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Ruger LCP Max - Comparison / Review and Range Time Ruger LCP vs LCP Max vs Kahr P380 |
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Capacity, size, weight, sights, great price LCP Max wins.
Accuracy, precision, pleasant to shoot, light weight, thin, fair price, simple take down, goes to Glock 42. A great minimalist IWB/OWB gun that you won't know is there. But way too big for pocket carry unless you're a fat guy or dumpy/baggy dresser. I would have gotten the 42 again(sold 1st one to a friend in need) but unfortunately pocket carry is my only option and it was too big for that. The LCP Max is harder to shoot well, much less pleasant to shoot which leads to poorer accuracy and precision. In the first 300rnds I have had no reliability issues with my 100gn reloads or 90gn XTP factory loads. The first couple weeks of pocket carrying in the included Ruger holster I found the mag released at the end of the day several times. I swapped the mag release to left hand(I'm left handed anyway, I'm just used to my Glocks that aren't swappable) and that ended the mag getting released problem. The included holster works ok, but I printed too much showing an outline of a gun shape. I went with a Recluse One Sided pocket holster, it prints a bit more but looks more wallet or phone like. It also draws cleaner IMO. I still use the Ruger holster once in a while when printing doesn't matter but then I generally just go with my G27 owb under a shirt. |
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I have an LCP, my son has an LCP II. I plan to swap out for an LCP II in the future. I carry the LCP around ( front pocket ) in the yard, but if I''m going anywhere else, I carry the LCP in my right front pocket, and my primary H&K IWB 4 o'clock.
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I had an LCP; traded it in for a LCR.
Got my mom a P238 as a gift some years ago. I preferred shooting the P238 as compared to the LCP. |
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I have the S&W Bodyguard with laser that I carry in the summer as it's lightweight and easy to hide under tees and tanks.
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LCP Max and it’s not even close. If I need slimmer I use my Pico. I like the 42 but it’s damn big for a 6/7+1 .380 and the OG LCP is VASTLY inferior to the LCP Max in most every way.
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Glock 42 came out in 2014
LCP MAX in 2021 LCP in 2008 A lot more people are going to own and/or have experience on the Glock and LCP. For the LCP MAX to be doing so well in the poll is notable. |
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Quoted: The poll didn’t fail at all. The 1908 is an obsolete antique as evidenced by the fact you’re the only person in 2 threads that’s mentioned it and that no one makes it to this day. I’d wager it may even be public domain. View Quote Eh, I agree with him, if I'm carrying a .380, it's a Colt 1908. Of course, a Colt 1908 is the only .380 I own, so there's that. |
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Quoted: Glock 42 came out in 2014 LCP MAX in 2021 A lot more people are going to own and/or have experience on the Glock. For the LCP MAX to be doing so well in the poll is notable. View Quote I think the 42 was an excellent option at the time. Back then there wasn’t much in its niche. It was mostly either a bigger bulky metal .380 or a micro polymer .380. One was clunky and the other was very hard to use and shoot. The 42 is a great mix in that it’s smallER than the clunky ones like the Beretta Cheetah/Bersa & Co yet far more shootable than the P3ATs and the like. It feels like a real gun, just smaller. Then the MAX came out and blew it out of the water. |
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Walther PPK/S. Old design, but very reliable and safe to carry.
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Quoted: I think the 42 was an excellent option at the time. Back then there wasn’t much in its niche. It was mostly either a bigger bulky metal .380 or a micro polymer .380. One was clunky and the other was very hard to use and shoot. The 42 is a great mix in that it’s smallER than the clunky ones yet far more shootable than the P3ATs and the like. It feels like a real gun, just smaller. Then the MAX came out and blew it out of the water. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Glock 42 came out in 2014 LCP MAX in 2021 A lot more people are going to own and/or have experience on the Glock. For the LCP MAX to be doing so well in the poll is notable. I think the 42 was an excellent option at the time. Back then there wasn’t much in its niche. It was mostly either a bigger bulky metal .380 or a micro polymer .380. One was clunky and the other was very hard to use and shoot. The 42 is a great mix in that it’s smallER than the clunky ones yet far more shootable than the P3ATs and the like. It feels like a real gun, just smaller. Then the MAX came out and blew it out of the water. I’m wondering why we haven’t seen a metal magazine like Shield Arms made for the Glock 48 that took it from 10 rounds with OEM mags to 15 rnds with steel mags. Maybe there just isn’t much room in a G42 for a lot more rounds. |
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Quoted: I'm wondering why we haven't seen a metal magazine like Shield Arms made for the Glock 48 that took it from 10 rounds with OEM mags to 15 rnds with steel mags. Maybe there just isn't much room in a G42 for a lot more rounds. View Quote |
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Quoted: I’m wondering why we haven’t seen a metal magazine like Shield Arms made for the Glock 48 that took it from 10 rounds with OEM mags to 15 rnds with steel mags. Maybe there just isn’t much room in a G42 for a lot more rounds. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Glock 42 came out in 2014 LCP MAX in 2021 A lot more people are going to own and/or have experience on the Glock. For the LCP MAX to be doing so well in the poll is notable. I think the 42 was an excellent option at the time. Back then there wasn’t much in its niche. It was mostly either a bigger bulky metal .380 or a micro polymer .380. One was clunky and the other was very hard to use and shoot. The 42 is a great mix in that it’s smallER than the clunky ones yet far more shootable than the P3ATs and the like. It feels like a real gun, just smaller. Then the MAX came out and blew it out of the water. I’m wondering why we haven’t seen a metal magazine like Shield Arms made for the Glock 48 that took it from 10 rounds with OEM mags to 15 rnds with steel mags. Maybe there just isn’t much room in a G42 for a lot more rounds. Yeah maybe the space isn’t there, or maybe it’s not as big a market as the 9mm, or maybe it’s a mix of the two. It’s a shame because I love the LCP Max so much that I wish it had more direct competition. The 42 as a 10+1 would be awesome, and would definitely reshape that niche of the carry market. I think there’s a huge market for .380’s that are actually shootable and usable pistols that aren’t huge and bulky. It exists for 9mm moreso, but the .380 can’t be far behind. Anyway the .380 used to be pretty anemic but with new ammo like the Federal Punch I don’t feel very undergunned with 12+1 of .380. It hits decent penetration and expands to the size of a middle of the road 9mm round. I am ok with that. |
