LCP fist impression and question

[bandk]

Mrs. got a LCP. Fun to shop for. We picked it for the simplicity and weight (over the NA Arms, Sig, and Kel Tech (which quality looks like its lagging). Today was our first range day with the LCP and first day pistol shooting in a while. The first several magazines were with Magtech ~92gr JHP. Our mutual accuracy was lousy. After about fifty rounds, we switched to ~90gr Sellier & Bellot FMJ. Definiitely more accurate and a softer shot. Final magazine was Hornady 92gr JHP with the green plug (zombie stuff). It was also a soft shot for her and equally accurate to the SB.
Overall, since it's so easy to carry, I think it could get the job done if either of us did our part. It will definitely require more range time. I'm surprised as to the variability between different manufactured ammo.
Any suggestions for other ammo to try?

Thanks

P.s. any thoughts on plain Jane LCp vs the version with the laser in terms of ease of carry? Is there an aftermarket laser to add or do I need another ;-)

 

[tryshoot]

I have a Crimson Trace laser on mine and I love it.

 

[crracer_712]

I have an LCP with a lasermax and one without (it's the cool LCP-Z, Zombie slayer!). The laser is great for target practicing, but probably not much use for a defensive situation (you're most likely not going to have time to locate the dot and get it where you want it).

I generally shoot winchester white box or Federal, both FMJ round nose, when I target shoot. Keep a mag loaded with Hornady CD for when I carry. That's similar to you ZMax ammo.

You can add any of the lasers to the LCP, such as the already mentioned Crimson Trace, or the LaserMax that is on mine. I think there is also a Laserlyte that attached to the side.

One thing you might like to add is the Hogue Handall for the LCP. I like it so much, I have one on both of mine. Much more comfortable grip, they only cost about 8 bucks.

 

[momano]

+1 on the Hogue Handall Jr! My LCP is my most often carried weapon. I'm satisfied with shooting S&B 92g FMJ for both the range and SD. Many choose to stay with FMJ in .380 (even in SD situations) to get better penetration.

 

[basicblur]

any thoughts on plain Jane LCp vs the version with the laser in terms of ease of carry? Is there an aftermarket laser to add or do I need another

I know DeSantis makes holsters for the LCP/Lasermax combo.
If you go the Laserlyte route, the LCP should fit a standard holster?

I have a Crimson Trace for mine, but had the Laserlyte been available at the time, I'd have given it very serious consideration-use with standard holsters, and less bulky than the Crimson Trace or LaserMax.

I have lasers on other, larger guns (just another tool in the toolbox), but I think you'll find the smaller the gun, the more useful the laser.
The LCP sure doesn't have sights to write home about!

 

[Motownfire]

My carry ammo is Hornady Critical Defense ammo. I have sent 200 rounds of it down range and my Ruger LCP fires it with no malfunctions.

 

[TennJed]

I have the laserlyte side mount on my Kel Tec 380 (quality is great BTW, just not as refined as Ruger). It will also fit the LCP. It is low profile and works great for practice, but as metioned before maybe not practical for defense settings. It is activated by a button on the side.

 

[chg]

Had some time last week to chronograph three different brands of the premium .380 ammo in my LCP. The air temp was 65 degrees, distance to 1st screen was 21' from the muzzle to get an impact velocity at 7 yards. The first was Wincherster .380 PDX1 with a 95gr bonded hollow point. Average velocity was 903 FPS. Hornady .380 90 gr FTX went 851 FPS and the Remington .380 Golden Sabers 102 gr went 832 FPS. The Winchesters had a sharper recoil than the other two tested. There was little difference in accuracy or point of impact between the three. So far, I'm leaning towards the Winchesters. All brands functioned fine. I've never had a misfeed or failure to eject with this pistol, it's ran over 400 rounds with 6 different brands of ammo.

An interesting comparison was made when a friend who came along asked to clock his S&W 36 loaded with 110 gr +p hollow points. Those loads went 803 FPS out of the <2" barrel.

 

[heeler]

Very good info CHG.
Thanks.

I have fired PMC,Magtech,Remington UMC,Sellier & Belliot,Winchester White Box,Speer Gold Dots,Hornady Critical Defense,Remington Golden Sabers,and Winchester PDX-1 through my LCP without issues and the accuracy for all tested ammo is pretty close,or close enough that I am not going to sweat it.
When I do carry it concealed on me I have the chambered round using the 102 grain Golden Saber followed by six of the flat nose 95 grain Winchester White Box.
My LCP has been a little jewel in the fact that it has never malfunctioned with any ammo I have run through it.