I traded my LCP2 for a 42 as well. It was perfect pocket carry size, shot it ok, just not fun to shoot. While the 42 is larger, It feels right, and is fun to shoot. Since I have a 19 as well, I wanted to stay with Glock for consistency.

 

Bigger guns are easier to shoot, that’s a given.

The LCP is my “it must be 100% concealed at all times” carry gun. It’s the one I least hope to ever need—glad to have it—never wanna use it. I carry it rarely.

If the G42 is gonna work for you, go for it. That said, I’d rather have a G43, and since I’m carry something the size of a G43, I opt for a P365. How’s that for logic?!

 

If the G42 is gonna work for you, go for it. That said, I’d rather have a G43, and since I’m carry something the size of a G43, I opt for a P365. How’s that for logic?!

As to the OP, if the G42 works better for you than the G43 (and it seems that it does) then you made the wise choice. Solid hits with a 380acp are better than bad hits with a 9mm.

As to the quote, I agree with the P365 decision and that's what I carry. I had a G43 and got rid of it. I couldn't justify having a single-stack 9mm that large with such small capacity when I could have a smaller pistol with larger capacity + options. Put another way, G43 with 6 round mags and plastic dovetail protectors or a P365 with 10, 12 or 15 round options and stock Xray night sights. The choice was clear.

 

Speaking of non-Glock .380's, I'm carrying a Bersa Thunder today. 20 oz., alloy frame and hammer-fired. Completely reliable, and fun to carry and shoot.

 

I also shoot my 42 better than my 43, but about equal to my 43X. The 42 gets carried the most, usually in my pocket. When conditions allow I carry the 43X IWB or OWB, depending on circumstances. I love my 42. I still have an LCP for those few times I need something really small and hideable, but it rarely gets carried. Glad you found something that works and hope you enjoy your new 42 as much as I enjoy mine.

 

I traded my LCP2 for a 42 as well.

I went the other way. The 42 was more pleasant to shoot, but the LCP isn't nearly as bad as I had expected. I shoot them both equally well, but I miss the Ameriglo sights I had on the Glock.

At the end of the day, I really like the smaller size of the LCP.

 

The LCP/P3AT sized gun is tough to beat in terms of low size and weight. I keep mine around, even though it stinks as a range gun and isn't the best shooter. My upgrade to the 365 relegated it to the safe most of the time, but I keep it around because it is the best gun I have at being small!

Glad you found what you like in the G42. To each their own, and I hope it serves you well.

 

I don’t think shooting shooting spots and scores for a SD gun is a good indicator. With my Glocks my groups don’t look real good shooting spots but man targets my groups are centered very nicely.
Good center mass hit is all that’s needed.
The LCPs are great pocket guns for a very small gun at real SD distances up close. For more than that a small 9mm is a better choice. I shoot a shield better than a 43 by far. Although you can stuff these 9mm in a pocket doesn’t make them a pocket gun.

 

The little LCP or Keltec 380 are good pocket BUGs. As long at I can hit COM at 7-10 yards I'm happy. It's just there for quick access to give me time to get away or access my primary.

 

I agree.

 

I agree with 1canvas and Darkangel, with the strange caveat that I seem to shoot my LCPII as well as my Glocks (past tense) and my Sig P365 (present tense). I don't know why, but it's a lovely feeling … seeing those 9mm(short) holes appear in the head of a cardboard target.

At most of my recent BUG matches, it's allowed to shoot two guns, which is what I've done. But, juggling holsters and mag carriers for the two different calibers and makes of guns is confusing, even when I'm allowed a few shooters between my times to shoot. I'm tempted to concentrate on JUST the LCP one time and see if I can beat my old scores.

I actually feel I have a chance to win a match (yes, I said 'win') with the LCP and I'm typically the only one of 30+ shooters with a 'hideaway' gun in the match, so a win would be particularly sweet.

By the same token I hate passing up a chance to shoot my primary (Sig) in the BUG format with my carry ammo.

