LCP...didn't need it, got it anyways

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:02 am

I just purchased a RUGER LCP .380ACP. Now this is not my favorite round, I have some reservations, but I do know that the ammo has improved allot since I last owned a .380 (prior experience: Colt Government 380, Colt Mustang, Walther PPK, PPK/s). I decided to get one after shooting an old friends, I was very surprised at the accuracy, the reliability, the lack of recoil, and of course the size and weight (trigger pull is good too). I paid an xtra $20.00 and bought a stainless version.

My main purpose in getting the LCP is to use it for shorts/flip-flop weather. I used to carry J-frame style revolvers, but like the ability to reload with a magazine--all of my revolvers went down the road three years ago...the Glock 26 is still my EDC/BUG, but the LCP is an interesting choice...really hate to say it, but I really like the LCP... :)

QUESTION: since the barrel is only 2 3/4" would it make more sense to just carry FMJ over JHP..?
I bought some JHP's, but wonder if penetration shouldn't be the main focus with this gun/caliber...right about
here is where someone will tell me to carry a .45ACP in FMJ and never look-back---that's why I own a Glock 30SF... :)

guido4198 · Post by **guido4198** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 3:47 am

Welcome to the LCP club.
Like many others here...I have a variety of handguns to choose from for concealed carry. Here in Florida....I found MOST of them were spending waaayyyy too much time at home while I was out-and-about.
I got an LCP, and not only LOVE the little thing for it's shoot-a-bility,(is that even a real word..??) but also for the fact that it is most often dropped in my pocket when I go out while the other choices I have to pick from wave goodbye...and remain at home.
As to ammo choice, also keeping in mind that I'm in Florida where we encounter very very few individuals in heavy winter clothing, I have chosen Remington "Golden Saber" 102 gn JHP. In cold weather, when both I and most potential bad guys are more heavily dressed..I'm carrying a better choice than the .380.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 5:21 am

Welcome aboard the LCP train.
So far finding mine to be perfect for summertime CC.

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:37 am

I figured you would be using FMJ since that's about all anybody can find nowadays. I can't remember the last time I saw HP .380 (that wasn't triple price). I always wanted a LCP but they never got to the price point I wanted. (they stayed above MSRP around here for a looooong time). Now I can get a G42 cheaper so I'm on the waiting list for one at my supply store. I picked up a 100-round box of FMJ at a Walmart 200 miles from me 6 months ago. Haven't seen any close by....

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 8:20 am

Dang little dudes really are useful, aren't they? I may have to join the club too, one o' these days.
My current itty-bitty is a NAA Earl in .22 Magnum, but it's inaccurate and kind of fumbly.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 8:35 am

QUESTION: since the barrel is only 2 3/4" would it make more sense to just carry FMJ over JHP..?

this is a good question and I answered it for myself by doing penetration tests. the american eagle fmj fp penetrates water jugs to the exact same spot as the 9mm gold dot, into the third jug. it's the only load for my wife's lcp. it will break bones.

there are gelatin pen test videos where a certain 380 load penetrates 24 inches.

the problem is that the hollowpoints do not, to my knowledge, penetrate well or reliably.

as always, don't trust, but verify...

Grizz

ceb · Post by **ceb** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 10:29 am

I too love my little LCP, I find it accurate and easy to shoot. It often rides in the pocket of my shorts around the house. It has a good trigger and mine has not malfunctioned in over 500 RDS.

I am currently carrying Gold Dots in mine, but my extra mag carries FMJ FP, and it sometimes gets loaded first particularly in winter.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:37 pm

Mine has the Crimson Trace option built into it....I don't like to holster, so this is perfect for the leather vest I wear all the time. I have that wonderful little S&W 317 AirLite, but I'd rather have 7 shots of .380 than 8 shots of Stingers....and two mags in another pocket.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:42 pm

a heads up, there are 10 and 15 round mags available for the lcp. seeing how much trouble I am having finding ruger mags for my 22 I'm going to get some of the lcp mags while I still can.....

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:52 pm

My first thought would be to go with FMJ/penetration.

A work of caution though use a pocket holster of some kind. It will keep lint and dirt out of places there it shouldn't be. An Uncle Mike's IWB holster with the clip removed will work just fine if nothing else can be found.

