Sobering discovery regarding micro auto

[Grimjaws]

I’m out of town carrying - instead of my j frame decided to carry my LCP in a pocket holster. I have several holsters in nylon or leather. I try not to touch my pocket once it is placed in my front pocket. Nothing strenuous just a convention walking around and sitting. Going back to the hotel over the past three days twice I went to pull out the small semi the magazine was not fully seated. Didn’t matter the holster leather or nylon same issue. Weird thing is the holsters cover the mag release. Last time I made sure to fully seat it. Walked around my hotel room sitting standing lying down getting back up and the mag stayed in.

Really had me doubting my choice. I know I went for convenience and ease of carry but if something happens while I was walking around downtown the little LCP is basically a single shot

This has me really thinking - once I get home back to my j frame from now on. And when I travel dress around it versus convenience.

 

[moosedog]

I've had it happen too. But only when in a pocket where there is stress put on the exterior of the gun/holster. Only happened in my jeans pocket.
I now carry it in my jacket pocket. Easier to get too anyway.

 

[mikerjf]

Happens to me with a Jetfire in jeans pocket.

Problem isn’t only single shot! If the mag walks out a little it can trap it in your pocket.

 

[geeollie]

My old Colt Pocket Ponylite would do that.
I hunted and searched until i found a company making stronger mag release spring. This solved the problem.

Maybe a kydex holster with a molded area over the release would keep this from occurring again? Or that J-frame also solves it.

 

[Grimjaws]

Good grief

Never thought of that
I mean back in the hotel it was easy to fish it out of my pocket but I wasn’t under stress

Sobering indeed

 

[grover99]

Had same problem with my Glock 43 after I installed an extended mag release. When I went back to stock the problem went away. Pocket carry can cause some odd problems. Was caring a 38 derringer in my back pocket uncocked of course.Got home one day and the derringer had cocked itself in my back pocket.

 

[Electraclyde]

I have carried an LCPII in the pocket holster that came with the gun for about 2 years now and that has never happened.

 

[P226SAOFan]

This is why I love the heel mag releases and don’t understand why they’re more prevalent on CC guns. Rohrbaugh used to use them and they were awesome. I usually file mag releases way down and sometimes add a stronger spring because of this issue.

 

[max]

My BG 380 will do the same.

 

[w.r.gun]

cut down the mag catch about half of the exposed length and no more premature ejections.Ihave done this on mustang ,pony bg 380s ,beretta 950/21s always works

 

[italiansport]

This is why I love the heel mag releases and don’t understand why they’re more prevalent on CC guns. Rohrbaugh used to use them and they were awesome. I usually file mag releases way down and sometimes add a stronger spring because of this issue.

Except with a heel release you now have a two handed gun to operate like it or not.
Jim

 

[hyena]

I've been pocket carrying my BG380 in a Desantis Nemesis holster for the past few years, and have never experienced that. Thanks for sharing. I'll keep an eye out for that.

 

[BE Mike]

I have carried my revolvers and semi-autos in soft holsters for years without any problem, but now carry in a kydex Alabama Holster. The kydex is far superior for me.

 

[Echo40]

Out of curiosity, is your LCP an original Gen 1 (2008-2013) model with the smaller sights?

I ask because I've heard of this before, but it seems to be an issue of older models because not everyone has this and my LCP 10th Anniversary Edition (2018) has never had this issue.
I've heard that it has something to do with Gen 1 models using a polymer magazine release which was easier to depress and was also more susceptible to wear, whereas the Gen 2 models have metal magazine releases.

At any rate, the best remedy I can think of is to experiment with other holsters made of stiffer material less likely to engage the mag release under pressure and/or practice slapping the magazine in while drawing to ensure that it's fully seated.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have been carrying an LCP Gen1 in a sticky for over 6 years without ever having this issue.

 

[Echo40]

Oh, and obviously wearing looser-fitting pants with larger pockets ought to help as well. I wear 5.11 Cargo Pants with huge pockets, which may be a contributing factor to my lack of experience with this issue.

Plus, wearing looser-fitting pants with larger pockets such as cargo pants also has the fringe benefit of being more masculine-looking, which may make you less likely to be targeted compared to effeminate-looking guys wearing skinny jeans or leggings, thus reducing the probability of having to draw your LCP in the first place.

 

[m75rlg]

I had the same problem with a leather inside waist holster and my Keltec P3AT (the patern Ruger used for their L(ittle) C(opied) P(istol).

I cut a small hole in the leather that matched the magazine release location and shape. With the pistol holstered, the mag release filled the hole, but did not rise proud of the leather.

Mag was never released after that, and holster, functions and retains the pistol well without depressing the mag release. Trigger is still completely covered/protected.

 

[ralph7]

Dirty Harry Callahan;

Plus, wearing looser-fitting pants with larger pockets such as cargo pants also has the fringe benefit of being more masculine-looking, which may make you less likely to be targeted compared to effeminate-looking guys wearing skinny jeans or leggings, thus reducing the probability of having to draw your LCP in the first place

Yes, goofy big cargo pants pockets are dripping with testosterone.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Worse yet, doesn't the LCP have a magazine disconnect safety?
So if mag isn't seated fully... pistol won't operate

 

[BC38]

Dirty Harry Callahan;

Yes, goofy big cargo pants pockets are dripping with testosterone.

Compared to "effeminate-looking... skinny jeans or leggings" they sure do...