CW380 vs LCP

[01svtL]

I'm looking at picking up a pocket pistol (or IWB with something like the Versacarry) for when I don't want or can't carry my Sig P320sc. Do any of you have experience (more than just holding/dry firing) with both the CW380 and LCP? I'm wondering if the CW is worth the extra $100 over the LCP. It isn't a primary carry weapon, and I won't put near as many rounds through it as I will with my Sig. The barrel is almost .2 shorter in the Kahr, which doesn't sound like a lot, and if locked into a vice, probably wouldn't affect accuracy, but these small pistols are already difficult to be accurate with as it is if you have somewhat large hands, so I figure every little bit helps, right? I see the height of the 380 is a little more than the LCP, but it really depends on where that difference in height is. If it's not in the handle, it's a null talking point. Anyway, looking for opinions from experienced users of the two. Also, if I choose the LCP, it would be the Custom since it supposedly has a better trigger than the base model, and I might file the sites down a little to reduce any possible snag issues - which SOME people have reported with the Custom.

[RolandD]

The Kahr has a much better DAO trigger and is a better quality gun, IMO. The recoil of the Kahr is nothing when compared to the LCP. I've fired both and ended up going with the Kahr CT380. My wife loves it. She also preferred the CW380 over the LCP.

[TeaDub]

I have both. I bought the CW380 first, followed the "prep" thread and had a event free break in. The little Kahr is reasonably accurate and has less felt recoil vs the LCP. Because I'm a believer in having at least two guns in each caliber, I picked up a Stainless LCP when the prices dropped. Very early, it had two or three failure to feed (needing a slight tap on the back of the slide to go into battery) but settled in to work well. Both guns have fed my carry choice from the get go. Gold Dot. I shoot the Kahr better than the Ruger, but that may just be due to more practice. It is pretty noticeable so it may turn out to stay that way in my hands.

Both micro 380s have a very limited use for me. I carry one of them on my morning walks in my subdivision. They also can be carried when my G43 or my 642 are too big to conceal. Rarely the case.

[SlowBurn]

I've owned both. I sold my LCP and bought a P380 and later a CW380. The main reason was the LCP "smiley" issue which you can google. I was not comfortable with the nose of the bullet being banged and dented by the ramp, and after the Ruger factory couldn't fix it and my internet searching convinced me was inherent in the design, I looked at everything else and went with the Kahr. One thing I noticed was all the serious gun writers who had settled on the P380. Even guys who, like Massad Ayoob don't carry 380s.

Having switched, I found I enjoyed shooting the P/CW 380 much more. Its striker fired, not hammer fired. It locks back when the mag is empty. Its smoother and more solidly built. The trigger is a joy. There's noticeably less recoil, and its noticeably more accurate for me. I just feel its a more serious weapon.

There are some trade-offs - its a tiny bit heavier, and the recoil spring is a lot more robust, ..its much harder to rack than the LCP. Tolerances are tight so there are some types of ammo that many have trouble cycling - mostly anything short or bulgy. Some people have had problems with them working properly although mine have been spectacularly reliable and I think that's true for most.

Of course you're on a Kahr forum, so ... Maybe pose the same query on the Elsie Pea forum.

[CJB]

The LCP is KelTec! Jeeze!

[shadowlands]

I own an LCP with Crimson Trace laser. Love it. But I like my Kahr CT45 better. But she don't fit in my pocket.

[Bobshouse]

The LCP is KelTec! Jeeze!

WHAT!!?? I'll trade you my Ruger P-3AT for it!!

[kwh]

Never had an LCP but have had a CW 380 and CM9 (also CW45 and CW9). I have small hands and liked the .380, surprisingly little recoil and great trigger.
My Daughter took my CW 380 and kept it. Since my CM9 is not all that much bigger or heavier, and I pocket carry 95% of the time with business casual pants, the CM9 is perfect. The 380 was actually too small. In tight jeans pockets the 380 CW was better. A good belt makes a huge difference.

[01svtL]

Thanks guys. Can those of you who have/have had LCP's tell me which generation? Supposedly they fixed some owner-gripes on the Gen 2, and I'm assuming the Custom goes a step further to address much of those concerns (ie better trigger, usable sites etc).

[TeaDub]

Thanks guys. Can those of you who have/have had LCP's tell me which generation? Supposedly they fixed some owner-gripes on the Gen 2, and I'm assuming the Custom goes a step further to address much of those concerns (ie better trigger, usable sites etc).

Mine is the Gen2. The Gen 2 trigger is much improved over the original. I tried a "custom" and couldn't tell much difference between my gun and the galloway style custom (other than the red trigger pinches my finger more easily). The custom sights look too easy to snag for me as well. I put red fluorescent paint on my front sight and they are now usable. I also much prefer a stainless gun when it is to be pocket carried in the sauna where I live.

[gilfo]

Had the Kahr, it pinched my finger something awful. Had to wear tape when I went to the range. LCP Gen 2 no pinches at all. Go figure.

[yqtszhj]

I have an early model LCP. Trigger is terrible, not fun to shoot, but it has over 1000 rounds and I never had a trouble except with Independence Ammo. The new LCP's have a better trigger. But I almost never carry it any more.

If I don't have a Kahr I have a j frame in my pocket. 5 rounds of .38 +p and only 16 oz. loaded.

Like CJB said its a kel-tec but it actually works.

[Armybrat]

I liked my early LCP, but retired it last year in favor of my new, softer-shooting CT380. The only downside is the difficulty racking that stiff CT slide.

[O'Dell]

380 is not my favorite caliber, and I wouldn't have one except my son gave me an LCP for Christmas four years ago. Obviously, since it was a gift, I've kept it. I've put about 100 rounds through it, just to make sure it works. It's an okay gun but has a terrible trigger and no sights to speak of, but it might be all right in a 15 or 20 foot point and shoot gunfight. If I had paid money for a 380, it would have been another pistol, probably a Kahr.

[deadeye111]

The KelTec P3AT .380 was surprisingly accurate at 7 yards The Generation 2 that is being sold is a nice piece if you need compact. I pocket carry the Kahr CM 9 in a RJ (Lisa) Hedley pocket holster but go to the KT with dress pants.