cc9mm

Hello all,
I am one of the newest members of this site and I am also currently on my quest for my first handgun and I`m also in the process of beginning my CCW classes. That being said, I have a few "newbie" questions that I would be very grateful if you all could help me out with.
I looked at several handguns this week, (Glocks, Walthers, S&W, etc.) and I even came across a little Ruger LCP that really caught my eye. Anyway, my question is this: When I locked the slide back on the LCP, I noticed that the barrel itself was rather wiggly. I didn't notice if this was the case on all of the guns I looked at or if there was something wrong with this particular LCP. It WAS post recall though. I was sort of in a hurry at the time so I didn't think to ask the salesman if that was normal so I am asking now. I am relatively new to the handgun part of firearms (I know rifles pretty well, just not handguns...not yet) So, If anyone can help me out, I thank you in advance.

pirate

It is normal for locked breech recoil operated handguns. The LCP is a locked breach firearm utilizing a cam/tilting barrel. This may help you understand a little better how this action works
Recoil operation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Most small handguns operate with a blowback design which is explained here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blowback_(arms)

The locked-breech, tilting-barrel design is usually utilized by larger pistols. the LCP is an exception. With the little Ruger the barrel and slide are locked together when surfaces on the breechblock cam against the hardened takedown pin. As the slide and barrel move rearward after firing, the barrel unlocks from the slide and ejects the spent case as it tilts down to receive the next round from the magazine.
Return pressure from the dual-captive recoil springs force the barrel and slide back into the locked position, completing the firing cycle.

Blowback operated handgun usually have the barrel fixed to the frame. With the locked-breech, tilting-barrel design the barrel moves as described above.

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When I leave the home port:
S&W 642 Airweight, Ruger SP 101, Colt Detective Spec., CZ RAMI, Springfield XD 9mm, Kahr PM9, Kahr CW40, S&W Model 10-7, Glock 19, Glock 26, Browning Hi Power, CZ82, Colt Commander

cc9mm

Well, that would explain it. I thank you very much for clarifying that for me. Now I may just have to go back and buy that gun...

pirate

Welcome to the forum. There are lots of very knowledgable firearms contributors here, Its a great place to learn and enjoy our passion with other gun people. People here are happy to help you and generally respectful and civil. Its a good place to spend time if your not out shooting or buying guns!

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When I leave the home port:
S&W 642 Airweight, Ruger SP 101, Colt Detective Spec., CZ RAMI, Springfield XD 9mm, Kahr PM9, Kahr CW40, S&W Model 10-7, Glock 19, Glock 26, Browning Hi Power, CZ82, Colt Commander

Pikachu711

Welcome from Las Vegas, Nevada!

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"80 Million gun owners can't be wrong!"
Glock 26 (9mm)
Nevada CFP Holder
NRA Member

BlueNinjaGo

Welcome from Texas! If you can handle carrying a larger gun, I'd recommend trying. You may want a larger capacity or caliber... you may not... Just don't rush into anything! That's what I've learned so far.

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Bersa Thunder .380 cc
Springfield XD 9mm sc

tpurdin

as blueninja said above do research and consider before buying, Its addicitve once you get one you will be looking to get another, and another and another and the ruger may be good for now but in the future you may want a bigger caliber or more capacity if that may be something you want then think about getting something a little bigger but remember it's what feels comfortable for you everyone has opinions on what they carry or whats the best to carry but it all comes down to what your happy with and what you can handle carrying all day and shooting

rsb319

Try to find a place that rents pistols and shoot as many of them as you can. It might be a little expensive now, but it will be worth it to have the "perfect for you" pistol. You never know what will fit just "feel right".

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Carrying a gun means I am prepared for one more eventuality than those who do not.

archer51

Welcome to the forum from Virginia.

I would suggest finding someplace to rent different guns to shoot, before you decide on what to buy. While the LCP is a nice compact little package to carry, no gun of that size is going to be easy to shoot. It's not going to be a tack driver either. The sights on them are not really designed for target shooting, they're designed for close in, point and shoot situations.

usafvet

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good advice can be found here. I really enjoy it. Hope you will to.