Need some buying advice

[epaget]

Hi guys,

I could use a recommendation. I already own a number of firearms but I am looking to get another. I am trying to decide between a Ruger LCP and a 12ga Remington 870 Express Combo with synthetic stock.

Now before you ask what on earth the two have to do with each other, let me answer the question. They have nothing to do with each other. I am looking at the Ruger LCP for a small compact carry gun that can go in my pocket when I am wearing dress clothes and I am looking at the 12ga for home defense and shooting clay pigeons.

Here's what I already own:
Ruger 10/20 with a stainless steel barrel
Springfield Armory XD9
Ruger LCR - I carry this one when I am wearing a shirt that doesn't need to be tucked in and I take it backpacking with me because it is lightweight
Browning Buckmark w/ stainless steel bull barrel
Sig Mosquito

I bought the Browning for my wife. She likes it. I bought the Sig so I'd have something fun and cheap to shoot.

So, back to the question at hand. What to get. I have a couple hundred bucks in gift cards at Cabelas so I am limited to what they have on hand. In their current sale, they are selling the Remington 870 with the two barrels (home and field) for $349. Although the Ruger isn't on sale, they do have a coupon I can use. With the coupon, I can get the Ruger LCP for $299.

I'm sure I could protect myself and my home with one or more of my hand guns, but I have been wanting to pick up a shotgun for both home defense and shooting clay pigeons. Oh, and I don't hunt so it's not a use I think I would get out of a shotgun.

One of my big concerns (and reason for wanting the Ruger) is walking around Seattle without anything to protect myself. Since I wear dress slacks and a dress shirt about 75% of the time, I need something I can stick in my pocket and easily access. Having put the LCP in my pocket at the store and having tried it at the range, I am certain that it is adequate to do the job.

So, which one should I get? Does anyone have some advice?

Thanks,
Ean

 

[-eaux-]

well a scattergun would do a better job of rounding out your collection, but...

One of my big concerns (and reason for wanting the Ruger) is walking around Seattle without anything to protect myself

i think you answered your own question pretty well.

 

[Blackbeard]

It seems to me the question is best answered by asking yourself which is your more pressing need. The LCP fills a need that you have identified that none of your other weapons can fill -- that being "dress carry". The 870 you said would be for home defense and clays. Your other handguns can fill the home defense role adequately. Breaking clays you'll probably have to wait until spring to do anyway, so I'd say the 870 can wait.

 

[Grizfire]

giving what you have, I suggest the shotgun. It is one of the most versatile guns you can own.

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

shotgun, you've got carry gun covered, but shotty is best for home defense

 

[ClayInTX]

You have an LCR.

I pocket carry an LCR, without a tucked shirt, so unless you wear tight britches it seems you have the carry bit covered.

That’s what’s great about advice on these forums—unanimity of suggestions.

 

[TXHORNS]

I couldn't pocket carry an LCR either with those big hogues, but the laser grip version pocket carries very well for me. Undoubtedly they will eventually make aftermarket grips for concealability on the lcr that dont cost $200+. But for the time being, why dont you get an iwb holster for the lcr. You wont even know its there, even with a tucked shirt. Then you will have a 38 instead of 380 and have $$ for an 870. Just my opinion.

 

[billybobjoe]

I wouldn't buy and LCP, I've got one and although concealable I'm disapointed. It works good and is pretty accurate (for SD), I'm just not in love with it. So I bought an S&W PPK/S, not in love with that one either. Here's what I've come up with--a belly band. You just don't get something for nothing. You want a gun you would feel OK if your life was on the line? It's not those two guns. Think about it. I'd take my Ruger SP 101 loaded 357 or my Beretta 92FS centurion loaded hot jacketed hollow point. What if the **** hit the fan with a real armed BG. I want something I know will **** him up.

 

[Big Bill]

I have an LCP and frankly I'm not that happy with it (Besides, it's just a .380!!!). If I were you, I'd buy the shotgun. No one should be without a shotgun. IMHO, the Remington rounds out your collection nicely. I think you'd be disappointed with the LCP.

 

[medalguy]

Simple answer: BUY BOTH! You can never have too many guns.

 

[orvpark]

you need a shotgun