Short LCP Review

[TRaGiK]

So around 6 or 7 months ago, I had to sell off all my guns to fund a business I started. Amongst everything I sold was my CCW piece, a S&W 442.

A couple weeks ago I finally had the funds again to start my collection back up, and wanted to start with a new ccw gun.

I thought about another 442, but I never could get used to the stiff recoil of it, and developed a terrible flinching problem with it. Sometimes I'd flinch bad enough that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn....from the inside of the barn. I've never been recoil sensitive before, but I sure was with the 442. On top of that, the gun was a little thicker than I'd like in some dress slacks, so I decided to look for something different.

So, when I started looking for something new a few weeks ago, I looked at small pocket pistols. At first, I was dead set on the Sig P238, but I read too many reviews stating the gun was full of problems, and Sig gave craptastic customer service. Also, the sig just isn't a good pocket pistol imo, which is how I'll be carrying 99 percent of the time. In the end, it was between the Keltec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. A friend of mine has a Keltec, and I've never shot with him where he didn't have 1 or more problems with it. Online reviews of the Keltec and the Ruger seemed to be split down the middle....Half of either had problems, the other half were terrific.

Went and looked at both side by side, and liked the Ruger better (little bit different grip fit me a hair better, and the slide hold open is what I liked more).

First thing to note is this thing is tiny. My old 442 was much larger, and about 5 ounces heavier iirc. The 442 was easy to pocket cary, but this thing is easier. Smaller in size, and lighter in weight, I barely notice it in my pocket.

Second thing is, the sights suck. Nearly non-existant in fact. I thought the 442 sights were bad, but these are just plain terrible. Would it have been so bad for Ruger (and Keltec for that matter) to have made the sights just 1/16th of an inch taller? Even that small of an amount larger would have made a world of difference.

Finally had a chance to fire my LCP today, and love it. Only had enough time to shoot about 60 rounds, but didn't have a single problem with it. No FTF's, no FTE's, nothing. 100 percent perfectly functioning.

One of the things I'd read about the LCP in several reviews is how bad the recoil was. Some said "...kicks like a mule...". Horse crap. Anyone that thinks the LCP is THAT bad, hasn't shot anything that has much recoil at all. My old 442 recoiled MUCH harder than the LCP, as did my old G27 and even G23. LCP doesn't make me flinch at all. My first time out with it today, at 10 yards, I could keep 6 shot groups in 3 to 4 inches. Not great by any means, but much better than I was with the 442. With some more practice, I should get quite a bit better with it.

Aside from the complaint about the sights, I love the LCP. It carries in my pocket easily, shoots great for such a small pistol, and does NOT "kick like a mule".

[MyNewNCHome]

Some of the Sigs had issues in the early run. I have one and it is pretty flawless. I also have a LCP which functions nearly 100% as well. The difference is that there IS more recoil with the LCP (not like a mule, but the weight difference DOES result in more recoil) and the action differences.

The LCP WILL bite your trigger finger in the guard if you are not holding it right.

I like both of them a lot.

[anewconvert]

I saw some .380 in the local wally world that made me want to go buy an LCP. Went by fuquay G&G today to get one, but they were closed. The timing on your thread is fantastic because I will be going tomorrow to get one if the stars line up right.


BC

[TRaGiK]

I'm sure the Sig has less recoil. It has too with more weight...but the reviews I read weren't comparing it to a sig. Generally speaking, they were saying the recoil was terrible.

It is a little snappy, but nothing like a couple reviews were stating.

Good to know that it was only early sigs with issues, but I wasn't willing to take the chance on a poorly functioning gun AND poor customer service at the same time, should I need the CS. Also, that wasn't entirely why I didn't choose the sig. As I said, pocket cary will be how I carry primarily, and the sig just isn't good for that imo (exposed hammer, weight).

[MyNewNCHome]

Yep, I agree, LCP is probably better in the pocket with the DA trigger and overall size. My LCP is no where near as snappy as the PF9 I shot yesterday, that is definetely a defensive gun, not a range shooter....

[demondeacon]

My LCP is very controllable. I have no problem with the sights. I can even shoot it well with my weak hand. It's not designed to be a target pistol.

If you want recoil, shoot my S&W Model 360 AirLite with .357 magnum rounds. It is downright painful. Even .38's hurt. I didn't get it for plinking fun though ;)

[mkm]

I agree about the sights, they aren't good, but it is a pocket pistol. I have the Crimson Trace laser on my LCP and is great.

Mynewnchome, I know what you mean about biting your finger if your not holding it correctly. I usually pull the trigger with the tip of my finger, but not with that gun.

[apexhunter]

My brother got a LCP a while back for a truck BUG and I put a 1/2 box through it a couple weekends ago. As for sights, a BUG typically is a point blank piece where one won't be aiming but would be doing more along the lines of point & shoot, so they don't need to be really refined. Rapid fire from 10 yards resulted in respecful groups and was a helluva lot of fun. With careful aiming I could get 2-3" groups even with the trough style sights. Overall the pistol is pretty fun to shoot with a trigger feel similar to a double action revolver.

As for recoil, it can be a little snappy with such a lightweight gun but this can be easily overcome by gripping and ripping. Patrick Sweeney did a review on the LCP a couple weeks ago on Handguns TV and he even recommended taking a "firmer than normal" grip on the pistol. Again, being intended as a BUG or CCP piece and not a target pistol one only needs to be concerned with "minute of vital area" accuracy at short distances. Personally I would not use a LCP as my primary carry piece as I carry a UC II in 45 or sometimes an XDSC40 but for a truck BUG it would suffice for me...the verdict is still out on whether I get one for myself as I want to shoot a LCR first.

