Suppressors Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

[breachersup]

For concealed carry when dressed really light - like in the summer when its just shorts and a t-shirt, I'm gonna get a tiny little .380 auto.

I'm thinking either a Ruger LCP or a S&W Bodyguard 380. I'm open to any advice and recommendations one way or the other. I'm not very knowledgable on the LCP, and I know nothing about the Bodyguard.

In making the decision, I'm open to all aspects considered in handgun purchasing- from ergonomics, to accurary, to cost, to reliability, to which company has better customer service.

At this point in time, I am leaning towards the Ruger LCP because from what little I know, the LCP has been around a little longer than the Bodyguard .380 , and therefore may have had more time to work out any initial quirks in the weapons being produced today. Also, I've had nothing but good experiences with Ruger in the past.

Thanks in advance for the help and advice all.

 

[crumpmd]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

You have quite a few options. The LCP looks good, I have not shot it. But I do carry a mouse gun. Don't be surprised if your thread devolves into an anti mouse gun tirade. I carry a Beretta bobcat and have had it threaded so I shoot it quite a bit with a silencer. It is a good pistol and very discrete. You may wish to look at it or the tomcat

 

[msrtex]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I was looking at an LCP for the same reason until I picked up an LC9 this weekend. Only a fraction larger than the LCP. Not trying to change your thread though.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Get a J frame. These little autos try to be an alternative to the J frame, but the little revolver is tried and true. It is light in weight, packs plenty of punch, and is small enough for pocket carry.

I resisted one for a long time, but I'm a fan now. And at $369, it was a bargain. It's 15 ounces and goes right in my pocket.

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a J frame. These little autos try to be an alternative to the J frame, but the little revolver is tried and true. It is light in weight, packs plenty of punch, and is small enough for pocket carry.

I resisted one for a long time, but I'm a fan now. And at $369, it was a bargain. It's 15 ounces and goes right in my pocket. </div></div>

And it hurts for most people to shoot, even worse with Scandium parts, doesn't invite practice, is limited to five shots (J-frame specific), isn't as easy to reload ...

I use a Beretta Tomcat for such a purpose, but if I were looking for a smallish summer carry and didn't want a mouse gun, I'd probably scare up a S&W 3913.

 

[breachersup]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Right off the bat, I agree with you that the little revolvers are tried and true.

However, my reload time with a revolver speedloader - even if I actually trained and built up the muscle memory required- will never hold a candle to my reload time with a magazine fed weapon.

And also, revolvers are wider than the slim little autos, just by nature of having all the rounds in a circle (that revolves) rather than lined up one on top of the other in a magazine.

I have a snub nosed revolver and I wanna get one of the little pocket .380s for this purpose.

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Not to threadcrap, but have you thought of the SIG P238? I have no personal experience, but they seem to have gotten decent reviews, aside from one recall and apparent weak spring issues.

 

[xdeano]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Well i'd pick up a Bodyguard before the LCP for several reasons.

1. built in lazer, which in itself will deter people from going any further, and without shooting. This is a big thing that people don't really look at, but as an add on it would be a couple hundred extra.

2. The LCP's tend to bite your webbing in you hand pretty hard, even for a little 380. Where the BG is a bit better handling and not so top heavy.

3. The sights on the BG380 are a lot better than the LCP, but most people don't look at sights when faced with an event that they have to use the weapon.

I've also heard of people hurting their trigger fingers on the LCP for some reason. I've only shot the LCP 2 and I've never had this happen, but there are a few people that claim this happens.

The BG has an external safety which a LCP does not, this can be a moot point for some people.

Here the price of a BG380 is $380, which is a bit more than LCP, but I think the BG is built better.

xdeano

 

[RJ1670]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xdeano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well i'd pick up a Bodyguard before the LCP for several reasons.

1. built in lazer, which in itself will deter people from going any further, and without shooting. This is a big thing that people don't really look at, but as an add on it would be a couple hundred extra.

2. The LCP's tend to bite your webbing in you hand pretty hard, even for a little 380. Where the BG is a bit better handling and not so top heavy.

3. The sights on the BG380 are a lot better than the LCP, but most people don't look at sights when faced with an event that they have to use the weapon.

I've also heard of people hurting their trigger fingers on the LCP for some reason. I've only shot the LCP 2 and I've never had this happen, but there are a few people that claim this happens.

The BG has an external safety which a LCP does not, this can be a moot point for some people.

