Looking for a small carry gun, thinkn LCP or P238. Please post comments, good or bad. I have permits coming soon!

First is cost. You can probably get two LCPs for the price of a P238. The P238 is a nice gun but too pricy IMO.

Avoid the lcp, Terrible sights IMO.

Have you checked the lc9?

 

I have no experience with the P238 though.

Looked at both of them and the P3AT but wound up getting a S&W BG380, no problems or complaints at all.

 

Harry

Carried the LCP for a little over a year, had no issues with it until after a year and a half I went to qualify with it and the gun literally fell apart after having 3 major jams with the first six rounds. The extractor broke and the firing spring broke and small parts started falling out of the mag well. Sent it back to RUGER and they replaced the whole gun except the barrel and frame. Up to this point the gun was very reliable and a great carry gun but after this incident I would NOT trust my life to this gun and got rid of it. BILL LEO (now carry M&P 9c)

Wouldn't look at CAPTBIL3's experience as being typical, but can certainly understand his current reservations.

 

LCP sights? We don't need no stinkin' sights. Yes it has them, but they are vestigal at best. OTOH, this is a "Get the f*#k off me gun" to be used at point shooting or contact range. The sights are there, and they work, but they really are an afterthought. P238 has nice, real, sights.

 

Valid criticism about cost P238 v LCP. P238 being all metal (a plus for some) is going to be heavier in your pocket.

 

Speaking of pockets, the LCP makes a better pocket gun, being DAO. While a 1911 platform, condition 1 is my EDC (when I escape to the freedom of PA), not so sure that a cocked & locked P238 is comforting in one's pocket.

 

The LCP hurts to shoot. I know it's only a .380, but it is only 9.4 oz. of blow-back design with but a nubbin to hang onto. Can't comment on the P238.

 

I use a pocket holster with a flat "mask" panel for rear pocket carry of my LCP. Nice when nothing else will do (better the LCP in your pocket than the 1911 on your nightstand), but I prefer to carry a real gun.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I debated the same choices for a long time. I ended up going with the P238 SAS. After handling both side by side, the P238 just felt like a quality pistol. I'm very happy with my decision. I can shoot it all day long, the sights are great (I have night sights, compared to no sights on the LCP), and I'm fairly accurate with it out to 25 yards (if I try). The all metal construction is great, holds up very well to being in my pocked all day. I was concerned about the LCP polymer holding up to me sitting on it every day, I figured that it would warp or break long term...

 

It is a hair larger and heavier than the LCP, but that OK with me because the LCP simply cant match the quality of the P238.

500+ rounds through mine without a single issue.

 

EDIT: Forgot to mention cost... When I'm deciding to purchase a new gun, cost is generally not a factor. I choose the best quality weapon that suits my needs, and then try to find the best deal on it. I say cost is not a factor because when I buy a firearm I intend to keep it forever. So saving $200 - $500 now really means nothing to me if the weapon will last me 20+ years... Thats just my thinking and I know that doesnt work for everyone.

 

EDIT: Forgot to mention cost... When I'm deciding to purchase a new gun, cost is generally not a factor. I choose the best quality weapon that suits my needs, and then try to find the best deal on it. I say cost is not a factor because when I buy a firearm I intend to keep it forever. So saving $200 - $500 now really means nothing to me if the weapon will last me 20+ years... Thats just my thinking and I know that doesnt work for everyone.

 

+1 - Very good point. When I purchase a gun, I don't let a few hundred bucks weigh in on the decision. I pick a gun "I" like and try to find the best deal on that model. I by no means have unlimited funds for guns, but..... I would rather save for some time and get what I really like than buy something cheaper just to fill a spot.

 

I recently picked up a used EMP 40 in brand spanking new condition for a good price. Some would say "you can buy 2 of these for the price of that EMP." I have to say, the EMP 40 is a well built work of art. Is it on the pricy side? - yes, but I love shooting it and it's worth it to me.

+1 - Very good point. When I purchase a gun, I don't let a few hundred bucks weigh in on the decision. I pick a gun "I" like and try to find the best deal on that model. I by no means have unlimited funds for guns, but..... I would rather save for some time and get what I really like than buy something cheaper just to fill a spot.

 

I recently picked up a used EMP 40 in brand spanking new condition for a good price. Some would say "you can buy 2 of these for the price of that EMP." I have to say, the EMP 40 is a well built work of art. Is it on the pricy side? - yes, but I love shooting it and it's worth it to me.

 

I agree with your statement 100%. I buy what I like and what I think will work for me. Personally I have some reservations about the P238. I have heard way too many posts about issues with it. Some say the gun is 100% and others have sent guns back 2 or 3 times.

 

The lcp I haven't heard a lot of negative stuff about, so that would be my first choice. I have been fond of the mp9c lately and I am seriously considering getting one.

You need to understand the purpose of a "pocket" gun.

 

Re: LCP not having sights...it has bump at the end of the muzzle. It works.

 

 

As tactical monkey said... it's a get the fugg off me pistol. Close/Contact distance.

 

 

That being said I can make head shots with one at 15yds which is all I can ask for.

 

 

 

 

Also LCP is uber reliable and have never seen either of my two friends LCPs jammed/FTF.

decisions, decisions. -i usually dont put a $$$ amount on the pistol im gonna buy. I like the EMP, just not ready for that one yet.

Have you shot any of the guns you are looking at yet??? or any of the others that have been mentioned??

 

Harry

Have you shot any of the guns you are looking at yet??? or any of the others that have been mentioned??

 

Harry

 

nope, but plan to before I buy.

nope, but plan to before I buy.

 

Note sure if any of the ranges have one in stock but if the S&W BG380 is one you want let me know. I belong to OBRPC and new there so I can't guest people in yet, but if you go to Shore Shot, I also have a membership there but only can get down that way on Tuesday's between 1000-1300 and not until the 17th. I know that's not right away and it's a small window, but thats the best I can do at the moment. but the offer stands.

 

Harry

thanks for the offer.

LCR? Dude, that's the gun for you!

I just bought a P238 on Gun Broker today. Everyone I've talked to seemed to have no problems with the ones built in the last 6 months. I shopped around until I could find one with a recent build date.

I just bought a P238 on Gun Broker today. Everyone I've talked to seemed to have no problems with the ones built in the last 6 months. I shopped around until I could find one with a recent build date.

 

when do i get to shoot it? lol

when do i get to shoot it? lol

I hope next week at shore shot. I'll let you know when I go.

I LOVE my LCP. I have carried it everyday for last few months in an Uncle George's Pocket Holster or OWB Hays Holster (haysholsters.com). Conceals great with a tee shirt or un-tucked button down. You won't be sorry.