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Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: TripleB on October 25, 2013, 11:47:05 PM


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Title: ruger lcp 380
Post by: TripleB on October 25, 2013, 11:47:05 PM
How many of you have one of these? What do you like or dislike?
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: buck man on October 25, 2013, 11:50:01 PM
Wrong thread! :dunno:. Great gun though.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: TripleB on October 25, 2013, 11:52:47 PM
Oops, using my phone  must have clicked wrong one. Mods please move. Thanks for the post tho
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: fly-by on October 26, 2013, 10:14:16 PM
I carry mine more than anything else, but shoot it just often enough to remain competent.  It's just not pleasant.  Would much rather shoot hot handloads in my 357 or 10mm than that little thing. However, it can be pretty accurate for what it is. 
Just ordered a new holster for it last night:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411553118/Ruger+LCP+Wallet+Pocket+Holster (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411553118/Ruger+LCP+Wallet+Pocket+Holster)
Check out the video at the bottom.
The pinky extension on the magazine acts as a retainer.  I thought these old Derringer "finger hole" holsters were illegal but apparently the slide being visible makes it ok...

Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: GEARHEAD on October 26, 2013, 10:26:00 PM
love mine, carry it around like a pocket knife and often forget its even in my pocket, its probably the lightest 380 out there, mine has been very dependable, i dont have the lazer, so its lighter and tucks into a smaller holster, besides, why do ya really need a lazer on a 5-10 yard gun. it is what it is, i call it a BTN...better than nuthin' i really like it.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: hillbilli on October 27, 2013, 01:49:55 AM
I probably would not have gotten one, but a friend of mine let me shoot his. yes recoil is a little sharp, but manageable for me. One handed at seven yards- I could put them in a group the size of someone's face, two handed at 7 to ten yards, the group was the size of the palm of my hand. Two handed at 20 yards- I still had them all on an 8.5x11 sheet of notebook paper. It impressed me for an 9 oz pocket .380.. I dont like the .380 as a defensive gun, I dont think it's really enough, but it beats the heck out of .25, .22, .32, or about anything else you can put in a 9 oz gun that looks like you put your wallet in your front pocket..   (if you're recoil shy you might note that the Kel Tec p32, in .32, is the same size, with the same accuracy,with significantly less recoil)
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: eburg127 on October 27, 2013, 05:42:26 AM
I have one that I carry all the time, and I mean all the time!  Yes, I would rather carry my Glock 27 for more firepower and better handling, but it is too big.  I can get away with carrying the LCP in the summer by just putting it in my front pants pocket.  I can carry the G27 when I am wearing a coat to help conceal, but often find myself still carrying the LCP. I notice that I carry WAY more having this little gun, and I would rather be carrying something.  The reality of it is that if you have to actually use it to save your life, you are probably going to be very close to your threat.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: NW-GSP on October 27, 2013, 05:51:06 AM
I have carried mine for three years now and really like it. Easy to conceal in your pocket.
Mine is up for sale $300
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on October 27, 2013, 12:03:17 PM
Don't like he long pull on the trigger but it's nice to carry.  Mine has the lazer, looking back wish I passed on the lazer.  Surprisingly accurate and not that bad to shoot.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: turkeyfeather on October 27, 2013, 12:06:19 PM
I am actually selling mine cause I don't care for it.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: hillbilli on October 27, 2013, 05:56:37 PM
Governor of Texas made the news a couple years ago for killing a coyote that came after the dog he was walking with his daughter with an LCP. Nice thing about a gun that size is even when you have to wear a tucked in shirt, ect., you still have a gun.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Fisherdave10 on October 27, 2013, 10:22:06 PM
Like everyone else has said, it isn't very pleasant to shoot but I really like mine.
 (work excluded) It's always in my pocket.

I highly recommend the LCP, but understand what you're getting.  A very small, reliable and concealable .380 at the cost of capacity, shootability and terminal ballistics. 


I carry 90gr Speer Gold Dots in mine.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: ghosthunter on October 27, 2013, 10:30:54 PM
I carry one every day. I also carry a 9mm. But sometimes the nine is too big.
The LCP is always in my cargo pants pocket.

Love it.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: cwuwildcat on October 28, 2013, 12:50:14 AM
I've got one.  I use if for those times when I can't conceal my 1911.  I can conceal my 1911 most of the time because I make sure to buy really good holsters and belts.  I like my lcp. 

Some people don't like the trigger because they might not understand why it's got a long pull.  It's not designed for IDPA.  It's a true self defense pocket pistol.  The trigger pull is long to keep you from shooting off your pecker.  Not kidding.  There's a reason why it's called a pocket pistol.  Because people carry it in their front pocket.  Imagine in your excitement to draw it out of your pocket to defend yourself, and it's got a two pound, short pull trigger.  You catch your finger, or something else, in the trigger while pulling it out.  Bang, there goes mister stubby.  A .380 isn't the worlds biggest cannon, but it's powerful enough to shoot off your howitzer.  The longer, stiffer pull gives you a chance to make sweet sweet love again!

