Ruger LCP

[76shuvlinoff]

At first I was turned off with the long pull myself but after 150 expensive holes in paper I was surprised at the groups I was getting free standing at HD distances out to 25 paces. It is what is, not a range toy but for a true pocket pistol designed for a get-the-hell-off-me situation I think it's hard to beat. Since I feel that's what it is truly designed for I run ball ammo with the intention of putting them where it matters.

Of course we all know the battle plan goes to hell on first contact with the enemy.

 

[huntsman]

The LCP has turned out to be the perfect EDC for me, but I don't have any question that the .380acp is a suitable SD cartridge. If you lack faith in the .380 then you're best to just get a 9mm but no matter how you try the LC9 will not be as light or small as the LCP so it comes down to what you need and what you believe.

 

[heeler]

I carry my LCP daily in a leather pocket holster and have never had any issues of corrosion or oxidation.
I also use Break Free CLP on all of my firearms.
I take my daily carry LCP and clean all pocket lint from it as well as re-oil the slides with CLP monthly.
Wipe down the metal surface again with a light coat of CLP.
No problems.

 

[9mmforMe]

I had the P3AT and liked the way it fit in my hands though I had to make accomodations, of course, with my grip. This .380 feels good too in my hand. I like the fact that its only external safety is the trigger (well that and my cognizance of safety). I like that there is no loaded chamber indicator, I treat all firearms as if they are loaded anyway. I like that it holds 7 rounds of .380, which is enough for SD for me. The Ruger LC9 holds one more round...attractive, fires a slightly more potent round, imo, attractive...and I like the trigger....yeah I said I liked the trigger, and the sights are good too. I think the LC9 has a trigger disconnect and the LCP doesn't?

Tough choice, the only thing I'm sure of is that I'm getting a Ruger, well, not true, the little .380 is winning this race to my pocket holster. It's like having some of the most important qualities of a J framer DA revolver and 2 more rounds. Oh, and it's cheaper too. Decisions, decisions.

 

[SwampWolf]

'Course, I realize sometimes there's just no substitute for smaller size?

And I think that's what makes the case for a pistol the same size and weight as the LCP. Anything much bigger or heavier takes it out of the pocket pistol class imo. Mine has been 100% reliable and plenty accurate at the ranges it's designed to perform at. On those times I carry it instead of something bigger and more potent (due to the climate and/or social circumstance), I load it with quality hardball ammunition.

 

[stinger 327]

Unless you absolutely have to have the smaller size of the LCP, I'd also consider the LC9.

I like the function of the LC9 better (mainly slide lock when empty), it has much better sights, and 9mm ammo is MUCH cheaper!

'Course, I realize sometimes there's just no substitute for smaller size?

LCP shoots .380 and the LC9 shoots 9MM? If this is the case then the LCP must be alot more concealable gun for carry?

 

[stinger 327]

I had the P3AT and liked the way it fit in my hands though I had to make accomodations, of course, with my grip. This .380 feels good too in my hand. I like the fact that its only external safety is the trigger (well that and my cognizance of safety). I like that there is no loaded chamber indicator, I treat all firearms as if they are loaded anyway. I like that it holds 7 rounds of .380, which is enough for SD for me. The Ruger LC9 holds one more round...attractive, fires a slightly more potent round, imo, attractive...and I like the trigger....yeah I said I liked the trigger, and the sights are good too. I think the LC9 has a trigger disconnect and the LCP doesn't?

Tough choice, the only thing I'm sure of is that I'm getting a Ruger, well, not true, the little .380 is winning this race to my pocket holster. It's like having some of the most important qualities of a J framer DA revolver and 2 more rounds. Oh, and it's cheaper too. Decisions, decisions.

but isn't 9mm is alot more economical to shoot and practice with than the .380 round? Plus you get more variety of choices of type of bullet to shoot with 9mm the worldwide caliber NATO.

 

[Paul7]

My LCP was garbage. Ruger finally gave me a refund, after being jerks about it. The scary thing is, the big problems didn't start until after 200 rounds.

 

[Fiv3r]

I adore my little LCP. It fits very much into the gun I carry when I can't carry a gun category. Mine has been flawless short of some light primer strikes early on with Tula .380 ammo. It has sense broken in and will fire it just fine (or it could be that I got a box with several stiff primers. I dunno).

