Go on Rugers web site see if they explain anything

 

Good luck with that,you may or may not get the answer's.Speaking from experience!

 

I did more searching after posting & found a few tidbits of info

I think ruger is keeping both models on their website because the 1st was sold for awhile then "re-introduced" with a name change, but then why the higher price ? whatever since I could only buy the lc380ca I guess it doesn't matter. I will ask at the local range tomorrow

Ruger's LC380 coming back to Cali, 9mm kits to follow
The re-released model is being called the LC380CA to note its California-approved status and includes the safeties required per state law, including the magazine cutoff and loaded chamber indicator in addition to the manual thumb safety and firing pin safety, but it’s otherwise pretty much identical to the LC380 as it was introduced.

Pistol Added to CA DOJ List Today - How??? - Calguns.net
post #19
I sent an e-mail to Ruger, got a phone message today. The LC380CA is the same as the regular LC380. Ruger went back to one of the original parts vendor (pre micro stamping) and that is why it is back on the rooster.

 

Living in the non-free state of California, I bought the LC380ca because Ruger said they would sell a conversion kit to convert the LC380ca to an LC9.
I bought the conversion kit and had a great 9mm, but didn't like the long trigger pull.
It was very different from my other handguns and was affecting my accuracy anticipating the BANG
I installed the Galloway Precision Trigger Kit and it is much, much better.
I don't know what difference exists between the LC380 and the LC380ca.
Since Ruger does not mention differences, it is probably the same firearm with a unique name that makes the fruit and nut politicians in California giggle with delight. ... .

 

does anybody know the difference between the LC380 and the LC380CA ?

Yes clearly the "ca" is California compliant but what actually are the features different between these 2 pistols ?

ruger link -> Ruger® LC380® * Centerfire Pistol Models

I looked at the spec sheets on the ruger website & can't see any difference except the "ca compliant yes" blurb

I did internet search for LC380CA and all the articles just blathered about these models were ca-compliant until CA changed the rules again, but no details

I did internet search for LC380 reviews and those models have the magazine disconnect & loaded chamber indicator, while the LC380CA has the "CA" laser etched whatever on the slide

I'm thinking about buying one of these gems and wondering....

The local gun distributor has about 75 of the LC380CA's in stock but ZERO of the LC380

Thanks

Thank you for answering that question. Where is it you say your local shop has 75 of them, I'll order from their website? LP380CA! I want one!

 

His post was from 2016 so imagine a few changes since then.

 

ANYONE? no one?
Ruger CS does not know, but echoes the "CA stands for California". Wow. 💩💩

I read that CA requires a thousand$$ fee for qualification, plus at least 8 guns to evaluate, so I guess ruger has to justify the commie costs...?
I'm guessing.