The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Big Frank on September 16, 2014, 01:02:36 PM
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I'm going to get a .380 and have been leaning toward an LCP. I saw where you can get a free mag and box of defensive ammo if you get one. Should I consider something else or just go for it? Is there something better? Thanks in advance. http://www.ruger.com/micros/freeAmmo/index.html
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Either an LCP or a Kel Tec, anything else I can think of will be bigger and you might as well just go with a mini 9MM.
Although the CZ 82/83 comes in 380 and is a double stack, 13 rounds in .380 or 9mm Mak
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Jumbo... I have both the P3AT and LCP... my P3AT had a problem where the axis pin located behind the trigger had slipped down under recoil... and in doing so, came loose from the top of the trigger axis which connects the polymer trigger to the draw bar that engages the hammer... as it was, the trigger could rotate enough to contact the frame and not fire the pistol... mine was an old one without the external extractor spring, and this may have been corrected in the newer models... the LCP has a shouldered pin and cannot slip down...
my LCP shoots a little low, so I added a set of rear sights... I am really contemplating adding a front sight, but there is very little room to dovetail... possibly silver solder a sight base
I would opt for the LCP... the new S@W Bodyguard without the laser might be an option, but IIRC is slightly larger than the LCP...
with the small sight radius, and longer trigger pull of the pocket .380s, a front sight to watch is an option it seems has escaped the engineers...
on the next order of magnitude, the Glock 42 has a good trigger and the best set of Glock sights I've seen
rear sight
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/005_zps15e15084.jpg) (http://s825.photobucket.com/user/LesSnyder/media/005_zps15e15084.jpg.html)
since retirement 6 years ago, I carry daily in an Andrews Custom Leather pistol pouch (upper left) with a kydex flap I've added to help keep from printing in nylon fishing shorts
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/DSC00421_zps6bfcf883.jpg) (http://s825.photobucket.com/user/LesSnyder/media/DSC00421_zps6bfcf883.jpg.html)
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Jumbo, I use LCPs and like them.
I did see a list of 380s and the one that caught my eye...both for size and price was the DB380, but I have no experience or knowledge about it's quality or reliability
Look here if you are interested.
http://diamondbackfirearms.com/product?id=23
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I bought a P3AT in 2007 'cause the LCP wasn't available yet. If I had to do it again, I'd get the LCP. It's what the P3AT should be: More refined, easier on the hand to shoot (not easy to shoot though, it still barks) and just seems better-built.
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I wore out a PPK/s and decided to go with something in the safety trigger category. Diamondbacks were brand new and not really tested at the time. I at first went with the Taurus TCP 738, seemed like such a good buy, but then I discovered their double-click reset problem and highly discourage buying them. I dropped mine like a hot potato and went with the LCP.
For a 380 the LCP worked great. I just decided to move up in the ammo scale and now carry the Shield 9mm. I still have mine and will PM you a deal if you're interested.
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I'm still in lust with my LCR! No cycling problems, no feed issues and no ammo problems...booger hook to bang switch and the desired result is consistent!
Different to load but with a speed loader it's not bad.
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Got a P3AT 2nd Gen (~6 years ago) and it works fine. Lifetime guarantee and for the price diff you can buy your own mag and ammo and still be ahead.
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Thanks for the input guys. I still have to mull it over a bit and decide when I feel better. I'm still leaning toward the LCP but the P3AT looks good too.
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This is what I have, I put it together a few years ago for only $220 more!
http://www.cdnnsports.com/lcp-380-viridian-grn-laser-1-6.html#.VBjrAWd0xjo
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Really like the Sig 238. I never could warm up to the long trigger pull on the LCP(original ones.) It is also nice having a usable set of sights. If you look around you can find them new for under $500.
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I haven't been to the gun store to see what they have but the SIG is over my budget. This has been a very expensive week for me and I may wait a month or two to buy anything.
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I haven't been to the gun store to see what they have but the SIG is over my budget. This has been a very expensive week for me and I may wait a month or two to buy anything.
Ain't that the way it goes?
