[Pork Chop]

Hello,

Forgive me if this has been asked before, I am new to this forum, and a somewhat new to the world of handguns.

I am "itching" to get one of these cool new Rugers! However, I am afraid that there will be too much recoil, to the point where it is uncomfortable/painful and not fun to shoot. If a gun has too much recoil, I find that I develop a flinch, and thats that last thing I need. For comparison, I used to own a 1911, but I found the recoil to be too much, so I got rid of it. I have also shot a friends full size glock .40, and I thought that was also too much for me. I own a Beretta 92 (9mm) and I can handle that. I would love to buy an LCP, but I would really feel stupid if sold it a week after I purchased it because it was too painful and wasn't fun to shoot. Do you think I would find the recoil of the LCP painful / too much?

Thanks!

 

[xenicintelligence]

IF you can the Beretta 9mm with no problems, than the lcp will be as gentle as a kitten.
of course that is my opinion.

 

[vsorrentino]

I don't find it so. You can see by this video that there is little to no recoil.

 

[Nietz]

A Ruger LCP is a snappy pistol no doubt, fun? You betcha any pistol is fun to shoot if ya ask me, but the LCP is not a target pistol and its not something you will want to go out and run 300 rounds through (I would and am in the morning but thats me) I guess what I am saying is that its a great concealed carry pistol and does what its supposed to, if you are looking for something to go to the range with and pop off a couple hundred rounds and be 100% comfortable afterwards and during buy a Buckmark or a Mark III and call it a day. but try sticking either one in your pocket as a CCW.

The straight to the point answer is yes it has recoil its a slightly more than 9oz pistol shooting 102 gr bullets (in my case) at about 1000 fps with a 2 finger grip on a polymer frame its gonna be snappy, but whether the amount of recoil is too much? depends on the shooter IMHO.

Nietz

 

[kraigster414]

Hello,

Forgive me if this has been asked before, I am new to this forum, and a somewhat new to the world of handguns.

I am "itching" to get one of these cool new Rugers! However, I am afraid that there will be too much recoil, to the point where it is uncomfortable/painful and not fun to shoot. If a gun has too much recoil, I find that I develop a flinch, and thats that last thing I need. For comparison, I used to own a 1911, but I found the recoil to be too much, so I got rid of it. I have also shot a friends full size glock .40, and I thought that was also too much for me. I own a Beretta 92 (9mm) and I can handle that. I would love to buy an LCP, but I would really feel stupid if sold it a week after I purchased it because it was too painful and wasn't fun to shoot. Do you think I would find the recoil of the LCP painful / too much?

Thanks!

I am going to be very honest with you, a Beretta 92 9mm is a very light recoiling weapon. If that is your "comfort zone" (nothing to be ashamed of) then yes, a steady dose of LCP firing will in my opinion be objectionable to you. And the only way you are going to become truly proficient with the LCP (or any gun for that matter) is to shoot it regularly and with confidence. A slip on rubber grip will remove some of the bite of the LCP but not much. I'd like to think that in time and with a certain commitment on your part, you could overcome the additional recoil of the LCP but there is no certainty. A possible solution might be to go with an all-steel .380 such as the Bersa or the NAA. The recoil will be less and many still find them "pocketable."

 

[kensteele]

i'm going to go out on a limb and say it might to be too much for you as well. you sound like me. when a pistol is too snappy, it's a turn off. i've been able to handle any and all handguns up until my first pocket pistol, keltec pf-9. i don't develop a flinch, but in 9mm it was too much recoil to my liking. sold it nearly new, got my money back, didn't feel so bad. but i know the value of a pocket pistol and i decided to give it a try again by stepping down one calibre (really didn't want to go there but i know you won't find a tiny 9mm pocket pistol at a decent price that doesn't kick).

got the lcp, only fired a couple of magazines, but from what i remember, it's pretty snappy. having no further room to play with, i've convinced myself i don't have to love shooting this pistol to be comfortable carrying it. i don't like the cuts and bruises and blisters either but if i can squeeze off a couple hundred rounds over the next few months, i'll put the lcp away from the winter and bring it out for limited summer carry and call it a day until something else better comes along.

 

[DougP]

Well guys, the LCP .380 could be shot all day long if you would like.
The only time it wouldn't be, is if you were very young or very very old. Where I'm going is arm and hand strength. You don't have to be a body builder to shoot this pearl. Just a normal Joe, or Jane. ( I don't mean plummer or plummet either ) When you add the Little finger thing on the mag the POI is more controlled, not to say it wasn't before.
I had my concerns ( because of you guys) and when I took it out I watched to see if it would fly out of my hand, and you know, when it went off -- it didn't go anywhere. Surprise?? yes-- it is a fun fun fun gun to shoot ( and I DO NOT LIKE A HEAVEY RECOIL ON MY GUNS) SO for everyone go buy one and have fun.

