Pocket Gun

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Mr. Mosin

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Debating a pocket gun. Chiefly a Ruger LCP vs a yet undecided snub DAO .38 Spl. Probably a S&W 442 w/o an internal lock. A few hiccups that come to mind is .380 Auto vs .38 Spl/.38 Spl +P, and the reload of a semi auto vs revolver, and the price point. The LCP is $199 @ my local Academy, and comes w/ a semi decent holster. The 442 is ~$450 at the same Academy, and I would have to buy a holster.

Input ?
 
Most of that depends on you. Are you more of a small auto guy or a revolver guy? Nothing wrong with either one. Buy whichever one you like more (not which price you like more).

Just pretty much sticking with those two I’d probably choose the LCP over a DAO snub, but I’d make it an LCP II for the better trigger and better feeling (IMO) grip. That was the main problem with the LCP, right size for a lot of CHL’s ... but the trigger on the plain ole LCP left something to be desired.

I’ve seen the Ruger LCP II online over at Rural King for $209 which is a pretty good price.

Going outside of those two I’d probably choose something else (small single stack 9mil), but between those two the Ruger all the way.

Admittedly I’m not much of a revolver guy though.
 
They have different shooting characteristics. If you can, try both. I have/had both 380s and J frames. It takes some practice to shoot either well. The recoil parameters are different. Both work for me as a pocket gun. However, as I said - I shoot them a bit to keep the skills up.

If it is a for real SD gun and you are not in financial difficulty, the price differences aren't that important. $200 to 300 to 400 - as compared to saving your life. I do understand if that amount makes a difference. Certainly been there.
 
I have a second generation original LCP that I carry in a Nemesis. Other than one box of Armscor FMJ which had a couple of FTE's it's been reliable for me, and more than accurate enough even out at 20 to 25 yards. The recoil concerns I've heard brought up repeatedly are extremely overblown, imo - I use the flat baseplate on my mags so I only get about 1.5 fingers on the grip but have no trouble at all controlling it or shooting up 100 rounds in a session comfortably. I went with it over an LCR/JF because it's quite a bit smaller and really pockets a lot better, or at least it does in my clothes. I also just don't seem to shoot snubbies all that well. I'm also one of the rare oddballs that prefers it to the LCP II - it's materially smaller and I prefer the double action trigger in a pocket gun with no external safety. I know 380 isn't a powerhouse, but with a spare mag in my off pocket it gives me 13 Hornady XTPs which should be sufficient for anything I'm likely to run into.
 
Well, revolver has few advantages: it can be shot from inside of coat pocket it's a better choice for ankle carry and Federal Premium Micro130gr +p .38 ammo is now available. You should be able to get 442 second-hand in virtually unused condition for $350. You will have to factor in $12.54 plus shipping for Ergo Delta grip from Tactical Wholesalers unless you're lucky and your gun comes with shooter friendly grip like S&W tactical. As you said holster will cost extra, but at least you don't have to buy anything to reload revolver with. Speed loaders and speed strips are a waste of money.
 
Most of those who deride the LCP's trigger aren't "revolver guys", like Browning says in post 3. If you like the S&W, the Ruger's trigger won't bother you.

The LCP can be harsh in hand. I have the Taurus TCP, and it shoots well and reliably, but I still find myself reaching more often for the .32 caliber Kel-Tec I've owned much longer.

But, between your two choices, I'd grab the Ruger. It's less money, easier to carry and conceal, holds more ammunition, can be reloaded (with more ammunition) faster, and comes already with a holster.
 
I would get the one with stainless or is it chromed slide. The carbon steel slide on the one I used to own rusted easily.
 
I carried a first gen LCP for years. When I became a dad, I needed a gun that wouldn't weigh me down further since I was packing a diaper bag. Grew to really appreciate how forgettable a .380 is to carry. Ive had several other pocket .380s along with a couple of J Frame airweights.

I shoot the .380s better. I have an LCP II, and its a dream to shoot with its short trigger travel. However even in a pocket holster I'm a bit gun shy. Pocket pistols get moved around, squished when you sit, and twisted in all manner. I like a longer trigger on mine.

I've settled on the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380. Firm but good trigger, well built and stainless. I like the laser as a back up for a situation where I would need to dump rounds quickly.

I also think the Pico is a great little gun. I actually prefer the funky mag release as i have had every other brand of pocket gun pop its mag in my pocket.

The 642/442 is a great gun. I never really warmed up to mine though. I prefer the lcr over the 642. These days, honestly, i think i would get a Charter Arms. They have really grown on me.
 
mines satin here View attachment 848513 dont know if its anti rust? i remove the mag release safty easy to do on youtube its shows u how to put some grip tape on it too the grips are to slick hard plastic

Chrome is good. I used to have commercial chromed Makarov that never oxidized in very humid environment. Nickel is probably more rust resistant but it's shiny and finish scratches easily.
 
I carried a first gen LCP for years. When I became a dad, I needed a gun that wouldn't weigh me down further since I was packing a diaper bag. Grew to really appreciate how forgettable a .380 is to carry. Ive had several other pocket .380s along with a couple of J Frame airweights.

