LCP vs LC9

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speaksoftly

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So here's what I'm thinking. I own and have carried an LCP for quite some time. It's proven to be a reliable weapon and fits very well in it's specific POU. This being said, I don't shoot it often because .380 is hard to find and is expensive when you do. Now, however, Ruger has come out with the LC9 which is basically the exact same thing but chambered in 9mm and only slightly larger. The LC9 is a gun I would be able to shoot more often, it would be easier and cheaper to feed, and the pistol honestly looks a bit more comfortable to shoot. So here's the questions.

My normal thoughts are to never sell a proven weapon in order to purchase an unproven weapon. However, the LC9 is almost exactly the same as the LCP and I don't foresee any major problems coming out of it.

Question #1: Should I upgrade to the LC9?

Question #2: Are you considering the same?

Question #3: If you answered "yes" to #2 then what are your thoughts/concerns on the issue?

Thanks,
Marcos
 
If you are looking to subsitute the LC9 for the LCP then I would first go look at one and get a feel for it's size, etc. See if it will work for the manner you want to carry it (pocket?).

If it works for the type of carry you want and you want more power and easier to find/cheaper ammo, then sure go for it.

If you are looking for a 9mm to shoot a lot there are other guns better suited for putting a lot of rounds through (forgive me if you already have a full size 9mm...I don't know what other guns you have).

I imagine the LC9 will be a bit "snappy" in recoil and probably isn't designed to shoot 10K rounds over it's lifetime but I haven't researched it.

Just thinking outloud and I hope some of my ramblings help a little. Bottom line I think you need to check one out and see if it will work for pocket carry for you if that's what you want it to do.
 
Thanks for the input. The pistol will only be shot occasionally at the range...just enough so that I'm still proficient with it. I have other range guns that will be far more accurate and comfortable to shoot. I'll be carrying the LC9 the same way I do the LCP which is pocket (cargo shorts only), 6:00 IWB, and occasionally in a jacket or coat pocket. I'm pretty sold on the LC9...just wondering if there's a con that I'm missing.
 
Ruger has a good comparison on their site. I was almost committed to a lcp but I'm going to wait now and check out the lc9. If I like it, I think I'll wait awhile and see what the feedback looks like from actual owners. I'm to sceptical to be the quine pig.
 
I considred the LC9 but after carrying and shooting my Kel Tec PF9....im goin back to my 642

The PF9 was horrendous to put more than a couple mags through...
i could shoot my LCP for at least 100 before my hand really bothered me...and I could shoot my 642 with P ammo and shoot all day
 
I'd vote for a Kahr CW9 for $10 less than the Ruger were it me. It's a proven performer and in my opinion better built with a nicer finish. It gives you 7+1 or with a mag. change 8+1 capacity. Easy to pocket carry and an even smaller version coming soon. One more option to add to the file.
 
I think they look interesting, but, I'll wait to see how they actually perform before jumping in to one. One of my biggest gripes with a lot of pistols is terrible triggers. Glocks, 1911s, XDs, and M&Ps all have solutions available, but, I haven't heard much on how to improve the trigger on a Ruger, except for their .22s.
 
I don't recall off hand the feel of the LCP's trigger but I've found most Ruger triggers over the years to be fairly reasonable, if not a tad light for SD (a matter of preference). I had considered an SR9c for my father as a gift and elected to buy the Kahr for the heavier pull. To me it broke cleanly and was distinct on reset whereas the SR's was light but somehow a bit mushy.

A Kahr is one I recommend pulling the trigger on a few times before plunking down your money as the trigger isn't for everyone. Still nice, pocketable and one I would carry without fear of AD (I'll probably buy another one for myself to carry next).
 
I own a SR9c and a LCP.
I placed a order for the new LC9.....
I'm looking forward to carring it.

Lateck,
 
speaksoftly said:
Question #2: Are you considering the same?

Question #3: If you answered "yes" to #2 then what are your thoughts/concerns on the issue?
Click to expand...
While I could see buying an LC9 for myself, I really don't think I could part with my LCP to do it. The LC9, as similar as it is, is enough bigger to take it out of the pocket gun category in my mind. My LCP in a pocket holster looks like I'm carrying a wallet in my back pocket. You couldn't pull that off with an LC9. However, I have the same concerns/annoyances as you with the LCP. So I have a Walther PPS (only a little bit bigger than an LC9) that I carry 90% of the time, and I'll keep my LCP for those times when I want a true pocket gun.
 
I have a PF9, which is smaller than the LC9. Although it doesn't look much bigger than the LCP on paper, it is a big real world difference. I would handle it before you buy.FWIW, I think the LCP is more unpleasant to shoot than my PF9.
 
Granted I just got my LCP, I love, LOVE it so far. I didn't find it uncomfortable to shoot at all and fired off 150rds inside of 45minutes.

I also carry a 2.25" sp101 when I can. I am looking forward to the LC9 to fill the gap between the two. I think the more options you can have the better. Not to mention the LC9 is listed at my LGS for about $360. I am going to jump on one after how well my LCP has done.

Either way, make sure you let us know what you do!
 
Skylerbone ,,,,, the CW9 is about $125. more OTD then the LCP if that's the Ruger your talking about and for a Kel Tek PF9 or P11 their both a total of $285 OTD in my area’s GS.

Sometimes it’s what you want to spend or can afford too :confused:

Had an LCP and I will never play roc-paper-scissors again :uhoh: It was nice to grab it on the way out the door for a quick trip to the quickies-mart. Was thinking about getting another 1 but then I made the mistake of looking at the Kel Tec mini 9’s for a bit more oomph in my pocket rocket.

