.40 S&W, pistol, talk me out of it.

[187911]

Thread went from 40s&w to 380acp and 22lr haha. I recall when the main options were the Keltec P3at, Taurus 738 TCP, and later Ruger borrowed/stole Keltec's design but made much needed improvements with the LCP. I ended up going with the TCP because the LCP only shipped with one mag, didn't have hold open on the last round, was $100 more expensive, and didn't come in stainless (the blued finish on the LCP and TCP was crap). The current versions are much better though, but I haven't felt the need to carry 380 anymore when I can pocket and deep conceal micro nines like a PM9, P365, or a Hellcat even with the slightly longer barrel and added weight.

I have to agree with berettabone that they are all cheap throwaway guns. That's okay though because that's their role. They aren't duty guns designed for use in hundreds of rounds training classes, duty, competition, hard use, etc.

[187911]

Gosh, I remember when the LCP first came out. Man was it a hot seller. I still remember the Salesmen behind the counter pulling them out for so many women. One sales closing tool, if the customer wanted to think about it, would be to pull a Sig 238 out and put them side by side. Of course never break the gun down or show the quality of the two. But would show the size and compare the price of $199 vs $600 and tell them about the lifetime Warranty of the LCP. Of course LCP stood for Little Cute Pistol. And Cute sells.
And of course there was the famous 365. A gun were my LGS had a waiting list of hundreds of names.

I recall the orginal LCP being $300 or a little more for a long while. The Taurus TCP was around $200-$250. Yes, the P238 was more expensive, but it was a much nicer gun. I had a P238 SAS and there's no comparison in fit and finish, looks, quality, and the trigger. PSA had different models of the P238 back then for $500, but you're right they were $600+ everywhere else. I brought mine from PSA, and it also had a lifetime warranty.

What the LCP had going for it was price and the fact that you didn't care as much if it was beat up, dented, scratched, etc like you would with a $600 gun. Yea, they were selling like hotcakes back then.

[Armybrat]

My first LCP in 2008 cost $300. The last one was $170 on sale.
Carried the first one 90% of the time until recently when a new LCP Max took over carry duties.

[berettabone]

I paid $250 for our LCP ii. That's about my limit for a throw away.

[King Rat]

I recall the orginal LCP being $300 or a little more for a long while. The Taurus TCP was around $200-$250. Yes, the P238 was more expensive, but it was a much nicer gun. I had a P238 SAS and there's no comparison in fit and finish, looks, quality, and the trigger. PSA had different models of the P238 back then for $500, but you're right they were $600+ everywhere else. I brought mine from PSA, and it also had a lifetime warranty.

What the LCP had going for it was price and the fact that you didn't care as much if it was beat up, dented, scratched, etc like you would with a $600 gun. Yea, they were selling like hotcakes back then.

What it had going for it was the fact that it was small and cute. And one of the best Marketing Programs in firearm History. Not to mention the "Lifetime Warranty". And Ruger played that one so well. Take a cheap throw away gun. One you know most of the owners will not shoot often. Put the cost of the warranty in the already cheap firearm and the shipping etc. and knowing that only a certain percentage will come back. Big win for Ruger. The main cost of the gun went to advertising. The cost of that alone must have been staggering. Glossy Photo's every where, every gun rag etc.
Ruger knows how to sell a firearm. Marketing is the name of the game.

[kenemoore]

Well... another range day with the K40, I ran across a deal at SG ammo. Sellier and Bellot 180 grain JHP's for 400.00 per case. Same price as target ammo. Shoot 100 rounds of the SB hollow points, zero issues. Never really needed a break in for this K40. Me happy.

[Planedude]

On the subject of the .380 mouse guns, I'll toss out an example I have seen here yet...

RM380

Not as good as my P380, but waaaaay better than the LCP!
My brother uses his as an EDC. Mine got "frankengunned" with VZ grips, all the Galloway bells and whistles and a "Freaking-green-laser"... It's my "winter vest gun". The little all metal gun tames the "snappy" right out of .380 SD ammo and shoots "Minute of MF" at 10yds all day long. Good enough for .380 appropriate engagement ranges. I do feel much more comfortable with my 15yr old P380 though. I shoot that little gun great and my (pocket) carry rig is very discreet. Completely invisible in slacks pockets at the finest of places and events! The Kahr will always be my "go-to" for the summer fun days.

Anyway, just a quick stir of the pot...

Peace

[Barth]

Gave my daughter a pink frame stainless steel slide Ruger LCP as a wedding present.
She shoots and carries it regularly.
She loves the gun

I sometimes carry a LCP II as a backup gun.

As for 40 S&W.
Got into the round when it was all I could find on the shelf during the last two ammo shortages.
Actually shoot it well, and with some guns can switch to 357 Sig
Recoil is fine for me except in super light micro pocket guns.
Around 20 oz. is where I prefer 9mm (Ruger LC9s Pro).
My friends Walther PPS 40 was actually uncomfortable for me to shoot
My PPS M2 is in 9mm

My Hk P30 40 is a tack driver.
And preferred CCW is a Hk P2000SK 40.
Albeit it's usually sporting an OEM 357 Sig barrel and hot Underwood ammo

[berettabone]

Gave my daughter a pink frame stainless steel slide Ruger LCP as a wedding present.
She shoots and carries it regularly.
She loves the gun

I sometimes carry a LCP II as a backup gun.

As for 40 S&W.
Got into the round when it was all I could find on the shelf during the last two ammo shortages.
Actually shoot it well, and with some guns can switch to 357 Sig
Recoil is fine for me except in super light micro pocket guns.
Around 20 oz. is where I prefer 9mm (Ruger LC9s Pro).
My friends Walther PPS 40 was actually uncomfortable for me to shoot
My PPS M2 is in 9mm

My Hk P30 40 is a tack driver.
And preferred CCW is a Hk P2000SK 40.
Albeit it's usually sporting an OEM 357 Sig barrel and hot Underwood ammo

We both agree on our preferred CCW. I use the 165 gr. HST's. I started shooting .40 back in 1982 when I got my first Beretta 96 and it has been my preferred ammo ever since. I've never had an issue finding ammo which is a plus, not knowing at the time I started, that there would be "ammo shortages".

[yqtszhj]

I paid $250 for our LCP ii. That's about my limit for a throw away.

Got this newest CZ P10m for $269 plus FFL transfer of $25. Thought it was a pretty good deal. About the size of a G43 but holds 7+1.