CW380 vs LCP

[RonW]

I sold my .380's after replacing them with my CM9, which by the way is slightly bigger than my M&P bodyguard i had...

[DevinBreeding]

I sold my favorite pistol I've ever owned to (CZP09) in order to afford to replace my lcp 2nd generation. I actually really liked the overall size and feel of the pistol including the low profile sights but after a broken trigger bar, chipped trigger where it was pinned in and rotates, and three broken extractors, I couldn't convince myself to carry it anymore. I was pretty upset because my LCP is smooth as butter and feeds reliable until the extractor breaks. It's still in the safe with a brand new extractor since it is not worth my time to sell for $100.

One thing I love about Ruger, is a 2 minute call to them always resulted in me receiving any problematic part for free by mail. With KAHR you really need to fill out warranty information and make a strong case for any issues.

If you buy the KAHR, I recommend purchasing the lakelineLLC striker for it for preventative maintenance and KAHR P380 slide lock. I had the original MIM part chip off on me. Was still reliable but would not lock the last round after. The P380 slide release is much better. The striker because there are many reports of originals breaking and the LakeLine striker seems to solve this. Also, rack the slide 200 times prior to shooting. I personally believe it's true break in is around 500 rounds for full reliability but serviceable after 200 as long as it's clean. Who can complain about more shooting?

As as far as design for pocket carry, striker is the way to go. Hammer fired pistols are constantly getting lint and other pocket stuff down in the hammer path. With a striker fired pistol, this is almost a non issue.

One last note, the trigger on the KAHR is an absolute dream to shoot. I actually outshoot myself with it than any other pistol I've shot, including my Glocks.

[DavidR]

My first 380 was a CW. It was a dud and never should have left the factory. Plagued with battery failures. After 600 rounds and a trip back to Kahr which did not fix the problem I bought an LCP.

The LCP is a gen2 and it has been reliable from day 1 and not finicky at all about ammo. I liked it so much I bought a second one.

The Kahr shoots a little better because its bigger and heavier but the LCP pocket carries better because its smaller and lighter.

Triggers? The Gen2 LCP is just fine, as is the Kahr. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, it's a matter of preference.


Dave

[sharpetop]

My P3AT went bye-bye when the LCP came out [no issues, just didn't like the bolt on the extractor]. LCP went bye-bye when the CW380 came out [again, no issues other that sucky trigger]. The P and CW380s are at the head of the class in the micro-plastic 380s.

[bobbyh]

I have an early model LCP (after the the first fixes they issues) and a CW380.

The LCP trigger is awful/rough to use and it affects my accuracy. However; it never had a problem with any ammo and it is easier to conceal over my CW380. I have shot the newest custom LCP with the red trigger and it shoots a hell of a lot better than my LCP; but no slide lock on the last round on these means I probably won't get another.

My CW380 had some early teething issues but has been extremely reliable with Hornady CD ammo. It is the softest shooting 380 I've shot and I'm very accurate with it from self defense distances I might use it for. I like it a lot and it's my main summer carry piece.

[JimChevy]

I bought a CW380 4 months ago instead of going with the LCP Custom and I regret it. I sold my reliable K9 to buy this 380 and it's been a nightmare. Rounds 2 thru 6 in every single magazine fail to feed and cause me to have to tap the back of the slide. I would never trust my life with this gun. I'm waiting on Kahr to send me a return slip to see if they can fix it. If I get it back and it still acts up it's gone! The gun feels like quality and looks great though.

[DevinBreeding]

I bought a CW380 4 months ago instead of going with the LCP Custom and I regret it. I sold my reliable K9 to buy this 380 and it's been a nightmare. Rounds 2 thru 6 in every single magazine fail to feed and cause me to have to tap the back of the slide. I would never trust my life with this gun. I'm waiting on Kahr to send me a return slip to see if they can fix it. If I get it back and it still acts up it's gone! The gun feels like quality and looks great though.

what ammo do you use?

