I need help BG380 vs LCP

CAJUNLAWYER

CAJUNLAWYER

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I gotta get one and I'm really torn so I'm asking for help one way or the other. Here are my issues.

Size/weight - LCP has it all over the BG 380
Laser-don't like them don't want them can deal with it if it comes with the gun (if the BG380 came without a laser which would shave an oz or so off the weight it would be a no brainer-the BG)
Seems though the LCP is more prone ot rusting in the pocket carry that I would use than the BG.
These are my issues-all the other stuff, safeties, trigger pull etc are a wash for me-I've handled both and they are pretty much equal.
Has kinda leaned toward the LCP until I saw the rust on one that had been carried for a few days. I live where it's hot wet and sticky ( I like to go there too, but that's another story for a different thread ;)) so the rust issue is important but I really like the lighter weight and smaler dimensions of the Ruger.
Price_ the Ruger is about 80 cheaper than the BG.
What about doing a "Gatorfarmer" on the slide with a can of black rustoleum? Really don't want to pay any extra for an after market rust treatment.
Anyway-thoughts are appreciated.
 
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I've had my LCP for several years, amigo, and wear it IWB on an attached clip. No issues with it rusting, despite my being a sweaty pig of a man. ;) Now, I live in a desert, not a swamp, but sweat is sweat. A wipedown with oil every once in a while seems to be enough.

I've mentioned to you privately my subjective impressions of the BG380 vs. the LCP and the experiences of my friends and myself. Rust is not an issue for me, FWIW.
 
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I don't have either, but have been doing research as there are several women in my family who are interested.

One thing that worries me about the Ruger is that the manual for it and the new semi auto warns that they can fire if dropped. I think that's problematic for a modern self defense semi auto.

The thing that worries me about the BG380 is the reports of reliability and durability. Those seem to have abated with the more recent production versions, but it's still something to think about.
 
You might want to check on the Ruger Forum, but I don't recall reading any issues with the LCP rusting. It may be the individual's specific body chemistry at work on the one you saw. There are a LOT of people who do carry the LCP.

I've owned both, and I actually prefer the BG380...or I would, IF it came without the laser. It feels better in my hand, I think it shoots better, and I like the sights better...but I don't like the laser and the problems associated with it, in this gun. So, since that is an integral feature, it makes it a no-go for me. If S&W made a non-laser model, I'd buy one.

The LCP has been recently updated by Ruger, and supposedly has a better trigger and sights.

Personally, I'm thinking about the new LC380...it's a LC9 chambered for .380 ACP. Yes, it's bigger than the LCP, but the LCP is too small for my comfort. The LC380 has (reportedly) significantly less recoil than both the LCP and the LC9. It does have all the features of the LC9, which can be a plus or a negative, depending on how you look at them (like the mag disconnect, the LCI, etc.) I can pocket carry my wife's LC9, so it can be done...it's better IWB, but I can slip it in my pocket when we go for a walk, etc. The LC380 has the same dimensions, but weighs an oz or two more, IIRC.
 
Nothing but good things to say about the LCP. If I got pants on, the LCP is in the front pocket. I'm old and fat and perspire plenty doing yard work and stuff... no rust on the LCP kept in a DeSantis.




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save some money and get the taurus tcp its just as good if not better mines never jammed and puts the bullets were you point it 200.00 dollars
 
No problems with the LCP or LCR. I usually have one of them or a S&W J frame of some sort in my pocket with a hand cannon or shotgun not far away. No problems with rust. I wipe it off with an oily rag every few days. Be sure and clean the pocket lint off also. I had another brand .380 and had problems with two different pistols. Shooting them was miserable. It would really sting my hand when fired. The LCP doesn't hurt like that.
 
Go with the LCP.
Tell ya what, if it starts to rust, send me the slide and I'll GunKote it for you.
I guarantee once it's had the KG treatment it'll never rust!
 
I've got a BG380 and would certainly not bad mouth the LCP after handling one. That said, a gun this size appeals to me as a pocket carry gun only. ( If I'm going to strap on a belt holster, it's going to carry more gun.) With that in mind, the manual safety of the BG is a big PLUS for me. Both have the long trigger pull but the added manual safety on the BG gives me the fuzzier feeling between the two for this carry mode.

p.s. Agree 100% on the laser. Wish Smith would just drop this silly feature.
 
Not wanting to dis anybody's fire arms choice. I've had a couple of these little .380's Kel tec, Ruger, and Colt Mustangs. I got a yen for another one last week. For $300 I got a cosmetically challenged Mod 37. I'm just a revolver 158 grain kinda old man I guess.
 
