Ruger 380 LCP Opinions

[DeepSouth]

firearmsandguns

How do you know if mine needs to be returned due to the recall?

From Rugers web site

I have a LCP with serial number prefix 371 (or 372); is it affected by the recall?
No. Pistols with a "371" serial number prefix or higher are not affected.

Only pistols bearing prefix "370" (that is, serial number 370-xxxxx) may be affected.
Also, newly manufactured and retrofitted "370" prefix LCP pistols with the new hammer mechanism installed have been marked with a diamond in the flat portion of the slot just behind and below the hammer. Click here to see image of diamond mark and complete LCP recall information.

For more info


http://www.ruger.com/LCPRecall/

 

[cottonmouth]

I carry mine in my left pocket while on duty and have noticed that the magazine gets released from time to time, I like the gun but don't want a single shot back up. Guess I need to remember to check it every time I get out of the car. Other than that it's benn 100% reliable and pretty accurate.

J.B.

 

[PX15]

cm:

I had a KelTec P32 that I had the same problem with, but from advice from the KTOG forum folks I found out I could "sand down" the button a bit, I did, and it resolved my problem.

BEFORE I started sanding, I called KT CS and told them what my problem was, and what I intended to do, and they said "no sweat" and even sent me free replacement, just in case I screwed up the one I was going to sand down. I didn't need it.

As to my LCP, I carry it in a rear pocket holster, and the holster I have has a "depression",or "indention" where the mag release hits the rear anti-print flap.. I've noticed a slight imprint in that area where the mag release button hits, but the relieved area must be sufficient to work as designed because I have never had a problem with an accidental mag release using this holster.

FWIW, my cc holster is a rear pocket made by "Uncle George".

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[valorius]

Hmmm, i carry my LCP in my back pocket and it doesn't release the mag (i do frequently check though- since my old Kel Tec P32 used to ALWAYS eject the mag when i carried it that way), its already pretty recessed (the release switch is).

I would try filing some metal off the button, or keep it in a good pocket holster.

 

[PX15]

valor,

I have never had a problem with premature mag release with my LCP either. Only my P32.

I just thought it was a well thought out touch by whoever designed the Uncle George's Holster to recognize that a small area of relief where the mag button MIGHT press on anti-print flap might be advantageous.

And, as the earlier photo shows, there IS still slight pressure from the mag release button on the area in the relief circle.

There is a slight "overhang" made into the grip area near the mag release button on the LCP that I believe is a better (improved) design over that of the P32. Don't know about the P3AT, never held one.

I am having a custom holster made now, and it will also have such a recessed area.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[valorius]

Be sure to post some pix of it when it's done.

I need to get a nice holster for mine. I actually like to carry my LCP IWB when possible.

Btw, Kel tec has just introduced 9rd P3AT mags that should fit in the LCP.

 

[PX15]

valorius,

I'm old and forgetful, so I may forget to post pix here when my new LCP holster is finished, but I'll keep posting about other things, so please remind me and I will post a photo when I'm reminded, and one is available.

Thanks for the info on the info on the 9rd KelTec mags, but I'm a kinda "stick" with factory stuff kinda guy, besides if I can't "stopum" with 7 it is my intention to void all bodily fluids and pray for merci'..

Thanks,

Jesse

 

[FruitCake]

I sold my LCP last year due to shortage of ammo for it and ammo prices when I could find it and missed it ever since. Last week I went and bought a brand new one again since 380 ammo is everywhere I go and the prices went down quite a bit now. I won't be selling it this time. Its a keeper. These are great little guns. I now have the LCP, KT P32 for pocket carry.

 

[dec41971]

Time to start hoarding that .380 ammo then.
I have one and its lovely. 100% reliable here too, no complaints.

 

[Rokman]

Thanks for the thread XXX. I want one of these little pistols because it is too hot and a pain to conceal most of my pistols this time of year.

 

[wrs840]

^^^^
That's the main attraction of a LCP in all truth. The least effective gun is the one you didn't bring because it just doesn't work with what you're wearing. A LCP in a good leather wallet-holster eliminates all excuses. I've had a post-recall LCP for about a year now, and it's great for light-pants pocket carry. Mine's been in my right-front pocket every work day, church service, and night out with the family since I bought it. Zero malfunctions, no unintentional mag-releases. I've put about 300 rounds through it. It is not "fun" to shoot, but it does what it was designed for very well. As soon as I'm home, a 442 goes back in the pocket of my jeans or Carhartts.

When dress permits, a .40 goes with me in a Supertuck, or something else that suits the situation is on my hip, but regardless, one of the the pocket-guns is always carried too.

Les

 

[Paul7]

Mine is a totally unreliable POS that is going back to the factory for the THIRD time on Monday. The scary thing is I had a stretch of 200 rounds when it worked fine and out of the blue it began acting up.



I gave up on Kahrs for the same reason and thought the LCP would be the answer. Apparently not.

 

[valorius]

You got really unlucky paul, and got a lemon. I would demand at this point they replace it.

In about 200rds i have only had a couple failures to fully eject on the last round in the mag, but i had brand new Wolff over-strength springs in it, the gun was brand new, and i was using wimpy US spec ammo (the wolff springs are to combat the recoil of loads like buffalo bore and Corbon DPX, both of which are "+P"). It has not jammed at all the last 150rds plus.

There are such things as lemons, and i really think you got one.

Mine is ridiculously accurate for a pocket pistol.

