The LCR in 38 or the LCP in 380. Which would you choose for a CCW and why?

I have no experience with the LCR but I did have an LCP the Summer of 09. I had no issues with it for the first year and then during my spring qualifications the damn thing fell apart on the line. it first started with major jamming/FTE and then as I dropped the 3rd mag, tiny shards of metal and springs started falling out of it. Returned to Ruger and didn't trust it so I sold it. Can't beat the reliability of a revolver. LCR,   I carry the MP9C but am looking at either the S&W 642 or LCR for summer carry.

LCR in the 357! 

I had bought and sold the LCP. The LCP is the most popular gun choice for many of the retired men and woman around here. It is also the worst to shoot if you listen to them. There is no such thing as a free lunch and the trade off for small and lightweight is more than most can handle. Then there is the issue of a world of difference between a .38 +P and the best .380. I actually had two LCP's; both jammed too often to be considered reliable enough to carry. I also sold the LCR .38 but it was so that I could buy the .357 mag and .22 mag LCRs. The extra weight in the .357 mag makes a significant difference in recoil and ability to get back on target with .38 +P ammo. Also not too bad with mild .357 magnum loads which apparently guys half my age find too harsh. I would think that playing a lot of video games would strengthen your hands and wrists. My old .38 was lighter to carry and that only mattered for pocket carry. I usually carry a small Sig P938 or XDs in my pocket these days and the LCR goes on my belt.

 

I do not know one person who has an LCP that likes to shoot it or can shoot it at self defense speed and make good COM hits. I am sure that some can but nobody that I know. All I hear is how small they are and how well they fit in a pocket. I personally have two family members who pocket carry them daily and only shoot them once every few years.

Neither. I don't trust a sub caliber to stop a determined threat and I don't trust only 5 rounds to end a fight.

 

If I had to choose one of those two, it would be the LCR.

 

ETA: if it matters, I actually own an LCP. It gets carried occasionally, but never ever ever is it my only gun or my primary self defense peice.

Edited May 14, 201313 yr by High Exposure

Neither. If forced to choose, would probably go LCR, then trade it in on a S&W 642. Far better quality firearm.