I have heard a few people say that the recoil impulse of the LCP 2 (.380) is way too snappy. I plan on carrying the WWB 95 Grain FMJ rounds. For anyone who has shot an LCP 2, even better with the WWB 95 Grain, what is your opinion on the recoil/shootability? I know everyone's recoil tolerance is different, but I'd still like to get opinions. Thanks.
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Pistolay
Contributing Member
Are you referring to the LCP II or the LCP Gen 2? I can't speak to the Gen 2, but I own the LCP II. I have CMC arthritis in the thumb of my shooting hand, and I can handle shooting it. I'm not gonna lie, it's not a lot of fun for me, and I try to keep my range sessions with it to 1 mag of SD ammo and a 50 round box of range ammo. It is quite snappy, and I definitely recommend using the little finger extension that comes with the 6 round mags to help get a better grip. I actually bought this gun before the arthritis hit, and back then, I could do 200 round sessions, so it isn't horrible, just not all that pleasant.
As far as ammo, I shot a box of WWB 95 FMJ a while back and didn't notice anything special one way or the other. When I used to carry FMJ, it was SIG Elite 100gr FMJ, which is good stuff. These days, I carry Hornady American Gunner 95gr XTP, because I've seen several ballistics videos showing good results with the XTP bullet. For range ammo, I prefer Speer Lawman 95gr, but in these trying times I've used Fiocchi, MagTech and CCI Blazer and they all work well.
I actually have 1000 rounds of WWB 95 in the 200 round packs, but haven't broken it out yet.
As far as ammo, I shot a box of WWB 95 FMJ a while back and didn't notice anything special one way or the other. When I used to carry FMJ, it was SIG Elite 100gr FMJ, which is good stuff. These days, I carry Hornady American Gunner 95gr XTP, because I've seen several ballistics videos showing good results with the XTP bullet. For range ammo, I prefer Speer Lawman 95gr, but in these trying times I've used Fiocchi, MagTech and CCI Blazer and they all work well.
I actually have 1000 rounds of WWB 95 in the 200 round packs, but haven't broken it out yet.
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ApacheCoTodd
member
Ours is a considerable jolt&twist but I put it down to having so little gun to hold onto.
For my hand, I only get my full middle-finger and around half of my ring finger on there when firing single-handed.
It pays to use two hands and then borders on immaterial in recoil as far as I can see.
All in all I find that while the recoil is very present - the compactness, the .380 and the reliability more than balance things to the gun's favor.
Todd.
For my hand, I only get my full middle-finger and around half of my ring finger on there when firing single-handed.
It pays to use two hands and then borders on immaterial in recoil as far as I can see.
All in all I find that while the recoil is very present - the compactness, the .380 and the reliability more than balance things to the gun's favor.
Todd.
Thanks. I was referring to the LCP 2, not the Gen 2. I plan on having the LCP 2 as a backup in my pocket, so it wouldn't be my first thing I reach for. I would prob shoot it at the range just enough to know I can shoot it, not to relax.
What gets me is I've seen multiple people say they'd rather shoot a .38 +P LCR, or even higher calibers, before shooting the LCP 2 in .380, but idk how I feel about that.
rabid wombat
Member
@LookAtYou I do not have the Ruger, but I do have a S&W 380 Bodyguard. I am typically shooting 90+gr ammo. Am I hopping up and down REEEEEEing to go shoot it...no. Do I shoot it for proficiency at range...yes. Maybe 20-50 rounds if I feel like it. My wife shoots the same. We would prefer to shoot our 686’s or 1911’s for a long range session.
Remember why you bought it, practice like you mean it, then put it down...and go enjoy a day at the range.
Remember why you bought it, practice like you mean it, then put it down...and go enjoy a day at the range.
Pistolay
Contributing Member
About 5 years ago, my wife owned an LCR .357 that she only shot standard pressure .38 with. She bought the .357 rather than the .38 because we both thought that the heavier steel frame would result in lighter recoil with the standard pressure .38 ammo. It was still too much for her, and she ended up passing the gun to me. I only ever shot standard pressure .38 with that gun, mostly Remington UMC 158gr semi wadcutters, and I can assure you that it kicked at least as hard as my LCP II. And the LCP has a much better trigger, so I'm much more accurate with it.
I don't have the LCP 2, I have the original and it is a little snappy, I put a Stainless guide rod and a 13# spring in it and it helped considerably, but, it does make it a little more difficult to rack.
I also put a hogue handall on mine which made it fit my medium sized hands better.
Same theory may work in the lcp 2
I also put a hogue handall on mine which made it fit my medium sized hands better.
Same theory may work in the lcp 2
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Tallball
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I've owned several of the micro 380's.
It took me some time to figure out exactly how to grip one properly with my XL hands.