Indigo22 · Post by **Indigo22** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 6:59 pm

I carry Hydra shocks in mine... I've swapped out a few parts since I got it. The lcp has proven itself reliable with no failures. I rely on a good pocket holster from Bear Creek Holsters.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:37 am

Sharp looking holster

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 6:32 am

Indigo, what parts have you swapped out besides the trigger?

Indigo22 · Post by **Indigo22** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 7:12 am

Bill in Oregon wrote:Indigo, what parts have you swapped out besides the trigger?

I upgraded the springs to the Wolff 12# spring set. The new springs reduce the felt recoil and doesn't pitch my brass quite so far. I installed a set of Pearce grip extensions, although the Ruger extension is a little shorter and fit my hand a little better, Ruger at the time didn't sell their extensions separately. I've grown used to the Pearce brand and appreciate the other half finger that I can get on the grip with them. And of course the RTK "Sweet Pea" trigger has made a big difference for me.

Stan in SC · Post by **Stan in SC** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 7:15 am

When Ruger came out with the LCP I remarked at how much they looked like the Kel Tec P3AT.
I still think so. I carry a P3AT in a pocket holster every day.I really like the little .380's.
.380 after all is just a 9MM short.
Stan in SC

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:22 am

My 380 gel tests may be of interest in case some of you all didn't see it first time around. Since then I have sold the PPK, and now am carrying a G42. The PPK had an extremely short throat, so I had to seat the cast flat nose bullets very deep, and hence they weren't the best in the feeding department. The little Glock has a longer thoat and will gobble them up at normal seating depth. They are very accurate to boot, so that's what I've been carrying in my 380.
I intend to do some more gel tests with it when I get my hands on a couple more different hollow points, and I cast some softer cast bullets.

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... it=380+Gel

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:35 am

Ted, can you shoot cast in your G42? It's supposed to be a no-no in the bigger caliber Glocks.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 10:43 am

Thanks Ted

this is very good info.

Re-reading the older thread makes me wonder if there's something to be gained by reducing the velocity of the cast bullet to control over-penetration.

The hollowpoint penetration doesn't strike me as enough, and the bouncing bullet seems a 'little' over.

I gave up on one of the hps because the jackets were separating, I see they held up in your gel test. Still carry the american eagle ??gr fmjfp as the closest to the 9mm gold dots in reach.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 11:08 am

Indigo, I just checked out that Sweat Pea trigger on RTK's site. Looks like a worthwhile upgrade for $50.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 11:49 am

Bill in Oregon wrote:Ted, can you shoot cast in your G42? It's supposed to be a no-no in the bigger caliber Glocks.

The issue with cast bullets in Glocks stems from the Glock's polygonal rifling being more prone to stripping lead and fouling to the point where a loaded cartridge wouldn't fully chamber, but the gun would still fire, but then blow out the unsupported portion of the case and send lots of joy down into the mag well. I've shot lots of cast bullets in a couple different Glocks, just making sure they fit well, and are properly lubed. I never had any fouling issues. Now I am powder coating most all of my cast bullets, which basically makes them polymer jacketed bullets. No lead fouling at all, and though I've been wrong before, I think they are just fine in the G42. I shot 100 rounds last time out to the range and the barrel cleaned up shiney and spotless with one wet patch and one dry patch.

I am thinking that 103 gr. bullet cast of a softer 50-50 wheelweight/lead alloy will allow for some deformation and thus reduce it's penetration, while the powder coating will allow trouble free full power loads to propel them. Need to get on that, but I have too many irons in the fire right now.

K1500 · Post by **K1500** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 2:47 pm

My experience mimics the OP and others. I reluctantly bought one and find in the swampy 90+ degree days it gets carried a lot motor then than even my compact S&W Shield. It shoots well and has been 100% reliable. I have both HP and FMJ loadings, but I carry Winchester factory FMJ-FP. My logic is penetration is at a premium with a .380 so go with FMJ and the FP may perform a bit better than the typical FMJ-RN (kind of like a cast FP does in game).