Every time I try to save up for a new gun purchase, about the time I'm ready to 'pull the trigger' something else steps in to take the money.
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We've got some pretty good deals on the 938 right now. We're a SIG Master Dealer (or whatever that program is called now...) so we get some good deals.
(Yes, it's a shameless commercial plug). :D
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update on the sights for my LCP... milled a 1/8" slot and silver soldered a 1/8" piece of key stock for the front, and a .330" standard dove tail and a take off 1911 sight with the hole opened up to 1/8" for the rear...
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/002_zpse1ab2799.jpg) (http://s825.photobucket.com/user/LesSnyder/media/002_zpse1ab2799.jpg.html)
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First time I ever heard of a 1911 rear sight being an improvement ;D
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First time I ever heard of a 1911 rear sight being an improvement ;D
Ditto that.
Besides, are you telling me you're suppose to AIM that thing? I thought they were one-handed point and click devices.
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update on the sights for my LCP... milled a 1/8" slot and silver soldered a 1/8" piece of key stock for the front, and a .330" standard dove tail and a take off 1911 sight with the hole opened up to 1/8" for the rear...
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/002_zpse1ab2799.jpg) (http://s825.photobucket.com/user/LesSnyder/media/002_zpse1ab2799.jpg.html)
Nice improvement, but for my carry practice the nice sights would be a hindrance - too many sharp points and edges to snag. I have aimed my LCP on occasion, but I practice and treat it as a point and shoot defensive tool.
My first pocket pistol was a Kel-Tek, but I wasn't happy with the fit and finish. I donated it to a fund raiser, and later that year I purchased my LCP. Could be the same gun off another line - Similar to the GM line where they have multiple models under different branches that improve quality. After years of use and carry I believe my Kel-Tek would have carried the wear and battle scars to make it the same as the LCP.
All of this said, third and fourth magazines, and boxes of ammunition are not good reasons to choose a firearm. Purchase the firearm, prove it is reliable, prove the ammunition of your choice, then go out and purchase the extras you want. Most gun fights are over with the first magazine, so more in the pocket is like a spare tire in the car - A necessity, but in MOST cases not a primary need. So this begs the question: If one magazine in the gun is a must, and one spare along is a must, how many more do I need?
Best of luck making your choice and use of your new tool!
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I go with a minium of 6 mags for each gun except for my sig 229"s. One is SA?DA the other is a DAK and I have a total of 9 mags.
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Year ago I read a piece by Jeff Cooper on the number and rotation of .45 ACP magazines for the 1911.
IIRC, he recommended 5 magazines.
One loaded in in the gun.
Two carried as spares
Two empty and resting. (some worry at that time about spring fatigue)
Don't remember what the rotation time was, but the in-gun magazine would go to rest, the longest loaded spare to in-gun, the longest empty to loaded spare.
I don't follow the schedule but I do tend to try to get 5 magazines, minimum. for each weapon.
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Today I was running errands and went to one of the local gun stores on the way home. I didn't plan on buying anything but I fondled a stainless LCP and it was begging to come home with me. I liked how it felt so I bought it as a birthday present for myself. Now all I have to do is figure out how to pay off my credit card. ??? This is the first pistol I didn't have to get a purchase permit from the city police for. I already have the paper work in the mail to get the extra mag and box of ammo. No pics but look at this one and imagine my big toe next to it. ;D
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jf, I love my LCP! I tried several types of ammo and finally settled on the one it liked best. Bought several boxes! Only had one ftf after the break in period and that was with quality sd ammo. Nothing since.
Enjoy,
Richard
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I have and LCP and it has been my EDC for several years. I would not get rid of it but I have fondled the Glock 42 and it is really tempting. It's a little larger but still disappears nicely in my pocket.