 

[jocko]

IMO, if you shoot a 1911 style and find it to much, then indeed pass on the lcp. You won't like it. I think you have already mentally set your mind up to not liking it and have come on here to hear some of just say, NOPE not the gun for you.

No embarrasment in that either.

 

[tawcat]

I'm not going to beat a dead horse, just wanted to offer MHO.

The only time I fire my LCP is when I go to the range to shoot my bigger guns. I usually put a couple of magazines worth down the little barrel. Basically just shooting it to stay famliarized and confident. For CCW I load her up with alternating Buffalo Bore 90 gr JHP and 95 gr FMJ-FN's.

Like everyone else said, it's snappy little gun, however, for me it's still fun to shoot.

 

[kraigster414]

A lot of valid points made. Point one is that the poster should not feel inadequate if he finds the recoil of the LCP a bit much. We are all different - when I was experiencing a serious bout of tendinitis, no way could I shoot my .40 or .357 SIGs. Strangely for me though not being a large guy, I have never found the recoil of the .45, .40. .357 SIG to be that punishing ordinarily and I actually relish the kick of those calibers, go figure. And if it was not for the high capacity of today's polymer 9mm's (not a bad thing to have in a defensive weapon), I probably would not own the two 9mm's I have, both excellent, a Walther P99 and an HK P30.

One thing to also to keep in mind is whether your LCP is intended for primary carry or backup carry. Certainly if it is to be your primary weapon, the need to maintain proficiency is critical. That means practice, practice, practice and if the gun is too much for you despite your best attempts to overcome, then yes, it should not be your weapon of choice. On the other hand, if your LCP is intended strictly for backup, basic familiarization and periodic practice should suffice. What we see happening is more and more folks are relying on this gun as their one and only weapon due to it's rep for reliability, weight and size - makes sense also given the advances in .380 ballistics (with Buffalo Bore as an example you now have a round with the energy of a .38 Special +P, not bad) but if that's the case....you have an obligation to master that firearm and that means practicing frequently. If it's too much for you, you are not going to shoot it a lot. Other guns I would consider in additon to an all-steel .380 that might suit the poster better would be the Kahr PM9 (many carry this gun in their side pants pocket), the S&W M&P compact 9mm and Walther P99 compact or PPS; both in 9mm.

 

[picketeer]

Based on what you have described as your "comfort zone", IMHO, you DO NOT need an LCP! Personally, I would say the recoil is much like that of a .40 caliber pistol! (Just my opinion!) I am sure that others will not agree though but I think it is more of a personal thing. Maybe you could go to your local gun range and shoot one of your friends LCPs a time or two and then judge!

 

[vandave]

When I decided to move into the "pocket" pistol group, I choose an LCP for myself and a Seecamp .32ACP for DW, assuming the Seecamp would be more forgiving. My wife has a handicap and I was concerned about the recoil. Well, we out and shot both of them and I don't know there is much difference in the two. The Seecamp had a little less recoil and it is one beautiful piece of work ($450 vs $299) and will be DW pocket carry. Like most people, these pocket pistols are not target guns or everyday shooters. Ammo is expensive and they are quite small. That being said, I thought they both shot well, managable recoil and really fun to shoot. I would not avoid an LCP due to recoil. JMHO Good luck.

 

[tawcat]

What Kraigster414 said; to add a gun to the possibles is a Sig 232, Lightweight .380.

 

[kraigster414]

What Kraigster414 said; to add a gun to the possibles is a Sig 232, Lightweight .380.

That's an excllent choice as well. I completely forgot about the Sig. Thanks.

 

[Ladybug]

I'd like to offer a lady's opinion. Truthfully I don't feel any recoil at all. I'm 5'8" and 130 lbs. so I'm not huge or petite and I could shoot my elsie all day. The only complaint I've heard are from the guys with big hands who can't find enough to hold on to. None of the other women who have shot her complained of any recoil. She is without a doubt my favorite gun to carry and shoot.

 

[kraigster414]

Oh, I like this woman. ;D

 

[Bagger]

I purchased the LCP as a BUG, but carry it as a 'daily' many times.

I routinely cycle several hundred rounds thru the guns I take to the range. I enjoy shooting a great deal, but don't like 'unfun' guns to shoot.

My normal CCW is a Bersa 380. It is indeed a pleasure to shoot. And, accurate. My SR9 and the P95, 92F, SW 4013 ... and others .... are ALL more fun to shoot at the range than the LCP. But, none are good for a CCW for me. That is a shame.