Here the price of a BG380 is $380, which is a bit more than LCP, but I think the BG is built better.

xdeano </div></div>


Do you really think that in a situation where you need to pull a mousegun that the bad guy would even notice the laser? It's not like it's a flashlight beam. In day light they wouldn't even know it was there. At night they would have a better shot of noticing it but, I doubt, under normal circumstances, that they would.

 

[KHOOKS]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I have a LCP havn't shot it alot but have but enough rounds down range to feel safe with it. I havn't had any FTF FTE or stove pipes with mine. I will also note that I havn't run any open nose hollow points in it. I have run mostly white box winchester target/plinking ammo. I have run the powerball ammo thru mine with great results. So I bought up a few boxes for self-defence rounds. I also have some of the Hornday critical defence but havn't tried them yet. The little LCP runs good for the way I would foresee it used. Pulled from a inside the waist type holtser and fire 3-5 rounds as fast as possible into center mass at close range. The LCP will put the rounds on target but you need to hold on to the little thing it does try to move around in your grip a bit, even worse with the powerball ammo. I put the grip extensions on and it helps the moving around a bit. I really like the little pistol for carrying when you don't by no means what it to be seen. I carry it to church/funerals and such. It would work for a hot weather gun also need to keep the slide in check it will rust for sweat.

Now if I was going this route again I'd probably look really hard it the P238 Sig. It's got a little more meat to the gun and works like my 1911. I also like the looks of the Bodyguard but havn't got to hold one as of yet. Hard to think you would go wrong with any of these pistols. I'd say go out and hold each one and possible shoot them if you can and go with what fits you best.

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RJ1670</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xdeano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well i'd pick up a Bodyguard before the LCP for several reasons.

1. built in lazer, which in itself will deter people from going any further, and without shooting. This is a big thing that people don't really look at, but as an add on it would be a couple hundred extra.

2. The LCP's tend to bite your webbing in you hand pretty hard, even for a little 380. Where the BG is a bit better handling and not so top heavy.

3. The sights on the BG380 are a lot better than the LCP, but most people don't look at sights when faced with an event that they have to use the weapon.

I've also heard of people hurting their trigger fingers on the LCP for some reason. I've only shot the LCP 2 and I've never had this happen, but there are a few people that claim this happens.

The BG has an external safety which a LCP does not, this can be a moot point for some people.

Here the price of a BG380 is $380, which is a bit more than LCP, but I think the BG is built better.

xdeano </div></div>


Do you really think that in a situation where you need to pull a mousegun that the bad guy would even notice the laser? It's not like it's a flashlight beam. In day light they wouldn't even know it was there. At night they would have a better shot of noticing it but, I doubt, under normal circumstances, that they would. </div></div>

Most encounters aren't in daytime, and while I doubt that a laser would be a significant deterrent in what was going to be a real gunfight anyway, it might stop a few idiots from a Darwin Award qual run. I think that the laser comes down more on the side of being a tool for someone who is suffering tunnel vision and a debilitating adrenaline rush while trying to target and shoot.

 

[crumpmd]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I have always resigned myself to the fact that if this little pistol is unholstered I will be firing all rounds, muzzle to skin, and then fighting with my fists and knife until one of us goes down. Granted, some may fold with 7 in the chest up close, but some of the tweakers I have seen will have to lose blood pressure to the brain before they will go down.
Definitely buy something you can practice with. I bought the .22 because I can shoot it as much as I want. My wife carries it sometimes too.

 

[socalsheepdog]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Many experts say don't carry anything less than a 9mm but here in Socal where our daily uniform is shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops, it is sometime very difficult to carry 9mm or larger. I love my LCP and the slim profile it provides. I can carry it in my right pocket with a second mag in my left pocket and I know I have a last ditch effort tool on me if need be. I have not had any FTF and I have to say it is pretty decent shot at 25 feet. When I carry my G23 IWB, I still carry my LCP as a backup, it's that easy to carry. I would go so far to say that it's smaller than my tri-fold wallet. Main disadvantage of the LCP is no slide lock on the last round. I would recommend this little pistol but can not compare it to the S&W since I have no experience with it.

 

[Here2Learn]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

i have the LCP for summer carry and it seems to fill that role well. With that said, I am looking very hard at the LC9. The LC9 will also fit in my back pocket and it would be nice to have something with a little more punch. haven't every carried the BG so i cant really compare it to the LCP.

