New pocket pistol

[jim Glass]

Thought about this for several weeks so yesterday I signed the papers for a Ruger LCP 380. Didn't buy the gun for shooting but for conceal carry. Already been warned it is difficult to hang onto when firing. But the light weight and small size made it attractive for my needs for carrying in my pants pocket. I wanted a gun that could be carried in swim shorts pockets.

I'll test fire it next week and report back.

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Jim

[pete lynch]

I'll be waiting to read your report. I am looking at a few different .380 pocket pistols like the S&W Bodyguard, Glock 42 and the LCP.
Already have a Ruger for EDC and I like it.

[Tokwan]

Ruger is always a good gun although I prefer a Colt .45. I own a Colt XSE series 5" barrel..and eventhough its 8.5" in total length, I still managed to conceal it under or nera my armpit actually my shulder holster in my 5.11 shirt. A tough time to conceal when I am wearing a jacket or without my sling bag.

[crashdive123]

I would highly recommend more than test firing it. If it is going to be the weapon that you carry daily - the weapon that you will use if your life depends on it - the weapon that may save the life of another ------ then shoot it. Shoot it a lot. Become familiar with every nook and cranny of it. Become so comfortable with it that it's use is second nature.

Also - since you will be carrying it in your pocket - clean it often. Pocket lint will build up and needs to be cleaned.

[Highhawk1948]

I would suggest a pocket holster also. It will protect the trigger.

[Rick]

I had a Desantis pocket holster for my PF9 and the seam kept hitting the magazine release button. I'd pull the weapon out and find the magazine was loose. I stopped using it and just carry it open in my pocket. No problems at all. +1 on the training and cleaning.

[hunter63]

The LCP is pocket pistol as well.....and gave up on the pocket holster.......was from Sportsman Guide and didn't fit anywhere.

Mine came with a add on lip for the front side of the magazine that helps with grip and control.

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSe...y=LCP+magizine

[kyratshooter]

Summertime I pocket carry a P3AT, the inspiration for the LCP. The gun is small enough that a money clip or a small notepad will mask any "print" in the pocket.

Dumping the magazine is a universal problem that should not exist with these pocket guns. It does not matter if it is in the pocket or in my belt, the button still gets depressed and you have a one shot firearm. They really need a heel of the butt mag release, since combat mag changes are an unlikely scenario with these guns. I have an extra mag, but it lives in the console of the car and I never carry it.

I simply remove the mag button and sand it down on the belt sander until it is flush with the frame. I have not dumped a mag with any of my small concealment guns since I began doing that as a first move after purchase.

Only trouble with pocket carry is it renders the pistol inaccessible when in a vehicle, so the vehicle gets its own assigned easy access firearm for anti-carjacking duty.

I have been using mine for several trouble free years. No, it is not a range toy and I do not even worry about accuracy. All I want is hits in a general 8" circle at 10 feet.

It does let you know you are shooting something but it is not as bad as my PF9. The PF9 hurts me worse than any .44mag I ever touched!

[Rick]

I would be interested in what you did for your truck carry. That's also a concern for me. I carry mine in the seat next to me. Most of the time I'm alone in the truck. I honestly haven't figured a way or found a product that would actually work worth a darn to truck carry.

If the PF9 is a problem what are you shooting in it? I've used some Winchester 147 grain JHP but mostly use Remington 115 grain JHP. I don't find it bad at all with the 115.

[crashdive123]

Rick, have you thought about something like this? http://www.gumcreekcustoms.com/

[pete lynch]

I'd forgot about the Keltecs. They are hard to find around here or were the last time I asked.
I carry an SR9c that is ok for concealment in the summer time. I have an IWB holster thats comfortable enough and works well as far as concealment but It can absorb some butt-sweat if I wear it too long. Fall/Winter/early Spring is no problem.

[Rick]

I had looked at that at one point and decided against. For the life of me now I can't remember why I didn't like it. Hmmmm.

[kyratshooter]

I would be interested in what you did for your truck carry. That's also a concern for me. I carry mine in the seat next to me. Most of the time I'm alone in the truck. I honestly haven't figured a way or found a product that would actually work worth a darn to truck carry.

If the PF9 is a problem what are you shooting in it? I've used some Winchester 147 grain JHP but mostly use Remington 115 grain JHP. I don't find it bad at all with the 115.

I have used self tapping screws to mount a cheap Walmart holster intended for airsoft guns to the console. I have it down by my knee at the edge of the seat partly concealed by the seat/console. It is not easily visible but I keep a camo bandana draped over it most of the time so it is not seen from the outside when I am parked and leave the vehicle. I do not like them mounted up on the dash. Way too visible.

As for the recoil of the PF9? I find the slap impulse more than I can enjoy. Feels like someone is hitting the web of my hand with a ball peen hammer. It makes my hand numb after about a mag full. I am shooting standard Federal 124gn for carry but it does the same for me with my factory equivalent reloads.

I have decided that the solution to the problem is going to be a P11.

Same overall size with only slightly thicker grip area. Besides having a wider grip to absorb the shock of full 9mm loads it also accepts full sized S&W M59 magazines.

[Rick]

the P11 kinda looks like a PF9 on a mashed potato diet.

[kyratshooter]

I really like every aspect of the PF9 except for the recoil. I must say it does keep me from shooting it as much as I should.

I have used it as one of my 2 primary carry guns in winter for several years due to its easy concealability plus penetration of winter clothing.

As flat and comfortable as it is I forget I am carrying it. No holster on that one either. I use the belt clip kel-tec makes for it. I find it much more comfortable to carry than any of my snubbie revolvers and it still gives me 2 more rounds than the revolver.

[natertot]

One gun not mentioned is the Ruger LC380 and the Ruger LC9. They aren't much bigger than "pocket" pistols and they still fit in my pocket. You can actually grip the things and mags don't pop out. Reliable as anything and can be had brand new for well under $400. Kinda hard to go wrong.

[Graf]

I bought the LCP last year fired a couple box thorugh it, good for what it is never had any jams. I bought a clip that goes on the side of the gun looks just like a pocket clip for a knife. I beleive it was only $20.00 it opens new options for carry and doesn't interfere with my Fobus holster or pocket holster. I was concerned it might come loose after running rounds through it, so shot another 30 rounds and had no problems.

[hunter63]

When I bought the LCP....I was looking at a little bit bigger models (a lot of them)....I liked LC9, than I though,... well a .40 would be better....but why not a .45....
Went back and picked up the LCP.

[Ranger F]

Got the lcp with the crimson trace. Fobus paddle holster if I have a shirt that will conceal it just stick it in my pocket if not.
Good gun, no malfunctions so far.

[pete lynch]

I had looked at that at one point and decided against. For the life of me now I can't remember why I didn't like it. Hmmmm.

I did a lot of research on the SR9c (unlike my Mark III which I wanted for a long time and my Rossi 38 special that I bought because the deal was hard to turn down). What decided it for me was the simple fact that I got the chance to fire one on the range and I really was impressed with it's feel and accuracy.
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