Really new to firearms.

CommonMime

New member
I've recently had to reconsider my personal security options and have decided I am going to invest some time in researching firearms. I have set up range time and training and am looking at the Ruger LCP .380, I like the look and feel of it. I'm not much of a fan of revolvers even though they seem to be easier to start with. I am just looking for some feedback from anyone with LCP experience or anything else to offer a newbie. Yesterday was the first time I've ever even held a gun.
 
Buy the biggest gun that your able to conceal and shoot well . The lcp hurts your hand and only holds 6 rounds of .380 not the best for personal protection
 
The Ruger.380 is a great pocket pistol but it is not designed for shooting a lot of ammo on the range. I like it for the convenience and it is my normal carry weapon. I prefer to carry my Glock 19 when possible and the 19 is my favorite pistol to shoot at the range. I always take time to practice with the .380 but my hand can't stand a lot of shooting it.
Get a Blackhawk size 2 pocket holster for the 380. Never carry in the pocket without a holster. Keep all other items out of your carry pocket. Keys, etc. can snag.
 
See if your range will let you test fire or rent pistols. Try out what your friends own. Find what works best for you. Don't rush the purchase. Try all possible options first.
You will get a lot of good input here but you have to make up your own mind.
 
Take the NRA Basis Pistol Course
Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely. This course is at least 8-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. •Course Pre-requisites: None

•Cost: (See Class Registration Information at NRAinstructors.org)
•Course Length: 8 hours
Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate
 
I have registered for an NRA course and the range does rent. My husband knows the guys there really well and has them getting several different options for me to try. One of my concerns is that I have small hands so I am drawn to the smaller pistols. I think my only option is to go the range and try as many as I can to see what I can handle. I have heard over and over that the LCP is hard to shoot so I may have to go with something larger but I do need to be able to conceal it.
 
380 too small

Personally i would go with a min cal of 9mm. I carry a ruger SR40c very accurate and a excellent conceal carry gun for the money.
 
Personally i would go with a min cal of 9mm. I carry a ruger SR40c very accurate and a excellent conceal carry gun for the money.

I have an SR9c and like it a lot, it's a little hard to rack so take that into consideration. My wife has a Walther PK380 and really likes it. Easy to rack and concealable.
I think it is a good one to start with.
 
I've recently had to reconsider my personal security options and have decided I am going to invest some time in researching firearms. I have set up range time and training and am looking at the Ruger LCP .380, I like the look and feel of it. I'm not much of a fan of revolvers even though they seem to be easier to start with. I am just looking for some feedback from anyone with LCP experience or anything else to offer a newbie. Yesterday was the first time I've ever even held a gun.



You should go to a regular range and find an NRA instructor or LEO instructor to teach you how to shoot.
 
I have registered for an NRA course and the range does rent. My husband knows the guys there really well and has them getting several different options for me to try. One of my concerns is that I have small hands so I am drawn to the smaller pistols. I think my only option is to go the range and try as many as I can to see what I can handle. I have heard over and over that the LCP is hard to shoot so I may have to go with something larger but I do need to be able to conceal it.

Much better idea.
 
Dear Commonmime - Please consider the Sig Sauer P250. You can get it with smaller grips if need be. It is a fine carry firearm, a pleasure to shoot and large capacity. As a female NRA instructor, I have introduced this firearm to many ladies who subsequently chose this for their sidearm.
I personally carry a Sig P220 .45. It is actually a bit too large for my hand but after 22 years with it, I still use it daily and will always use it to qualify.
 
See if your range will let you test fire or rent pistols. Try out what your friends own. Find what works best for you. Don't rush the purchase. Try all possible options first.
You will get a lot of good input here but you have to make up your own mind.

100% great advise here.
 
I have registered for an NRA course and the range does rent. My husband knows the guys there really well and has them getting several different options for me to try. One of my concerns is that I have small hands so I am drawn to the smaller pistols. I think my only option is to go the range and try as many as I can to see what I can handle. I have heard over and over that the LCP is hard to shoot so I may have to go with something larger but I do need to be able to conceal it.

Withhold judgement on the LCP UNTIL YOU SHOOT ONE. I think they are great hideout guns. There is a lot of info on them on the forum. LCP Pocket
 
I've recently had to reconsider my personal security options and have decided I am going to invest some time in researching firearms. I have set up range time and training and am looking at the Ruger LCP .380, I like the look and feel of it. I'm not much of a fan of revolvers even though they seem to be easier to start with. I am just looking for some feedback from anyone with LCP experience or anything else to offer a newbie. Yesterday was the first time I've ever even held a gun.

I'd guess I'm with those who say shoot whatever you can before you make up your mind...more than a look is important. I'm with you on revolvers, but would say don't fall in love with a pistol you have not yet fired. It is worth taking your time.
 
Hi,

I have had students bring the small Ruger LCP and LCR handguns to my classes, and not one of them enjoyed shooting these guns. They are very small and concealable, but have small grips, very low mass and stinging recoil.

A larger grip revolver (snub nose S&W) or pistol (I like the Springfield XD series) would probably be a better choice.

As mentioned, try to join with a class that will let you shoot a variety of handguns, or go to a range that will rent you some different ones.

Marc
 
Thank you everyone for your responses, you've been very helpful. I will repost after my first trip to the range and my NRA class.
 
I have an SR9c and like it a lot, it's a little hard to rack so take that into consideration. My wife has a Walther PK380 and really likes it. Easy to rack and concealable.
I think it is a good one to start with.



IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - October 4, 2012

PRODUCT:
Walther PK380, .380 ACP

DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD:
Walther has identified a condition that may exist in certain PK380 pistols which may permit a round to be discharged if the trigger is pulled, despite engagement of the manual safety. Walther has found that engagement of the manual safety may not prevent firing of a chambered round when the trigger is pulled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT INVOLVED:
This recall applies to Walther PK380, .380 ACP pistols manufactured by Carl Walther GmbH from May, 2012 to September, 2012, and which have a Serial Number ranging from
PK 101201 to PK 112155


REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
STOP USING YOUR PISTOL, and UNLOAD IT IMMEDIATELY, exercising EXTREME CARE in doing so AND RETURN IT TO WALTHERAMERICA AT ONCE.

Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential for causing injury or even death, and we ask that you stop using your pistol immedi-ately. When unloading your pistol, please take extreme care to ensure that your firearm is pointed in a safe direction.

To facilitate inspection and the repair of your pistol, please contact Waltheramerica customer service department to receive instructions for the return of your pistol to Waltheramerica, care of Smith & Wesson.

Your pistol will be repaired at no cost to you. Your firearm will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible. All shipping and repair costs will be covered by Waltheramerica.

CONSUMER CONTACT:
To receive a FedEx pre-paid billable stamp and shipping instructions contact Waltheramerica directly at 1-800-713-0356. Please allow 2-3 weeks to receive the shipping materials and in-formation packet from us.
 
I've done several all female classes and a few female private instructions. By far most fired and carry the Ruger LCP .380. The picture on my website is my daughter and one of her co-workers both firing the LCP and they own them! By all means, try out everything you can but don't be sidetracked by someone else's opinion. It will be your handgun and you will have to be the one comfortable with carrying it and firing it.
I will also agree with a previous poster that the LCP is not a "range" gun. If you want to go to the range and shoot lots of bullets you may want pick something else for that. Good Luck!

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