Small inexpensive 380's, which Inexpensive model
- Thread starter george burns
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george burns
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You didn't read the question obviously.
A Pause for the Coz
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I just sold my TCP. Wish I would not have.
Now I need a new pocket gun. Some times you just dont want to get holstered up to go get milk.
For light run to the store carry. Cant beat it.
Now I need a new pocket gun. Some times you just dont want to get holstered up to go get milk.
For light run to the store carry. Cant beat it.
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george burns
Member
The whole thing started because I am able to pick up those two guns really cheap. That's why I asked. I have no intention of using either one myself, but thought about putting a couple in various rooms, and perhaps getting my wife back into carrying a small gun. The Tcp was not in the picture. At 200 bucks I can always sell them without losing a dime.
moxie
Member
Good luck getting an LCP for $200. That's the start price on the auction sites. Buy now price is $389. You can probably get one in the $330-350 range, plus tax, plus FFL, plus shipping. But if you do get a .380, the LCP is the top choice over the KT.
fastbolt
Member
I stopped buying "the least expensive" guns many years ago. Instead, I buy the most affordably priced of the better quality examples of whatever it is that interests me.
When I finally decided it was time to revisit owning another .380 (after not having owned and carried one for 25+ years), it was because the S&W Bodyguard .380 and Ruger LCP were starting to demonstrate themselves to be viable, good quality options. In my case, that meant I'd been seeing and hearing the experiences of satisfied cop owners of both guns for a couple or more years.
I picked up a 2012 production LCP. Cost me something like $319 (plus tax & DROS) at a local cop shop. Handy. Reliable. Accurate. Snappy. Able to pocket-holster it where my J's couldn't fit.
I recently decided I liked it enough to risk spending $369 (plus tax & DROS) for a new stainless version, with different sights and trigger.
I just wrote this in another forum thread ...
Just found some time to run some rounds through the new LCP between helping teach classes this week.
I fired 100 rounds of a mixed bunch of the (for now) 4 usual JHP's I have on hand, being Speer GDHP, Win T-Series, Rem HPJ/GS & some Win STHP (hey, it was available for a while).
I just mixed all the rounds together in the magazine that came with the LCP, and a spare one, firing a short qual course-of-fire and some rapid drills. (Everything was done within 3-10yds this session, as I didn't really have the time to try the new trigger at longer distances.)
I figured 100 rounds of JHP's that have already proven themselves reliable in my other LCP, and which are typical for my carry use, would be enough confirmation for me that this new LCP is ready to be an alternative retirement CCW to my other LCP. I finished up with a few magazine loads of some FP ball loads, but by that point I was just burning up powder.
I usually like to fire 25-50 rounds through each new magazine to confirm normal function, and this quick afternoon drill let me do that, as I was loading and shooting 2 magazine loads at a time (with my already proven spare magazine handling the other 50 rounds of JHP's).
A couple personal observations about the new stainless LCP ...
The trigger is, indeed, a bit improved over my other one (just over 2 years difference in production dates, according to the test-fire envelopes, 2012-2014).
The taller and wider fixed sights are both better and not-so-better, though. Yes, they're larger and more defined (to my aging eyes).
However, they absolutely disappear in the late afternoon sun when moving in and out of dappled sunlight coming through the trees, and especially when being used to aim against the muted background colors of white & light grey silhouette targets.
The lack of a distracting machined recess under the rear sight is also a mixed blessing, for me, too. Faster to see the rear sight notch, but the forward sloped angle really reflected the subdued afternoon's sunlight. Makes me wonder what bright sunlight might do off that angled surface. Oh well, still an overall improvement over the previous version, I'd think.
I'll have to add a dab of bright orange/red (or maybe lime green) nail polish to the front sight post, so it can be seen against bland backgrounds.
The new little LCP was just as reliable when it came to feeding the mix of JHP's as my first one, and the practical accuracy was every bit as good. (Which I still find pleasantly surprising.)
I use a Hogue Rubber Grip Handall Jr. Small Size Grip Sleeve, cut down to fit on the LCP without interfering with the mag catch or mag floorplate. It provides me with a bit of index/support with the short finger groove below my middle finger knuckle.
