Thinking of getting a pocket gun, LCP Gen 2 vs LCP 2 ?

[Wanderling]

Looking for a pocket gun for when I can't go with my G26.

Trying to decide between LCP Gen 2 and LCP 2.

Right now I lean towards LCP. Mainly because it's smaller. It also has a heavier trigger pull which I believe is important for a pocket gun even if carried in a holster.

I know that LCP 2 has a better trigger, better sights, and less felt recoil. But it's also larger. At typical SD distances, are better sights that much of a deal ?

 

[Armybrat]

I don't need sights for 7 or 8 yard distances, so no big deal to me. Having said that, my 2008 production LCP sights are almost non-existent anyway.
My 2016 production LCP (Gen 2) has sights I can actually see, but still won't factor much for close in shooting. Have never handled an LCP II.

 

[Jonesy814]

I am happy with my gen 2 LCP. I don't think bigger sights would be a lot more useful at SD ranges. If I take my time I can consistently hit a 10X12 steel plate at 40 yards with mine and at 20ft I can fast draw from my pocket and rapidly put all shots on the chest of a silhouette target. I like that it is tiny and likely would have picked it over an LCP2 had they been available at the time based on the size. A bigger gun would be harder to draw easily from my pocket

 

[Fiv3r]

I haven't noticed too much difference in practical size between the lcp and lcp II. I will say that the lcp II has retired all my other pocket. 380s.

Great shooting little gun

 

[bersaguy]

I purchased a gen2 LCP and found it to be too small, in the grip that is. Now that is saying something because I like thin grips, most double stacks are off my list as many are just to blocky in my mitts. But I just couldn't get good purchase on the lcp, and went back to a Taurus TCP. Now that the lcp2 is out, with a little thicker grip, I may update

 

[Al-jim19]

I’d go with the lcp2. I wouldn’t hesitate to carry a striker in a pocket with as long as you’re using a holster. Sights are important to me too, I’d rather have usable ones I don’t need than need some I don’t have.

If price is a factor just remember that the difference is likely to be about as much as you’ll spend on ammo for a range session or two.

 

[Wanderling]

Thanks. Size is the biggest factor, I already have G26 that’s only pocketable in only some clothing and there are many situations when I can’t dress around it and don’t feel like going IWB. I was thinking that even with Hogue grips, LCP is still going to be more pocketable than II. Unfortunately I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t evaluate this by merely holding the pistol in store, you need to spend a week with it.

 

[Hasaf]

Looking for a pocket gun for when I can't go with my G26.

Trying to decide between LCP Gen 2 and LCP 2.

Right now I lean towards LCP. Mainly because it's smaller. It also has a heavier trigger pull which I believe is important for a pocket gun even if carried in a holster.

I know that LCP 2 has a better trigger, better sights, and less felt recoil. But it's also larger. At typical SD distances, are better sights that much of a deal ?

To answer the question at the end, Yes. Better sights make a gun more enjoyable to shoot. If you enjoy shooting it, it will see more practice time [just assume that I went on about the benefits of practice here].

The next answer depends on where you work; but you may need to be able to pass qualification exams with it. I know my Colt .380 Government Model had terrible sights. As such I was always on the edge of being able to qualify with it; while, with the 1911 in ,45 I never even came close to being concerned about being able to qualify (in fact, the quality of my shooting with the .45 earned me the benefit of any doubt with the .380; otherwise I probably wouldn't have been able to qualify with the .380).

 

[Tirod]

Both need a pocket holster, the LCP II even more with it's Glock like trigger. Glock has said from day one that a hard sided covering over the trigger is mandatory in carry, and examining incidents of negligent discharges aside from a finger on it shows they aren't wrong.

For the increase in size and light trigger a SIG P238 is comparable to the II. The LCPs aren't really the same weapon at all. My experience with a first gen LCP showed that light weight brings an offsetting disadvantage, more recoil, which I considered harsh. The newer triggers on them now has at least addressed the other reason I sold it. Small guns will always have more recoil than a larger gun using identical ammo. That is the shooters choice but as practice is a part of ownership I can say the .380 that replaced the LCP is a joy in comparison. It was larger, comparable to the II.

