Thinking LCP

[cane1967]

Been a Kel-Tec owner P-11 and P-32 Unfortunately had problems with both and lost confidence in them.I am now considering a LCP been doing some research on the net about them and it seems like a solid gun, serial#371 and above.
Is the LCP a gun that you can take to the range on a weekly basis?I know KT have a 6000rd life at least thats what the site says.Do you think LCP is built better and use better parts than KT?I know KT has great customer svc,how is Ruger customer svc?And finally what type of warranty does Ruger have?Sorry if I asked too many questions.Thanks!

 

[ACM73]

Well i'm not going to be your best source for info, but I'll give you the little knowledge I have. I went to the gun store to look at the LCP yesterday and I have to say I was impressed. I handled it next to a keltec and there was a serious difference in the feel. I have no personal info on reliability and other technical things, but I can say without a doubt the ruger felt much more like a real gun. The fit and finish was superb. I'm buying one in february now that I've handled it and saw the quality of the pistol.

 

[cane1967]

Well i'm not going to be your best source for info, but I'll give you the little knowledge I have. I went to the gun store to look at the LCP yesterday and I have to say I was impressed. I handled it next to a keltec and there was a serious difference in the feel. I have no personal info on reliability and other technical things, but I can say without a doubt the ruger felt much more like a real gun. The fit and finish was superb. I'm buying one in february now that I've handled it and saw the quality of the pistol.

Thanks for the reply!!!!I saw a video review on youtube by a guy named nutnfancy,which peaked my interest of the LCP,he seems very objective on his reviews

 

[boomer1]

Been a Kel-Tec owner P-11 and P-32 Unfortunately had problems with both and lost confidence in them.I am now considering a LCP been doing some research on the net about them and it seems like a solid gun, serial#371 and above.
Is the LCP a gun that you can take to the range on a weekly basis?I know KT have a 6000rd life at least thats what the site says.Do you think LCP is built better and use better parts than KT?I know KT has great customer svc,how is Ruger customer svc?And finally what type of warranty does Ruger have?Sorry if I asked too many questions.Thanks!

Uh... Welcome to the Ruger forum! A review of some recent forum threads would reveal numerous relevant answers to many of your questions. Some of your questions are quite subjective and therefore difficult to answer to any individual's complete satisfaction.

I have personally purchased, and still own, several Ruger pistols, one for over 20 years. My first Ruger pistol purchase was in 1990 and my most recent purchase was several weeks ago. So, that may give you some idea of my thoughts about Ruger firearms, their quality, their customer service.

BTW, my first pistol purchase was recalled by Ruger, due to safety concerns. The shipping was prepaid both ways, there was no cost to me for the modification, and I was given an additional magazine for my trouble. From my perspective, Ruger is a stand-up American company, that backs their products. The various models' instruction manuals are available online, in pdf format, the Ruger warranty is readily available for public inspection.

I would assume that others will comment.



boomer 8)

 

[cane1967]

Thanks!!!!Seems like a cool group of ppl here.I never owned a Ruger or shot one but have read about Ruger being a solid gun.

 

[globalbike]

I have had my LCP for about a month and to date have around 300 rounds through her with no malfunctions of any kind. My first trip to the range was with Winchester 100 round value pack from Wal Mart. My hand was a little sore but I have large hands and it’s a small gun. It’s about the same size as the Kel-Tec you had. The P3AT or LCP are not range guns so are not designed to be comfortable they are to be comforting.
My LCP is always in my pocket loaded with Hornady CD.
God forbid you ever need to pull and firer your weapon to defend yourself or a loved one, you will never feel the recoil.
Welcome to Ruger Forum and stay safe.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forum - this is a great place for all things Ruger (and just about anything else, firearm related or not!). Unfortunately I have experience with Ruger's customer service and it has been excellent. I carry an SR9 now, and plan on buying an LCP before summer for deeper concealment. I'm researching it also, and it looks to me like you won't go wrong. If you haven't already, check out the "Elsie Pea" Forum also.