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disclaimer... I shoot a G34 for USPSA/3gun competition....I just replaced the LCP with a G42... yes it is slightly bigger, but the trigger breaks in the middle of the pull like the rest of the Glocks, not like the LCP/P3AT at the frame... the sights are actually pretty good for a Glock... and I can "drive" this thing with accurate, multiple shots, something I could not do with the LCP... I looked at the Recluse line of pocket holsters, and their innovative cut down the spine to allow your hand to grip the frame, and modified an older Andrews pocket holster to work with the square trigger guard of the G42
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/001_zpsb790afff.jpg) (http://s825.photobucket.com/user/LesSnyder/media/001_zpsb790afff.jpg.html)
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I just got done reading the owner's manual. I learned a couple of things, like the frame insert is aluminum, not steel. I paid $89.01 less than MSRP, $339.99 versus $429.00. I didn't shop around but think I got it for a decent price.
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$339 is a good price. Today's Cabela's tab has them on sale at $389 in "my" store. (I refer to my trips there now as going to the holy land.)
Someone's rule of thumb, but more for competition than everyday carry, is 10 magazines. I'm not quite there, but I do have 6 for my carry gun and will get to the 10 level soon. It makes rotation easy. Load five of them, (1 in the gun, 1 carry, 1 in the car and two in the Get Home bag). When you go to the range, shoot those, then put them aside and load the other 5. Simpler than Cooper's rotation schedule.
I have 12 for my Glock but that's because it means I can shoot two entries in indoor league without reloading.
Glad you got the LCP. Of the pocket sized .380s that's a good one. Just stay away from Taurus. Been there, done that.
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There was a coupon for 20% off accessories up to $20 off in the box with the gun. They have 2 pocket holsters I'm looking at. I like the looks of the Blackhawk and it's only $14.95. The other one is 5 bucks more. Has anyone used these? What else would you recommend if not these? I was also wondering if anyone has tried the 7-round magazine and what do you think of it? It looks kind of bulky.
http://shopruger.com/LCP-7-Round-Extended-Magazine/productinfo/90405/
http://shopruger.com/LCP-Blackhawk-Pocket-Holster/productinfo/50090/
http://shopruger.com/Tuff-JR-Roo-Combo-Pocket-Holster-for-Ruger-LCP/productinfo/50197/
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shameless pitch for a G42... at the end of the pistol match Sunday, I had a box of Russian ammo I wanted to shoot up... 9 guys on the squad (none owned a G42) shot 5 rounds each at about 18yds after just trying the trigger... all 50 rounds were in the "A" zone....
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shameless pitch for a G42... at the end of the pistol match Sunday, I had a box of Russian ammo I wanted to shoot up... 9 guys on the squad (none owned a G42) shot 5 rounds each at about 18yds after just trying the trigger... all 50 rounds were in the "A" zone....
Plug for the G42? Sounds like one hell of a squad you got there too.
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Old Farts mostly... though half or so had a 4 digit USPSA number...
Les L-747
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I got my free mag and ammo today. I didn't even know it was on it's way yet. I just walked outside and there was a big plastic bag with a small box in it right where FedEx left it. Now I have 2 mags made in the USA and one made in Italy. I'm guessing it's from Mec-Gar. The ammo looks decent. It has a bonded JHP bullet. I may not get to the range until spring because it's too cold now. Or maybe I'll go to the indoor range I've never been to. It depends on when I get the urge to shoot. http://www.winchester.com/library/news/Pages/winchester-w-train-and-defend.aspx
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I just got an email yesterday that said my mag and ammo are on the way. HUH ???
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Had that happen with B and H Photo. Ordered something one day, it was delivered the next morning and that afternoon I got the email saying it was shipped. Turns out the product was staged at the local UPS warehouse distro center.
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I still haven't fired my LCP but I'm already going to change something on it. I'm ordering this pin. I don't know if I'll get anything else for it or not. It was a pain in the butt to pry the pin out and try not to scratch up my gun the one time I took it apart. After I watched the video I think Ruger should have made the pin this way so the head of it doesn't break off.
https://www.tandemkross.com/Tool-less-Takedown-Pin-for-LCP%C2%AE_p_106.html
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I don't mean to sound cruel, mean, or condescending, what is the issue? Is this a safe queen or a carry gun?
