Rethinking my carry options in light of ammo shortage

[otis24]

I just picked up one of my grail guns this week; a S&W 640 no dash in excellent shape. It is small enough to replace my Ruger LCP Max as I think I can pocket carry it when necessary. It is also large enough to replace my Kahr K9. The LCP Max recoil was a little stout given my slightly arthritic hands. I thought that I might also dump the K9. This is the first .38 Special I have owned in a while; particularly since the Covid fueled ammo shortage.

I didn't realize how expensive.38 Special ammo has gotten nor how hard it would be to find. I will still dump the LCP Max. But, I am hanging on to the K9. Around here, 9mm ammo supply has rebounded and more easily obtained. If I can't get .38 Special, hopefully I can get 9mm ammo. So the K9 stays just to add some caliber diversity for those times when ammo is hard to get.

 

[Old cop]

Just curious, why are you dumping the LCP Max? Almost everything I read about them has been positive, my old LCP has been flawless for years & I've been thinking about picking one up. Thx in advance . . .

 

[.38SuperMan]

The no dash 640 is a great little revolver. I bought one not long after they came out and still carry it from time to time and enjoy taking it to the range.

 

[otis24]

Just curious, why are you dumping the LCP Max? Almost everything I read about them has been positive, my old LCP has been flawless for years & I've been thinking about picking one up. Thx in advance . . .

The LCP Max is a great little pistol. I have some issues with my hands locking trigger finger, arthritis) and recoil is a little stout. On the other hand, I would probably never fire enough ammo in a defensive situation to notice. I may wind up keeping it for the same reason; ammo diversity. However, it seems like .380 ammo was one of the hardest calibers to find.

Lesson: stock up when you can!!!!

 

[Old cop]

Thx for the timely response. For once in my life I did something right, I'm pretty well stocked w/.380 & .38, sufficient for regular range time.

 

[Cholo]

You might find a J frame .38 has more felt recoil than a Ruger LCP MAX. I did, though recoil is subjective.

However, it seems like .380 ammo was one of the hardest calibers to find.

You can easily buy ammo on the net. I prefer Speer Gold Dots and Hornady Critical Defense.

.380 ACP Speer LE 90 Grain Gold Dot Hollow Point GDHP (JHP) | SSM-Ammo.com

Hornady 380 Auto Critical Defense 90 GR FTX #90080 25 Round Box | Green Acres Sporting Goods

 

[hyena]

I'm wondering if a grip sleeve would make your LCP Max easier to shoot? I found my Bodyguard painful to shoot. It just did not fit in my XXL hands. Earlier this year I put a Hogue Handall sleeve on it, and it transformed how the gun fits my hand. I can shoot a box of shells with no discomfort, and I shoot the gun better than I ever have. No discernible difference in bulk when pocket carrying, although I've seen comments from others who felt otherwise.

 

[otis24]

I'm wondering if a grip sleeve would make your LCP Max easier to shoot? I found my Bodyguard painful to shoot. It just did not fit in my XXL hands. Earlier this year I put a Hogue Handall sleeve on it, and it transformed how the gun fits my hand. I can shoot a box of shells with no discomfort, and I shoot the gun better than I ever have. No discernible difference in bulk when pocket carrying, although I've seen comments from others who felt otherwise.

I've tried a Pachmayr grip sleeve. The Hogue might give it a little more padding. Will give that a try.

 

[RV4driver]

By all means, try out the J-frame before you buy one!
I bought one for my wife, she hated it, so I carried it for a while, finally gave up on it. It just didn't point naturally for me. Nasty recoil, although this one was a lightweight one.
We both shoot LCPs, she has no trouble with it, but she doesn't have arthritis. I do, and understand what you're talking about.

 

[otis24]

I have the 640 no dash. Already purchased! But I have no doubt that I can easily sell it for what I have in it.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I lost 1000 rounds of 9mm in my 2018 fire and still have way more than enough, never mind my other calibers.........