 

[flkent]

You can't go wrong with the LCP. I've had mine for a couple of years and have put several hundred rounds through it without a single failure. Mine was one of the early models that was recalled for safety issues. They turned it around in five days along with a free mag and a nice hat. Great customer service!

 

[flyinfred]

You can't go wrong with the LCP. I've had mine for a couple of years and have put several hundred rounds through it without a single failure. Mine was one of the early models that was recalled for safety issues. They turned it around in five days along with a free mag and a nice hat. Great customer service!

I have to agree with this as mine has been perfect no matter what I do with it. It is in my pocket as I write this and it stays in my pocket. It is always ready if needed. When I got it, I loaded two mags with alternating fmj's and hp's and pulled the trigger as fast as I could. They all fed and went bang just fine. Since then I have put a couple of hundred mixed rounds through it and every one went bang one after another. In my humble opinion, it is the finest concealed weapon available on the market today. And Ruger will stand behind it and every other product as no other company will.
Go buy one and shoot the heck out of it.

 

[hdonlybob]

My experience with carrying the LCP is extreemly positive....don't mess with the pocket holsters, etc. Just put it in your pocket.....any pocket...very comfortable to cary, and shoots straight, especially with CT grips.
Only negative I found was the trigger guard is a bit small for my big hands...
Not a deal breaker though...buy one. You will like it!
HD

 

[dacaur]

Been a Kel-Tec owner P-11 and P-32 Unfortunately had problems with both and lost confidence in them.I am now considering a LCP been doing some research on the net about them and it seems like a solid gun, serial#371 and above.
Is the LCP a gun that you can take to the range on a weekly basis?I know KT have a 6000rd life at least thats what the site says.Do you think LCP is built better and use better parts than KT?I know KT has great customer svc,how is Ruger customer svc?And finally what type of warranty does Ruger have?Sorry if I asked too many questions.Thanks!

When getting my CCW, the final two choices in my list were the LCP and Kel-tec PF-9. The PF-9 had some issues when it was released, but they have been solved now. My PF-9 has been flawless, the one time its ever jammed was 100% an ammo problem, not a gun problem (reloaded ammo)

I went with the PF-9 becuase the LCP just seemed TOO small... The kep-tec fit my hand better, and can be pocket carried almost as easily as the ruger, but with 9mm power instead of .380... That said, I AM going to get an LCP eventually as an alternative to carrying my PF-9 if I DO need something smaller. I like to carry IWB, with the option for pocket carry, and the ruger just seems to small for anything but pocket carry.

Ruger has awesome customer service.

As for warranty, well, technically ruger doesn't offer any warranty at all on their guns. that said, they will almost always help you out if you have a problem and will almost always fix defects if its their fault. But because they offer no warranty, they dont have too.... 95% of the stories I see about ruger customer service are positive, but I have read a few bad ones where the person had to shell out a bunch of money for a fix that should have been free. Of course there are way more stories of people getting a free fix when they should have had to shell out a bunch of money. Its all at rugers option though....

I have nothing against ruger BTW, just telling it like it is, without bias one way or the other. I own 3 rugers, a P95, SR-22, and a 10/22 compact carbine. I recommend ruger highly, and have a bunch of rugers on my wish list (LCP, GP100, single six, mark IIIRP, 10/22 tactical) One thing about rugers, most of them are built like tanks and are practically indestructible

 

[flkent]

My experience with carrying the LCP is extreemly positive....don't mess with the pocket holsters, etc. Just put it in your pocket.....any pocket...very comfortable to cary, and shoots straight, especially with CT grips.
Only negative I found was the trigger guard is a bit small for my big hands...
Not a deal breaker though...buy one. You will like it!
HD

If you're going to carry one in the chamber, a holster is absolutely mandatory? I'm not big on pocket holsters. My regular holster for the LCP is a tuckable called the Split Decision from High Noon Holsters. Conceals great in the summer even if you have to tuck in your shirt.

And +1 for the CT laser grips.

 

[toysoldier]

....don't mess with the pocket holsters, etc. Just put it in your pocket.....any pocket...