I need to look back, but I believe it is about nine years that I have been carrying my LCP. The pin is no issue. I use the tip of my blade to start it out. The frame is poly, so no scratch issues, if that is really a concern.
I don't have any scratches due to taking the pin out, but even if I did, the gun has a lot of what is now called patina. I clean the gun weekly of all dust and lint. However, pocket carry in all weather conditions mean is gets a lot of sweat and rain abuse. The slide has speckles of discoloration from being wet while working or riding, the bluing is well warn at the muzzle and other edges, even the poly shows wear conditions from use and carry.
I clean, oil as MOM (Manufacturer's Owner's Manual) instructs, I lightly wipe with light oil on exterior metal surface, and I use a silicone cloth through the week as needed.
Bottom line: In my own experience personally and from friends who use and carry them daily, this pin is a solution looking for a problem.
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The issue is what I said. It was a pain in the butt to pry the pin out. There were over 65 reviews of the tool-less take-down pin at that site and I think all but one was 5 stars. Here's one review but he wasn't the only person who had problems with the stock pin.
"My stock take down pin broke out of the blue and I was recommended by some guys at the range to get this one. It is far better than the stock pin. The design allows you to use your finger nail to remove it. A+ part Tandemkross."
I'm going to get the Hogue Handall Hybrid for it too. Is that a solution looking for a problem too? I can't shoot on the property I used to but sooner or later I'm going to put at least a few boxes of ammo downrange.
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Jumbo, Every situation is based on our own needs. Your situation is a surprise to me, and that is why I responded as I did. Like I said, in my circle, there are several LCPs, and you are the first one that I have heard having issues with this pin. Mine was a little tight the first few take downs, but it is a breeze now - Knife tip under it, and pop it is free enough to grab with fingers. Also, I personally have not crossed paths with anyone having issues with it walking out on its own.
However, if you are having issues, this is the answer. Do what you need to do.
Good Luck!
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I only took the pin out once and thought it might get easier after I do it a bunch of times, but I'm getting the new pin anyway. I don't like prying on any part of my guns. That's usually a sign that you're doing something the wrong way. Like using a screwdriver to pry on the mainspring latch of a Ruger Mark I-III .22 pistol and getting it all buggered up. A paperclip opened up 90 degrees, or any loop of suitably sized wire, works better and doesn't chew up the edges of the housing. Save the screwdrivers for driving screws and the knives for cutting.
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I don't pry as much as lift with the blade tip, because my fat fingers won't grasp a pin head so flush.
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I pried it out with a screwdriver.
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I bought the TANDEMKROSS Toolless Takedown Pin and after I pried the stock pin out with a knife I slide the new pin in with the dimple on one side of the slot facing up. My fingernails are too fragile to use as screwdrivers but a dime fits in the slot. I sometimes carry one for scope adjustments on rifles anyway, but also carry tools on me that will work, including a multi-tool and a knife with the end of one blade ground flat. I used that for carb adjustments on my scooter among other things before I got the multi-tool. When I turned the pin 180 degrees I could hear the spring click into the groove.
I couldn't take any measurements but the groove looked like it was deeper than the groove on my stock pin and about 1/3 as wide so there's not a lot of wiggle room. The head of the pin looks like it's about twice as thick as stock. The pin is much stronger than stock and locks in place a lot better too. I used my knife to pry on the pin without turning it to get the spring out of the groove and it pried the slide over until it was pressed hard against the frame. It was easy to turn the pin with a dime, then I could pull it out with a fingernail, even with my little fingers. I never had a gun I needed a knife to field strip before, and once again I don't.
I got the Hogue Handall Hybrid too. The heel of the grip extends a little further back and gives me a better grip without feeling bulky. Even with finger extensions on all of my mags I can't quite get 2 of my fat fingers all the way on the grip, so anything that helps with the grip is a big plus. I have a small bottle of Break Free CLP in my gun cleaning kit and I've been wondering: Should I use CLP on my LCP?
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Should I use CLP on my LCP?
Not only should you use CLP on your LCP you should do it PDQ or ASAP if you're busy.
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10-4.