[geerubb]

NOOB question:

How do you guys pocket carry these guns? Do you just throw it in there, or is there some sort of holster/cover to keep lint and the like off of it?

[Kixu]

I agree the sights are not the greatest but to be honest if you had to pull it out and use it chances are it would be more of a point and shoot vs. an aimed shot.

I did improve my sights tremendously but taping them up and applying some white nail polish. Does not come off and works great!! I suggest you wipe off any oil before applying. A little finger nail polish remover and the polish comes right off. I used the stuff from Walmart...think it was 96 cents and was the french tip stuff.

[kudzu]

Nice selection with the LCP. I had put off buying one until they became more ready available. This also got them down to a realistic price (back down below MRSP). I have a Crossbread Minituck for my LCP. I forget that it is there.

[smooth_opr8r]

Originally Posted by geerubb

NOOB question:

How do you guys pocket carry these guns? Do you just throw it in there, or is there some sort of holster/cover to keep lint and the like off of it?

Not to take this tread to far on a tangent, I use a pocket holster when pocket carrying. It's shaped with a hook at the end so when you draw, you catch the hook on your pocket and only draw the pistol. HTH

In regards to LCP, definitely not a range gun. From a reliability standpoint, it's awesome, it will take anything you want to feed it. Other guns may be comfortable to shoot, but my have more issue in regards to the ammo you feed it.

[geerubb]

@smooth opr8r - do you have a link for your holster? just curious as to what options are out there.

[smooth_opr8r]

Geerubb, I don't have a link, I just buy the stuff from Wild Bill's concealment, they normally have a both at all the gunshows I go to. They are also sold locally. I would just do a search on pocket holsters....you'll notice that they all pretty much have the same basic shape, and cover the trigger. If you add a crimson trace to the LCP, they have holsters for that as well...that may be an accessory I add, since the sights are such garbage.

If you need more info on pocket holsters, I'd just create a new thread or PM me, don't want to disrespect the original subject of the thread.

[customcracka]

I got my lcp 2 weeks ago for 319 from academy sports. I've sent 57 rounds down the barrel including 7 rounds of the hollow points I'll be carrying and it performed flawlessly. I know what you guys mean about it pinching your trigger finger though.

[Lew-G17]

I like my LCP very much, I have also owned Kel-Tecs and I have been fortunate to never have any problems with either one.

Pocket holsters are the way to go, and a Google search will keep you busy for a long time looking at the various brands available. In addition to Bill's stuff, try Desantis. I have had excellent service from their pocket holster.

[NCXD40]

I have a Kel-Tec so I won't comment too much...

But a pocket holster is a must for me. the gun will rotate around and lay horizontally in my pocket if not, and be damn near impossible to draw with any speed.

Alot of people like those knife clip type things, that clips it in your pocket like a knife. Just doesn't look lik ethat would work as well.

[Geezer]

Myself, I would not use the clip method of carry because the trigger is not covered. I use a Galco Pocket Protector for my PF-9 and I like it.

[TRaGiK]

Originally Posted by geerubb

NOOB question:

How do you guys pocket carry these guns? Do you just throw it in there, or is there some sort of holster/cover to keep lint and the like off of it?

Uncle Mikes size 1 pocket holster.

[TRaGiK]

Originally Posted by kudzu

Nice selection with the LCP. I had put off buying one until they became more ready available. This also got them down to a realistic price (back down below MRSP). I have a Crossbread Minituck for my LCP. I forget that it is there.

Back when I bought my old 442, I didn't even consider the LCP (or any other .380) because I'm simply not a fan of the round.

However, I've since had to change how I dress slightly, and the thick 442 just wouldn't cut it now. I needed something thinner, and a .380 is better than a 442 that I won't/couldn't carry.

Like anyone, I'd carry RPG's if I could, but since I can't, the LCP will do. :)

[Jeepfan]

Originally Posted by NCXD40

But a pocket holster is a must for me. the gun will rotate around and lay horizontally in my pocket if not, and be damn near impossible to draw with any speed.

No more calls please we have a winner. :D
Definately need a pocket holster else it will get stuck in your pocket. I use a Blackhawk ITP#3 (mine has the CT laser).

[Rosco P]

Originally Posted by Jeepfan

No more calls please we have a winner. :D
Definately need a pocket holster else it will get stuck in your pocket. I use a Blackhawk ITP#3 (mine has the CT laser).

Show me a pocket holster that will keep the magazine buttplate from working itself off and spraying rounds everywhere and I'll go buy another one

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by Rosco P

Show me a pocket holster that will keep the magazine buttplate from working itself off and spraying rounds everywhere and I'll go buy another one

That doesn't sound like a problem caused by a pocket holster.

[recreationguru]

i have an uncle george pocket holster for my elsiepea. Great quality and works nicely. I carry in my back pocket. http://unclegeorgeswalletholster.com/default.aspx

[Walt Sherrill]

Originally Posted by Geezer

That doesn't sound like a problem caused by a pocket holster.

Roger, that. Never had that problem with a number of different pocket holsters and different pocket guns.

Sounds like a MAGAZINE problem.