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Quoted: There's not enough room in the magwell to get a true double stack in like the 43X/48. They could make something like the Z9, but a flush fit version would only add a single round, which you can get with magguts. And I doubt there's much demand. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: I'm wondering why we haven't seen a metal magazine like Shield Arms made for the Glock 48 that took it from 10 rounds with OEM mags to 15 rnds with steel mags. Maybe there just isn't much room in a G42 for a lot more rounds. That’s what I figured. There can’t be much more room in that little 42 mag well, they could probably get one more round in, maybe 2 if they played with the spring/follower like the Magguts does. I could see getting it to 8+1 but much else would probably have to extend out the bottom. |
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I guess but it’s a good 50% heavier isn’t it? To me that’s not very direct competition. I don’t know why Sig or S&W in particular have attempted an actual 10ish oz double stack .380. But I bet the Sig is very pleasant to shoot. I dunno, I love my 365’s but I’ve never shot the .380. If they released a 365Micro or whatever I’d be all over it. |
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I've tried a few pocket .380s but the LCP 2 and Sig P238 are the ones I kept and still have a use for even with the advent of micro 9s. I'm sure the Max is on par with the LCP 2 but it's actually taller than a Hellcat which is an immediate DQ for my needs. If you're exclusively looking at a. 380 the Max is probably the best choice though.
Of the two, the P238 is definitely the better shooter, but the LCP 2 is just fine and conceals a little easier. |
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The PPK/s is a timeless classic. I do have to admit the tiny sights are a bit of a drawback for me, as is the bite from the slide, but damn it's an accurate, reliable pistol.
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Quoted: I've tried a few pocket .380s but the LCP 2 and Sig P238 are the ones I kept and still have a use for even with the advent of micro 9s. I'm sure the Max is on par with the LCP 2 but it's actually taller than a Hellcat which is an immediate DQ for my needs. If you're exclusively looking at a. 380 the Max is probably the best choice though. Of the two, the P238 is definitely the better shooter, but the LCP 2 is just fine and conceals a little easier. View Quote The LCP is 4.12” tall with flush fit magazine. The Springfield Hellcat is 4”. I can’t imagine an 1/8th of an inch being a big deal but I guess the buck has to stop somewhere. |
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This little feller has been great so far. I wasn't to wild about it until I added the pocket clip. My normal concealed carry is a Glock 26.
Attached File |
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2nd Gen LCP (not the II or the Max) with shorter trigger pull and bigger sights.
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Quoted: If you can get one that works, absolutely. I say that because my CM9 was irredeemable even after multiple factory trips. They're great little pistols if one gets a reliable one. It's a shame mine wasn't and I'm just a bit soured from the brand. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Kahr P380 If you can get one that works, absolutely. I say that because my CM9 was irredeemable even after multiple factory trips. They're great little pistols if one gets a reliable one. It's a shame mine wasn't and I'm just a bit soured from the brand. However, my CM9 has had zero issues through 1200+ rounds. |
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Quoted: I know everybody hates Kimber, but their micro 380 is actually a winner. It functions great, very accurate, and looks much more like a normal 1911 vs the Sig 238 and Colt Mustang. If you go and read actual reviews on the Kimber micro, reviews are very positive and often higher than other common 380's like the LCP, etc. https://i.postimg.cc/pdGdYwTG/micro-twotone-catpro.png View Quote That was my pick too. I also have the Micro 9. |
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G42 in a BFG pocket holster. Also runs great in a Galco Ankle Glove.
Stick some Taran Tactical basepads on, +1 flush or a +2 extended for better results near the edge of the precious. Suarez "Faceshooter" straight trigger blade and some Dawson Precision fiber front black rear carry sights make it even better. Frickin love my 42... |
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Not a Glock guy but I was impressed with the 42. Barely any recoil
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Quoted: A 9mm pistol! Have to stay vigilant and chase the 9mm and snub nose revolver bros out of the thread. Yes we all know 9mm has better performance than .380 ACP. View Quote That all depends on the round used. Some of those .380s perform better than some 9mm rounds. And not as good as others. I had a KT P380 but like the MAX a lot more. Both of mine are reliable but the MAX was much better ergonomically, has a larger mag cap, and 87x better sights. Just wish it had a threaded barrel... |
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Quoted: "And from the distant past rises a contender!" https://cdn.rockislandauction.com/dev_cdn/51/522.jpg I would carry that just to feel classy as fuck! View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Poll fail. Colt 1908 is the correct answer. "And from the distant past rises a contender!" https://cdn.rockislandauction.com/dev_cdn/51/522.jpg I would carry that just to feel classy as fuck! ThTs not gonna fit in the front pocket of my short shorts. |
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None of the above. If I have to stick a gun in a pocket, it’ll be a J-frame.
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