My review of the LCR and LCP

[sksmedic]

Hello all, I am a huge fan of the Downrange family and was turned on to Ruger's new line of ccw guns. I work full time as a paramedic somewhere in the Northwest US. Over the past few years I have noticed that my town has gotten a lot rougher and downright scary at times. I have always been a supporter of the concealed carry movement and do so full time.  While off duty  I normally carry a comander size 1911 or a G-27. The problem I ran into is that it is against the rules at work.  My employer issued body armor to us but won't let us carry. I have fought hard to get this changed but refuse to get injured or even killed while management drags their feet. Given the nature of my work I needed a gun that was very light and very concealable. Something that could hide out in a front or side bdu pocket and not alarm management or the general public. I know it isn't the same as carrying a full size 45, but the pocket pistol you have on you is better than the fullsize you left at home...

I made the decision to purchase a Ruger LCP. It was amazing... I no longer felt totally naked at work. I carried it religously at work and  shot it often. I was amazed at the combat accuracy. This gun is controlable and able to get hits on target quickly. I only practiced with it from 1-7 yards as that is the distance of most shootings. If they are any farther away than that my ass is running. My wife is a paramedic at the same company and I had her start practicing with the LCP.  I eventually gave it to her and it is now her full time work gun. We both feel better that she has it on her.

This gave me an excuse to get another gun. I decided to try the LCR and was once again amazed. I have to admit that i was a little concerned about the polymer frame but after firing some speer gold dot +p through it, I felt a lot better. Unlike traditional snub nose revolvers, this one does not kick your butt. The combination of polymer frame and Hogue grip make it very pleasurable to shoot. Combat accuracy is also pretty decent.

Both pistols have very smoothe edges and are not likely to snag on clothing. These guns are also very affordable. As I mentioned above, these pistols are not meant to replace the everyday ccw pistol. I see these as the guns you carry when you need deep concealment. I would much rather have a pocket pistol than no pistol at all.

Since I started my concealed carry at work crusade, 50% of my co workers have purchased LCP's or similar and carry religously on the job. Management still drags their feet, but the company medical director is on our side. The local pd and sherrif's dept also support ccw's for EMS and Fire .

[ellis4538]

Am retired and carry an LCP myself.  I used to work for the State of Ohio Dept of Trans. and could not have a gun in my car or on my person so I know how it feels.  Hope it works out that you and/or your wife never need your CCW but...  Also hope they change policy and make it OK.

Stay Safe,

Richard 

[Timothy]

Just be careful, the fewer people that know the better. 

If I'm caught carrying on my employers property, it's a termination offense.  It's probably not legal for them to do so but that's the corporate policy today.  I can't even leave it in my car during the day.  I'm always armed with something, just not always a firearm.

Be safe...

[bafsu92]

I just picked up a LCP and started carrying it as well. I'm very impressed and have been carrying it every day, most days as a back-up to my regular carry gun. It's actually easier to carry and conceal than a spare mag for my Glock 21. Like the OP stated it is a very accurate 7 yard gun and loaded with powerball I'm pretty confident that it will do the job if needed. It's a great gun to carry in places where you normally wouldn't carry like the pocket of your gym shorts or trunks by the pool or to church etc. I'm using a Don Hume pocket holster and it's easy just to throw it in your pocket to walk out to the mailbox.

[Walter45Auto]

I used to work for a place that had a no weapons policy. We weren't even supposed to carry a knife. I DID, and Used the knife like I would anywhere else, and no one cared, but it was against the rules. The place was in a terrible neighborhood. So I carried my dad's Kel-tec, either the .32, or the .380. I now have a S&W J-Frame that I carry. I carry it in the pocket because I can't conceal any of my other pistols any other way with a tucked in shirt.

bafsu, I do carry to church like I would anywhere else. BUT, It's also legal to do in my state.

[Sponsor]

[Solus]

All of a sudden (well, maybe not so sudden) I carry 4 pistols when I am out.

I started to carry a Glock 21 in a Smart Carry for my main weapon.  I felt a need for a backup as is not uncommon, but I went with a Glock 23 IWB on my strong (right) side.  

The 23 would be quicker to get into action.

When the LCP came out I got one and carried it in my left pocket (jacket or pants) in a Nemesis.  I found I tended to keep my  hand on it whenever it would not look out of place, which is almost never.

I like the feel of having it so readily available I missed it when I needed to carry things in my left hand.  I ended up getting a second LCP which I carry the same way in my right pocket.

So now I have a main carry, a backup carry and two last ditch carries....

Funny thing is that due to the nature of an attack, it will be one of the LCPs which will be mostly likely the first weapon presented.

If there is a bit more time, then the Glock 23 can be reached and if there is still a bit more time, the 21 is up...

Jokingly, I would like recommendations on if I should carry two spare magazines for each gun or if one would be sufficient?  

[ellis4538]

Solus, I would carry one spare for each.  I carry a spare mag for my LCP in a knife pouch...doesn't look out of place!  On the other hand a "New York" reload...drawing a second gun is usually faster than a normal reload.

Richard

[Hazcat]

The only thing I carry is my KelTek P3AT with a spare mag in a cell phone holder.  Works great.

[ellis4538]

Yeh Haz but their ain't no crime in Florida.....just OLD PEOPLE and college kids that go home after Spring Break.  LOL

Richard

[ericire12]

Yeh Haz but their ain't no crime in Florida.....just OLD PEOPLE and college kids that go home after Spring Break.  LOL

Richard

+ everyone is wearing a speedo