I use it for what it is, a deep concealed gun.  I have a pocket holster that when I need to, I flip the entire setup upside down in my back pocket and it looks like a wallet.  Nobody thinks to ask why I've got a wallet in each back pocket.  Its weight is hardly noticeable.  Not going to stop a bull, but it's intended to give you a way out.  It's going to go bang and make the bad guy flinch for a couple of seconds to give you a way out or a chance to get a better aim.

Your milage may very.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: HighlandLofts on October 30, 2013, 08:41:04 AM
9mm is the smallest I'd go with a carry hangun, If I were t use it for shooting a big fish I caught to land it or some other non-life threathening deed it would work. But for something that I would use to defend my life with I'd toss it in the dresser draw and forget about it. My main carry gun is a S&W 642 Airweight 38 + P. for around the house and trips to the local store, When I travel to Everett, Seattle, Tacoma I carry either a 357mag revolver or a 1911- 45acp.

On another gun forum I'm on they call the LCP the "Little Crappy Pistol"
The LCR the "Little Crappy Revolver'
and the LC9 the "Little Crappt 9mm"
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: tonymiller7 on October 30, 2013, 11:18:25 AM
I have one with a crimson trace lazer guard on it, and I shoot 90 grain frangible rounds just to be sure the person will never get up again.  My biggest dislike is the trigger pull, I understand it's a double action but GUUD LAWD it's a tough pull.  I can carry that thing everywhere, wearing just about anything, and nobody knows I have it on.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on October 30, 2013, 11:32:56 AM
I carry mine all the time.  I figure if I put 7 rounds of .380 into a dirtbag at arm's length, and he's still standing there, I'm in deep do-do anyway.  I have bigger guns, but the LCP is so light and small I hardly know it's there!
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: CP on October 30, 2013, 11:52:25 AM
The only issue that I have with it is the mag release.  Sometimes when I grip it I inadvertently release the magazine.  Big hand vs. small gun issue  :dunno:  but releasing the mag turns it into a single shot.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: jay.sharkbait on October 30, 2013, 11:55:34 AM
The only issue that I have with it is the mag release.  Sometimes when I grip it I inadvertently release the magazine.  Big hand vs. small gun issue  :dunno:  but releasing the mag turns it into a single shot.

That would make things a little interesting
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: JLS on October 30, 2013, 11:55:59 AM
Based on my experience, when you shoot your firearm in a high stress situation you won't even notice that 8 pound trigger.  In fact, it will feel like 18 oz. and you won't even realize the gun went off.

Hopefully all of you guys that carry them in your pocket have a pocket holster to keep the gun clean and prevent an accidental discharge.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on October 30, 2013, 11:59:13 AM
I had an issue with the mag release on mine, too.  I laid it on the counter and the magazine shot out.  I filed a skosh off the mag release button and haven't had a problem since.  :tup:
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: CP on October 30, 2013, 12:46:18 PM
Based on my experience, when you shoot your firearm in a high stress situation you won't even notice that 8 pound trigger.  In fact, it will feel like 18 oz. and you won't even realize the gun went off.

Hopefully all of you guys that carry them in your pocket have a pocket holster to keep the gun clean and prevent an accidental discharge.

Holsters could be a whole other topic but yes, it should cover the trigger and keep the pocket fuzz out.

Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: tonymiller7 on October 30, 2013, 02:18:05 PM
I put a belt clip on mine and carry inside the waiste band, but I also clean it regularly.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: JLS on October 30, 2013, 02:20:50 PM
I put a belt clip on mine and carry inside the waiste band, but I also clean it regularly.

Do whatever floats your boat, but to have an exposed trigger is asking for trouble.  What if you get in a wrestling match and the other guy's finger goes inside the trigger guard and pulls it?  It might kill you instead of him.

Food for thought, and worth what you paid for the opinion.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: dscubame on October 30, 2013, 02:41:58 PM
Some how my LCP finds its way into my front pocket and I simply forget that I even have it.  It is that convenient.  Works as a good dispatch gun when needed in the field as well.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: CP on October 30, 2013, 02:55:41 PM
Some how my LCP finds its way into my front pocket and I simply forget that I even have it.  It is that convenient.  Works as a good dispatch gun when needed in the field as well.