I still experienced some sting from the trigger guard rising and hitting the bottom of my index finger under recoil, but for some reason it wasn't quite as annoying as it can become (for extended shooting) with my older LCP. Maybe it had something to do with the revised trigger and finger placement at the moment of recoil snap. Maybe I just had a better day than the last couple of sessions with my older LCP. Dunno.
Okay ... now all I'd say is that I probably could've bought a couple of less expensive .380's if I'd wished (or even a larger Glock G42 at the cop shop, for about $320/LE pricing) ... but I didn't. I didn't want larger, and I wasn't looking to cut price corners just to get one.
I learned my lesson on cutting price & quality corners when it comes to firearms, which are going to be carried as dedicated defensive weapons, many years ago ... and I don't care to revisit having to learn that lesson again.
I may shop around cop shops and distributors for the best price on whatever it is that may interest me, but I have no interest in just looking for some low price point and seeing what's available. Not for a dedicated defensive weapon.
BTW, the only reason I didn't get the S&W Bodyguard .380 the first time around, or the new M&P branded Bodyguard .380 this time around, is because it's just enough larger than the LCP to make the LCP preferable for my needs. I think I could've gotten the S&W .380 for less money (LE distributor located in SF East Bay), but the minor reduced size characteristics, and the closer LE shop which was willing to order the LCP ... and my satisfactory experience with the first LCP ... pretty much made me willing to step up and spend the money on the second LCP.
Just my thoughts.
Folks ought to be able to suit themselves when spending their money.
With each and every decision comes the opportunity to have to try and (hopefully) live with the consequences, too.
When I finally decided it was time to revisit owning another .380 (after not having owned and carried one for 25+ years), it was because the S&W Bodyguard .380 and Ruger LCP were starting to demonstrate themselves to be viable, good quality options. In my case, that meant I'd been seeing and hearing the experiences of satisfied cop owners of both guns for a couple or more years.
I picked up a 2012 production LCP. Cost me something like $319 (plus tax & DROS) at a local cop shop. Handy. Reliable. Accurate. Snappy. Able to pocket-holster it where my J's couldn't fit.
I recently decided I liked it enough to risk spending $369 (plus tax & DROS) for a new stainless version, with different sights and trigger.
I just wrote this in another forum thread ...
Just found some time to run some rounds through the new LCP between helping teach classes this week.
I fired 100 rounds of a mixed bunch of the (for now) 4 usual JHP's I have on hand, being Speer GDHP, Win T-Series, Rem HPJ/GS & some Win STHP (hey, it was available for a while).
I just mixed all the rounds together in the magazine that came with the LCP, and a spare one, firing a short qual course-of-fire and some rapid drills. (Everything was done within 3-10yds this session, as I didn't really have the time to try the new trigger at longer distances.)
I figured 100 rounds of JHP's that have already proven themselves reliable in my other LCP, and which are typical for my carry use, would be enough confirmation for me that this new LCP is ready to be an alternative retirement CCW to my other LCP. I finished up with a few magazine loads of some FP ball loads, but by that point I was just burning up powder.
I usually like to fire 25-50 rounds through each new magazine to confirm normal function, and this quick afternoon drill let me do that, as I was loading and shooting 2 magazine loads at a time (with my already proven spare magazine handling the other 50 rounds of JHP's).
A couple personal observations about the new stainless LCP ...
The trigger is, indeed, a bit improved over my other one (just over 2 years difference in production dates, according to the test-fire envelopes, 2012-2014).
The taller and wider fixed sights are both better and not-so-better, though. Yes, they're larger and more defined (to my aging eyes).
However, they absolutely disappear in the late afternoon sun when moving in and out of dappled sunlight coming through the trees, and especially when being used to aim against the muted background colors of white & light grey silhouette targets.
The lack of a distracting machined recess under the rear sight is also a mixed blessing, for me, too. Faster to see the rear sight notch, but the forward sloped angle really reflected the subdued afternoon's sunlight. Makes me wonder what bright sunlight might do off that angled surface. Oh well, still an overall improvement over the previous version, I'd think.
