Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

thinking about TCP vs LCP, any thoughts on it, both in .380?

I've not even seen a TCP, so I can't comment beyond - it's a Taurus. Their autos are a bit better than their revolvers (autos being easier to manufacture than revolvers), but I still wouldn't trust it.

I have two LCPs. They're a pain to shoot and choke bad with defensive ammo. Run okay with ball. I do not carry them.

I've heard good things about S&W Bodyguard, but I'm taking the wait-and-see approach I should have with the LCPs.

After shooting both I went with the TCP because:
- Slightly better trigger pull
- Slightly better feel in the hand
- Slightly better sights

A few months later, I grew to hate the pocket .380s. I disliked the very long trigger pull and painful muzzle flip. They are not fun to shoot.

I moved up to the Kahr PM9, which is a pleasure to shoot.

To each his own. I have an LCP and my wife carries one as a backup gun along with several of her co-workers. IMO Ruger has a better quality track record overall compared to Taurus... I'm not concerned about the sites because it's not a firearm that's meant to compete in 25 yard off-hand shooting competitions - it's an up-close and personal firearm. Mine has never choked with defensive ammo, but it did require about 150 rounds to be "broken in". The one person I know who has a S&W bodyguard has issues with some hollow point and ball ammo - too picky for my liking.

Bottom line - if you can borrow someone and try theirs, get which one you like.

Never shot the Taurus but I love my LCP. Easy to carry in a wide range of jackets or pants with an Uncle Mike's #1 pocket holster. Its a little snappy to shoot but not unpleasant. Sights are pretty weak but its very accurate up to about 15 yards. I haven't tried it much beyond that since I figure its for protection and not for target shooting. Using the mags with the finger extensions helps a lot for me. I can get two fingers solidly on the grip and the pinky hugs the bottom of the mag. Eats up ball and defense ammo without problem (Hornady Critical Defense). Had a couple failures during the break-in period but none since. Feels solid and well-made although the Pro-Mags seem better made and fit better with less wiggle than the Ruger OEM mags. I usually put 25-50 rounds through it during range trips but otherwise concentrate on my bigger guns for practice. One of these days I guess I'll have to clean it.

pete wrote:Feels solid and well-made although the Pro-Mags seem better made and fit better with less wiggle than the Ruger OEM mags.

I think this may be the first time I've ever seen anyone imply that ProMag is better than OEM. Red letter day!

CCFan wrote:IMO Ruger has a better quality track record overall compared to Taurus... I'm not concerned about the sites because it's not a firearm that's meant to compete in 25 yard off-hand shooting competitions - it's an up-close and personal firearm. Mine has never choked with defensive ammo, but it did require about 150 rounds to be "broken in"...Bottom line - if you can borrow someone and try theirs, get which one you like.

+1

That pretty much sums it up. I've put 300-400 rounds through mine and haven't had a problem yet. Granted most of those were FMJ, but I haven't seen any problem with HPs. I'd buy and did buy the Ruger over the Taurus/others and am happy with it. Given how snappy the recoil is, all of the pocket guns are probably more susceptible to shooter induced jams. I'm not saying all jams are though. I just know mine hasn't had a problem (yet). None of the pocket guns really need sights IMHO. Yes, I can shoot more accurately with them, but how far are you really going to use a pocket gun to shoot? If you do a search on this forum I posted a target from my LCP. I'm sure the gun can do better than that too, but that really isn't the point of a pocket gun.

Diomed wrote:

pete wrote:Feels solid and well-made although the Pro-Mags seem better made and fit better with less wiggle than the Ruger OEM mags.

I think this may be the first time I've ever seen anyone imply that ProMag is better than OEM. Red letter day!

I haven't tried any PMs in my LCP, but PM is no known for being top quality. OK, but not great.

Edit: Did the search for you: http://vagunforum.net/post65078.html?hi ... rds#p65078

As Garret said don't worry about the sight's. In a real situation where you need the SELF DEFENSE weapon you are most likely going to be within 2 to 12 feet from the perp. Sight's would be useless at this range and should NOT even come to mind. The time that you would spend looking for sights no matter what light conditions you were in could cost you or a member of your family's life. Look at what you want to shoot and pull the trigger, your hands will follow your eyes and you should have a hit on target. If you don't have a hit then practice untill you do have a hit and then don't look back and keep on practicing with instint shooting.
Anyone can shoot a nice tight group with a proper weapon and sights with practice but anyone can also save a life with a small weapon and NO SIGHT'S if you practice like YOUR LIFE depended on it.
P.S. When in a shoot out you DO NOT feel any recoil or hear the shot. Just like deer hunting.
Bill

Diomed wrote:

pete wrote:Feels solid and well-made although the Pro-Mags seem better made and fit better with less wiggle than the Ruger OEM mags.

I think this may be the first time I've ever seen anyone imply that ProMag is better than OEM. Red letter day!

Yeah, I don't know who makes them but the Ruger OEM mags say "Made in Italy".

I tried out a friend's LCP.
Bought a TCP the next day, and have not regretted it.
It's a pretty personal decision...depends on hands, wrists, etc.
Some people even like cauliflower.

My grandpa used to say, to quiet down a family argument, "If two people agree on absolutely everything, one of them is unnecessary."

pete wrote:Yeah, I don't know who makes them but the Ruger OEM mags say "Made in Italy".

Probably MecGar. They're OEM for a lot of companies.

well i went with the lcp..more reliable reviews,more holsters,and i lke the feel.