Handgun recommendations

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Deer hunter88

New member
I’ve been thinking about buying a new handgun and I have it narrowed down to three so far which are, the Ruger LCP with laser, Smith and Wesson bodyguard with laser, and the Taurus millennium G2. Which of these three would be the better buy?
 
What's the intended use? I believe the LCP and Bodyguard are in .380 and the G2 is in 9 or 40, right?

From personal experience I really, really like the bodyguard so if you want a .380 pocket gun then I would go there. If you want something bigger in a larger caliber then I would pick the G2.
 
My choice would be an LCP only because it was my choice 7 years ago and I still believe in it.


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I also have an LCP which has done fine. I suspect the S&W would be an equally good gun, but I personally would avoid the Taurus.
 
To me if I'm going to try be utilitarian about it, I see if there's a role it would fill. Do you have a Compact/subcompact (the taurus) already? Do you have a pocket pistol already? If so, go with the one you don't have to learn how to shoot something of that size well, or to fill a role in concealed carry.

If this is admittedly out of curiosity or educational purposes, then you don't need to rationalize. You can always gift or sell it in the future.

You might already know that the LCP has 3 different versions, the custom and the LCP ii. The Bodyguard has with or without laser. Taurus also has the 738 which is a pocket 380, 709 slim which I *think* is a pocket 9mm.
 
Is the Taurus Spectrum actually a real thing yet? It's been almost a year since it started getting hyped, but I've yet to see one anywhere? That sounded like a pretty neat new option in .380.
 
Deer hunter88 said:
I’ve been thinking about buying a new handgun and I have it narrowed down to three so far which are, the Ruger LCP with laser, Smith and Wesson bodyguard with laser, and the Taurus millennium G2. Which of these three would be the better buy?
Click to expand...

<sigh>

For what?

The two .380s are never going to be anything but deep cover, ultimate concealment guns, with everything else compromised in favor of small size.

The Taurus is going to be a little more broadly useful.
 
As said, purpose is the key to your selection. The Taurus would be a belt gun, and the other two pocket guns.

Taurus has a history of spotty quality control, but reputations take a while to change and it seems to me that there are fewer complaints recently about newer guns. Hopefully they are turning things around, but I'm not certain yet.

If you are looking for a pocket pistol, either of the other two would be fine. Just pick your favorite.
 
I bought a Taurus PT111 G2 (millennium) a few months ago for $199.99 and so far I have shot 600-700 rounds through it without a malfunction. It feels good, is accurate and 9mm is a lot cheaper and more available than 380. I would buy another without hesitation. According to many people on the Taurus Forum (http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/forum.php), it is one of the most reliable guns Taurus makes.
 
Intended purpose is everything.
Comparing oranges to mandarin oranges.
LCP and Bodyguard are both deep concealment pocket, 380 "mouse guns". While the Taurus is a compact, 9MM concealed carry pistol better suited for belt carry.
Regardless of your choice, scratch the little red dot gimmick, and spend the extra money on ammo to learn how to shoot it without relying on an electronic gismo.
 
Deer hunter88,
If you're looking for a little pocket pistol, the LCR or Bodyguard are fine...but don't forget the one that started it all... KelTec P-3AT. A very fine weapon.
IF I had it to do all over again, and I wanted a POCKET pistol, I would go with the KelTec P32. You don't see many on the local used gun markets. Why? They're superb little firearms.
But, if you're looking for more than a pocket pistol and want a great gun "on-a-budget", consider the 9x18 Comm Bloc milsurp pistols. Makarovs (getting pricey), P64's (affordable but need spring modifications), CZ-82's (prices keep going up). These 9x18's seem to be wonderfully reliable, pack a little more punch than a .380, are all steel and VERY accurate (for the most part).
Have fun shopping!
 
I have a p3at, it's super picky about ammo, and I can't stand shooting it at the range as it chews up my trigger finger. Also the bg380 is picky about ammo, I know Paul Harrell was shooting hornady critical defense with it on one video and every single round FTF'd on him.

The taurus is good as long as you get a good one. I suggest the stainless model as the black one's finish isn't so great. I renaissance waxed mine (black) and I hope that helps with wear.

The weakest part of the pistol is the trigger. Many people, me included, have an issue where the trigger catches a bit where the safety blade starts to engage. Then there's the looong travel before a very crisp break and a very good reset. I put some heat shrink around my trigger assembly which reduced the catch to a bump but didn't help with the travel.
Someone is now selling a single action only replacement trigger sans safety blade for 20usd which supposedly reduces the travel quite a bit. I would like to carry mine so I ordered one of these to install hoping it works for me.

I bought a truglo laser for training for 35usd off ebay (super good timing) and an inexpensive flashlight for 25usd. I added a 15rd aftermarket mag (stupid CO, don't want to get caught in Denver with a normal cap mag) although I would suggest an 18 or 20rd sig p226 mag with an m&p mag sleeve for another spare mag.
 
I’ve been thinking about buying a new handgun and I have it narrowed down to three
Click to expand...

I could say the same thing but every time I really think I have it narrowed down, another gun pops into my view and I start all over. LOL!

BUT, if I securely had it down to 3 I would take those 3 into the range and put some ammo through them.
Rent them or find a friend that has one or 2 etc.
Like trying on a new pair of pants I think one will rise to the top.

I bought my Sig P320 RX before I shot it and it worked out great.
I couldn't find one to rent.

Good luck in your search!
Check out youtube too

Mackie244 / Bud
 
If you're looking for something you will enjoy shooting a lot don't get the LCP. It is a great gun but it gives your hand some feedback.

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If you already have a pocket pistol then get the G2, otherwise get either the LCP or Smith.

In 6 minutes I'll leave for work, my G2 will be making the trip with me. In 90 minutes my wife will leave for work the LCP will leave with her.

I really want a new LCPII.

Word of advice on the lasers they're only useful in low light. Range time they're useless if you shoot in typical daylight outside areas. So far 99.999% of my time with my 642 and the CT grip are daylight outside practice time, useless laser YMMV. I take that back, they are useful for couch dry fire work. But to me they bulk up the Smith and LCP too much to be practical.
 
Pocket pistol - Bodyguard > LCP. Bodyguard has a much better finish and optional safety. Also avoid the LCPII, apparently its not designed to be carried with a round in the chamber. Do a forum or google search to learn more about it.

IWB gun - Go for the taurus. They build quality guns and are a different company now than that past reputation.
 
Wanted to ask those who have a Bodyguard if they had experienced any difficulties with it? I purchased mine last year in Nov and had taken it to the range with no problems and now until a few months ago I had misfires with Herters. Sent it out to get fixed and took more than 3 months to get back. They changed the barrel and pin but still problem with herters, not as much as originally but problem still there. I do carry it but hesitant to do so because not sure if it will do the same with the Sig HP it has now. Guess better to spend a box and try vs not firing when needed. Haven't tried other manufacturer as Herters are always on sale vs the other manufacturers. Glad I will soon be starting to load .380.

I too had been interested in upgrading the trigger but because of the problems I have, not sure if changing a trigger would void S&W warranty if I ever had to send the Bodyguard again to them.

Prior to misfire I used Remington, Herters wasn't a problem before, Sig, Blazers.
 
LCP's are great pistols for light clothing or shirt pockets or whatever. I have the pistol it was copied from, the P3AT (mine has been flawless). I prefer my Glock 43 or snubbies, but end up carrying it more often than anything else.

The Taurus Millennium G2 has a good reputation. My BiL loves his and carries it a lot. It is more of a belt pistol.

I don't know squat about the Bodyguard... didn't even see the movie. :)
 
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