The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: garand4life on May 29, 2011, 04:22:42 PM
-
Has anyone had a chance to compare see two head to head on the range. I'm curious how they handle in the real world. I would like to add one to the stable but I didn't care for the way the Ruger handles in my hand but in that size the only other gun I see being a true competitor is the Taurus. I know holsters and aftermarket parts are much more available for the Ruger but does the Taurus shape make it any more manageable to shoot? I'm not so much worried about recoil as being able to keep a good grip on it. Thoughts?
-
I bought the Taurus because the slide locks back after the mag is emptied. Other than a slightly better trigger than the LCP I shot, there was no difference from the Taurus that I eventually bought. Both had almost usless sights, but that is to be expected on a pistol that size, and with eyes as old as mine. Lasers are mandatory for a pocket pistol.
-
Go with the Ruger, or a Kel Tec, both have better Customer service reputations than Taurus, and better reputations as manufacturers.
-
I hadn't thought about that but tis a good point in itself.
-
Just to be a (hopefully) helpful pain I'll throw this out. I really am not a fan of .380 (even though you no longer have to mortgage your first born to buy it). Here's the question. Might you be better off with a J frame shooting 6 rounds of 38 +P than 9 or so .380s? Or if small is the goal, that Kel-tec .32 is pretty much invisible and with hydrashock rounds I'm not really sure about what difference it makes at 5 yards. Just a thought.
FQ13
-
Just to be a (hopefully) helpful pain I'll throw this out. I really am not a fan of .380 (even though you no longer have to mortgage your first born to buy it). Here's the question. Might you be better off with a J frame shooting 6 rounds of 38 +P than 9 or so .380s? Or if small is the goal, that Kel-tec .32 is pretty much invisible and with hydrashock rounds I'm not really sure about what difference it makes at 5 yards. Just a thought.
FQ13
Whats your thoughts on going with something like the LCR? Especially for someone who needs a small carry package (smaller than G26/SR9c size) and maybe less familiar with carrying a revolver.
-
LC 9
-
Whats your thoughts on going with something like the LCR? Especially for someone who needs a small carry package (smaller than G26/SR9c size) and maybe less familiar with carrying a revolver.
I really don't know about the LC 9. I carry the G26 and it will work nicely IWB or pocket carry in everything but jeans and a tucked in shirt.
Its fine in pleated chinos as long as you have your wallet and cell in the other pocket. Size is why I mentioned the Kel-Tec .32. I mean if you are going to go sub 9mm, you might as well go super small. I've thought about it before and still might buy one for hot summer days. There really doesn't seem to be much difference size wise between the Glock and Ruger, at least not enough to sacrifice a classic for a newcomer. FWIW.
FQ13
-
No revolver of usable size, (leaves out the NAA ) is going to be as compact and conveniently concealable as a Kel Tec or LCP, (basically the same gun) I would not waste time trying the "6 shot J frame FQ mentioned, (which hold 5 shots of 38 ::) ) They are larger, wider, and heavier than the LCP. And at the range they are intended for .380 is plenty
If your in Grizzly country carry a 44 Mag, For the local stop and rob where distances are arms reach a 380 is plenty and a laser is a waste when you can push the muzzle against the attacker.
-
could could carry two LCPs in the space (width) it takes for a 38 revolver. Put one in each pocket
-
Hey, I said I was was being a PITA by suggesting the J frame. ;) The serious point I was trying to make is this. Everyone has their comfort level in an SD caliber. Mine is 9mm and up. If I go below that, I want a serious up side. The only weapon I've seen that delivers it is the Kel-Tec .32. The LCP just isn't small enough to me (JMHO), to justify sacrificing the power. YMMV. Its a personal thing. Fondle and shoot them and figure out what works for you.
Good luck
FQ13
-
Hey, I said I was was being a PITA by suggesting the J frame. ;) The serious point I was trying to make is this. Everyone has their comfort level in an SD caliber. Mine is 9mm and up. If I go below that, I want a serious up side. The only weapon I've seen that delivers it is the Kel-Tec .32. The LCP just isn't small enough to me (JMHO), to justify sacrificing the power. YMMV. Its a personal thing. Fondle and shoot them and figure out what works for you.
Good luck
FQ13
I was back home in AZ last month so I could legally carry my LCP and I have to say that it was great. It is the only gun I have that I can carry IWB without sticking me somewhere. My normal carry in CA is a .357 J frame in my front pocket and yes, the j frame is easy to conceal and carry, but carrying the LCP was a joy.....and I don't feel under gunned with a .380ACP. Years ago my carry was a PPK/s.
FQ13, willing to take a hit from a .380ACP from 5 yards?
