The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: RK0281 on September 30, 2008, 08:25:25 PM

Title: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: RK0281 on September 30, 2008, 08:25:25 PM
I kinda want a small pistol, but can't choose one.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 30, 2008, 08:39:13 PM
Gonna side step a choice, but give some advice anyway.

Go to a range that rents guns and handle both.  See what fits your hand, what fits the way you want to carry, and what is comfortable to carry.

I'm built like M'ette's babies and can hide an X frame in my folds and flaps, I carry a J frame .38+P in my pocket and can carry a 1911 government in my belt.  However, I have a friend that because of his build and wardrobe needs to stick with something like an lcp in the pocket.

Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: notsobigal on September 30, 2008, 09:08:27 PM
I have a Kel-Tec P-3AT and a S&W 642 and like both of them. The Kel-Tec is better for pocket carry and can be with you 24/7. The revolver can be with you 24/7 also but not quite as comfortably. The S&W is better Quality and I feel more reliable although my Kel-Tec has been 100%. The S&W has a little more power also and is only a little bigger and heavier. If I could only have one it would be the revolver. By the way I have looked at cheaper brands of revolvers and none of them compare to S&W. I'm getting ready to buy a model 60 to go with my 642.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Big Frank on September 30, 2008, 09:44:12 PM
I read about a guy who had a 1911 for a pocket pistol. He had big pockets. He wore an M65 field jacket. Not very practical when it hits 90 degrees.

Pistols are generally thinner and flatter than revolvers and easier to conceal. My PPK is too big to carry in my pants pocket and the only thing I have smaller is a .22. I need a smaller pistol or else a holster.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on October 01, 2008, 12:26:28 AM
One of my "babies" ;D  ( Derek), carries a Kel Tec EVERYWHERE. You can't ever see it..or ever know he has it.
He is very satisfied with it. 

Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Hazcat on October 01, 2008, 06:57:23 AM
If I have my pants on my KelTek is in my pocket!  It is that easy and convenient.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: DDMac on October 01, 2008, 07:07:43 AM
The greater the likelihood that you will have to defend your life, the larger the caliber you should choose.
Mac.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Hazcat on October 01, 2008, 07:11:31 AM
The greater the likelihood that you will have to defend your life, the larger the caliber you should choose.
Mac.

Well, if I knew I was gonna be in a gun fight either I would not be there or I would have a rifle!

But I know what you mean, Mac.  If I have to go to a 'seedy' part of town I have my P3AT and a 9mm, all with extra mags.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: ericire12 on October 01, 2008, 08:08:54 AM
Well, if I knew I was gonna be in a gun fight either I would not be there or I would have a rifle tank!

Fixed it for ya!
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Big Frank on October 01, 2008, 08:26:14 PM
If I knew I was going to be in a gunfight I would take my 12 gauge autoloader stoked with buckshot, AKA: the poor man's sub-machinegun. But any gun you have on you is better than the one you have at home. I don't have any that I want to carry on a daily basis but I'm shopping.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: frogger on October 01, 2008, 10:07:59 PM
I actually have both and alternate which I carry depending on what I'm wearing and how large the pockets are.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: TAB on October 01, 2008, 10:28:48 PM
I'd much rather have the 38, I've never been impressed with a pocket pistol, not to mention the fact that slide bite, is a real danger in a life or death fight...
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Hazcat on October 01, 2008, 10:41:21 PM
Slide bite is BS IMHO.  Yep, if you grab ANY gun wrong it will be 'uncomfortable' to fire.

I can palm a basketball and have NEVER been 'bitten' by a slide,
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: TAB on October 01, 2008, 11:43:41 PM
Thats true, if you grab a gun wrong, it will hurt.  Ever seen a broken thumb form some one that wraped thier thumb around when they were shooting a auto... 3 pins later...it works ok.  ( inlaw did it about 10 years ago)
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Ckott on October 02, 2008, 09:13:19 AM
I carry a S&W snubby everywhere. I just like the .38SP +P round over the .380 acp.
But that's just me.

If I feel the need I'll add a Sig 239 .40 in a  VM2.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: vsorrentino on October 04, 2008, 10:27:53 AM
I carry a Ruger LCP 24/7. Most times I don't know it's there. If I can't drop a BG with 7 rounds of 380 ACP HP, well then I deserve whatever he's dishin out. LOL

(http://www.biblesnack.org/myrugerlcp.jpg)
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: Big Frank on October 04, 2008, 11:08:36 AM
.38 +P definately has more power but it's still not enough. I'd rather have 7 rounds of .380 than 5 of standard pressure .38 but with +P it'd more of a toss up. Neither would be the optimum caliber and you may need several shots to put someone down. A 6-shot .327 Federal would be better than either one.
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: bjtraz on October 06, 2008, 10:13:32 PM
I have a Taurus .357, and a KelTec P3AT, both with Don Hume pocket holsters. I like the .357, but I LOVE the KelTec. I can wear it with any kind of pants/shorts, not so with the .357. I firmly believe the best gun is the one you are wearing. There are more powerful, larger capacity guns out there, but I know me. I won't carry if not comfortable.

BJ
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: MOREGUNS on October 06, 2008, 10:18:49 PM
I carry a Kel-Tec everyday, I have several carry guns and the best advise I can offer is to find the one that fits you best, and is going to be comfortable to carry. You need to be able to forget about it, if you gun is uncomfortable or cumbersome you will most likely just leave it at home..
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: ericire12 on October 06, 2008, 10:34:33 PM
.38 +P definately has more power but it's still not enough. I'd rather have 7 rounds of .380 than 5 of standard pressure .38 but with +P it'd more of a toss up. Neither would be the optimum caliber and you may need several shots to put someone down. A 6-shot .327 Federal would be better than either one.

+1
Title: Re: The Ruger LCP vs .38 small frame revolver for Defense Pocket Pistol
Post by: bbbean on October 07, 2008, 08:33:13 AM
I have a P3At and a 638 J frame. The .380 disappears in a pants pocket and weighs nothing. It is easy to carry everyu day. The .38 is more difficult to conceal in warm weather, but fits nicely in a jacket. Both have their place. If I could do IWB carry, I'd carry one of the new compact 1911s in 9 or 40.