices on the base model going below $200 in recent months.

The E-Series laser matches the lines of the LCP very well and looks like a natural part of the gun. Even with the laser attached, the unloaded weight of the gun is still very light: 10.4 ounces. As with the standard LCP, this model is chambered in .380 ACP and takes six rounds in the magazine. This model has a MSRP of $349.

Recent LCP pistols have improved sights as compared to the original guns that rolled off the line. However, they are still fairly small and tough to pick up in low light and when under stress. This gun may be the perfect use case for having a laser on your gun.

Of course, the whole thing begs the question: does this move have anything to do with the recent Smith & Wesson purchase of Crimson Trace?

Ruger already offers a LCP with a Crimson Trace laser that is very similar to this gun. The activation is different, but the mounting and function are very similar. In the past, Ruger did make an LCP with a green Viridian laser as a TALO exclusive.

If I had to guess – which is what I am doing now – I’d say Viridian is looking to take advantage of some uncertainty in the market by offering a low cost alternative to Crimson Trace. This will allow companies like Ruger to continue to offer OEM laser models, but without writing a check to their competitor in Springfield, MA.