I'll have to add a dab of bright orange/red (or maybe lime green) nail polish to the front sight post, so it can be seen against bland backgrounds.
The new little LCP was just as reliable when it came to feeding the mix of JHP's as my first one, and the practical accuracy was every bit as good. (Which I still find pleasantly surprising.)
I use a Hogue Rubber Grip Handall Jr. Small Size Grip Sleeve, cut down to fit on the LCP without interfering with the mag catch or mag floorplate. It provides me with a bit of index/support with the short finger groove below my middle finger knuckle.
I still experienced some sting from the trigger guard rising and hitting the bottom of my index finger under recoil, but for some reason it wasn't quite as annoying as it can become (for extended shooting) with my older LCP. Maybe it had something to do with the revised trigger and finger placement at the moment of recoil snap. Maybe I just had a better day than the last couple of sessions with my older LCP. Dunno.
Okay ... now all I'd say is that I probably could've bought a couple of less expensive .380's if I'd wished (or even a larger Glock G42 at the cop shop, for about $320/LE pricing) ... but I didn't. I didn't want larger, and I wasn't looking to cut price corners just to get one.
I learned my lesson on cutting price & quality corners when it comes to firearms, which are going to be carried as dedicated defensive weapons, many years ago ... and I don't care to revisit having to learn that lesson again.
I may shop around cop shops and distributors for the best price on whatever it is that may interest me, but I have no interest in just looking for some low price point and seeing what's available. Not for a dedicated defensive weapon.
BTW, the only reason I didn't get the S&W Bodyguard .380 the first time around, or the new M&P branded Bodyguard .380 this time around, is because it's just enough larger than the LCP to make the LCP preferable for my needs. I think I could've gotten the S&W .380 for less money (LE distributor located in SF East Bay), but the minor reduced size characteristics, and the closer LE shop which was willing to order the LCP ... and my satisfactory experience with the first LCP ... pretty much made me willing to step up and spend the money on the second LCP.
Just my thoughts.
Folks ought to be able to suit themselves when spending their money.
With each and every decision comes the opportunity to have to try and (hopefully) live with the consequences, too.
OP
OP
george burns
Member
I paid $239 4 years ago for an lcp. At a gun show from one of the largest dealers if not the largest in the State of FL. They routinely sell in the low 2's around my neck of the woods. If you are paying $400.00 for an LCP, you are being robbed. Any day of the week they are 269 on slickguns.com, http://www.slickguns.com/product/ruger-lcp-380acp-centerfire-pistol-26999
On sale or locally $239 is the normal going rate. I was able to find them for 210 and the P3At for 219. That's why I asked the question, as I can easily sell them for more if I decide to go that route.
But don't be naïve as to price, you are apparently paying high retail.
On sale or locally $239 is the normal going rate. I was able to find them for 210 and the P3At for 219. That's why I asked the question, as I can easily sell them for more if I decide to go that route.
But don't be naïve as to price, you are apparently paying high retail.
I have carried a little Kel-Tec P-3AT in a pocket holster for years. The only issue I've had is the mag release button protrudes a bit and will occasionally get pushed in when carrying in a back pocket.
The finish on the gun is amazingly durable, looks as new as the day I bought it.
The finish on the gun is amazingly durable, looks as new as the day I bought it.
giggitygiggity
Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2009
- Messages
- 2,251
Get the Ruger LCP. You can get them with lasers and for $280 at CDNN last time I checked. It is incredibly accurate if you do your part. It is very simple and light and much more refined than the Kel-Tec. I can't speak to the Taurus TCP, but I can say that I like my LCP.
Another option if weight isn't a huge concern is the Polish P-64. You can find them at JG Sales for $200. Nicer ones are a little more, but all under $300. They are built solidly and are accurate and shoot the 9x18 Makarov which has slightly more punch than the .380ACP.
Another option if weight isn't a huge concern is the Polish P-64. You can find them at JG Sales for $200. Nicer ones are a little more, but all under $300. They are built solidly and are accurate and shoot the 9x18 Makarov which has slightly more punch than the .380ACP.
I have both the LCP and the P3AT.