[Cogburn]

I've had both...trigger pull and snappiness of LCP led me to buy a P 380. P 380 is a much softer shooter and the accuracy with which you can shoot it will surprise you. It is ammo finicky where the LCP is not. Just check some of the threads to make sure you don't buy ammo the CW doesn't like. I gave the LCP to my son. You can also put night sights on the P 380 if you so desire. Unless they have changed the LCP there isn't much in the way of sights of course they are both just up close and personal point and shoot type self defense pistols anyway, so that may not make a difference to you. Go rent them at a range and judge for yourself before you buy.

[nmkahrshooter]

The CW wins hands down. More comfortable to shoot and more accurate. Owned a LCP for 8 years and I can honestly say the kahr is a better gun.

[JimChevy]

what ammo do you use?

So far I've tried Sig Sauer FMJ, Federal Premium FMJ, Perfecta FMJ, Tula steel cased FMJ, and Hornady Critical defense. All of these have had the same failure to feed issue! The ammo is not the problem.

[RolandD]

So far I've tried Sig Sauer FMJ, Federal Premium FMJ, Perfecta FMJ, Tula steel cased FMJ, and Hornady Critical defense. All of these have had the same failure to feed issue! The ammo is not the problem.

I am not an expert and have only a little range time with the CW380, but have you tried adjusting your grip? My understanding is that the CW380 is very particular with requiring a high, firm grip. You might also make sure that your thumbs are not impeding the slide in any way. I ended up going with the CT380 to avoid much of the problems folks seem to encounter with the micro .380s. Also, folks have noted issues with applying pressure the base of the magazine and causing ftfs. This usually only occurs while using the 7 round extended mag with the pinky extension, but could possibly happen with the 6 rounder if pressure were applied just right. Good luck.

[DevinBreeding]

So far I've tried Sig Sauer FMJ, Federal Premium FMJ, Perfecta FMJ, Tula steel cased FMJ, and Hornady Critical defense. All of these have had the same failure to feed issue! The ammo is not the problem.

I can say from personal experience, that Tulammo in 380 is a terrible idea. The polymer coating on the casing heats up and melts into the chamber causing not only the Tulammo to stick, but causes other brands to fail as well. This happened with my lcp and my KAHR and is a ***** to clean. My theory is, these little guns heat up quickly and to hotter temperatures than larger pistols due to less material to disperse heat causing the polymer coating to melt. I had one stick so badly that I had to slam it out with a cleaning rod. My point is, I wouldn't discount poor choice in ammo so quickly. I would clean the crap out of the chamber and use federal or Winchester and call it a day.

Also, fiocchi and perfecta are the same and designed out of spec. They will not feed without modifying your pistol.

[naa10104]

Hello,

Never handled the Kahr .380 do own a LCP, first iteration. I understand the more recent LCP's have better sights and a better trigger. My LCP is a great gun ... have put app. 500 rounds thru it with 0 malfunctions. Even with the almost non existent sights I am able to qualify with it which involves some rounds fired at 25 yards. If you shop around you can pick one up for around $200. Have seen them for that price on Sportsmansguide. I would highly recommend the Ruger.

[kenemoore]

I have owned a CW380 for about 18 months, had some issues with pre-mature slide locking, but a new slide lock corrected that (free replacement from Kahr). Anyway...I recently purchased a new LCP Gen2, they were on sale for 199.00 (cash only). Hard to pass up a deal like that.
I took both to the range yesterday, and fired 25 rounds of Federal American Eagle and 15 rounds of Golden Saber Hollow Points through each. Both ran fine, the LCP is much snappier and stung a wee bit. It is not a fun pistol to shoot, the CW380 was much milder. Performance wise, accuracy was about the same with both, the Kahr I shoot a tad high, the LCP a tad low. Neither has much for sights.

I did get bitten by the LCP trigger on several occasions. When I released tension on the trigger, my finger would get pinched between the top of the trigger and the frame, a little polishing on the trigger return stop might fix it. Have to see. I like them both. The LCP is smaller, and lighter, but also snappier. If I could only have one, I'd go with the Kahr, because it shoots easier, and I would practice more.

[nmkahrshooter]

I work for LGS and the best ammo for a 380 has been either Magtech or Federal in FMJ. Hornady works excellent for CCW ammo.