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Caj, I carry the same setup as ChattanoogaPhil except it stays in my back pocket. Have never had a rust issue and mine has had sweat running out of it a few times. Only thing I watch is cleaning it after I have been bailing and storing hay. Have had to dump hay out of the DeSantis and barrel a couple of times but 2 min and it is ready to go again. My vote would be for the LCP.
Larry
 
I own neither, but have a couple friends who carry the LCP - never heard a peep out of them, nor anybody else, about rust. I would have one myself except for my 642 and, of course; THE MIGHTY BOBCAT...where's that pic...
 
I would counsel you counselor towards the LCP, I have shot both and owned the BG. I ended up selling my BG and am thinking about picking up the LCP myself. How did that guy's rust though? Did he put WD-40 on it? Lol. I also think you should look at the LC9, just for funsies.
 
My wife has an LCP - She likes it - I even like it although I carry a J-Frame in my pocket....

The LCP is a nice pistol - Buy one and send part of that $80 you save on to Lee :)
 
I have owned my LCP since they came out and like it better than any of the six other 380s I've had through the years, including two Colt Mustangs. That said, I have not tried the BG, never felt the need since I'm happy with the LCP.

Good Luck!
 
I got this LCP two weeks ago strictly as a second gun. Looked at the Bodyguard but wanted something smaller.
photo18_zps289e8a78.jpg

photo20_zps6d81d147.jpg

The LCP ain't much good beyond bad breath distance but that's what I needed.

I also got this convertible pocket holster for either front pocket or back pocket.

When cool weather comes I'll go back to a J frame as a second.
 
Had a BG .380, the trigger was the poorest excuse for a weapon I ever shot, sold it and bought a LC9 Ruger, much better trigger pull. t's my "pocket cary" nothing I will be hunting with or bullseys shooting for scores.
 
I can't advise you but that won't stop me from posting... :D

I have a BG380 and it has never failed to go bang in 1000 rounds or so. That said, the laser is pretty useless for self defense, and the trigger is silly.

Silly I say.

I won't recommend the BG380 because I like you. For me it was just a tiny little cutesy gun I felt like buying, and now it rides in my truck cubby.

.
 
Had a BG380, sold it to a friend who liked it more than I did. Recently held a new LCP with the larger front sight and better trigger....it seemed much nicer than I remember the BG380 trigger being. The sight on the LCP is not removable but you could paint it or put on nitesighter tape, etc. A definite improvement over the original front sight bump. There are trigger kits for the BG and I assume the entire laser unit could be removed to avoid the problems associated with the set screw, but you would be spending more $ to fix the 'issues' with BG. The manual safety is the only plus to the BG vs. the LCP to me, (although many folks dont care for a safety on a pocket gun). I think the new LCP with Hogue hybrid grip is the way to go unless you can wait for an updated BG380.........if S&W makes one. I have not heard or read of LCP rust problems.
 
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Don't Overlook the TCP

Do yourself a favor and try the trigger on a Taurus TCP next to a Ruger LCP. MUCH much better on the TCP. Also can fire the chambered round with the magazine out. Lifetime warranty. Made in Miami. I own two TCP's.
 
I kinda own both. I had my lcp stolen by my wife, then picked up a body guard. Both have their pros and cons. I put a crimson trace laser on the lcp, edge lcp. I like a safety but their really is no need with 8 feet of trigger travel so that's a wash. I got both guns used and the lcp does have rust on the chamber hood, it was there when I got the gun so I cannot tell you if it was due to neglect. I think the sights are significantly better on the body guard but the laser is far better on the lvov (crimson trace). I think the lvov is slightly better but I'm sure both are good trusty guns.
 
I can carry the LC9 or Shield in a pocket holster just as easily, but for a .380, the LCP is my choice. Simple wipe off with shop rag with Break Free and I have never had an issue.
 
I'll be the fly in the ointment and say I like my BG380 over the P3AT, P238, DB380 I've owned and my dad's LCP I've shot quite a bit. It has the perfect thinness with big gun features and 100% reliability. The trigger was very easy to get used to and it's very accurate for it's size.

I know Galloway is coming up with a trigger kit for the BG380 soon if that means anything, but I'll be keeping mine stock. The small .380s are the pocket option when IWB won't do in my case, for others it's a regular EDC.

The LCP and the like are great guns and the P238 is the best shooter IMO, but for all around use in a pocket, the BG380 is it for me.
 
I had a Ruger LCP and a Kel Tec 380, and I sold them both and got a Taurus TCP. The Taurus feels better, has better sights, and a better trigger. It has been very accurate and perfectly reliable even with cheap steel-cased TULA ammo and I bought it slightly used for only $189.
 
Had a BG, 1st gen LCP and currently a 2nd gen LCP. I'd say get the LCP, never had an issue with mine, had issues with the BG though
 
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