I feel OK with 7 shots of .380 and another 6 in reserve, but a rash of early morning armed robberies in the area (in an area that is not only considered fairly safe but not near a neighborhood in which to hide) I have given pause and decided that I really want to step up my size and round count by putting money down on a Glock 26.

That said, I'll still pack the LCP. I really forget it's in my back pocket until I sit in my truck and start making a long drive (then it gets a little uncomfortable). At work and in the summer months, the LCP rules. I have a feeling once the cooler weather sets in I'll probably switch to the Glock in a nice comfy OWB holster but keep the LCP in my pocket unless I'm making a long haul that day.

The LCP is reliable, well built for its purpose, and makes for a cost effective little shooter.

 

[stinger 327]

I adore my little LCP. It fits very much into the gun I carry when I can't carry a gun category. Mine has been flawless short of some light primer strikes early on with Tula .380 ammo. It has sense broken in and will fire it just fine (or it could be that I got a box with several stiff primers. I dunno).

I feel OK with 7 shots of .380 and another 6 in reserve, but a rash of early morning armed robberies in the area (in an area that is not only considered fairly safe but not near a neighborhood in which to hide) I have given pause and decided that I really want to step up my size and round count by putting money down on a Glock 26.

That said, I'll still pack the LCP. I really forget it's in my back pocket until I sit in my truck and start making a long drive (then it gets a little uncomfortable). At work and in the summer months, the LCP rules. I have a feeling once the cooler weather sets in I'll probably switch to the Glock in a nice comfy OWB holster but keep the LCP in my pocket unless I'm making a long haul that day.

The LCP is reliable, well built for its purpose, and makes for a cost effective little shooter.

What is the going price for this Ruger LCP in .380? Does it kick or blow up in your hand like a Walter PPK and is a terror to shoot?

 

[heeler]

Stinger,LCP prices are starting to inch up slightly from a year ago.
I bought one exactly a year ago new on GunBroker and paid $239 for it.
But then there was the $20 shipping and my FFL guys $15 transfer fee so in actuallity $274.
I bought another one a month ago for $270 plus 8.25% state sales tax so really the total was $292.28.
I see them regulary on sale for $299-$319 locally and gun show prices around $289.

Yes they have some recoil but no it's not bad like some blowback designed model.
Not as mild as my Kel-Tec P32 but nowhere near as horrific as my now sold Smith Airweight 38 Special which imho was wretched in recoil.
They are great little pistols and I highly recommend it.

 

[stinger 327]

Stinger,LCP prices are starting to inch up slightly from a year ago.
I bought one exactly a year ago new on GunBroker and paid $239 for it.
But then there was the $20 shipping and my FFL guys $15 transfer fee so in actuallity $274.
I bought another one a month ago for $270 plus 8.25% state sales tax so really the total was $292.28.
I see them regulary on sale for $299-$319 locally and gun show prices around $289.

Yes they have some recoil but no it's not bad like some blowback designed model.
Not as mild as my Kel-Tec P32 but nowhere near as horrific as my now sold Smith Airweight 38 Special which imho was wretched in recoil.
They are great little pistols and I highly recommend it.

How does the Kel-Tec P32 compare against the LCP?

 

[Fiv3r]

I'd say that the prices have crept up a bit. I think I bought mine for $279 this time last year. They're in the $299 range here, I think.

Recoil is a funny thing. Some people find the LCP punishing, but I've found it to be no more unpleasant than most smaller guns. I wouldn't shoot 200 round through it in a single sitting, but I rarely do that with anything short of .22.

 

[mgmorden]

I got mine about 2 years ago. Its had 400-450 rounds through it with no jams (and its never been cleaned ).

Most of that was WWB bulk pack which ran fine. I've also shot a few mags worth of Hornady Critical Defense and PMC Starfire ammo that all functioned fine too.

Overall, its a good gun. I have carried mine front-pocket with a Desantis Nemesis, back pocket in a wallet holster, and IWB in a little Safariland holster (don't know the model - I paid $5 for it out of the used bin at a local shop ).

EDIT: One thing I will say is that I wish Ruger made an extension mag for it. Kinda like they have the full mag + spacer for the SR9c. Give me an 8-round mag with spacer for when I'm carrying IWB. I'm not even so concerned about the extra 2 rounds as much as I would just like a little more grip to hold onto if possible.

 

[stinger 327]

I'd say that the prices have crept up a bit. I think I bought mine for $279 this time last year. They're in the $299 range here, I think.