Also, look at Kel-Tec's version of the LC9. It appears to me to have a lighter trigger and i think it might be a little cheaper.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And it hurts for most people to shoot, even worse with Scandium parts, doesn't invite practice, is limited to five shots (J-frame specific), isn't as easy to reload ...

I use a Beretta Tomcat for such a purpose, but if I were looking for a smallish summer carry and didn't want a mouse gun, I'd probably scare up a S&W 3913. </div></div>

It does hurt to shoot. That's a function of it being 1. lightweight and 2. powerful. I've yet to shoot a .380 and/or 9x18 Mak that wasn't also painful to shoot. That's just how little guns are. If anything, the .380s are even worse.

A S&W 3913 isn't even in the same category. I usually carry a Springfield EMP, which is similar to the S&W 3913. The J-frame is for when I require a gun that fits in my pocket.

I agree that a 9mm Luger in single stack would be preferable, but even the smallest ones are not pocket guns. The J-frame is.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Breachers Up</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right off the bat, I agree with you that the little revolvers are tried and true.

However, my reload time with a revolver speedloader - even if I actually trained and built up the muscle memory required- will never hold a candle to my reload time with a magazine fed weapon.

And also, revolvers are wider than the slim little autos, just by nature of having all the rounds in a circle (that revolves) rather than lined up one on top of the other in a magazine.

I have a snub nosed revolver and I wanna get one of the little pocket .380s for this purpose.
</div></div>

A .380 is never going to be the kind of "fighting" handgun you're expecting it to be. Your reload time is irrelevant. If you're fighting against something that requires a reload and all you have is a J-frame or a .380, you're already screwed.

You should seriously rethink your carry options and decide if you're willing to carry a pocket gun at all. No pocket gun combines high capacity, fast reloads, a slim design and a powerful cartridge.

You've made some very important points that should not be overlooked, but I think in the balance, the J frame wins. Having 7 rounds instead of 5 isn't a serious advantage, especially when they're weak rounds anyway. The profile is somewhat of an advantage when we're talking about pocket carry, but a pocket holster really goes a long way to break up the outline. Furthermore, while I normally wouldn't say this, a revolver is a more reliable for a gun that is going to live in your pocket, and will be less likely to clog with lint.

I hate shooting my j-frame, and I'm nowhere near as good with it as my EMP, so I carry the EMP if I can. But if I'm stuck with a pocket gun, I'd rather have five rounds of .38 Special than 7-8 rounds of .380.

I haven't shot the LCP or the Bodyguard, but if it were me, I'd buy whichever one was smaller, if I insisted on having a small automatic. A pocket pistol already involves a bunch of tradeoffs. You might as well get the smallest package--the one with the most benefit for all those tradeoffs--rather than acquire some feature you don't need anyway at the expense of a larger size or more weight.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Here2Learn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have the LCP for summer carry and it seems to fill that role well. With that said, I am looking very hard at the LC9. The LC9 will also fit in my back pocket and it would be nice to have something with a little more punch. haven't every carried the BG so i cant really compare it to the LCP.

Also, look at Kel-Tec's version of the LC9. It appears to me to have a lighter trigger and i think it might be a little cheaper. </div></div>

These look like very promising options, but I fear that they're still too big for effective pocket carry. (The LC9 and similar)

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Down, just a thought, but this thread seems to be about you now and not the OP. They're looking to explore mousegun options and mentioned two possibilities. I countered with two more as possible options, and then they responded with the observation that they already have a small-frame, short barrel revolver but are looking for something in a small auto. Whaddaya say we help them towards that end?

(And frankly, 9mm Mak in a medium-size auto has nowhere near the ouch! factor of a 2" .38 with decent defense loads.)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And it hurts for most people to shoot, even worse with Scandium parts, doesn't invite practice, is limited to five shots (J-frame specific), isn't as easy to reload ...

I use a Beretta Tomcat for such a purpose, but if I were looking for a smallish summer carry and didn't want a mouse gun, I'd probably scare up a S&W 3913. </div></div>

It does hurt to shoot. That's a function of it being 1. lightweight and 2. powerful. I've yet to shoot a .380 and/or 9x18 Mak that wasn't also painful to shoot. That's just how little guns are. If anything, the .380s are even worse.

A S&W 3913 isn't even in the same category. I usually carry a Springfield EMP, which is similar to the S&W 3913. The J-frame is for when I require a gun that fits in my pocket.

I agree that a 9mm Luger in single stack would be preferable, but even the smallest ones are not pocket guns. The J-frame is.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Breachers Up</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right off the bat, I agree with you that the little revolvers are tried and true.