My pockets tend to accumulate a variety of items, none of which belong in the barrel or trigger of a loaded gun. For times when neither my hip pocket holster or IWB holster will do, I made a simlpe little leather "slipper" that covers the muzzle and trigger guard of my LCP. It goes everywhere with me.

 

[hdonlybob]

Perhaps I should have clarified....I never carry any gun in a pocket unless the pocket is EMPTY....with or without a holster....defeats the purpose of getting it out easily, as well as safety.
HD

 

[dacaur]

but having it in a holster has the advantage of also keeping the gun upright, so you can reach in and grab it and pull it out. I have carried my PF9 in my pocket with no holster a couple times.. it doesn't stay upright, which makes drawing it tougher and slower...

 

[81aggie]

I've wanted to get an LCP for a long time now but the scarcity of .380 ammo kept me from that so I went with a Kel-Tec P32 instead. Now that .380 is on the shelf again I'm thinking about getting an LCP once more. I've handled them but never shot one, feel good in my hand and I've heard a lot of good things about them. Hope to get one soon, I like having something I can slip into a pocket when I'm not able to carry my SR9c and then I can pass the P32 on to my wife.

 

[PAVTXER]

I have KelTec's, Ruger's, Walther's and others.... and love em all for different reasons. That said, for CCW I did have a Keltec P11 (9mm) that I did not care for and sold it. I now have a Keltec PF9 and love it.....smallest 9mm you can carry I think. Great performance and 9mm punch. I also have a Keltec P3AT (380) and I like to carry it in a small pocket holster..... otherwise it will put holes in your pants/jeans over time. I keep the P3AT (which Ruger basically cloned as the LCP) in a rear pocket opposite the wallet to give balance. I did obtain a case of 380 ammo when it was scarce and since I don't use it as a "range gun" I have plenty to do me for awhile at least. I can carry the PF9 in the back pocket of some jeans as well, but with the recent mini laser I got for the front rail... I now use a small OWB/IWB holster for it. Unfortunately my P89, MKIII or MKII is a bit big for CC (But I do love those Rugers for different reasons obviously).

KelTec warranty, service/customer service is great. When I needed parts or upgrades to the P11, they were shipped quickly. The repair parts were free of course and the upgrades were not that expensive. KelTec does have a great warranty and fairly quick service. I have never had issues with the Rugers, but never called for parts or service yet either.

 

[oilcangary]

I recently purchased a Pf9 and love it. It's one of the newer ones, if you get one look for a metal mag catch and a long polished feed ramp. I keep mine in a IWB holster at the 4 o'clock position and can't even tell it's there.
I do like rugers and usually keep on close by but I'm not a fan of 380 or 9mm either but 9mm seems to be the biggest cal I can comfortably carry.

 

[dacaur]

I recently purchased a Pf9 and love it. It's one of the newer ones, if you get one look for a metal mag catch and a long polished feed ramp. I keep mine in a IWB holster at the 4 o'clock position and can't even tell it's there.
I do like rugers and usually keep on close by but I'm not a fan of 380 or 9mm either but 9mm seems to be the biggest cal I can comfortably carry.

Thats how I carry mine, but I'm not happy with my holster (a talgua IWB) What holster do you use? I'm thinking of a desantis soft tuck...

IFAIK the PF9 isn't the "smallest" 9mm, but its the lightest, a Kahr PM9 is smaller, but weighs more...

 

[arrowhd]

I've been carrying an LCP daily for the past 6 months. No regrets. She has been 100% reliable right out of the box. I would suggest a good quality holster if you carry in your pocket. Keeps the trigger covered and gun in the right position in your pocket. This is my daily carry Bear Creek holster.

 

[Strange]

I use a black Don Hume H715-M #80-2RN IWB every time I leave the house.

 

[The Wolfhound]

I cannot imagine wanting to shoot thousands of rounds from an LCP. It is a great defense pistol but not much fun to shoot. Sharp recoil for its small size, not much to hold onto, expensive to shoot relative to other calibers, and a few sharp edges. Will I shoot it? Yes, enough to stay competent. Will I carry it? Yes, without reservation! Will it be a range favorite? Hell no!