As pocket carry simply doesn't work well for me, I use an ATA style shoulder holster or IWB with covering garment. If it's really hot a large loose fitting shirt over a non cotton t shirt works well and significantly reduces printing while controlling perspiration.

 

[Wanderling]

Thanks for help, everyone!

I decided to go with LCP gen 2 (original) as I will only pocket carry it and thus size is very important.

 

[Cump]

Frankly, I'm surprised at the discussion of size difference -- which seems minimal with the extra sight radius and grip. I own both, and the lcp2 does not observably print more -- especially once you put them in a pocket holster.

I also have quicker follow-up shots and better practical accuracy with the lcp2.

 

[1KPerDay]

You made the right choice, based on the trigger alone. I feel that for a pocket gun a long DA trigger is ideal.

 

[stchman]

I own 2 LCPs, a 2010 LCP and an LCP Custom(red trigger). Both are good guns.

 

[340PD]

I have both and put a green Viridian laser and Sweet pea trigger in it and it resides in my car. The LCP custom has that trigger and in my opinion it is different but as good as the the LCPII .
My LCPII rides in a Talon Wallet holster and I find I carry that gun a whole lot more than I ever thought I would. Both work great, the LCPII is not that much larger (this picture is deceiving) and with the slide locking open in the last shot, the slightly wider grip, better cocking serrations, and more defined sights, I consider it to be the better of the two especially for the less experienced individual.

 

[Wanderling]

Is the LCP gen 1 or Gen 2 ?

 

[Armybrat]

Looks like a Gen 1, since the sights aren't visible at all.

 

[Wanderling]

I just picked it up from FLL.

Haven’t had a chance to shoot it yet, and probably won’t until the weekend.

First impression - holy sh#t, it’s tiny ! Holy sh#t, the rounds are so tiny... now I see how people may think it’s a “mouse gun” compared to a 9mm.

OTOH, it’s an absolute pleasure to just stick it in my front pocket, it’s actually smaller than my wallet.

The sights are not nearly as tiny as I expected, small yes but seem perfectly serviceable. I put some of my daughter’s bright orange nail polish on the front post and it helps a lot. Racking the slide doesn’t seem much harder than my Glocks, thanks to ample serrations. Trigger travel is long but, again, I expected worse. Trigger pull seems very manageable. I can only assume that most of the criticism of LCP that I read was based on the original model, and gen 2 took care of most problems.

So far, cautiously optimistic... the ultimate test comes once I fire it. The plan is to go through a hundred rounds of WWB target ammo to break it in, then a box of Federal Premium Hydra Shok JHP (readily available locally, per Shooting The Bull’s test the round performed very well, if not as excellent as some others). If it all goes well with no hiccups, this is going to become my EDC for most summer days.

 

[Armored farmer]

I hope you like it, I like mine.

 

[Wanderling]

I hope I like it too, as it’s now plain obvious to me that nothing even a tad larger would work for daily pocket carry.

I wear stretchy Wranglers and they are super comfortable but anything you put in your pocket shows like crazy. G26 in Remora doesn’t print in the sense that it doesn’t look like a gun, but it’s kind of bulgey. LCP in a Ruger pocket holster in a front pocket looks smaller than my wallet ! I may actually stop using a wallet and go to one of these money clips.

BTW, I am not sure about that soft holster that Ruger includes with it. How does it hold up long term ? I’m concerned that it doesn’t really protect the trigger all that well. If I keep the gun, I’ll likely get a Remora for it.

Here’s my solution for sights visibility. After taking the photo I put one more layer on the sights then clear coated and cleaned the small smears. Having daughters, you pick up all kinds of skills

 

[Jeb Stuart]

A lot depends on how much you plan on shooting. Between the two that you mention I would most definitely go with the LCP Gen 2 not the LCPll. I still have one of 4 lcp's and that is the Gen 2, but now in retirement as a truck gun. I have moved on to better built 380's as I do a lot of pocket gun shooting. Might just want to look at other manufacturers. When you purchase a pocketgun, plan on doing a lot of training. Then with a lot of training find out how long your investment will last. If you are planning on using for self defense get one that will accept night sights. Yes, good night sights are a must for even point and shoot instinctive shooting. Get one with all stainless steel build and not aluminum. These little guns take a heck of a beating.