However, my reload time with a revolver speedloader - even if I actually trained and built up the muscle memory required- will never hold a candle to my reload time with a magazine fed weapon.

And also, revolvers are wider than the slim little autos, just by nature of having all the rounds in a circle (that revolves) rather than lined up one on top of the other in a magazine.

I have a snub nosed revolver and I wanna get one of the little pocket .380s for this purpose.
</div></div>

A .380 is never going to be the kind of "fighting" handgun you're expecting it to be. Your reload time is irrelevant. If you're fighting against something that requires a reload and all you have is a J-frame or a .380, you're already screwed.

You should seriously rethink your carry options and decide if you're willing to carry a pocket gun at all. No pocket gun combines high capacity, fast reloads, a slim design and a powerful cartridge.

You've made some very important points that should not be overlooked, but I think in the balance, the J frame wins. Having 7 rounds instead of 5 isn't a serious advantage, especially when they're weak rounds anyway. The profile is somewhat of an advantage when we're talking about pocket carry, but a pocket holster really goes a long way to break up the outline. Furthermore, while I normally wouldn't say this, a revolver is a more reliable for a gun that is going to live in your pocket, and will be less likely to clog with lint.

I hate shooting my j-frame, and I'm nowhere near as good with it as my EMP, so I carry the EMP if I can. But if I'm stuck with a pocket gun, I'd rather have five rounds of .38 Special than 7-8 rounds of .380.

I haven't shot the LCP or the Bodyguard, but if it were me, I'd buy whichever one was smaller, if I insisted on having a small automatic. A pocket pistol already involves a bunch of tradeoffs. You might as well get the smallest package--the one with the most benefit for all those tradeoffs--rather than acquire some feature you don't need anyway at the expense of a larger size or more weight.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Here2Learn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have the LCP for summer carry and it seems to fill that role well. With that said, I am looking very hard at the LC9. The LC9 will also fit in my back pocket and it would be nice to have something with a little more punch. haven't every carried the BG so i cant really compare it to the LCP.

Also, look at Kel-Tec's version of the LC9. It appears to me to have a lighter trigger and i think it might be a little cheaper. </div></div>

These look like very promising options, but I fear that they're still too big for effective pocket carry. (The LC9 and similar) </div></div>

 

[xdeano]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Hay I'd rather have a gun in any caliber vs not having one at all. So for those who keep bitching about size, you can go ahead and carry your 45 around and let those guys who want to carry a 380 mousegun carry it. It doesn't matter we're all on the same side.

And as far as a lazer being a deterant, it sure as hell would be for me, if i saw a lazer flashing around the corner, i'd be finding cover some place. As far as them not working during the day, that is an elegable point.

xdeano

 

[breachersup]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Hey well said everybody,

That Sig p238 does looks awesome by the way. I imagine it weighs more and is bulkier?

I think what it boils down to is that I already own a snub nose revolver and a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c, so for all the improvements of a Smith and Wesson Bodygaurd 380 or a Sig p238 - or anything else thats nicer, or smoother, or got a laser, or has better sights - I'd sooner just carry my Smith and Wesson M&P 9c - when clothling choice for that day allows me to.

I appreciate all this advice and input, I'm thinking that the LCP is the way to go for the smallest, lightest thing - because as we all agree with - if the situation allows, we're gonna be carrying something bigger anyways - whereas this is about the smallest thing possible - short of a deringer- Basically, its for situations where I otherwise would be unable to carry that I would go for something this size, which is why I might as well get the smallest thing available.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Down, just a thought, but this thread seems to be about you now and not the OP. They're looking to explore mousegun options and mentioned two possibilities. I countered with two more as possible options, and then they responded with the observation that they already have a small-frame, short barrel revolver but are looking for something in a small auto. Whaddaya say we help them towards that end?
</div></div>

If you look carefully, I already commented on the issue, but I will again. I do want to point out that I mentioned other options because I think perspective is important, and I hope the OP isn't trying to do too much with a pocket gun. A pocket gun can be a very useful tool, but one shouldn't be tempted to allow it to occupy a role beyond that use, and I think someone who carries a firearm on a regular basis should prepare himself to carry a .38, 9mm Luger, or larger on a regular basis.

I would choose the smallest pistol of the two. The reason I say that is that the pocket pistol occupies a very narrow niche in which tinyness and extreme light weight are the most important considerations.

