The LCP or what?
- Thread starter TinyDee
- Start date
comn-cents
New member
What is her knowledge of guns?
If she is confident with an LCP then great. If she likes revolvers go with one of those. We just don't have enough information about the Granddaughter.
It’s kind of like asking if you should buy me a left handed holster or a right handed one.
If she is confident with an LCP then great. If she likes revolvers go with one of those. We just don't have enough information about the Granddaughter.
It’s kind of like asking if you should buy me a left handed holster or a right handed one.
The question of the thread.
If she's brand new to guns then the revolver is the choice. Just get some 150g LSWCHP ammo and be done with it.
If she's fired the LCP,likes it, prefers it and can operate it, then that will work, too.
For someone who's equally comfortable with each of them I would suggest the J-frame every time.
comn-cents
New member
Is this for carry? Home protection?
I never recommend anything as small as a LCP or a small revolver for home protection. Get something that will absorb recoil better and a major caliber if they can handle it.
I never recommend anything as small as a LCP or a small revolver for home protection. Get something that will absorb recoil better and a major caliber if they can handle it.
Bill DeShivs
New member
The Keltec P32 is a better choice for her. The slide is easier to rack, the trigger is better, and recoil is very mild.
I'm not sure I like the LCP after shooting one, but I do like the S&W Airweight revolver. Plus ammo is more expensive and harder (almost impossible) to get in .380, not to mention a .38spl has more power as a general rule.
Doesn't mean I wouldn't buy a LCP in the long future though because they're so darn cute.
Doesn't mean I wouldn't buy a LCP in the long future though because they're so darn cute.
engineer88
New member
If the purpose of the firearm for range and HD, get her a solid steel 3 or 4 inch revolver that is .357 capable. You can then load to the person's comfort level (gotta love revolvers). If range only a .22 revolver or auto would be best.
However if for carry daily, two people said it best above:
Keltec P32 - Easier to rack slide (2 pounds less recoil spring rating over LCP or P3AT), less kick, cheaper/available ammo and here is the important part, the slide stays locked open on empty mag so mag changes are easier if she does have a hard time racking it and ever had to reload under pressure (which is why my sister in law carries one).
J-Frame - Airweight, yes, I know, more recoil. Load it lighter then as suggested above, which in my opinion is better for carry than buying a stainless snub for toting daily and enduring 6-10 more oz. of weight every single day. As far as the trigger, please, people find a decent local smith and invest the 30-60 dollars to have some trigger work done. It is well worth the money!
Either of the three options above have lasers available which makes life much easier, especially for those who cannot or will not practice often.
However if for carry daily, two people said it best above:
Keltec P32 - Easier to rack slide (2 pounds less recoil spring rating over LCP or P3AT), less kick, cheaper/available ammo and here is the important part, the slide stays locked open on empty mag so mag changes are easier if she does have a hard time racking it and ever had to reload under pressure (which is why my sister in law carries one).
J-Frame - Airweight, yes, I know, more recoil. Load it lighter then as suggested above, which in my opinion is better for carry than buying a stainless snub for toting daily and enduring 6-10 more oz. of weight every single day. As far as the trigger, please, people find a decent local smith and invest the 30-60 dollars to have some trigger work done. It is well worth the money!
Either of the three options above have lasers available which makes life much easier, especially for those who cannot or will not practice often.
ice monkey
New member
If they are "learning to protect themselves" ... stress "learning" ... lcp would be the last gun I would use.
But that's me. Go Full Size!
But that's me. Go Full Size!
zombieslayer
New member
I LOVE pocket sized autos. I carry an LCP everyday. Would I buy a young lady who is new to shooting and guns an LCP? Nope. She'd end up tearing up the web of her hand, swearing off guns forever. Most women (and men actually) that I shoot with describe my LCP's recoil as "really snappy". I'd get her what I bought for my mom for carrying AND home defense- A S&W 642. Nothing to jam, surprisingly accurate, and much more controllable than an LCP. Lots more ammo selection, too. Just my 2cents
Kreyzhorse
New member
If she has little experience with guns, I'd steer her away from the LCP. First, the LCP is a great gun and I carry mine a lot, however, if she is has little experience, shooting, the LCP can be a handful. While the .380 isn't a heavy recoiling round, the small LCP in my large hands does tend to torque on each shot and the light weight gun does recoil.
For a beginner, I'd recommend a snub nose .38. Larger frame gun that should be easier to control and is certainly easier to operate for a new shooter.
For a beginner, I'd recommend a snub nose .38. Larger frame gun that should be easier to control and is certainly easier to operate for a new shooter.
The price of ammunition should not determine the gun for self defense or home defense. Is her life, or the sanctity of a her body, worth less than the price difference in a few boxes of ammo?
A person new to handguns should begin with a familiarization gun which is comfortable to shoot, and is easy to load and unload.
If a revolver it should be heavy enough that recoil is light. And not one with a loading gate; I have an old Ruger which is a delight to shoot but that loading gate gripes me every time I use it.
If an automatic the heavy enough to be light enough applies, plus the slide should be easy to rack. It definitely should be one without any history of failure of anything.
Being able to borrow a gun for this is best, gun people like to get others involved with guns and are usually glad to help.
The price of ammo may be considered for the familiarization.
The familiarization gun should not be considered the final solution, although there is no reason to rule it out if it works.
After enough practice with this gun it’s time to consider what will be the gun for serious use.
Don’t go cheap! I have never regretted buying more than I need but have often regretted trying save a few bucks.
A person new to handguns should begin with a familiarization gun which is comfortable to shoot, and is easy to load and unload.
If a revolver it should be heavy enough that recoil is light. And not one with a loading gate; I have an old Ruger which is a delight to shoot but that loading gate gripes me every time I use it.
If an automatic the heavy enough to be light enough applies, plus the slide should be easy to rack. It definitely should be one without any history of failure of anything.
Being able to borrow a gun for this is best, gun people like to get others involved with guns and are usually glad to help.
The price of ammo may be considered for the familiarization.
The familiarization gun should not be considered the final solution, although there is no reason to rule it out if it works.
After enough practice with this gun it’s time to consider what will be the gun for serious use.
Don’t go cheap! I have never regretted buying more than I need but have often regretted trying save a few bucks.