But, I do shoot the LCP. Today, I cycled 150 rounds thru it. I guess I've shoot 800-900 rounds thru it. It was the 1st of 3 weapons I shot today. I had a BG target set up at ~7 yards. Shot the LCP and altho nearly all rounds were in the BG mass, I was not happy to shoot it. Yeah, shooting any weapon is 'fun', but there are degrees. I'm a pretty big guy at 6'2" and 215# and work out regularly. So, I'm no wimp. I do enjoy shooting, tho.

The SR9 was dead on. Same/same distance shooting at the head of the BG gave all but one round in the face shooting at 1-1.5 second intervals 5-10 shots at a time. Just a grapefruit sized hole after 100 rounds.

Then I shot a .22 Firestrom/Bersa at a paper plate. 10 rounds at a time and all were in the plate. 150 rounds. And ... it was FUN ! So was the Ruger SR9. But, the LCP was not fun.

I have a finger extension on the mag and a rubber sleeve on the grip of the LCP. Still no fun to shoot. I may wear a glove. I do sometimes when I shoot .357/45s. Which I don't find 'fun' either.

I think if one carries a weapon as the 'primary' one needs to practice with it, become very familiar with it, and be accurate with it for what one's needs are.

I'd rather carry the Bersa 380 (altho it is considerably heavier and larger) as it is much EZr to find the target and deliver several rounds accurately. I find I have to work with the LCP. The 'snappy' report and kick is not to my liking. That said, the size, weight and ease of CC is a major plus. Yet, one has to like shooting it.

I'm not sure at this time where I will eventually stand on this issue.

 

[David Henry]

I would only offer that I have shot 3 different grain bullets, all 90 and below, and the lighter the grain the less the recoil. ( I know, this is a brilliant deduction ) 8) But this has not come up in any of the discussions. I also would agree with Ladybug, that a woman's smaller hand allows her to achieve a better grip on the LCP. My fat, arthritic hands can only hold this thing with a couple of fingers and it will sting a bit if not held tightly. It is not unpleasant and I enjoy shooting it. Maybe not 2 or 300 rounds per setting. I have not shot any thing above 90 grains but I do plan to do that soon.

 

[HowardCohodas]

I typically shoot the LCP one handed. I practice with both hands. Originally, I did not feel that the recoil was excessive and it did not hurt my hands. Since adding the Crimson Trace LaserGuard, it does hurt a bit. I believe it is because I squeeze it harder to keep the laser on. Other threads on the forum discuss issues of keeping the red dot lit while shooting. It may also be due to the additional stiffness that might be created by the addition of the LaserGuard. I am not enough of a mechanical engineer or sufficiently familiar with the materials used to know the extent of this effect, if there is in fact any at all.

 

[Guest]

Too much recoil, maybe ???

Here is what I have to add, the LCP is one cool lookin' gun and one can actually have fun shooting it. However, it's a tiny pocket pistol, two finger grip and it's damn snappy. I'd say if you even consider that you might have problems with the dreaded flinch you probably will, however, practice and familuarity can go a long way for most people. I'd go as far as to say it's not designed to be fun, it's more intended that one becomes proficient with this "pocket rocket" in case saving ones butt is an option should one find that the SHTF. I enjoy the challenge taking the little LCP and seeing if I can put 7 rounds in a lethal circle at 7 to 10 yards. While I find it's a pleasure to fire 100 to 200 (or more) rounds at whatever distance (within reason) with my CZ PO1 this gun is a joy to practice with. The LCP in my opinion is fun, however, between that kick and that two finger grip I would not call it a pleasure at the range. Even my Kel Tec PF9 is much more enjoyable at the range, not as comfortable as any of my CZ's but a range queen with "good" sights, compared to my LCP. Now, while I can carry any of these weapons concealed, my CCW of choice is the LCP and that's what I choose 95% of the time. In fairness, my priority is mostly concerned with concealability and in that area, for me and my style of carry the LCP is the clear choice as it disappears in a SuperFly or ThunderWare type rig. My next choice would be the PF9 can be hard to find IWB will stuff in a pocket and disappear (with some discomfort) in ThunderWare. If my priority changed and I needed a pistol to pick up on my way to a gunfight, the CZ P01 hands down in a Fobus Holster, mind you an IWB is doable with a compact CZ but more than I want to carry in general, however that's just my opinion. Clearly, there are many variables and one needs to decide what your priority is the LCP seems to me to be designed as a small, very concealable defensive weapon might be called a "mousegun" by some more so than a fun gun.