One major difference are the weights. The LC380 is twice the weight of the LCP. It's also an inch longer, slightly wider and taller. Still, it's light and compact but the weight difference is something to consider.

I read posts complaining of felt recoil from little, light weight Elsie Pea. But, for me, it's the PERFECT, slip in your pocket, forget it's there, go everywhere, every day, in any clothing, carry gun. Is it "fun" to shoot? No! It's not supposed to be. It's an up close and personal, concealed, self defense pocket pistol which, if ever needed, felt recoil will not be an issue. And for that, IMO, it's perfection.

Oh, sorry 'bout the mini rant. At least the first paragraph I hope, partially answers your question.

 

Not at all.I appreciate your insights!

 

LC380 has real, adjustable sights, an extra round capability, locks open on an empty magazine, has a safety, a loaded chamber indicator and an internal, key actuated lock. The LCP has none of those features.

 

I've never handled a semi-automatic pistol, but I have a question. My PTC instructor mentioned a few times in our class last weekend about a pistol not being able to shoot if the magazine is out of it. He said not all guns have this precaution. Why would some manufacturers not want the chambered round to be fired if the magazine is ejected?

Go easy on me. Lol! I want to learn this stuff.

 

Its because of the mistaken assumption that removing the magazine from an autoloader unloads the gun. People can be untrained, lazy, stupid or just careless and leave a round in the chamber. The magazine disconnect protects against this. I choose to remove the magazine disconnect from any pistol I own because I dont want the pistol to be inoperable if I lose, or damage the magazine in some way. I am very capable of checking my weapon to see if there is a round in the chamber. I DO like a loaded chamber indicator because they generally operate without issues, and let you see at a glance if the pistol has a round in the chamber. If they dont cause any malfunctions I leave them installed.

 

I agree with Quiet 1. For what a pocket pistol is, the LCP fits the bill without the extra features of the LC380. It's safe without the need for a "safety", sights are sufficient for a point and shoot belly gun, and the "loaded" indicator....well, if it's in my pocket, I already know. In my opinion, save the weight and cash and get the LCP.

 

I recommend that you rent the lcp and the lc380 if you can find one. Most ranges that rent will have the lcp. If you are looking for a gun to shoot often then you might prefer the lc380. The lcp is not fun to shoot. My experience shooting the lcp was after ten rounds I knew it was not the gun for me. It's advantage is that it is small enough to fit in most pockets. And it is cheaper than most small pocket pistols. The 380 will fit in larger pants pockets and most jacket pockets. But for me it is a little too big so when I get a pocket pistol it will be either a Sig or Kahr. They are much more expensive but also much better to shoot. I won't buy a gun that I don't enjoy shooting.
Bottom line get the gun that suits your needs and pocketbook but try to shoot them first.

 

I like the size of the LCP, a much better pocket gun.
I don't need the LCI because I know if it is in my pocket it is loaded and ready to go.

 

I put 100 rounds through my LCP today as I was sighting in the Crimson Trace laser and was having too good of a time to stop.
To me, it is much more of a pocket gun than the LC 380.
The LC 380 is the size of the LC 9, which for me is just too big to carry in the summer when wearing shorts and a t shirt.
I know the LCP is not a target gun, but it is still fun to exercise once in a while.

 

Out of curiosity, you fellas that pocket carry, do you get pocket lint in your firearms? Do you take the magazines out each night when you're done for the day and blow them off? Or do you do this only once a week?

 

I pocket carry almost exclusively. I use a pocket holster. Either an Uncle Mikes, or a Blackhawk. I have a couple other brands, but I dont remember what they are. A pocket holster keeps the gun clean, breaks the outline so your pocket doesnt scream GUN! and keeps the trigger protected. I usually have in my pocket, either an LCP, LC9(heavy) Sig P238(heavy) S&W 638, Ruger LCR(heavy), or Kel-Tec P32.

 

Old Printer
I have an LCP as a carry weapon. I feel the holster is a must to keep the trigger covered you don't want to reach in and grab the trigger by mistake.. Keeping it clean is second to me. They are not target guns they're close range self defence weapons. I do check for lint at night. I assume you'll be using hollow points. Make sure they fed well in your gun. some hollow points hang up at times. So make to run a box of what ever you're going to us to make sure it runs well with your pistol.

 

I just wish Ruger would make the LCP with a stainless steel slide.

Mine came with the little hard case.

Before I cleaned it the other day:

 

They do, A friend of mine has one for sale on his website...
Home Page

 

I'd rather get the LC9 if I was even considering the LC380 as ammo is easier to find, cost quite a bit less, and is a better round to begin with. The LCP is at least really small making more sense than the LC380 does to me anyway. I don't really get the LC380 at all.

I carry my SR9c in my pocket quite a bit. I use a Remora holster, no problems with lint and crap.

 

gmsoapy and Xmeter, thanks for your replies. I appreciate the advice and learning.

 

I have the SR9c as well and am considering the LCP for an ultra-light carry. The LC380, although smaller, seems too similar in size to my SR9c and I would want something that fills a niche in my quiver so to speak.

For me the LC380 is for people who have issues with recoil but still want a carry weapon.

