Get rid of the Ruger LCP for 642?

[alphabrace]

I have a Ruger 380 LCP that I have shot a few times, enough to know it does not fit my hand at all. I was thinking about getting rid of it for a 642 or 638 for pocket carry. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Imshootin]

I have a Ruger 380 LCP that I have shot a few times, enough to know it does not fit my hand at all. I was thinking about getting rid of it for a 642 or 638 for pocket carry. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Handle one, better yet, borrow or rent one and shoot it. That way you won't wind up with another gun that doesn't fit your hand.
Myself, I'd take a small j-frame over an LCP anyday.

 

[Faulkner]

Myself, I'd take a small j-frame over an LCP anyday.

Me too. 442/642 are good guns.

 

[gregintenn]

I have both. I much prefer to shoot the 642, but the LCP sure feels better in my pocket. Both carry well in a belt holster. If you don't mind a bit of extra weight, I also have a 640 that I prefer to both of the above.

 

[samwood]

I have a 638 and a LCP. I much prefer shooting the 638 and am much more confident it will always operate reliably.

I expended 400 rounds and three trips back to Ruger before my LCP would finally operate like it should have out of the box.

However, as gregintenn mentioned, the LCP fits most pockets better and has a less detectable bulge, if that is the effect you are after.

Although I have a 638, if I was to purchase a new airweight revolver, it would be a 442. I prefer the feel of the 442 and the black front sight compared to a 642; I can get a higher grip on it than I can on the 638.

I don't think any person's hands are too small for a Jframe; you can always get bigger grips if you need them.

As others have mentioned, handle as many as you can before you decide on a purchase. I've bought several firearms that simply did not work for me; I could have avoided the learning experience if I'd been a little more patient in my decision making.

Good Luck.

 

[Old cop]

I agree with those who suggest patience. For me the Bodyguard, model 38 (circa eaqrly '60's) and newer 638 work better - especially the new 638 purchased in October. Try as many of the J Frames as you can, but I suggest keeping away from the scandium/titanium guns. They can be tricky with certain lead loads, not something you want in a SD revolver - and you only save about 4 oz. for the price of several hundred dollars.

Best . . .

 

[J.P.60]

For pocket carry, I really like the Mod 40 Centennial, 1975 with grip safety. Of course... it's now the daughter's.

 

[Dogguy]

"Get rid of the Ruger LCP for 642?"

I would.

 

[Martya]

I got a 642 for summer carry, but the grip was way too small for my big hands, so I bought this grip and that works fine for me for shooting. No fiddling when I draw it, compared to the two-finger grip of the OEM grip.

A bigger grip defeats the CC purpose for some folks, but I am big enough to easily hide the slight increase in size.

And you can shoot +P if you want.

 

[MSgt G]

I have a 642 that my wife carries and loves; I carry a M&P 340 as my back-up, or primary weapon at times. As mentioned above, see if your can try them out before purchasing to be sure you have the perfect one for you. We're all built a little different so my perfect gun is not necessarily yours.

In a Mika holster I'm constantly checking to make sure my M&P 340 is still there!

 

[cmort666]

The caliber alone would rule out the LCP for me. I won't carry anything smaller than .38 Special.

I carry a 2" Model 36 on a regular basis. Something with a shrouded or hidden hammer would be even better.

 

[cmort666]

However, as gregintenn mentioned, the LCP fits most pockets better and has a less detectable bulge, if that is the effect you are after.

A decent pocket holster will totally obscure the outline of a J Frame Smith. The ones that I make just look like a wallet when in your pocket. Only the people who already know that I carry have even a clue that I'm carrying.

Of course here in Ohio, if you're carrying on your body in a vehicle, you HAVE to use a holster of some sort. A pocket holster meets that requirement.

 

[safearm]

I have both a LCP and a 638. It depends on what I'm wearing as to what I carry. I carry both in either a pocket holster or ankle holster, sometimes I carry both, one in the pocket and one on the ankle. I like the LCP, especially that it carries 2 more rounds than the 638. I'm not opening the Pandora's box about what ammo I carry in either, just that I carry what I'm comfortable with regarding performance.

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

Me too. 442/642 are good guns.

For around the house... I sometimes like to slip a LCP in the sweat pants pocket.. but half the time the 642 goes there too.... LCP is nice for when you just can't hide the J in the front pocket... like in "Sunday go to church pants". Then the LCP slips in the suit pocket pretty nicely.

Differant situations for differant guns.

 

[treehorses]

I have both and love both.

 

[jimmyj]

S&W Model 638/642

 

[TACC1]

alphabrace,
I'm thinking that you should keep both. Certain situations may
well require a flat, lightweight pistol. I'm not a fan of plastic,
and would rather have a "real" gun. That said, the only real
qualification that counts is reliability. If your LCP can be trusted
to shoot, every time, keep it and take it to the range every now
and then.
I AM a big fan of the 642.
TACC1

 

[alphabrace]

Thanks for all the responses, I am going to keep the LCP and get a J frame also. I like the stainless model.

 

[26Ford]

Put me down for having both, and loving both. Finances permitting, you should have both too.

 

[Rule3]

Thanks for all the responses, I am going to keep the LCP and get a J frame also. I like the stainless model.

I think that is a good decision. I have both and I do not go anywhere with the LCP. Mostly just wear shorts and a T Shirt here most of the year.

The LCP is a excellent pistol, I'll take 7 shots of 380 over 5 of 38 special, Even after a spring job on my 442/642 I am much more accurate with the 380.