Ruger LCP vs Taurus TCP: First impression

[Pizzapinochle]

I had decided on getting a .380 mini pistol and the local LGS had a good deal on the Taurus TCP so I grabbed one. Had read a lot of positive reviews on them seemed like a good place to start. Then, before i had a chance to take it out, i spotted a good deal on a lightly used Ruger LCP. I had liked the LCP in my search, but had gone for the more affordable option. Decided it made more sense to compare them than to hope i had bought the right one, so now i have both.

Took them out to the range and was honestly anticipating that the ruger would be, as most rugers are, better than the Taurus. However, i found quite the opposite.

There was one glaring thing that made the ruger very difficult to shoot. The trigger pull is LONG. I am a tall guy with long, thin fingers and when i tried to fire the ruger, i found that the tip of my trigger finger was hitting the frame before i reached the break on the trigger.

With careful finger placement, this was not a problem, but the situations you would want a .380 mini pistol in are not conducive to careful finger placement. I'd want to be able grab and pull knowing that my most natural motion would get the job done.

For someone with thicker fingers, might not be an issue. I'll take both guns out to the range a few more times before i decide, but for now the Taurus has a healthy lead.

 

[HammsBeer]

I have smaller hands with average fingers, so the LCP trigger pull length is no problem for me. Both of our LCP's have been 100% reliable too. But carry which ever one fit's YOU the best.

 

[snooperman]

I have both the Taurus TCP and Ruger LCP. I bought the Ruger first and later when my wife brought a friend over to shoot at our farm range with a TCP, my wife had to have one. I also shot the TCP and like it so much I wanted one too. So off I went to Gander Mt to get both. Frankly I paid only $450 for the pair and I like it better than the Ruger. The grip and the trigger suit me and my wife just fine. With a life time warranty, how can you go wrong.

 

[wow6599]

I had liked the LCP in my search, but had gone for the more affordable option.

How much are TCPs? Around here I can pick-up a LCP for $279.

There was one glaring thing that made the ruger very difficult to shoot. The trigger pull is LONG.

Was it a 1st gen LCP? I had one of those and sold it, in part to the long trigger. But, the current LCPs have a much better trigger and more useful sights.

 

[snooperman]

Here in Central Florida, I see TCP at Gander Mt list frequently with one mag for $200, and at other times I have seen them at gun shows for $249 with 2 mags and carry case. Ruger LCP tend to be about $75 -$100 higher at both places.

 

[snooperman]

That said, prices vary at different times of the year due to store promotion sales.

 

[Jim NE]

Thanks for the review. I opted for the LCP. though I like Taurus guns, too. One of the reasons I got the LCP was when I went to my cc class a couple of years ago, there a lady who was there had a TCP. It shot good, but she had frequent fail to feeds. It was a brand new gun, and I'm sure this had something to do with it, as every Taurus I've owned has needed some degree of break in. If I bought one, I'd probably fluff and buff before shooting.

Really like the LCP for it's reliability, which has been 100%. The trigger is long, but I'm one of those guy's who likes that for safety reasons...BUT the long trigger and small size mean I'm going to have to practice to be accurate with it beyond 20 feet. My Keltec P-11 was another diminutive long trigger gun I had trouble shooting accurately at first, but then became pretty accurate as I got used to it.

20 feet or less is where I see it being used in most situations, though. So I like the LCP.

 

[dickydalton]

Put a Sweet Pea trigger and some springs in it and you will love your LCP.

 

[9thchild]

Started with a bodyguard and the trigger was atrocious. When I traded in I was stuck between the tcp and the lcp. Once I felt both triggers it was a no-brainer. Have been carrying the tcp now for several months.

 

[kokapelli]

Of all the pocket 380 pistols I have shot and owned, I like the P238 best by far, but usually carry a TCP because it is smaller than the P238 and has been 100%.

 

[hardluk1]

Got to pay attention with the tcp. They have a FS model that is a one mag black oxid slide that can be bought for around 185, the SS with 2 mags for 260 and the black painted SS slide model with 2 mags about 15 dollars more. Just besure of the leeter in the serial number . A C is more or less last years run and current is a D with an E soon to come along. You want a D or C , Not A or B as they may need some tlc and a trip home.

 

[chrisTx]

The new generation LCP has a half cock, so the pull is a lot shorter. My wife carries a TCP, and I have an LCP. LCP is better fit and finish, but the TCP still has a better trigger. I don't like all the angles and edges on the TCP.

 

[Hokkmike]

Looked at the LCP and TCP. Ended up buying a S&W BG. Also fell absolutely in love with the P-238.

I think they are all good choices.

The thing is to handle them, compare features and prices, and decide. It would, of course, be wonderful to be able to shoot them before hand.