Long term observations on the LCP - 10/18/19
I bought a first generation LCP shortly after they became available and have worked with it a bit. These are some of the things I've found. I guess I've put around 800 rounds through it,...many of them fairly warm cast bullet handloads. Currently I keep it loaded with these.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...42/legend+pro+380acp+100gr+hp+100rd+pack
They're Berry's 100 grain, copper plated serrated HP's. They seem to be plenty accurate and although I haven't chronographed them, reports indicate that they'll do about 925 fps out of an LCP and will expand nicely and penetrate 9" of ballistic gel. (video at end of post) 9" isn't enough penetration to pass the FBI requirements. But it's a .380 pocket pistol. 9" and expansion in ballistic gel after passing through 4 layers of denim is all I expect out of a defensive load from a .380 pistol the size of a pack of cigarettes.
I practice with it at 7 yards. At that distance, with slow, careful aim, I can keep a full magazine in about 4". I realize that's not great. But that's what I can do with this little pistol. Emptying the magazine as fast as I can will keep them all inside a 7" circle. Again,...not great, but that's all I expect from such a tiny pistol such as a first generation LCP.
Beyond all of that,......
The Hogue slip on (and pin on) grip is the best 10 bucks that you can spend on a 1st generation LCP. It definitely needs more handle.
https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/hog...-rubber-black-18100/FC-743108181003.html
The factory 9 lb recoil spring started looking a bit raggedy on the ends after 350 rounds, or so. I replaced it with a Galloway 13 lb spring. I haven't noticed any difference in function after 100 rounds with the Galloway spring. In my opinion, the 9 lb spring is too weak. The 13 lb Galloway spring is about right.
https://gallowayprecision.com/ruger/lcp/13-lb-recoil-spring-set-for-ruger-lcp-pistols/
The magazines from "Pro-Mag" don't work. They're junk. I just threw one in the trash can. Only use genuine Ruger Magazines.
Anyway,....that's what I've learned after living with a first generation LCP for a few years and a few hundred rounds.
I have no real complaints with it. It's capable of doing as much as I ever expected it to do. But in my opinion, it's greatly improved with the Hogue grip and the 13 lb Galloway spring seems to be able to hold up better than the factory 9 lb spring without making any sacrifices in reliability.
I might replace the LCP someday. But it's now as good as a first generation LCP can be, in my opinion. I've beat on it pretty good with warm cast handloads and warm factory ammo and it's held up well.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...
They're Berry's 100 grain, copper plated serrated HP's. They seem to be plenty accurate and although I haven't chronographed them, reports indicate that they'll do about 925 fps out of an LCP and will expand nicely and penetrate 9" of ballistic gel. (video at end of post) 9" isn't enough penetration to pass the FBI requirements. But it's a .380 pocket pistol. 9" and expansion in ballistic gel after passing through 4 layers of denim is all I expect out of a defensive load from a .380 pistol the size of a pack of cigarettes.
I practice with it at 7 yards. At that distance, with slow, careful aim, I can keep a full magazine in about 4". I realize that's not great. But that's what I can do with this little pistol. Emptying the magazine as fast as I can will keep them all inside a 7" circle. Again,...not great, but that's all I expect from such a tiny pistol such as a first generation LCP.
Beyond all of that,......
The Hogue slip on (and pin on) grip is the best 10 bucks that you can spend on a 1st generation LCP. It definitely needs more handle.
https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/hog...
The factory 9 lb recoil spring started looking a bit raggedy on the ends after 350 rounds, or so. I replaced it with a Galloway 13 lb spring. I haven't noticed any difference in function after 100 rounds with the Galloway spring. In my opinion, the 9 lb spring is too weak. The 13 lb Galloway spring is about right.
https:/
The magazines from "Pro-Mag" don't work. They're junk. I just threw one in the trash can. Only use genuine Ruger Magazines.
Anyway,....that's what I've learned after living with a first generation LCP for a few years and a few hundred rounds.
I have no real complaints with it. It's capable of doing as much as I ever expected it to do. But in my opinion, it's greatly improved with the Hogue grip and the 13 lb Galloway spring seems to be able to hold up better than the factory 9 lb spring without making any sacrifices in reliability.
I might replace the LCP someday. But it's now as good as a first generation LCP can be, in my opinion. I've beat on it pretty good with warm cast handloads and warm factory ammo and it's held up well.