lcp vs kahr p380

[bm303]

I will be getting a handgun for home defense and one for pocket carry in a few months. I plan on getting a S&W shield or g26 for home defense/IWB carry. However, I will be in a lot of situations where I need something very small that can be pocket carried.

Of these two guns, which would you suggest? It is clear that the LCP is more reliable and the P380 is a much more accurate and higher quality gun. However, if the LCP goes bang when you pull the trigger and the P380 doesn't then it's a no brainer and LCP is the obvious choice.

Those who have shot both, what do you think?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[SHTFGearLLC]

I chose the J frame because I love the reliability of a compact revolver, however depending on the type of clothing its going to be used in I think you may find it to large for pocket carry. My second choice would be the Kahr P380, followed closely by the LCP. I think both the LCP and P380 would serve you well, however I personally prefer the feel of the P380 (but I like the price of the LCP). All that being said, I chose the Ruger LCR .38spc to fill this role for me.


Thanks,
Clay

[pir8fan]

I'm a Kahr and Ruger fan. I went with the LCP and haven't been disappointed at all.

[ccw9mm]

I will be getting a handgun for home defense and one for pocket carry in a few months. I plan on getting a S&W shield or g26 for home defense/IWB carry. However, I will be in a lot of situations where I need something very small that can be pocket carried.

I've had and carried all three: S&W J-frame, Kahr P380 and Ruger LCP.

In terms of reliability, it's hard to ignore the basic superiority of a quality revolver. But size-wise, a J-framed sized revolver cannot compare in terms of the downright puny size of the P380 or LCP. You'll need to judge whether any concessions you make in terms of controllability, reliability and accessibility given your mode of carry are worth it to you, as compared to your normally-carried firearm.

I've had several of the P380's and never got one of them to function reliably well. Not well enough to do primary carry duty. Wonderful size, and for me at least the P380 was extremely accurate and controllable. Would love to have had any of them turn out to be 100% reliable, but that just wasn't the case ... despite a long break-in period, wide variety of ammo tried, excellent cleaning/lube regimen followed. Bummer.

The LCP is about the same size. For me, it seems to be dead nuts reliable. It feels more like the KelTec P3AT than the Kahr P380, in terms of basic operation, feel while shooting, disassembly. Utterly light, puny and concealable, like the P380 it's hard to ever know it's there. With the right holster and couple spare magazines, it disappears in the pocket.

If pocket carry's the goal, and if you're able to get a 100% reliable LCP or P380 running, then either should do you well enough for backup or go-anywhere carry. IMO, it comes down to whether the one you get ultimately turns out to be that reliable. Won't know until you get there.

[sioux565]

It is clear that the LCP is more reliable and the P380 is a much more accurate and higher quality gun. However, if the LCP goes bang when you pull the trigger and the P380 doesn't then it's a no brainer and LCP is the obvious choice.

You answered your question right there. The LCP is a reliable little gun that does what it's designed to do. While I carry my Glock daily, if I ever couldn't conceal it I would fully trust the LCP.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

[hardluk1]

I CC one of a pair of Kahrs but ain't know way I am going to spend the money kahr wants on a pistol that is still a very picky psitol. Do give maybe the best Taurus made and by far one of the best micro 380s a look. TCP380. Same weight as the kahr, same small size as the ruger with a way better trigger . Smooth under 5lb pull weight new and settles low still and has a slide hold open. Not picky on ammo ether as some micros tend to be. Price runs from lgs price around 185 to 190 for the FS to a 250 to 260 for the verious SS and BSS models . The FS model is a steel oxid finshed slide like ruger and kt and retails for 199 with one mag. The others have 2 mags .

[pattrickg]

I believe you already have your answer, dependability is first. I think you will find the LCP is quite accurate with a little practice. It also seems to point well naturally, which is a big plus in this type of weapon.

[tokerblue]

I own both the Ruger LCP and the Kahr P380. Both guns have been very reliable and will feed all of the ammunition that I've tried. IMO, the Kahr is a much nicer gun. The trigger is very smooth and it can also shoot Buffalo Bore .380ACP +P ammunition. The Ruger is also a nice gun, but I'm not a fan of the trigger at all. The Kahr is also slightly smaller.

[Kilowatt3]

...It is clear that the LCP is more reliable and the P380 is a much more accurate and higher quality gun. However, if the LCP goes bang when you pull the trigger and the P380 doesn't then it's a no brainer and LCP is the obvious choice...

It's clear? How so? From Internet chatter?

Hey, I'm a big fan of both Ruger AND Kahr, but I'm really curious how you arrived at this clarity of thought.

Regards,
Jim

[Ljutic]

I've owned and shot both extensively for blog work. I had zero reliability issues with either one, but kept the Kahr and traded the LCP. Primary reasons for keeping the Kahr were:

Better sights (night sights in my case) come standard.

The Kahr trigger didn't pinch my trigger finger when recoiling like the LCP did.

Kahr has last round hold open. Small thing, but I'm accustomed to pistols having that from shooting mid and full size pistols.

Lighter, smoother pull and more ergonomic trigger made for better accuracy in my case.

The Kahr shoots any commercial ammo I run through it. I've tested dozens of different loads from the hottest Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and DoubleTap down to the lowest quality FMJ range fodder. The only things it will not feed are European FMJ loads from Tulammo, Fiocchi, and Sellier and Bellot. In fairness to Kahr, I only tried rounds from one box for each of the 3 loads.

[bm303]

It's clear? How so? From Internet chatter?

Hey, I'm a big fan of both Ruger AND Kahr, but I'm really curious how you arrived at this clarity of thought.

Regards,
Jim

Jim,

Solely off internet posts and complaints. No personal experience whatsoever. That is why I am asking you guys. When you read people say they sent their p380 back 3 times and it's their third one they've owned it really makes you nervous. But a lot of people shoot hundreds of flawless rounds as well. Who knows?!