-
I was back home in AZ last month so I could legally carry my LCP and I have to say that it was great. It is the only gun I have that I can carry IWB without sticking me somewhere. My normal carry in CA is a .357 J frame in my front pocket and yes, the j frame is easy to conceal and carry, but carrying the LCP was a joy.....and I don't feel under gunned with a .380ACP. Years ago my carry was a PPK/s.
FQ13, willing to take a hit from a .380ACP from 5 yards?
I wouldn't take a hit from a pellet gun at 5 yards if I could avoid it. I was just sayig that we all have a caliber comfort zone. .380 is below mine. Ruger will tell me that thousands disagree. I just think that if I go light, I'll go tiny, but there is no right answer here. Its no one's butt on the line but ours. Choose what makes you happy. Me, its either a G26 or a mouse gun like the Kel-Tec .32 or the Bond Arms .357. YMMV.
FQ13
-
I wouldn't take a hit from a pellet gun at 5 yards if I could avoid it. I was just sayig that we all have a caliber comfort zone. .380 is below mine. Ruger will tell me that thousands disagree. I just think that if I go light, I'll go tiny, but there is no right answer here. Its no one's butt on the line but ours. Choose what makes you happy. Me, its either a G26 or a mouse gun like the Kel-Tec .32 or the Bond Arms .357. YMMV.
FQ13
FQ, if I may ask, what gun were you carrying as you wrote that comment?
As for me, I am carrying 2 LCPs in the pockets of my pajamas.
I take them out of the pockets of whatever I am wearing when I go to bed and they sit on the night stand, to be put in the pockets of what I put on when I get up in the morning. They stay with me through any changes of clothes during the day. Don't wear them around my neck when I shower, but they sit on the windowsill until I dress again.
When I go out, except for the paper and mail, I add a G23 IWB or a G21SF in a SmartCarry, or both, but the LCPs still go along.
That is the thing about the LCP....it can be with you ALL the time.. As david86440 said "carrying the LCP was a joy"
-
......I may ask, what gun were you carrying as you [write] ?
[snip]
When I go out, except for the paper and mail, I add a G23 IWB or a G21SF
[more snip]
As I sit at my desk I have a Model 66 (.357Mag K frame) by my side......just FYI.
Getting the paper and the mail, to me, is the very time you should carry. It's the perfect time, if I were intent on causing someone harm, to plan an attack. Their door is unlocked, their mind is on other things. For the paper, it's probably early morning and they may not be fully awake. Of all the things I do in a normal day, this is probably the time I'm most vulnerable, most likely to have my guard down.
I vote for having something rather than not carrying because of inconvenience. While I carried my PPK a lot, I find the Taurus TCP much more convenient and carry it, when outside the house practically everywhere. And by outside, I mean, doing yard work, getting the mail, as well as to the store, to restaurants, to the movies, to work.....etc.
-
As I sit at my desk I have a Model 66 (.357Mag K frame) by my side......just FYI.
Getting the paper and the mail, to me, is the very time you should carry. It's the perfect time, if I were intent on causing someone harm, to plan an attack. Their door is unlocked, their mind is on other things. For the paper, it's probably early morning and they may not be fully awake. Of all the things I do in a normal day, this is probably the time I'm most vulnerable, most likely to have my guard down.
I vote for having something rather than not carrying because of inconvenience. While I carried my PPK a lot, I find the Taurus TCP much more convenient and carry it, when outside the house practically everywhere. And by outside, I mean, doing yard work, getting the mail, as well as to the store, to restaurants, to the movies, to work.....etc.
Afl, if you hadn't, please note that I say I add the G23 or G21SF. The LCPs go with me to get the mail and the paper, and, yes, I agree that is a very vulnerable time.
And if I may ask, does your Model 66 go with you when you go get a coffee refill?
-
Just for the record, my S&W 649 is in the front pocket as I type this post. I have also thought about carrying a .22 MAG revolver too. For me, I'll carry either 9mm or .45 ACP. And that'll be a Glock or 1911.
I agree with Quaker, everyone's preferences are different; so beyond some test data about ballistics, there really isn't a "right" answer.
-
For FQ. .380 is basicly a 9mm short. I agree with what FQ states about 9mm but sometimes we have to give up something and comfort is one that humans have the hardest time dealing with. I myself have been carrying my Ruger LCP lately. High 80's temps make it easier to conceal than my G30SF. I ensure that I carry extra magazines loaded with Hornady Critical Defense. I feel secure knowing that and also that I can properly utilize the firearm if need be. :)
As for the original post, wish I had an answer. But I would stick with Ruger since they have the bugs worked out on the LCP. My only other comment is it's a snappy little package.
-
PORN!