I like the LCP better, my son likes the P3AT better.
I also have a Sig P238- neither one of us likes it for carry- due to the whole safety/cocked and locked thing, although it is the sweetest shooting .380 of the ones I have.
And- I have a TCP on the way- right now PSA has them on sale for $169!
Figured at that price I'll check it out although I am not a huge .380 fan.
I like the LCP better, my son likes the P3AT better.
I also have a Sig P238- neither one of us likes it for carry- due to the whole safety/cocked and locked thing, although it is the sweetest shooting .380 of the ones I have.
And- I have a TCP on the way- right now PSA has them on sale for $169!
Figured at that price I'll check it out although I am not a huge .380 fan.
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george burns
Member
I saw that price on the TCP on slickguns also if anyone is interested, not often you get a gun that actually fires for under 2 bills.
The concealed carry Bersa is a blow-back design, and hammers the hand when compared to the other ones listed.
I had an LCP, and found that in order to get the gun to fire, I had to curl my index finger, and press with the fingertip all the way to the rear, and then it would fire. An awful trigger in just about every respect.
Sold it and got the Taurus TCP, which has about 1/2 the trigger travel, and lighter pull. I have carried the TCP for a couple years now, and love the thing. I shoot it every other time I go to the range, and it's always nice to shoot, and is accurate.
I've recommended TCP to quite a few friends, and have heard no complaints.
I had an LCP, and found that in order to get the gun to fire, I had to curl my index finger, and press with the fingertip all the way to the rear, and then it would fire. An awful trigger in just about every respect.
Sold it and got the Taurus TCP, which has about 1/2 the trigger travel, and lighter pull. I have carried the TCP for a couple years now, and love the thing. I shoot it every other time I go to the range, and it's always nice to shoot, and is accurate.
I've recommended TCP to quite a few friends, and have heard no complaints.
wally
Member
I had the P3At first, and "upgraded" to the Ruger when it came out, but I've had this issue with both of them.
I've seen the Taurus for as low as $175 with one magazine. Mine is every bit as good as the LCP or P3AT, but I prefer the S&W Bodyguard 380 over all of them because I shoot it the best -- probably because its slightly larger than the other three and has the best sight of the lot.
You should love the G42.
wally
Member
I shot my friend's very well, but for that size/weight I can carry a 9mm.
Oh I thought you were just interested 380!
almherdfan
Member
The Taurus TCP is a pretty nice pocket .380 and maybe the only $200 gun. The others are significantly over $200.
wally
Member
I do fancy guns that are "small for their caliber" and have many examples. The Glock 42 would certainly have qualified about 10 years ago, but now there are 9mms in that size class of which I have many.
I thought it would be great for my wife, but when she tried my friend's she couldn't get through a magazine without a stovepipe. We might give it a try again now that he's had a chance to break it in, we were running its first 100 rounds on our last visit.
Unfortunately the G42 hardly qualifies as inexpensive, like the Sig P238 and 938.
Deaf Smith
Member
I have one mousegun, a P32, and it works very well. I even just bought a 50 round box of Winchester silvertips for $18 bucks just for it. Normally I use fmj in it but the Winchester ammo was at a good price.
No, it isn't my primary carry but the silvertips shoot dead on at 7 yards shooting one handed. Paid $105 for the gun years ago. Latest extractor and tan polymer finish.
Now if I was in the market for a real pocket .380 and just had to have the cheapest one that worked... I guess the Ruger LCP would be it.
That and lots of practice.
Deaf
No, it isn't my primary carry but the silvertips shoot dead on at 7 yards shooting one handed. Paid $105 for the gun years ago. Latest extractor and tan polymer finish.
Now if I was in the market for a real pocket .380 and just had to have the cheapest one that worked... I guess the Ruger LCP would be it.
That and lots of practice.
Deaf
A pawn shop in Oklahoma City has Taurus TCP in black and stainless for $199
https://www.soonerstatepawn.com/firearms/taurus-738-tcp-stainless-380acp-pistol-113833
https://www.soonerstatepawn.com/firearms/taurus-738-tcp-stainless-380acp-pistol-113833
Note that is a used TCP!
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