My thumbs can't be near the slide, the few fingers I can grip it with have to be nice and tight, and I have to hold the trigger just so or it will pinch my finger.
After a lot of practice I can now shoot half a box of ammo through one anytime, no problem.
I suppose I could shoot a whole box of ammo through it, but it's not "fun to shoot".
It's not "un-fun" because it hurts me. It's just not as much fun as shooting my antique revolvers and so forth.
The LCPII is my favorite of the micro 380's. Its trigger is pretty good and it has useful sights.
My "combat accuracy" with it is okay. I can quickly (old people quickly) empty a magazine onto a small paper plate at seven yards almost every time.
If the micro 380 is too snappy for someone, the Kel-Tech P32 is the parent gun of the 380's. It's in 32acp and is gentler to shoot.
I will carry the micro 380 at certain times of year, when the situation is advantageous (large breast pocket of a flannel shirt).
It fills a niche.
No pictures yet, so:
It took me some time to figure out exactly how to grip one properly with my XL hands.
My thumbs can't be near the slide, the few fingers I can grip it with have to be nice and tight, and I have to hold the trigger just so or it will pinch my finger.
After a lot of practice I can now shoot half a box of ammo through one anytime, no problem.
I suppose I could shoot a whole box of ammo through it, but it's not "fun to shoot".
It's not "un-fun" because it hurts me. It's just not as much fun as shooting my antique revolvers and so forth.
The LCPII is my favorite of the micro 380's. Its trigger is pretty good and it has useful sights.
My "combat accuracy" with it is okay. I can quickly (old people quickly) empty a magazine onto a small paper plate at seven yards almost every time.
If the micro 380 is too snappy for someone, the Kel-Tech P32 is the parent gun of the 380's. It's in 32acp and is gentler to shoot.
I will carry the micro 380 at certain times of year, when the situation is advantageous (large breast pocket of a flannel shirt).
It fills a niche.
No pictures yet, so:
The Glockodile
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That particular bunch of pistols is snappy, for sure...
The Glock 42, on the other hand, is quite the shoot - all - day pocket pistol.
I'm not speaking out of bias - it's just that the Glock 42's bigger.
That being said, I haven't handled anything better than the LCP as far as "pocketable" guns are concerned...
The Glock 42, on the other hand, is quite the shoot - all - day pocket pistol.
I'm not speaking out of bias - it's just that the Glock 42's bigger.
That being said, I haven't handled anything better than the LCP as far as "pocketable" guns are concerned...
Pistolay
Contributing Member
I have both the G42 and the LCP II. The Glock is indeed very soft shooting and accurate, and it's the gun I carry most of the time. The Ruger is what I carry when maximum discretion is called for.
Ethan Verity
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I actually just got back from the range after shooting my LCP today! Lol
I would compare the felt recoil of the LCP to the felt recoil of a micro-9mm, like an M&P Shield. It's definitely "snappy" but by no means uncontrollable. However, if I shoot too fast I sometimes find myself having to readjust my grip, there isn't much to hold onto.
Compared to my S&W Model 642 airweight J-frame, the LCP feels tame. Especially when lighting off 38 Spl +P.
I would compare the felt recoil of the LCP to the felt recoil of a micro-9mm, like an M&P Shield. It's definitely "snappy" but by no means uncontrollable. However, if I shoot too fast I sometimes find myself having to readjust my grip, there isn't much to hold onto.
Compared to my S&W Model 642 airweight J-frame, the LCP feels tame. Especially when lighting off 38 Spl +P.
Nice pic. As far as .32 goes, I'll pass. I thought about it in the past for that exact reason, but meh, I'd rather stick with the extra recoil of the .380I've owned several of the micro 380's.
It took me some time to figure out exactly how to grip one properly with my XL hands.
My thumbs can't be near the slide, the few fingers I can grip it with have to be nice and tight, and I have to hold the trigger just so or it will pinch my finger.
After a lot of practice I can now shoot half a box of ammo through one anytime, no problem.
I suppose I could shoot a whole box of ammo through it, but it's not "fun to shoot".
It's not "un-fun" because it hurts me. It's just not as much fun as shooting my antique revolvers and so forth.
The LCPII is my favorite of the micro 380's. Its trigger is pretty good and it has useful sights.
My "combat accuracy" with it is okay. I can quickly (old people quickly) empty a magazine onto a small paper plate at seven yards almost every time.
If the micro 380 is too snappy for someone, the Kel-Tech P32 is the parent gun of the 380's. It's in 32acp and is gentler to shoot.
I will carry the micro 380 at certain times of year, when the situation is advantageous (large breast pocket of a flannel shirt).
It fills a niche.
No pictures yet, so:
Yup, +1 for G42. This plus an LCP 2 in the pocket will quite frequently mean 2 guns carried at the same time, relatively easily.