 

[jsintexas]

I have owned Ruger guns for 10 years and also have Kel-Tec in my collection.

I have had issues with my PF9 and P3AT Failures to eject and failures to feed. The guns are very ammo fickle.

The guns have been back to Kel-Tec many times and seem to be OK now. But I am not going to bet my life on them.

So I purchased a LCP about 6 months ago ran 5 different brands of ammo thru it, 300 rounds including reloads with no problems.

I added a Crimson Trace and it is my carry gun.

 

[ned]

bought a new lcr yesterday- the one Ruger is promoting with laser and holster. I am no Elmer Kieth, but I could not hit the target at 10'. Glad to see good reviews- guess I can learn, but either the laser is way off or I have to adjust to the trigger. I am used to 1911 triggers- this one seems long and hard. Anyone else have a learning curve? Maybe I should disable the laser and try point shooting until I get used to it.

 

[jsintexas]

As with any small semi auto with a double action trigger, you need to practice a lot.

If you have been a wheel gun shooter it is easier to transition.

The laser needs to be adjusted after installation.

CT provides tiny screw drivers to adjust the windage and elevation.

 

[gatorhugger]

I'll say my standard- the keltec is a better shooter and leave it at that. My opinion.

On the issue of holsters, I bought it, have several. But for the last couple of years I just have it in the right front pocket. Especially on my jeans or shorts that are a bit tighter. The gun stays upright. Nothing else goes in that pocket. EVER. So no chance of anything getting caught in the gun, and no chance of shooting my leg.
It's very fast to retrieve, says pumping gas, you can have your hand down the front pocket very casually, no holster to try to seperate if needed either.
So besides keeping the gun upright, I don't really need a holster, for real loose dress pants maybe.

 

[Conn AK]

I like the LCP immensely. My 372 LCP bit the dust at 800+ rounds. It would not fully seat the follow-up round from the magazine without a slight nudge forward from me. Tried different ammo and 2 different magazines to no avail. Called Ruger and shipped it back to Prescott. Came back with a new slide and extractor and has functioned flawlessly since. The great thing about the LCP is the ease with which it can be carried. It fills the gap when a full-sized auto can't be carried. A keeper.

 

[dacaur]

bought a new lcr yesterday- the one Ruger is promoting with laser and holster. I am no Elmer Kieth, but I could not hit the target at 10'. Glad to see good reviews- guess I can learn, but either the laser is way off or I have to adjust to the trigger. I am used to 1911 triggers- this one seems long and hard. Anyone else have a learning curve? Maybe I should disable the laser and try point shooting until I get used to it.

One thing that helped accuracy on my Kel-tec PF9 was doing a semi quick smooth trigger pull, rather than trying to do a slow deliberate pull like you would on a rifle. For some reason, I am WAY less accurate when I try to do the "each time you get the sights on target squeeze the trigger a little more" like I was taught with rifles, but when I just do one smooth motion all the way through, it shoots where I point it....

Also, think about this, if you ever need to use it in a self defense situation, which kind of trigger pull do you think you will be using? A slow deliberate pull? I think not.... If you have practiced nothing but pulling the trigger slowly trying to get bullseyes, you have wasted your time. :shock: when you practice with it, pull the trigger like you would when the shtf, and you will be doing yourself a favor... You dont want to pull it as fast as you can, but pull it like you mean it, no stopping, no slowing down, same speed start to bang....

 

[george preston]

I was looking hard at the lcp and p3at about 2 months ago. Do a serch for lcp vs p3at and u should find the thread. I ended up buying the lcp. The reason I ended up with the LCP over the p3at was the amount of time Ruger has been in business. I shot both guns and liked them both. The ruger is a little more refined but the p3at was more "sticky" in the hand. I figured it was an even draw on quality. I've heard good things about cust. serv. from both companies. I'd tell ya to try both and pick the one you like. IMHO I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[ned]

Thanks for the advice. i will get a large target on a short range and work on my trigger pull. The advice on pulling the trigger as one would in a situation makes sense.