 

I have both, the LC9 (exact same size as LC380) fits in a pocket holster in my front pocket and you don't know its there, the SR9c is hugh in comparision.
Try carrying both and you will instantly see the difference.
I much prefer the LC9 over the SR9C or over a same size LC380.
I had a LCP and sold it, the LC9 is much better, and the LC380 is what the LCP should have been in the first place.
My wife shoots the LC9 with no problem with recoil and she is a little thing.

 

+1 for the LCP. Like others have said, it doesn't have any bells and whistles, it's a very simple, single purpose gun.

I'm sure the LC380 will be more range friendly, but I don't know many who use a 380 for much range work.

It's not my favorite carry gun as I like bigger calibers, but it fits the need of 'fits anywhere' that some of my others don't, so it gets carried quite frequently.

I use the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I have one for every carry gun I own. I think they are great and reasonably priced.

 

+1 for the LCP. Like others have said, it doesn't have any bells and whistles, it's a very simple, single purpose gun.

I'm sure the LC380 will be more range friendly, but I don't know many who use a 380 for much range work.

You need to fire a Sig P238 .380 & you will change your mind about that!

 

I like my LCP. It is easily carried and concealed and has never had a malfunction after 50 rounds or so. No, it is not a range gun, but it hits where I point it. It is a snappy little pistol (not anything like a Bond Arms .45/410) that is quite manageable for me. I had larger .380s and liked them alot, just stopped carrying them after I got the LCP. I can see where the LC380 would have a niche and look forward to hearing from people that buy them.

 

I have had both a LCP and a LC9, sold the LCP and glad to get rid of it. If I was going to buy one I would go with the LC9 over the LC380. Basically the same gun with more power and cheaper easier to find 9mm ammo. Fits in a #4 Blackhawk pocket holster with ease.

 

I bought an LC380 a few weeks ago for my wife. She had a Taurus TCP (LCP size) and it really barks and has too much recoil for her. She loves shooting the LC380. The sights are better than the LCP and the recoil is much less. She has arthritis and has a hard time pulling the slide back on the little TCP but not with the LC380. Just for comparison I let her shoot my Taurus PT709 9mm to simulate what it would be like to shoot the LC9. It was a bit much for her.

So for those who don't see what the LC380 is good for, there it is. She now has a gun she is comfortable with and can shoot effectively. Mission accomplished.

Oh and the LC380 sights are drift adjustable for windage, not fully adjustable. There is a set screw on the top of the sight but when it's loose it just makes it easier to drift. You can't move it by hand.

 

LC380 would be ok if you are recoil sensitive, but I would prefer the LC9.i own an LCP for backup or for deep concealment, my son has an LC9 as his edc. LC380 and LC9 are mid way between the SR9c and the LCP in terms of size, LC380 would recoil least of all.

 

I would rather have an LC9 than a LC380 that is the same size, because if i am carrying a .380 it will be because i need a tiny pocket gun, smaller than a 9mm, otherwise i want the greater power of the 9mm. I really don't see much point in picking the 380 over the 9 in the same size gun, unless the shooter is recoil shy. .380 is harder to find and costs more than 9mm for practice, and in my opinion, i would rather shoot the gun that it is scaled and designed for (9mm) than one that the .380 has been stuck into and a spacer placed in the magazine.

A note on pocket carry, i use a pocket holster because i am more worried about having a loaded pistol pointed at my junk 24/7 with nothing covering the trigger than i am about pocket lint if the gun was just loose in my pocket. Also, the pocket holster keeps the gun postitioned in the same place everytime, rather than having to fish it out and get a proper grip on it from wherever it settled after riding in my pocket.
Hickoc45 has a very good overview of pocket cary and pocket carry holsters with guns from the size of the LC9/PM9 down to the LCP-P3AT/P380 guns on Youtube, he has an excellent gun channel.

 

Magazine disconnect

With reference to the magazine disconnect feature that pistols are coming out with, I heard that (some) Police train to eject their magazines when they get into a physical tussle with a suspect. This supposedly prevents the perps from grabbing the pistol and turning it on the Police officer and being able to fire. Sounds good in theory.

 

I chose the LC380 as a gift for my wife. The LCP is harsher to shoot and doesn't lock open after the last round. I don't want to hear click at the wrong time. I carry a TCP 738 as a pocket gun, but when I want, I use a pocket holster with the LC380, it's not that much bigger.

 

Holster recommendation

If you want a great pocket holster, look at Mika Pocket Holsters. I use them for my LCP and S&W Shield 9mm. They hold the gun well, let it come out when you need it and the holster won't pull out with the gun. Hand made by an ex-LA cop and inexpensive.

 

If you need a good pocket holster for your LCP, look into Mika Pocket Holsters. I love mine. I have them for my LCP and S&W Shield 9mm. Hand made by an ex-LA cop and inexpensive. Well made.

 

For those who say the LCP is no fun to shoot you really need to buy a Hogue Handall to tame it. You can also get a 7 round magazine to make the little guy a 7+1 pistol.

And yes, a pocket holster is needed.

Be safe.

 

+1 and I also changed the recoil spring to a 13 lbs, what a difference!!!