I have never had a problem with the recoil of my LCP 2. I always considered it pretty mello compared to my DB9 which is wicked but manageable. Practicing with it makes a big difference. When you know what to expect it is no suprise when it goes off.
Alex Clayton
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I have one, LCPII due to Wife buying it after I told her not to. She is VERY recoil sensitive. I had warned her it would be too much. Sales staff let her dry fire one and the trigger sold her. When she got it home she could not chamber a round. I showed her how to manage that by locking the slide back. Then as I knew would happen she fired one round through it and that was it. When I took it out for it's maiden try out I ran several boxes of ammo through it and it HURT by the time I was done. Now that its proven its fun for a few mags now and then just to stay in tune with it. They are an amazing little pistol. VERY small and light for the power and the trigger is light years better than the earlier pocket .380's.
I had a early LCP 380 - subjectively, it had more recoil than Kahr PM9 with +P
Kahr PM9 is my 2nd option* in weak hand front pocket; its a 2nd option to a Glock that is IWB
*Option to put my hand on it without revealing I'm carrying and/or have handgun that can be easily accessed by weak hand.
Kahr PM9 is my 2nd option* in weak hand front pocket; its a 2nd option to a Glock that is IWB
*Option to put my hand on it without revealing I'm carrying and/or have handgun that can be easily accessed by weak hand.
Tallball
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I guess I'm weird. I like the feel of shooting a 38 snub. 
I hold the LCP in a very tight grip, tighter than I hold a revolver. One way it can hurt you is to move slightly with each shot and wear a sore spot on your hand. If I control my thumb and trigger finger placement, and hold it tightly, I can shoot it without pain. That's the only reason I'm willing to carry it or even shoot it.
If a gun keeps hurting me when I shoot it, I will shoot it poorly. It can also start affecting my shooting in general. If I can't figure out a pain-free way of shooting a particular firearm, it will be in the used gun counter at the LGS pretty soon.
These little micro 32's and 380's are amazing, if you think about it. They have about the same "firepower" as European service pistols like a PP or 1934, but in a tiny package. It just takes more practice and skill to be able to use them well.
Here's a better picture of the LCPII. It's tilted a bit, but you can see that it has an actual rear sight (the front one is hidden in the picture), superior to the little bumps on the original version. The trigger is pretty good. Like any tiny pistol, you have to learn to keep from bumping the mag release when you're shooting it.
I wouldn't prefer to carry it for SD due to the caliber and lack of any sights (a groove), but my P32 is reliable and easy to shoot.
I hold the LCP in a very tight grip, tighter than I hold a revolver. One way it can hurt you is to move slightly with each shot and wear a sore spot on your hand. If I control my thumb and trigger finger placement, and hold it tightly, I can shoot it without pain. That's the only reason I'm willing to carry it or even shoot it.
If a gun keeps hurting me when I shoot it, I will shoot it poorly. It can also start affecting my shooting in general. If I can't figure out a pain-free way of shooting a particular firearm, it will be in the used gun counter at the LGS pretty soon.
These little micro 32's and 380's are amazing, if you think about it. They have about the same "firepower" as European service pistols like a PP or 1934, but in a tiny package. It just takes more practice and skill to be able to use them well.
Here's a better picture of the LCPII. It's tilted a bit, but you can see that it has an actual rear sight (the front one is hidden in the picture), superior to the little bumps on the original version. The trigger is pretty good. Like any tiny pistol, you have to learn to keep from bumping the mag release when you're shooting it.
I wouldn't prefer to carry it for SD due to the caliber and lack of any sights (a groove), but my P32 is reliable and easy to shoot.
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unclenunzie
Contributing Member
My original LCP was harsh for me to shoot. I was still learning the basics of shooting when I got it. At the time it felt like it whacked my hand every time. But after a while it seemed to calm down, which was probably me getting better at it and getting used to such a thin and small pistol.
The LCP II is slightly larger in the backstrap, slightly heavier, with much better grip (and trigger, sights, etc). I get better accuracy out of it and it doesn't hurt to shoot.
I think it comes down to distribution of recoil forces against the hand. How large or small the contact area is, how well the grip and hand match to each other.
LCP: Now and then. Great pocket guns.
If you all are having issues with the recoil of the Ruger or the KelTec .380's then maybe it's time you petition Colt to bring back the Pony. Only a tad larger than the P-32 but it is an all day shooter (if one can find the ammo). I've had four in the past five years and all are great shooters and easy carry guns
Of the little pocket .380s if you are looking for something small and light to hide in a pocket, then yes the lcp and lcp 2, and g42s and p32s are all in the running.
Again I have the original LCP and with the guide rod, spring and handall grip mods it is my church gun (hideout/pocket/gun you carry when you don't want others to know you have one).
If you are looking for alternatives, then, one of the softest shooting small .380s I have fired is the Sig p238, it has it's own pros and cons of course, price, weight, small 1911 format, cocked and locked not DA, etc.
