LCP for CCW

[ejpaul1]

I need to hear from owners, or previous owners of an LCP for Carry. The other consideration is a kel-tec. My wife handled one and said the slide wouldnt stay open at the gun counter. My only experience with semi auto's is my springfield XD45, had it for three years and not a jam or malfunction nomatter what I feed it, a phoenix 22 which hams on cheap ammo and shooting 4 of my buddies colt 1911's. THe 1911's jam occasionally if you dont feed them 230 ball ammo.
So, what can I expect from a LCP? an occasional jam? Never jams? Always jams? finicky? After three flawless years with an XD45, I might have a skewed opinion. Anyway, let me have it! Reports and experience that is. Thanks, EJ

[Airsporter]

http://www.elsiepeaforum.com/  Go to: 'General LCP Discussion'

P.S.  I've never had a hitch with mine (limited to a few hundred assorted rounds).  I love it.

P.P.S.  Slide lock is manual (for inspection or making range safe), not a lock back on last shot.

[Rangr44]

AFAIK, neither the Kel-Tec P-3AT, the P-32, or the Ruger LCP will automatically lock the slide back on an empty mag - and the LCP is the only one of the three with a manual slide lock.

My P-3AT required some break-in before it started to function seamlessly (about 250 rounds), my P-32 was good out-of-the-box (750 rounds), and my LCP's been good out-of-the-box as well (350 rounds so far).

FWIW, a friend's Bersa .380 required mucho break-in, and still occassionally balks.

I had NP with a NAA, but sold it because it didn't feel "right" in my hand, when I fired it.  

Since YMMV, I would strongly suggest any potential buyer at least personally handle an example of whatever make/model they're considering (Including trigger pull-through), B4 buying.

For concealed carry, the $12 Kel-Tec accessory belt clip also fits the LCP, installs in 5 mins, and allows concealed carry sans holster.



         

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[TRIGGERTIME]

I don't carry regularly, but previously when I did carry, I carried a 1911.  I still do carry a 1911, but usually only when the weather is cooler and it is easier to conceal. I bought an LCP when they first came out. I'm very happy with it. A woman I taught to shoot traded in her full size .40 for one after trying mine. Here are some things to consider:

     The LCP is light and concealable to the point you forget you have it with you. This may be a pro or con.

     I trust a .45 will stop an attacker. I trust a .380 won't. Still better than harsh language. Pro or con?

     It is a ridiculously inaccurate weapon; exactly what I expected. When they come out with a sniper rifle
        as small and light as this I will buy it no matter what the price.

     

[poncaguy]

Mine has a laser on it, can hit a pop can at 10 yards  with it..

[Airsporter]

     It is a ridiculously inaccurate weapon; exactly what I expected.

Mine more than meets it's intended purpose.  Heart-size groups, rapid fire @ 7yds with 2-hand hold.  These are self-defense 'belly guns.'  Up close and personal, not bullseye guns.

[wyohandi]

I love mine! I carry ALL the time don't even know its there, unless I need it.
I put the laser on mine, mostly because it's cool, but but the sights are useless at more than
spitting distance or low light. Mine has never jammed, throws brass so far I almost gave up looking for it.
Mine is really pretty accurate, I shoot rabbits with it once in awhile, I can hit them pretty regular @ 20-30yds
the trigger is horrible for accuracy work, but it's not a target gun!
I would choose it over a 45 out in the truck every time.
I saw a newer one the other day and the slide was all engraved, a little bit of that gold inlay paint
and you got a BBQ gun!