Now Ruger, Sig, and Kahr are coming forth with theirs and until I can check them out at a GS next to a G26 :rolleyes: yes I said the Glock word ,,,, to compare their size vs mag capacity vs price, if I can hold out for the new releases to work out their bug-a-boos while I go cold-turkey trying to talk myself into waiting for 1 of those new 9mm’s. If I do decide to go with a new 9mm release and not the G26, P11, or PF9, I’ll get another LCP until I do.

I can pocket a G26 in most of my shorts and some of my pants with the right shirt but I still want to wait to have a look-c at the LC9, P290, and the CM9 compared to the PF9, P11, and G26. Now there’s a smorgasbord of 9’s for ya’ll to gander at vs a .380 LCP :D
 
If your pf pf-9 or lcp, is bothering your hand on recoil, I put a full wrap around rubber grip, "made for the gun", it's adhevsive backed, thin, but cuts the recoil in half. Google it and when I have time i'll look it up, they also make the same one for the lcp. I have both, thy are just enough to take 30% of the bite out. They are cut perfectlly for each gun, and came in clear, grey and blk, 3 months ago when I hot mine.
PS: i took off the clear, and went with the blk. It's traction grips, the website is the same name.
 
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Gym,

I have those grips on my LCP. They do give me a much better grip, but in my view they don't help with recoil.

I like the grips though. They are easy to install, and very durable.

http://www.tractiongrips.com/
 
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My feelings are, supported from what I've read, the LC9 is not a true pocket pistol in the way a LCP is. Its going to be a very easy to carry IWB gun or a very hard to carry pocket pistol. You could do it with the right clothes and determination but most people most of the time are not going to want to. Its not going to be the way people describe putting a LCP or P3AT in the pocket of whatever you are wearing that day and forget you are wearing it. I think it might be a really good BUG for a LEO though and a pretty good ankle carry gun.
 
The LCP and LC9 are 2 different tool for 2 different jobs. The LCP being a pocket/back up gun, the LC9 being a slim primary CCW of substantial caliber. You would be better armed with both. A pocket .380 and slim subcompact 9mm are all the rage these days because they are some of the best, and most convenient, tools for CC.

Also, if you are planing on pocketing the LC9, I think you will soon disappointed after you attempt that endeavor, much like I was trying to pocket the Kahr PM9. It's doable, but not ideal, like my LCP.

I have those grips on my LCP. They do give me a much better grip, but in my view they don't help with recoil.
Click to expand...

You gotta try these: http://www.pachmayr.com/tactical-grip-gloves.php

I got one for my LCP and it makes a world of difference, I can actually shoot it pretty well with my left hand now.
 
I gotta say since the LC9 has no proven track record yet I would hesitate before spending the money on one.
Let everyone else test it out and you can sit back and read about it on various forums until a year or so goes by(or more) before the maker gets it right.
Same thing happened on your LCP and so many other new guns once they started getting really used by scores of new owners.
If after a few months the unending rave reviews from owners just keep pouring in then buy.
But it could be that maybe Ruger will have a problem free homerun with the LC9.
 
CZ:That's true about the 380, but the kel-tec, really stops the bite. I love those things. It also makes the gun easier to grab if you pocket carry. I take the lcp everyware now. I don't feel it anymore it's so light. The PF is a little larger, it gets into the realm of being "in-between" comfort and function.
To me if I am going to carry a PF-9, I may as well take my 26. Where I can wash the car and do the chores with an lcp, and not be the least bit hindered. That guy makes a nice grip dosen't he?
 
To clarify Rink, I was comparing prices of the CW9 and LC9 as posted at Bud's, generally the lowest price found online.
 
I think if the LC9 is comparable to kel_tec's P11 they may have a winner, believe the LC9 is a single stack so better to compare it to a Kel-tec Pf9 small potent and in a decent calibre. I carry a Keltec in warmer months when weather precludes me carrying my sigs and i can tell ya the P11 is a nice SD weapon for its size and price and carries 12 in the mag and one in the pipe so good capacity also..The LC9 is by no way a range gun of any sort..
Looks are very nice smooth lines and real sights cant wait till they come out so I can buy and shoot one :)
 
From what I've seen listed the Ruger seems to be very close to the Taurus Slim 709 in size. You might get a good idea about the pocketability of LC9 by fondling a 709.

It actually is about as thick as a pf-9 (.06 inches thinner than a 709), nearly splits the length difference between the pf-9 and the 709, and has .03 inches less height than the 709.

To me it seems like a short version of the Taurus 709. Especially after you look at the features like adjustable sights, manual safety, and capacity. So, play around with the 709. If you like the size and weight you will probably like the LC9 when it gets here.

I would wait about 6 or 7 months for Ruger to work out any issues.
 
Hard to beat the LCP for a pocket carry. Mine's been utterly reliable with over 400 rounds fired through it. I shoot at a local gun club which has a nice indoor range so I usually fire at least one box of .380 through it every week to stay current with it. After getting used to it I no longer have a sore hand from using it at least firing up to 100 rounds at a range session. I also have a Taurus TCP which is equally good, it actually has a better trigger than the LCP along with a slide catch to keep the slide back on the last shot. Either gun is about the handiest I've ever owned for concealed carry. If I need to get serious I have larger caliber handguns but they just aren't all that easy to keep out of sight. If you don't own a 9mm it might be a good idea to get a LC9 though I prefer my SR9. Personally if I only had one carry gun it would most likely be the LCP or TCP simply because they are so light weight and handy to carry.
 
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