 

[Ben86]

Mine is ridiculously accurate for a pocket pistol.

I second that. Mine is head shot at 15 yards accurate. Almost makes me want to keep it.

 

[Kimber.45]

I have no complaints with my LCP

 

[rskent]

It seems most are very happy with their LCPs.

I haven’t been so lucky. At first the gun had ejection problems so I sent it back to Ruger. When I got it back from Ruger it seemed fine. They polished the heck out of the chamber. Now I am having the occasional failure to extract. I’m not sure if it’s the gun or the fact that it’s hard to maintain a good firing grip on such a small pistol. If I shoot very slow and deliberate it seems fine. If I kick it up a bit it stumbles. That leaves me with a problem in economics. The cost of .380 ammunition verses the cost of the LCP. It may be cheaper to just buy a new gun rather than use up a bunch or .380 trying to get this one figured out. Any way I am back to carrying my 642, for now at least
Steve

 

[PX15]

rs:

Your dilemma reminds me of an old 9MM Tokarev I bought several decades ago. I only paid probably $100.00 bucks for the sucker (it was back when SK's and the like were hitting the shores in record numbers, at cheap prices).

I burned up probably $300.00 in ammo just trying to get the sucker to feed properly and it never happened.. I sold the Tok to a buddy who was a firearms instructor at FLETC in Brunswick, Ga. and a master armorer friend of his there finally got the pistol running just fine and feeding rounds like corn thru a goose.

But it took a master armorer to get it done..

As another poster said, it seems like you just got an LCP lemon, and my recommendations would be to hound Ruger CS until they replaced it for you. I'd make it clear that I was singing the news about your problemmatic LCP on every firearm forum on the net, and would continue to do so until you get satisfaction one way or the other..

Between my wife and myself we have three LCP's and honestly, all of them have been great right out of the box, and it's just a shame that you haven't had the same experience.

Best Wishes, and good luck getting your LCP issues resolved.

Jesse

 

[Bush Pilot]

I've only shot my LCP (sent back during recall) maybe 200 rounds. I haven't had any issues with the gun, I JUST HATE SHOOTING THE DAMN THING. I can shoot 2 mags w/o crying uncle, that's it. Now, let's talk about the LCR, 200-300 rounds per session with no complaints.

 

[PX15]

Bush Pilot:

You can talk "LCR" all day long, and no matter how many rounds you can shoot effortlessly thru it it still is not nearly as concealable as the LCP...

Wait..

Remove the cylinder from the LCR and THEN it's ALMOST as easy to conceal, as is the LCP, but not practical..

The thickness of the cylinder in ANY revolver is going to be a deal-breaker when absolute thinness is a necessity for cc..

I know..

I've got 2 J-frame Smiths, 2 Colt Cobras and one Colt Detective Special that are ALL very good snubbys...

But thin and as easy to conceal as my LCP?

They "ain't".....

No offense,

Jesse

 

[orionengnr]

I did do a bit of research and noted that when the LCP first came out it suffered some recalls....this was like 2005 or 2006 -- as of late, however, I have noted recalls have ceased.

Actually, I believe the LCP was introduced in March 08, but not avaialable for sale until a bit later that year.
I bought mine in Oct 08 and it was recalled in Nov 08.

I bought another 371 series while it was away (it was only gone 5-6 days, but the opportunity presented itself, so...)
I sold the 371 when the recalled 370 gut back. I still have it, and my friend still has the 371. Both have operated perfectly from round #1, mine about 200 rounds total, his about 500. I have another friend who bought a 371 series, and his has been perfect too.

 

[valorius]

I've only shot my LCP (sent back during recall) maybe 200 rounds. I haven't had any issues with the gun, I JUST HATE SHOOTING THE DAMN THING. I can shoot 2 mags w/o crying uncle, that's it. Now, let's talk about the LCR, 200-300 rounds per session with no complaints.

These posts befuddle me.

The LCP is by no means a heavy recoiling gun, even with +P. An alloy .38spl+P snubbie(esp. one with tiny stock grips) kicks one hell of a lot harder. And the lightweight .357 magnum snubbies, well now there's a gun that really kicks.

And honestly, if you ever get into a gun fight, i guarantee you that you're not going to notice the recoil at all.

 

[CZguy]

FWIW, my cc holster is a rear pocket made by "Uncle George".

Uncle George holsters are very well made, and he is a pleasure to work with, but I selected a Bear Creek holster because of the thumb push off, and the removable back panel.

The pocket I carry in is dependant on the clothes that I'm wearing. Not all pockets are created equally.

 

[FruitCake]

I just put about 100 rounds through mine today and loved it. Recoil not that bad at all. My fingers are not sore at all. I carry my LCP and my P32 constantly and they are absolutely comfortable to carry and shoot. These are true pocket guns and I've had quite a few including J frames.

 

[harmon rabb]

I've only shot my LCP (sent back during recall) maybe 200 rounds. I haven't had any issues with the gun, I JUST HATE SHOOTING THE DAMN THING. I can shoot 2 mags w/o crying uncle, that's it. Now, let's talk about the LCR, 200-300 rounds per session with no complaints.

I wouldn't want to shoot more than 50 rounds out of either. If anything, the LCR kicks worse.

 

[Paul7]

For you guys that are confidenct in the LCP because you've put a few hundred rounds through it, that's exactly what I did BEFORE it started seriously acting up, more than any pistol I've ever owned.