[fknipfer]

What you are buying is a lightweight $300 pistol.  Stings like the devil when you shoot it.  Probably wouldn't sting if someone was after you.  Gun needs to be heavier in my opinion.  Wouldn't buy it again if I had the chance.  Good small 9mm is a better choice.

fknipfer

[Knucklehead]

I have had a LCP for about 6 weeks now and go to the range with it once a week.  With this pistol practice does indeed.... make perfect.  It takes practice, but it is a very good, quality pistol.  I find the trigger pull decent, heavy, but smooth.  Much better than some J frame S&W I have tried.  With practice, I can hit a grpefruit sized target 6 out of 8 times at 15 yards.  the other two are not far off, but, I expect to get better, with even more practice, because lets face it, were responsible for ALL the shots , even, especially, the misses.   If the wife is going to carry this in her purse, then just get a Kahr Mk 9 and have a better carry piece.  But if concealment is the issue, for on the body carry purposes, then this is one great, light, little carry piece.  Forget about hollowpoints in a .380, not enough power.  Just use solid ball ammo to get penetration, especially in the winter, where heavy clothing comes into play.  I use either a DeSantis pocket carry holster, or an IWB setup, and you LITTERALLY can forget you have it on you.  Great for in the summer, or, as they say, the perfect gun to carry when you cant carry a gun.  But when I CAN carry, I usually opt for something bigger.

[mrussel]

I need to hear from owners, or previous owners of an LCP for Carry. The other consideration is a kel-tec. My wife handled one and said the slide wouldnt stay open at the gun counter. My only experience with semi auto's is my springfield XD45, had it for three years and not a jam or malfunction nomatter what I feed it, a phoenix 22 which hams on cheap ammo and shooting 4 of my buddies colt 1911's. THe 1911's jam occasionally if you dont feed them 230 ball ammo.
So, what can I expect from a LCP? an occasional jam? Never jams? Always jams? finicky? After three flawless years with an XD45, I might have a skewed opinion. Anyway, let me have it! Reports and experience that is. Thanks, EJ

 All I can give you is my opinion,but it seems to me that if your choice is a Kel-tec or a ruger,and the price is about the same,and it is around where I live,then the Ruger is the one to get.

[lakota]

I have had mine for about 8 months. I like it. I carry it in a wallet holster in my right hip pocket. I have got about 300 rounds through it. I have had 3 or FTE's but I think it was ammo and not the gun's fault. When I got mine .380 ammo was near impossible to find and all I could get my hands on was Privi Partisan ammo and it seemed to be very inconsistant in its powder charges. One round would go "pop" with little recoil and one would go "BOOM" with considerable recoil. I have shot a box of Remington golden sabers and also found some remanufactured ammo since then and havent had any more issues. I wont buy any more of that Privi Partizan ammo.

[Knucklehead]

Oh, and hands down, choose the Ruger.  It's a better quality gun, has a slightly beefier slide, AND a manual slide stop.  Hard to beat Ruger quality I say.

[lakota]

Well I had two 50 round boxes of the Pirvi Partizan ammo left and I shot them both today. Had two FTE's one from each box. This ammo is the most inconsistant ammo I have ever shot.At least I got the brass from this ammo I guess. I ordered a set of reloading dies and a Lee 102 grain 2 cavity mold for my LCP today so I will be in the reloading business for it here soon. With loadings like 2.5 grains of Bullseye powder a pound  should go a long way.

[John R.]

I bought one when they first came out. The gun has not malfunctioned to date (250 rounds). I added a CT laser, and I was real impressed. I can make head shots all day at 10 yds. from any position, one-hand, laying on ground, even ganster style. I even bent over and shot the gun upside down, the laser works!

[shiyfire]

I bought a ruger LCP a few weeks ago,seems to function fine and is very slim and easy to carry in a pocket or IWB holster.

[Old Griz]

My wife saw the P3AT and just had to have it. It turned out to be junk. It jammed after every 3 or 4 shots with every type of ammo except Blazer JHPs. This was 500 rounds of ammo and still jammed. Not reliable so we never used it. Then I got her the LCP. Not too many rounds through it, but it has never jammed. Both, however, hurt to shoot. Not something you would want to practice with, that's for sure. Neither of them compare with a S&W 638. Accurate, easy to shoot, better, and cheaper ammo.

[45Super]

 I have two LCP`s. (Ok, one is the Wife`s) Great little gun! I carry it always. I carry it in a pocket holster and you don`t even know it`s there. I feed it Federal 90 gr. Hydra-Shoks. Good tight groups, never a jam.

[lakota]

My wife has the LCP with the pink frame