Can't have it both ways in a defensive handgun

[Swedonia]

Being lazy about carrying a 24-25 ounce (loaded) revolver concealed, I talked myself into buying a Ruger LCP Max. I briefly had the original article when it first came out, but shortly thereafter gave it to my brother. The Max is certainly superior: better sights, better trigger, 12-round magazines. It's so easy to carry and weighs so little that it is a comfort in that department. But ya know what? Take it to the range and run a couple of boxes through it and you are left with the truth: It's a popgun -- certainly lethal when well used -- but a popgun nonetheless. I think I will refocus on the .327 -- or better, go back to a Charter Bulldog loaded with five Keiths. Anyone else have similar thoughts about the .380 pocket guns?

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Only .380 I carry is the one in the pocket of the shorts I wear around the house.
Loaded with Buffalo Bore.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

It is what it is so use what you're comfortable with all else is pure speculation at best regardless of who says different.

Ps spray n pray is a real thing.

 

[oldag]

I carry a 1911 in .45. That should answer your question.

 

[robertc1024]

Ditch the LCP and get an EC9. Still very small and shoots 9mm. I've got its predecessor the LC9 and it works well for me.

 

[Swedonia]

Oldag, a 1911 is tough for me to carry and conceal but I agree it cannot be beat and I have lived most of my life comfortable with 1911 controls. Robert, I'll look at the EC9 at the next gun show. I've never been a big 9 fan, but compared to the .380, it's serious business.

 

[Pistol Pete]

Don't look at me, mine is a 642, fits in my pocket. I have an original LC9 but it isn't a gun I can draw from my pocket. I have carried it in a cargo pocket but that's not a quick draw, ok in a car tho.

 

[Lead Belly]

1911? Get yourself a Walker. Enough stopping power for a horse. Dwarfs the LC9.

 

[Rhino]

It's true. I carry a backup LCP II 22 but my main daily carry is a Glock 17. Only if I need to leave it behind is the LCP primary.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

1911? Get yourself a Walker. Enough stopping power for a horse. Dwarfs the LC9.

View attachment 426792

How do you get it to pull on the reins?

 

[Armybrat]

My edc is an LCP Max.
I’m old and ain’t going to drag around a hand cannon.
I like my tiny Max so much I bought another one with a stainless slide.

 

[seeker_two]

I wanted to like the LCP MAX. But, like its LCP brother, there's not enough grip for my hand. Felt recoil is worse than any micro-9 or .357Mag snub. I would really like to try one of the larger .380ACPs like the P365 or PD380.

.380ACP is a good round. It hits above its weight class, and it's effective for SD with FMJ ammo. I might add one as a middle step between my LCPII .22lr and my PT-145......

 

[Coyote9]

Oldag, a 1911 is tough for me to carry and conceal but I agree it cannot be beat and I have lived most of my life comfortable with 1911 controls. Robert, I'll look at the EC9 at the next gun show. I've never been a big 9 fan, but compared to the .380, it's serious business.

I also carry the 1911 .45 for my pocket gun I recently switched from a Kimber Micro 9 (due to crooked broke thumb not engaging the safety in every quick reaction practice) to a SIG P365 improved trigger and springs (kept the stiffer striker spring for reliability) and grip enhancements
I admit that I liked the muscle memory from the 1911 and the same laser grips and matching sights which the big and little 1911 Kimbers provided.

 

[DustyDuds]

Any gun is better than no gun.

Unless u routinely live in a threatening environment; I think the 380 will serve u well.

 

[Hoji]

Being lazy about carrying a 24-25 ounce (loaded) revolver concealed, I talked myself into buying a Ruger LCP Max. I briefly had the original article when it first came out, but shortly thereafter gave it to my brother. The Max is certainly superior: better sights, better trigger, 12-round magazines. It's so easy to carry and weighs so little that it is a comfort in that department. But ya know what? Take it to the range and run a couple of boxes through it and you are left with the truth: It's a popgun -- certainly lethal when well used -- but a popgun nonetheless. I think I will refocus on the .327 -- or better, go back to a Charter Bulldog loaded with five Keiths. Anyone else have similar thoughts about the .380 pocket guns?

With the right ammo ( ARX 56 grain 1260 fps) I do not feel at all under gunned.

 

[RoadRunner]

A .380 loaded with Federal Hydra-Shok Deep rounds is nothing to sneeze at. Check out some of the gel test videos for that round on youtube.

 

[Tnhawk]

.22 or .380 will work but .45 works better.

 

[WAA]

1911? Get yourself a Walker. Enough stopping power for a horse. Dwarfs the LC9.

You tested the Walker on your horse and the LC9 on a dwarf?

You a hard man, lead belly…

 

[Hoji]

You tested the Walker on your horse and the LC9 on a dwarf?

You a hard man, lead belly…

I think he may have been over served when he posted that. What he meant to say is both were tested after tossing a dwarf on a horse.

But I don’t think you can call them dwarfs ( or dwarves, for the grammar SS) any more. I think the preferred descriptors are “wee people” or “munchkins”

 

[studenygreg]

I had a similar experience. I tried a few micro semi-autos and just never liked them. I always went back to my 340pd when I wanted small and light weight. I guess j frames are a better fit for my needs.

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