Recoil is a funny thing. Some people find the LCP punishing, but I've found it to be no more unpleasant than most smaller guns. I wouldn't shoot 200 round through it in a single sitting, but I rarely do that with anything short of .22.

What real punishing? The LCR .38 +P revolver.

 

[CZguy]

The LCP is not punishing, it's snappy. I shoot two mags out of mine each week, to maintain skills, and actually enjoy shooting it.

 

[stinger 327]

The LCP is not punishing, it's snappy. I shoot two mags out of mine each week, to maintain skills, and actually enjoy shooting it.

I wish the LCR .38 +P counterpart was the same

 

[heeler]

I concur with CZguy and Fiv3R,the recoil is snappy but not bad or painful.
I have fired 100 rounds at a range thru it including a box or two of 9mm's from my PM9 and maybe a box from my P32.
Oh yea about the Kel-Tec P32...What a little jewel!!
Practically zero recoil and quite fun to shoot.
Although not as powerful as the 380 it's not that far from it either but I strongly advise using only fmj ammo in the 32 ACP for defensive purposes.
I bought mine with the grey frame and blue slide for $225 last year on a whim and carry it when I go to the track or park for my evening run or walk.
Fwiw the LCP loaded weighs 12 ounces and the KT P32 fully loaded is slightly under 10 ounces according to my girlfriends digital scale.

 

[9mmforMe]

Stinger,
Yes, the 9mm is more economical, but I'm willing to pay more for the .380 ammo since the gun will play such a vital role in my life. It is exactly what I want over any other smallish 9mms out there. The LCP has the features I want and for example, the LC9 has an awkward safety, mag disconnect, loaded chamber indicator..I just dont want that crap. The LCP has the simplicity of a revolver, 2 more rounds and no external safety...perfection.

 

[stinger 327]

Stinger,
Yes, the 9mm is more economical, but I'm willing to pay more for the .380 ammo since the gun will play such a vital role in my life. It is exactly what I want over any other smallish 9mms out there. The LCP has the features I want and for example, the LC9 has an awkward safety, mag disconnect, loaded chamber indicator..I just dont want that crap. The LCP has the simplicity of a revolver, 2 more rounds and no external safety...perfection.

Sounds like you made the right decision. If the gun fits you then that's the one for you I too prefer simplicity and easy concealment which sounds like the LCP has one up on the LC9 cause if it is too big or difficult to carry then the purpose is defeated in this case. Gun will stay at home with the rest of the big boy .45 ACP, .357 etc.

 

[stinger 327]

I concur with CZguy and Fiv3R,the recoil is snappy but not bad or painful.
I have fired 100 rounds at a range thru it including a box or two of 9mm's from my PM9 and maybe a box from my P32.
Oh yea about the Kel-Tec P32...What a little jewel!!
Practically zero recoil and quite fun to shoot.
Although not as powerful as the 380 it's not that far from it either but I strongly advise using only fmj ammo in the 32 ACP for defensive purposes.
I bought mine with the grey frame and blue slide for $225 last year on a whim and carry it when I go to the track or park for my evening run or walk.
Fwiw the LCP loaded weighs 12 ounces and the KT P32 fully loaded is slightly under 10 ounces according to my girlfriends digital scale.

I have heard of this before with the mouse calibers such as .25 ACP and .32 ACP you are much better off with FMJ for maximum penetration to do most damage in hopes of hitting something vital since these are low powered rounds and expansion is nil and can't be depended on. Plus FMJ will feed more reliability.
The Beretta .32 ACP Tomcat is another nice pocket gun that bites and will take off your skin if you don't hold it right. Not fun to shoot either.

 

[TJx]

Mine is back at Ruger. I lost count of the FTE's (leaves empty case in chamber) the 1st hundred rounds.
I hope they make it right because I really liked the gun otherwise, comfortable to shoot when it did, from 25 feet I could outshoot my long since departed S&W M&P 9C.

 

[9mmforMe]

TJx...Ruger is a great company to work with regarding repairs...they should make it right and you'll be back in action. Let us know what they said, will ya? Were you using just one type of ammo?

Stinger...we are definitely in agreement. I'm sorry if you said so and I didn't notice...what do you carry?

 

[TJx]

Were you using just one type of ammo?

Yes, 100 rounds of Federal bulk pack.

 

[ritepath]

Ha....I can also out shoot my 9c with my LCP, I have no idea why I can't shoot my M&P that well.