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:11 pm

Ted, I was about to post a question about those powder coat bullets last night. I'm thinking I remember years when there was a bullet (loaded only IIRC) called Ny-Clad. I remember them being sold under the Smith & Wesson brand, then Federal. Someone corect me if I'm wrong.
As I remember they were great stoppers with really good expansion.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:34 pm

Yep, I had some Federal NyClad 38 Spl. back in the early 90's. That box that I had was the only ones I remember ever seeing though. I think they were a hollow point with that nylon material jacket.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:50 pm

Ted, good to hear you're powder coated pills are slipping through your Glock like grease. I think a heavyish bullet with a big meplat makes a lot of sense in a .380.
That said, are we still worried about legal liability issues if we carry more effective handloads in our personal protection firearms? This issue used to raised a lot in the gun press, but I wonder if it is mostly a red herring.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 11:21 pm

That was brought up when I took my ccw class. The attorney that was there to teach the legalities said that had never been an issue in any case he had ever heard of, not to worry about it. Besides, these cheapo homemade cast bullets are just my practice ammo. Everybody knows you need a high dollar jacketed hollow point if you really want to do some damage. Cast bullets are just for punching paper.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:13 am

Further tempting me to nab one o' these is the increasing availability of ammo online. See Lucky Gunner, for example.

Indigo22 · Post by **Indigo22** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 7:47 am

Bill in Oregon wrote:Indigo, I just checked out that Sweat Pea trigger on RTK's site. Looks like a worthwhile upgrade for $50.

Yes Bill, it is well worth the $50 for me. With the adjust-ability and the slightly different angle of the trigger it has aided greatly in my ability to shoot with my off hand should I need to. (I'm missing the tip of my left index finger down to the first knuckle) Prior to changing the trigger I had to shift the pistol in my hand to reach the trigger then shift it back to get a proper hold on the grip before continuing the pull. This has now been corrected. From what I heard the stock trigger on LCP's will bite some peoples finger the Sweet Pea was originally designed to fix that issue. I had never experienced the finger bite problem myself. RTK now makes triggers for a whole bunch of different pocket pistols.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 1:34 pm

I'm not knocking anyone getting different trigger, but I'd be leary of trying to improve something that has proven itself 100% reliable. I "improved" my 317 mouse gun with a professionally recommended spring that lightened the pull, and it didn't go boom all the time due to light strikes...BTW, that dang thing eats my trigger finger alive

Indigo22 · Post by **Indigo22** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 7:53 pm

BlaineG wrote:I'm not knocking anyone getting different trigger, but I'd be leary of trying to improve something that has proven itself 100% reliable. I "improved" my 317 mouse gun with a professionally recommended spring that lightened the pull, and it didn't go boom all the time due to light strikes...BTW, that dang thing eats my trigger finger alive

I would have to agree with you on the part of being leery of trading out parts that will change the reliability of any firearm. I wouldn't have changed out any parts had I not been confident in both my ability to do the swap and that the parts will do what they are designed to do without ill effects. That being said a gunsmith I worked with said that more work came into his shop because of people taking the advice of professionals than anything. His advice was to polish first change the springs only as a last resort if ever. Hammer springs go heavier, trigger springs only a tad lighter, If the same spring does both ... leave it be and do more polishing. He was the armorer for a local police force competition team that regularly went to the state finals. He was a crusty old fanny burp but he knew his stuff.

TerminalLance80 · Post by **TerminalLance80** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 9:51 am

Nice purchase. I have been carrying a Glock 26 around and that thing is like a brick. I will probably be getting an LCP soon. Let me know what ammo you end up going with.

66GTO · Post by **66GTO** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 5:47 pm

I carry this in my .380. Barnes 80 gr. solid copper H.P. , 1000 fps in a Keltec or LCP:

http://mygunculture.com/review-doubleta ... c-xp-80gr/

1894cfan · Post by **1894cfan** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 9:38 pm

I really wanted a G42, but none were to be found so ended up getting an Elsie Pea with CT laser. It's a heck of a lot more concealable than the G42 and holds the same amount of ammo AND I can use the BabyUpLULA to load the mags.

P.S. Picked up a Lee 356-95fn mold and ran a bunch off using Lyman #2 lead for near jacketed speeds out of my Elsie with no leading.

Indigo22 · Post by **Indigo22** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:42 am

I'd like to try the doubletap ammo. I'll watch for it and pick up a box.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:01 am

1894cfan wrote:I really wanted a G42, but none were to be found so ended up getting an Elsie Pea with CT laser. It's a heck of a lot more concealable than the G42 and holds the same amount of ammo AND I can use the BabyUpLULA to load the mags.

P.S. Picked up a Lee 356-95fn mold and ran a bunch off using Lyman #2 lead for near jacketed speeds out of my Elsie with no leading.