What would you be dispatching with it?
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on October 30, 2013, 04:10:33 PM
I carry mine almost everywhere I can loaded with Remington Golden Saber 90g hollowpoints, either IWB or with a pocket holster.  I have the Lasermax laser sight, I don't need it for aiming but it has been a great asset for dry fire exercises to get used to the long and stiff trigger pull.  I dry fire it at least weekly with the laser to ensure I'm keeping it on target through the length of the pull.  It's not as fun to shoot as my Sig P238 (which is another great pocket gun).  As previously stated, you can completely forget you are carrying it, its like a wallet or cell phone.  I can usually walk a pop can from 5 to 10 yards hitting it 6 for 6 with about 1 second intervals.  It has never FTF so far.  It takes getting used to but is well worth getting used to.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: tonymiller7 on October 31, 2013, 07:04:35 AM
I put a belt clip on mine and carry inside the waiste band, but I also clean it regularly.

Do whatever floats your boat, but to have an exposed trigger is asking for trouble.  What if you get in a wrestling match and the other guy's finger goes inside the trigger guard and pulls it?  It might kill you instead of him.

Food for thought, and worth what you paid for the opinion.

The trigger isn't exposed, it's inside my pants.  I don't see myself getting into "that kind" of wrestling match where the guy's hand is down my pants in the butt region.  Just sayin.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Mongo Hunter on October 31, 2013, 12:00:44 PM
Had one, LOVED carrying it. the thing is so small and light you forget you have it.

RELIABLE, never had a stoppage or FTF

HATED shooting it. With regular ball ammo it wasn't too bad especially if you have the finger extension on the mag (highly recommend BTW). but the minute I put self defense type ammo in it (corbon, Hydra shock, TAP) the damn thing moved in my hand just enough to have to re adjust my grip before firing again. the only way to stop that was to death grip the thing or back down the ammo I was using.

I sold it to a buddy of mine and went back to my old carry gun.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: 300rum on October 31, 2013, 12:06:05 PM
It's an o.k. pistol and will likely do well for you.  I like the S&W Bodyguard better though.  The S&W, for me anyway, was more comfortable to shoot (ergonomic) and it is very accurate. 
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: JLS on October 31, 2013, 01:45:06 PM
I put a belt clip on mine and carry inside the waiste band, but I also clean it regularly.

Do whatever floats your boat, but to have an exposed trigger is asking for trouble.  What if you get in a wrestling match and the other guy's finger goes inside the trigger guard and pulls it?  It might kill you instead of him.

Food for thought, and worth what you paid for the opinion.

The trigger isn't exposed, it's inside my pants.  I don't see myself getting into "that kind" of wrestling match where the guy's hand is down my pants in the butt region.  Just sayin.


And I don't see myself getting hit by a train tomorrow, but it could happen.  The trigger guard is not covered.  As I said, do whatever floats your boat.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: hunt3636223 on November 01, 2013, 04:45:33 PM
I have the Taurus 738 TCP .380 and love it.  Very similar to the Ruger but usually $50 cheaper and it has the slide lock function on the last shot.  I would recommend looking into it, shoot both and see what you like the best, thats the only way to go :tup:
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on November 01, 2013, 07:28:54 PM
I put a belt clip on mine and carry inside the waiste band, but I also clean it regularly.

Do whatever floats your boat, but to have an exposed trigger is asking for trouble.  What if you get in a wrestling match and the other guy's finger goes inside the trigger guard and pulls it?  It might kill you instead of him.

Food for thought, and worth what you paid for the opinion.

The trigger pull is soooo looong on the LCP, I doubt anyone would ever get it to go off.  Besides, like I tell everyone:  I'm too old to wrestle or fight with anyone--I'll just kill him.  When you're nearly 70, a life sentence isn't much of a threat!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: Fisherdave10 on November 02, 2013, 12:18:18 PM
Besides, like I tell everyone:  I'm too old to wrestle or fight with anyone--I'll just kill him.  When you're nearly 70, a life sentence isn't much of a threat!  :chuckle:

Hahaha, and that's why you don't mess with old people.  ;)
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: superdown on November 02, 2013, 01:11:14 PM
I have one and carry it every day on my 10 mile bike ride in a cheap uncle mikes IWB size 36 in basketball shorts. Have never had it fall out or anything and like many other have said i often forget it's there. It is surprisingly accurate at about 30ft my dad i were able to make a pop can dance all over the ground.I carry PMC starfire hollow points in it.
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: scottr on November 10, 2013, 10:47:58 PM
I like mine and carry it more than any other piece. It easily will fit in a jacket pocket or a pair of shorts. Not a fun range gun but shoots pretty well out to 10yds. I use Speer Gold Dot 90 gr HPs.

One thing I don't get is people saying .380 is not powerful enough. Sure it's not .45acp but in a gun like the LCP, for it's intended purpose I feel very comfortable with the caliber.

This guys test an LCP with Gold Dots and it goes through 4 layers of denim, a 6.5" thick hogs skull, and two one gallon milk jugs of water.

Hog's Head Ballistics - Speer Gold Dot 90gr .380 ACP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NfS9owxPiU#ws)
Title: Re: ruger lcp 380
Post by: ohopluke on November 12, 2013, 04:50:13 PM
 :tup:
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