Hard chrome LCP for when the weathers nice. It's light enough that you can completely forget you've got it even wearing shorts, is AMAZINGLY ACCURATE, and will stop even the most overconfident crack head in his tracks. Picked up 2 extra mags, polished out the barrel, feed ramp, and outside of chamber to a chrome finish (can't get that to show up in a picture for anything! >:( ). Still making up my mind about the laser... Kinda like it. :-\
G30 for when when the weathers not so nice. Bad guys are wearing several layers of heavy cloths, and so am I. Makes penetration more of a challenge, but concealment MUCH easier and more comftorble. The weight of even a little auto with 11 rounds of .45 STINKS. :( Stainless guide rod, titainium pins, extended slide release, extensions on all 4 mags, steel Glock sights.
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1020100.jpg)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1020095.jpg)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1020092.jpg)
netbooks so small it actually makes the LCP look big! ;D Beware the DOMO!
-
Just to get back to the point of my post. I'm not really debating the caliber thing. I just wanted to see if there were any first hand comparative experiences shoot the LCP and the TCP to see if there was any noticeable differences that would lead one to choose one over the other. I think I may go LCP to complement my SR9c I'm planning to get this week. I just want something small enough I wouldn't have to go any where without it.
-
Just to get back to the point of my post. I'm not really debating the caliber thing. I just wanted to see if there were any first hand comparative experiences shoot the LCP and the TCP to see if there was any noticeable differences that would lead one to choose one over the other. I think I may go LCP to complement my SR9c I'm planning to get this week. I just want something small enough I wouldn't have to go any where without it.
That would require us staying on topic, and you know that ain't going to happen. ;D Seriously, I'd say just buy the Ruger. Everyone and their dog has one, and I haven't heard any real complaints post recall. Besides, if it does fail, your widow will get a free hat. ;)
FQ13
-
Besides, if it does fail, your widow will get a free hat. ;)
FQ13
I already have one but hey, need one for the casket...
-
Can't see anyone ever having to go anywhere without their LCP because they were unable to conceal it.
-
Can't see anyone ever having to go anywhere without their LCP because they were unable to conceal it.
Exactly
-
Afl, if you hadn't, please note that I say I add the G23 or G21SF. The LCPs go with me to get the mail and the paper, and, yes, I agree that is a very vulnerable time.
And if I may ask, does your Model 66 go with you when you go get a coffee refill?
Sorry, Solous, I missed that. +++ on taking them with you outside.
The 66 pretty much stays at the desk, unless there's something to investigate. Like you the TCP is with me most of the time. When I get that refill of coffee, the 12gauge is nearby on the main floor.
-
I always have my LCP on me, home or out. About the only time it's not on me is in the shower and then it's still within reach on the counter. It carries just fine in gym shorts without weighing them down. When I step out of the house in anything more than gym shorts the LCP goes from my left front to my right rear pocket. My M&P 340 then goes in the left front pocket. If I'm leaving the house for a quick trip to the store this is usually my normal carry. If I'm doing anything more then my Kimber Pro Raptor goes into the waist band and my Tuff Products pouch goes on the belt with 2 extra mags for the Kimber, 2 more speed strips for the .357, 1 mag for the LCP and a flashlight on board. I also never leave the house without at least one knife, normally my ZT-0200. I'm posting porn of my carry setup in a new thread.
-
I used to carry extra ammo but I don't even bother half the time.
My J frame that was my constant companion with a speed strip was replaced years ago by a G27. 5 shots of 38spl vs 10 shots of 40 without a reload.
I have an extra mag in the truck, along with the Surefire, but don't bother carrying it on me anymore, unless I'm headed to an extremely crappy neighborhood or I'm on the road where I may not know I'm in a crappy 'hood. (though the signs are pretty obvious)
A Benchmade auto is ALWAYS in my pocket.
-
I lucked out and found a used LCP $250 so I snatched it up. Next problem is carrying it. I am strongly leaning to pocket carry with a DeSantis Nemisis holster but I'm debating the laser aspect as well. How does this holster work with the laser equipped? What ever I carry it in must not move so I'm really hoping for some input from you who carry this thing daily.
-
I lucked out and found a used LCP $250 so I snatched it up. Next problem is carrying it. I am strongly leaning to pocket carry with a DeSantis Nemisis holster but I'm debating the laser aspect as well. How does this holster work with the laser equipped? What ever I carry it in must not move so I'm really hoping for some input from you who carry this thing daily.
DeSantis has a version that accommodates the LCP with a LASER. They call it the Super Fly and you can find it here.
http://www.desantisholster.com/store/SEARCH-BY-GUN-MANUFACTURER/RUGER/LCP-380CAL-W-CRIMSON-TRACE-LASER-GRIP/POCKET-HOLSTERS/Super-Fly
They also have another model with a space for a spar magazine in the tab part at the front of the holster. To me, that is not a good idea because it may interfere with the draw and then your spare magazine would have to be retrieved by the same hand that drew the LCP.