I'm probably going to get another one. Easiest way to carry the spare magazine. new-york reload, and two of them are still lighter than the glocks, and easier to hide.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:10 am

Grizz, with an LCP in each hand, you'd better be wearing that pink thong ...

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:12 pm

Bill in Oregon wrote:Grizz, with an LCP in each hand, you'd better be wearing that pink thong ...

not my thing..... I'll just go with a loincloth and one desert tan and one bad black elsie, with my hog spear stuck into the dirt in front of me ...

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:44 pm

Grizz wrote:
Bill in Oregon wrote:Grizz, with an LCP in each hand, you'd better be wearing that pink thong ...

not my thing..... I'll just go with a loincloth and one desert tan and one bad black elsie, with my hog spear stuck into the dirt in front of me ...

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:54 pm

Not at all how I had pictured Grizz.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:56 pm

Funny, me either ...

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:24 pm

that's the running partner....

I said loincloth, not miniskirt. Heh heh

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:36 pm

TedH wrote:Not at all how I had pictured Grizz.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 12:47 pm

Y'all still happy with your LCPs?
I'm still on the fence on LCP vs. LC9 for CCW.
I have an XD-M in .45, but it is just too darned big.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 2:56 pm

Bill in Oregon wrote:Y'all still happy with your LCPs?
I'm still on the fence on LCP vs. LC9 for CCW.
I have an XD-M in .45, but it is just too darned big.

Absolutely,
It's the first one I've ever had that spends more time on me than time in a drawer.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 3:01 pm

.

Given your choice in other handguns, Bill, I'll opine that you'll like the LCP - but you might want to take a hard look at the newer 9mm Ruger.

.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 3:41 pm

Pete, that's a fine pistol but a bit bulkier than the XD-M as far as I can tell. I'm looking for something I will actually carry -- kind of like Casa said.

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 7:00 pm

Penetration is everything for the .380. FMJ, or sounds like cast lead is into a bad choice.

Make sure you use a holster designed for pocket carry if carrying in a pocket. The type that hooks one way or another is best:

Lots of talk of the Glock 42, but the LCP so far seems to have a stronger track record for reliability, with advantages in size, too.

Someone mentioned legal issues with hand loads, but the only one I have heard to be a real issue is downloading a .44 mag, for example, which could make it seem you were farther from your target than you actually were.

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 11:07 pm

The .380 is about the only caliber I'd actually recommend FMJ due to the lackluster performance of most JHPs in the round.

Which is why I carry a 9mm offduty and as a backup.

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Fri Sep 26, 2014 11:26 pm

Since I first created this post I have sold the Ruger LCP (.380acp) to a retired LEO friend in his mid-70's...he looked at the gun one day when I was carrying and commented that at his advanced age the LCP would be a good choice. So I sold him the gun and four boxes of ammo. My present EDC/BUG is one of two Glock 26's, still pocket carry... :)

sideNOTE: examined and shot the Glock 42 in .380acp, I'm a Glock-fanboy, but if I were to buy another .380acp it would be the Ruger LCR... :)

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:19 am

Glock 42 at about 10 yards - (the markings at my indoor range arent super precise) -- thats also not a standard b-27 target either-- this one is the small one printed on regular 8 x 11 paper --- i'd say the Glock 42 is accurate enough to be a pretty good deterrent for me -- i like it

I cannot shoot a bigger glock much better if i am shooting at abrisk pace

--- that is 12 shots (2 6 rd magazines) --- i do see a couple of "mulligans" in there typical for me when getting used to any new gun - but the rest are right where they need to be ---
If you guys and gals can shoot the Ruger 380 like this, you are also a force to be reckoned with

guido4198 · Post by **guido4198** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 5:05 am

Bill in Oregon wrote:Y'all still happy with your LCPs?
I'm still on the fence on LCP vs. LC9 for CCW.
I have an XD-M in .45, but it is just too darned big.

YUP...
Another one who can honestly say that the LCP is the first CCW that I have owned which actually just stays on me more often than not.
Over the years....depending on the situation and for specific events, or travels, I've carried everything from a full sized 1911 in a Jackass shoulder holster, to an Ithaca 37 M&P 12 ga. tucked under my armpit on a cord looped over my shoulder, concealed by a full length oilskin duster.

(Did I mention I used to ride with a kinda rough crowd...???

).
The little Ruger stays in my pocket and will be a LOT more useful than ANYTHING I have in the safe at home should I ever again need the deadly force option.