My wife has Carpal Tunnel in her wrist and she was able to rack it, shoot it and handle the recoil no issue (she has now graduated to a Sig p365 and I have her sig in my safe but that's another story) I have an army model, that i carry occasionally and they are easier on the hands and wrist than the LCP. Biggest negative, is the mag release letting go due to pressure on the extended mag, after a while, the mag will occasionally drop on recoil. I ordered a heavier spring for the release, and it seems to have fixed the issue, but, I won't put an extended mag in it if I am carrying for SD as I don't have faith yet.
Dave
Again I have the original LCP and with the guide rod, spring and handall grip mods it is my church gun (hideout/pocket/gun you carry when you don't want others to know you have one).
If you are looking for alternatives, then, one of the softest shooting small .380s I have fired is the Sig p238, it has it's own pros and cons of course, price, weight, small 1911 format, cocked and locked not DA, etc.
My wife has Carpal Tunnel in her wrist and she was able to rack it, shoot it and handle the recoil no issue (she has now graduated to a Sig p365 and I have her sig in my safe but that's another story) I have an army model, that i carry occasionally and they are easier on the hands and wrist than the LCP. Biggest negative, is the mag release letting go due to pressure on the extended mag, after a while, the mag will occasionally drop on recoil. I ordered a heavier spring for the release, and it seems to have fixed the issue, but, I won't put an extended mag in it if I am carrying for SD as I don't have faith yet.
Dave
Terry G
Member
The small size means your going to have sharp recoil, that's just something that comes with the territory. My LCPII was bought for a specific trip where I needed special concealment. I use Hornady XTP and whatever FMJ I happen to see on sale. Is it fun to shoot? No. Is it controllable? Yes. 10 yards is about it for good accuracy for me, I'm sure other's can do better. It's kind of a back up to my back up if that makes sense, I like the little blaster, but I would have to be desperate to use it.Once I finish my ccw rotation (3 guns), I will basically be in the same situation as you. I will have a M&P9C M2.0 3.6" as my main, the G42 as my summer-time/whenever I can't AIWB the 9mm gun, and the LCP 2 as my pocket backup. Realistically, I'll never only be carrying the LCP 2, and would also prob never be the first thing I'd reach for. Straight last resort type deal.
Btw, which Glock is that in your pic?
1942bull
Member
The LCP II is a snappy gun to shooter. I carry Lehigh Extreme Defense 65gr, and I shoot it at the range mainly to check functionality. From my perspective there is not much other reason to shoot it once you have familiarized yourself with the gun and found a good grip. In a close-in weapon with practically useless sights. Chances are you will be more pointing and shooting it if push-comes-to-shove. That does not take much practice at close distances.
I looked up a video of the 65 Gr Lehigh Extreme Defense and saw that out of a G42, it went 1185 FPS, which equals 202.6 Ft/Lbs. The WWB averages 900 FPS out of the same gun, which equals 170.8 Ft/Lbs, and in order to match the Lehigh force, would have to be going 980 FPS.
Basically, I found the Lehigh 65 Gr Defense bullet is definitely hotter than WWB 95 Gr. So if Lehigh doesn't feel too bad to you, then I'm definitely hopeful for the WWB not being too bad.
Riomouse911
Member
I have both an LCP and LCPII, as well as an AMT Backup .380 and an FEG SMK PPK s clone. (Kept the FEG, sold the Walther.)
The FEG feels best in recoil. Then comes the LCP II, LCP and the AMT in that order.
All micro pistols and revolvers aren’t a whole lot of fun, especially powerful ones. I have a bunch of them and they all epitomize Newton’s Laws and drive themselves straight into my palms with every shot. That being said; recoil with the Ruger guns isn’t unbearable, just a bit on the snappy side. You’ll find that the guns can be accurate for such small pieces of steel/plastic and in a close setting will be able to keep their shots where it counts if you do your part.
As for fmj in a .380 as defensive ammo it’s obviously your choice, but I wouldn’t go with it myself. Far too many other choices that will be just as reliable, yet much more effective in that role, exist out there.
Stay safe.
The FEG feels best in recoil. Then comes the LCP II, LCP and the AMT in that order.
All micro pistols and revolvers aren’t a whole lot of fun, especially powerful ones. I have a bunch of them and they all epitomize Newton’s Laws and drive themselves straight into my palms with every shot. That being said; recoil with the Ruger guns isn’t unbearable, just a bit on the snappy side. You’ll find that the guns can be accurate for such small pieces of steel/plastic and in a close setting will be able to keep their shots where it counts if you do your part.
As for fmj in a .380 as defensive ammo it’s obviously your choice, but I wouldn’t go with it myself. Far too many other choices that will be just as reliable, yet much more effective in that role, exist out there.
Stay safe.
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