I don't think that a laser is useful because the distance that such a gun would be used would be VERY limited, and I think lasers encourage bad fundamentals (target focus).

I have a Polish P-64, and I never carry it. Should I? Maybe. It's a snappy little bastard, it's not that light, and it's not as small as a really tiny .380. It's just as nasty to shoot as my j-frame, too. I'd rather just have the revolver in my pocket. YMMV.

 

[PLeighton]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

If you haven't looked at or handled the Sig 239 you may want to.
It is very compact and is available in 9mm, 40S&W, & 357 Sig.

After considering all the options I ultimately went that route and now carry a 239 SAS with the DAK in 9mm.
(It is also surprisingly accurate.)
The 239 is very popular as a backup piece for LEO as well as under cover use.

Just thought that I would throw another option your way if you hadn't considered it.

 

[xdeano]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I've got a buddy that carries a BG380 in a wallet holster, when it's tucked into his rear pocket you wouldn't know it wasn't a wallet. It is very concealable, and it's damn accurate. And it's easy for him to get it out quick.

I agree the lazer promotes bad form, But if you shoot it enough without it on you shouldn't be worried about the damn lazer. it's just there more for a deterrence anyhow. A lazer has stopped many criminals in their tracks without a shot fired. To me i'd rather not have to go through litigation to defend myself for defending myself. But if I were to, it would be justified. Legal fees will kill a guy.

xdeano

 

[damit]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xdeano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well i'd pick up a Bodyguard before the LCP for several reasons.

1. built in lazer, which in itself will deter people from going any further, and without shooting. This is a big thing that people don't really look at, but as an add on it would be a couple hundred extra.

2. The LCP's tend to bite your webbing in you hand pretty hard, even for a little 380. Where the BG is a bit better handling and not so top heavy.

3. The sights on the BG380 are a lot better than the LCP, but most people don't look at sights when faced with an event that they have to use the weapon.

I've also heard of people hurting their trigger fingers on the LCP for some reason. I've only shot the LCP 2 and I've never had this happen, but there are a few people that claim this happens.

The BG has an external safety which a LCP does not, this can be a moot point for some people.

Here the price of a BG380 is $380, which is a bit more than LCP, but I think the BG is built better.

xdeano </div></div>

Sorry, the laser on the bodyguard SUCKS! very hard to turn on and in a combat situation, its useless for this reason. The LCP with CT laser is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy easier to deploy as the laser is on when presenting the firearm.
The LC9 is also very nice, and small.

Dave

 

[pickpick]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I work in a place where I wear jeans and a tucked in button up shirt. I started out carrying a j frame in my pocket and didn't like the weight. So, I bought an ankle holster, and it was very uncomfortable for everyday cary. And, I figured if I "needed" to draw a weapon, I was a long ways from my ankle. I bought an LCP and put it in a galco pocket holster( wish I would've bought a desanti holster) and I've carried it every day except Sunday to church, for the last 4 years. I have ran the Hornady and Speer hollow points through it with no malfunctions. It has been a perfect fit for what I needed, with the understanding that it is small. But, it is a GUN at a knife fight.

 

[E3C3H3O3]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I have not shot many .380's, but I shot a small Bersa .380 that a friend of mine owns and liked it alot. Nice small pistol, but not so small that it was hard to shoot, and it was fairly accurate considering my lack of experience.

 

[socalsheepdog]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Here is another point about why I like my LCP. It lives in my front right pocket which makes it really easy for me to have a nice grip on it while hidden and it looks natural. If I go through a door and there is a sudden threat, I don't really have to worry about clearing clothing and drawing. My grip on my LCP is where it needs to be and I can draw as if it was in an exposed holster with my fire control along the slide. No threat, hand comes out of pocket. Easy and clean.

 

[AJBello]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I'm really happy with my LCP. It rides in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster and is just down right practical for daily carry. Affordable, reliable, accurate enough for its job. A coworker has a BG380 which seems nice. It has better sights, external safety, and last round slide lock, all things I like. It also has the laser, which I'm not sure I like (at least integrated). I did a little research after I fondled his and read about enough growing pains to make me want to shy away for a bit. My LCP works just fine for now.

In the fall / winter / early spring I generally carry something a little larger OWB. For the warmer months though, the LCP gets the nod hands down. I've tried carrying IWB and making it work with just wearing a T-shirt and shorts. I could probably pull it off all the time but really it's a pain. IWB is uncomfortable for me and I constantly worry about printing with just a T-shirt on. Yes, I've tried various high quality holsters and none of them made it any better. Pocket gun for the win in the summer!

