.380 alternatives to the LCP

H

Herluf

New member
With the refund incoming it looks like I'll finally have the scratch to get my CCL (already took the class) and carry gun.

I'm leaning toward the LCP as it's seems well regarded, is small enough to be concealable with the way I dress and allows me to stick with .380 which is the caliber of my only other handgun, a Beretta 84. I'd like to hear other options however, so what are the pros and cons for other pocket guns that are:
-.380
-.Near the same size as a LCP
-Within $200 of the LCP
 
I would just like to say I recently bought an LCP and love it so far. It's been 100% reliable with all types of ammunition fired so far, which is only several hundred rounds. It's super easy to conceal in any type of pocket. I can even IWB it in my underwear, with my Remora holster, when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. The 2nd Generation LCP trigger is perfect for this type of gun. Light enough to shoot well and heavy enough to make you feel confident.
 
I can even IWB it in my underwear, with my Remora holster, when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
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I just hate it when I am mugged at night on the way to the bathroom, don't you?
 
I know its hard to imagine something so cheap being a good gun. But I haven't come accros a dissatisfied TCP owner yet. They are insanely reliable have have the best trigger of the Dao 380s
 
The LCP (Little Copy Pistol) is a copy of the Keltec P3AT. Why not get the original? The Keltec is lighter and less expensive, and just as good.
 
Herluf With the refund incoming it looks like I'll finally have the scratch to get my CCL (already took the class) and carry gun.

I'm leaning toward the LCP as it's seems well regarded, is small enough to be concealable with the way I dress and allows me to stick with .380 which is the caliber of my only other handgun, a Beretta 84. I'd like to hear other options however, so what are the pros and cons for other pocket guns that are:
-.380
-.Near the same size as a LCP
-Within $200 of the LCP
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Kahr P380 or Kahr CW380



skizzums I know its hard to imagine something so cheap being a good gun. But I haven't come accros a dissatisfied TCP owner yet.
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Then you havn't met those who had it lock up when they pulled the trigger before it completely resets: http://commonbullets.com/wp/?p=762




They are insanely reliable have have the best trigger of the Dao 380s
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"Insanely reliable" doesn't include a design flaw described above.
The Kahr trigger is light years better than anything Taurus puts out.



Bill DeShivs The LCP (Little Copy Pistol) is a direct copy of the Keltec P3AT. Why not get the original?
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Because the LCP is a better gun.;)
Doesn't need the "fluff and buff".
 
I know its hard to imagine something so cheap being a good gun. But I haven't come accros a dissatisfied TCP owner yet. They are insanely reliable have have the best trigger of the Dao 380s
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I paid $200 for mine. It has last shot hold open, unlike the LCP.
 
@BillDeShivs

I looked at all of the different makes of Kel-Tec style pocket pistol before I purchased my LCP. I had already purchased an LC9s at that point (another Kel-Tec style pistol by Ruger) so I knew I liked the Kel-Tec style pocket pistol a lot but before buying the LCP I did look at the TCP and the P3AT. I went with the Ruger for two reasons:

1. Ruger's reputation for customer service.

2. I like the more rounded contours of the LCP vs the TCP and P3at (this is all the case with the LC9 as compared to the PF9).

Small differences for sure, but that's why I made the decision that I did.
 
I highly recommend the Kahr CW380 (just a few bucks more than the LCP). I had the LCP for a few years and only shot a few mags with it since it is very uncomfortable to shoot.

Yg
 
I have the KelTec P3AT and have been very happy with it. It is my EDC.

I don't understand why people fixate so on the triggers of these small guns. These are not IDPA range toys, they are "if you need sights, you have the wrong gun" toys. If it goes bang, that is all you need for proximity will take care of the details.

Not mentioned so far is the Seecamp .380, so I will. Out of the specifed price range, around $850 or so, IIRC, and smaller than the LCP, but they are excellant pieces. I have one in .25 and .32. I have not gotten the .380 because the .25 is sharp enough to fire...I can't imagine a .380 round thru it.
 
Thanks for the advice so far folks.

In response to a few of the suggestions...

- The TCP and it's smooth trigger is appealing though the trigger reset is giving me pause.

- the Sig and Kimber are both the slightly larger and more angular 1911 style, yes? My concern with them is regards being pocketable for someone who tends to wear slimmer fitting clothing. Also, will the beavertail be a liability for pocket carry?

-Reviews suggest that the P3at seems to be a bit rougher made and isn't much less $ than the LCP.

Would like to know more about the S&W and Kahr and how they compare to the LCP.
 
May be a little late, looks like you've already thought about it but I'd +1 the suggestion of the P238. It is a bit more $$ and a bit more square but it is a very well made gun and I've had a lot of people with larger hands say that within the micro-380 line-up, this one is a little more comfortable to hold than some of the others like the lcp. It doesn't have that beeyotch of a slide that the micro does either- the two often get compared because of the price point but I find the Sig to be much more refined and comfortable. I'm about 5'7", 135 and wear close fitting clothes and never had trouble concealing it when I had it (only sold it because I won an LCP and don't have use for 2 micros... and it was the down payment on another toy!) If you can find one to take for a test drive, I'd recommend checking it out!
 
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380 alternatives to the LCP
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Your question only gives raise to another.......WHY?
The Elsie Pea is a pistol that is well built, very concealible, reasonably priced, and has been proven reliable right out of the box.
 
Not late at all. I'd like to have as much input and counterpoint as possible. Keep it coming folks!

My local range says they have an LCP, P238 and bodyguard, so I can at least try those out. They also have a P380 for rent , but no CW380.

I think I've seen a TCP in the case, but none for rent.
 
Because the LCP is a better gun.
Doesn't need the "fluff and buff".
__________________
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New KelTec Gen 2 don't need Fluff and buff either .I have 5 at house not 1 need any thing except a little lube and ammo. They all ran fine right out of box .

Now when the LCP 1st came out Their was many post about them needing the Fluff and Buff . Ruger copy had all the faults of the 1st gen KelTec . They should have spent few $ more and bought a 2nd Gen to copy from :p
 
Lcp can be had for $279, mine had a great trigger and is very accurate and 100 percent reliable. How much cheaper can you get ? Ruger cs is top notch. Don't see the need to spend more or look further.
 
The SIG is not a pocket gun. The Keltec, LCP, and Taurus are.
North American Arms makes a .380, but it's too heavy for pocket carry. The Seecamp is heavy and too expensive.
 
If you like the LCP, and like the controls (DAO, no safety), I think it is the perfect gun for you. I had one and sold it to buy my Bodyguard, only because the BG had a manual safety. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my LCP, and I liked it a lot.

The BG is a bit heavier, has "real" sights (although the LCP seems to be more accurate), and can handle +P ammo. But nothing beats the LCP for reliability. My BG I have had some issues with. I like it a lot, so am investing the time into trying to get it sorted out.

People seem to like their Tauruses and Kel Tecs. I have no experience with them. I have handled the Sig, and it was really nice, but still a bit heavier and bigger, and I don't like 1911/single action.

FWIW

David
 
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