I shoot the .380s better. I have an LCP II, and its a dream to shoot with its short trigger travel. However even in a pocket holster I'm a bit gun shy. Pocket pistols get moved around, squished when you sit, and twisted in all manner. I like a longer trigger on mine.

I've settled on the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380. Firm but good trigger, well built and stainless. I like the laser as a back up for a situation where I would need to dump rounds quickly.

I also think the Pico is a great little gun. I actually prefer the funky mag release as i have had every other brand of pocket gun pop its mag in my pocket.

The 642/442 is a great gun. I never really warmed up to mine though. I prefer the lcr over the 642. These days, honestly, i think i would get a Charter Arms. They have really grown on me.
+1 on the Pico!
beretta-pico-380.jpg
 
2 sides to every coin.

If you can shoot both guns well then there is no reason not to go with a semiauto. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to feed, faster/easier reloads, easier to detail strip and maintain properly.

If you can’t shoot both well then your like me. The little pocket .380s bite me. I have big fat hands and can’t manage a full magazine of anything smaller than a Glock 42 without blood flowing from somewhere. Reliability, price, and maintenance are worthless in comparison to simply being able to use the tool.
 
I have an lcp2 & a 637 deep cover, either one fits in a pocket real easy. Both can be more accurate than I can shoot. Never had any malfunctions with either one. The s&w can shoot from inside a jacket pocket & can shoot 38+p rounds. The ruger is a hair easier to conceal. Both can be a bit snappy, especially for new shooters.
 
There is questioning fact that LCP is easier to carry. Chances one is going to need a reload for close in defensive gun are extremely remote.
 
Debating a pocket gun. Chiefly a Ruger LCP vs a yet undecided snub DAO .38 Spl. Probably a S&W 442 w/o an internal lock. A few hiccups that come to mind is .380 Auto vs .38 Spl/.38 Spl +P, and the reload of a semi auto vs revolver, and the price point. The LCP is $199 @ my local Academy, and comes w/ a semi decent holster. The 442 is ~$450 at the same Academy, and I would have to buy a holster.

Input ?

I have been having the pocket pistol debate for quite some time. In the end I went with the Revolver, primarily for the reliability factor, which imho is of utmost importance in a CCW piece. I also took into account that I don't currently own any .380, I'm not a huge fan of the caliber, and I already own .38 revolvers and have ammo. It's not as concealable in the pocket as the LCP, but the other factors led to me mitigate this con, as it is less trouble than mitigating the cons of the LCP.
 
The price differential of semi-automatics versus revolvers today is greater than at anytime I can remember and the general performance of the semi-automatics has steadily increased to the point where they are about as functional and reliable as the best revolvers. While I was one of those who really considered the snub nose revolver the ultimate personal defense handgun I've really been finding that in reality what I carry today is one of my newer or well maintained and tested older small semi-automatics.

I still shoot the Sig P230 or P290RS/Makarov size and weight ones more accurately then the newer micro LCP/BG380/RM380/Pico ones and find my accumulation of even older 32acps like the Walther Model 4 or PP, Bernardelli Model 60, Ortgies, Colt 1903, CZ 50 or Savage 1907 getting out for WalkAbout far more often then they have for decades.
 
I regularly carry an LCP and a 442. I can't say one is better than the other, but I'll try to put my thoughts on each down.

Concealment - the LCP conceals MUCH better. That may not matter to you, but I need to be well presented for work and modern styling is moving towards more fitted clothing. If I slip a j-frame in my pocket to hit up a store on the way home from work it looks like a bulging tumor on my thigh. In the looser fitting jeans I wore a decade ago, it didn't matter as much.

Recoil - Many people find the LCP snappy, I do not. I actually find my 442 much more snappy to shoot, especially with +p ammo. I find both relatively pleasant to shoot at the range, though the j-frame can start to sting a little after too many cylinders of +p.

Reliability - I'll give the edge to the j-frame. My first LCP had a couple hiccups in the first 100 round break-in period, but was flawless after that until it hit about 1,200 rounds when it locked up and I had to send it to Ruger. They replaced a 9 year old gun for free, and the new one hasn't had an issue for the 300 or so rounds I've put through it so far. I trust my LCP, but IMO it isn't a gun that holds up to high volume shooting. Or even moderate volume shooting. Just keep an eye on your gun, I could tell me LCP was feeling pretty sloppy and figured it was due to be replaced, and it finally made that decision for me in a range session.

Accuracy - The j-frame has the potential for better accuracy. But ONLY if you regularly practice with it, as the DAO trigger, while smooth, is high and it's tough to shoot a light gun with boot grips and a high trigger pull accurately. If you aren't going to practice dry-firing and take this to the range often, go with the LCP as it's trigger pull is lower and easier to manipulate. Now my first LCP had HORRIBLE accuracy. I was barely better than minute of pie-plate at 7 yards. My new LCP is pretty good though, I get one ragged hole at 5 yards and about 2.5" groups at 10 yards offhand which is more than adequate IMO. I barely shot a buddy's Kahr P380 better than that, and the Kahr has much better sights.

All things considered, I prefer to carry my 442, but do to the way I dress I end up carrying my LCP more often.
 
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