For ME, it came down to LCP vs unarmed, not LCP vs X-gun or Y-gun. I'll take my LCP and a couple spare mags any day and be fairly confident I can deal with most realistic problems. When over garments allow, I'll happily strap on my G26 or 1911.

 

[Glock45]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Breachers,

I have owned and/or fired the LCP, BG380 and Taurus TCP738. My wife wants the Sig P238 mentioned in previous post reply to mine.

My top two choices are the LCP and BG380. The BG380 is the only one I own now. (I have *NOT* owned or fired a P238 though.)

LCP is nice, and there is better magainze availability for it right now. I believe Ruger has their issues soothed out with it. I have not had malfunctions with the Ruger when firing it with ball or HP ammo.

The Taurus while a nice size and less $$, was in my opinion less gun. slide stop worked 20% of the time, it would occasionally have FTE issues. It just never inspired the confidence I'd need to carry it, so I sold it to a plinker.

I currently carry the BG380 as a BUG on-duty and as a CCW when off-duty. It is really no bigger than the LCP and the slide does ride a bit higher so as to not bite your hand. It has essentially no heft to it, so I forget I'm carrying it. LIKES: feel, weight, dovetailed frt/rear sights, recoil(or lack thereof), it's a S&W if/when I need warranty (I think S&W warranty and CS is 2nd to none!) DISLIKES: I could do without the laser and save another $50! The laser is *NOT* quick-n-easy to activate!, trigger does take a bit to break-in, manual safety lever(but, it takes a good effort to actually activate, I just wish it wasn't on there!)

I have about 450 rds through my BG380, 100 or so hydrashok and rest is various ball ammo, 100% function with NO hiccups!

Sig P238. . . it's SA only in a tiny gun, that may be in a pocket. It has tiny levers that are exposed and may or may not catch on something to turn safety off. I think it's a neat little gun, but not my first choice for a CCW. BUT. . .I also haven't fired one, so put that into the equation.

I can recommend from personal experience the BG380 and don't think you'd regret it. God knows if you do, there's still enough demand for them you could Gunbroker it quickly!!

Regards!

-G45

 

[breachersup]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Hey, thank you all very much for your help, advice, and shared experience on this issue.

In hindsight, I should have made very clear in my origninal post that I already own a snub nosed revolver and an S&W M&P 9c. The purpose of this latest gat piece is to be carrying something as opposed to carrying nothing when weather, situation, or clothing will not allow me to carry either the snubby or the S&W M&P 9c (my preffered carry).

So that said, I went with an all black Ruger LCP without the Crimson Trace Laser.

I'll tell ya'll. I had this whole string of posts in mind when I was in the gun store to make the purchase. I saw that sig p238 and it looked awesome, and I did a side by side comparison of the S&W bodyguard .380 and the Ruger LCP. Tough choice, the bodyguard has alot of nice features for only 40 bucks more. i.e. manual safety, built in laser, way more visible sights...

But I bought myself the LCP.

First thing when I got back in the car for the drive home, I loaded a magazine, inserted it, left the chamber empty and just dropped the thing in the pocket of the vest I was wearing.

I knew I had made the right purchase for the right reasons when i practiced a little draw while driving home(with the weapon in condition 3). I pulled the thing out of my pocket in one smooth attempt.

No raised sights or safety devices to snag on the zipper of the vest pocket or the seatbelt. Perfect for my purposes.

In conclusion. If I owned nothing else, the bodyguard would be a better choice, but as i already have a compact size 9mm, this pocket .380 is for anytime that i can't carry the M&P 9c, and so the Ruger LCP is perfect for me. Just needed the slimmest tiniest thing of its class.

Thanks again for all the help guys. I appreciate it.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I made the same call on the LCP, great little pistol.

I just picked up a Crimson Trace for it, waiting for it to arrive, after the rebate I'm going to be into the laser for $115. Can't beat that.

 

[quattrodoc]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

Let me throw out my current favorite summer carry - Kahr PM9. It's light, I wear IWB; I can wear a t shirt, button up, etc... very concealable. More costly than a LCP, but it has real sights, and is very accurate for such a little barrel.

My two cents.

 

[Bri0242]

Re: Summer Carry- LCP or Bodygaurd

I've owned a Ruger LCP. It was a great little gun, albeit snappy. I sold it to carry a Kahr P380, which was more comfortable to shoot with less recoil.