Next BUG match I believe I'll shoot the LCP with my new CC ammo (Federal HST 99-grain) and the Sig with my CC ammo (Federal HST 124-grain standard pressure). Although there will always be a bit of shuffle between holsters and mag carriers - and my odds of winning are reduced - I still think verifying my abilities with both guns might increase my odds of winning a gunfight with either gun. And, as I've often said, I'd much rather win a gunfight than a pistol match.

The G42? Still not sure what to make of that little gun. I've gotta rent one some day and see what the hubbub is all about. Perhaps I'll see the light.:dancing:

 

Good job, I am glad to see you get to shoot one. I think I will get mine out for a late March range session with my old 2 gen G-23.

 

In discussions of the "LCP" it is important to make clear if one is writing about the original LCP, or the so-called second generation LCP sometimes called the LCP2, or the latest LCP II, which some mistakenly and confusingly call LCP2.

Out of all the various LCP-series of pistols, the LCP II is a great advance. It has a SAO hammer-fired trigger mechanism with half-inch takeup and crisp 5.5-lbf pull. The trigger has a broad flat trigger safety (Ruger calls it "inner trigger"). IMO it is the best trigger found on any 38OACP pistol including the G42. There are other improvements as well including better sights and grips. I gave away my LCP with its horrible heavy long-pull DAO trigger with no regrets after I got an LCP II.

The G42 is a superior pistol compared to the LCP II, but for me it is too large for pocket carry. That is the ONLY reason to ever consider use of 380ACP, so for me the LCP II is the only choice for pocket carry.

 

1rst I had a 42 sold it to get a 43 then sold that to get the LCP-II.
Hands down the LCP-II is the perfect pocket carry leader for me, as for 380 vs 9mm when it comes to short distance self defense the little 380 will get the job done every time.
Not saying anything wrong with the others just that the LCP-II is exactly what I was looking for.

 

The trigger on my LCP and it is fantastic for that type of trigger. I also have a LaserGuard on it but after 50 years of looking for sights I’m not hot on lasers.
On the LCPll it is much better and I am going back and forth about buying one but a bit concerned about it’s safety. I have looked into it a bit and only come away with a half cock notch being it, the gun is carried cocked.
The trigger is better, the sights are better, and it even feels better in the hand, and I bet I can shoot it better. When I dig into the mechanism and convinced of its safety I will buy one. I am sure it’s safe but just like Glock I have to see and understand it.

 

I have a G42 and G43.

That Ruger does nothing for me

 

I really like my 42. Shoot it well, and it’s about as small as I’m comfortable shooting. P365 grip didn’t work for my larger hands. I did just get a G43, and hope I can shoot it as well as the 42...

 

I have a 43, and a LCP Custom (LCP 2 with larger sights and descent double action "feeling" trigger). I have at least 600 rds through the LCP without any issues. I have retired the the LCP Custom from range training and use it for pocket carry only. I've bought the LCP 2 Anniversary model for range practice. I am the Unicorn that like shooting the LCP and shoot it reasonably well. Carrying IWB it is usually the 43 and not the LCP. I like DA revolvers, maybe why I like the LCP Custom, and sometimes carry a Kimber k6s or LCR .357. I may drop the LCP in a pocket if carrying a revolver-I would never be able to reload a revolver under severe stress. If I didn't have the 43 with all the holsters, mags, sights invested, I would probably go with the 365. But my LCP Custom would be one of the last guns to sell even though it isn't very expensive. I shoot a 26 better than the 43 and carry it sometimes as well. With the LCP Custom and G 43 I have no need for the 42. But when has "need" kept me from buying a gun

 

According to Ruger, there is no such animal as the LCP 2.

There is the LCP, LCP GEN2, LCP Custom and the LCP II.

 

The G42 loaded with Underwood 90 grain XTP Plus+P's is the only .380 I'd consider carrying and I don't see the point of carrying a 380 that's any larger than a G42 because then you might as well just carry a 9mm.

And the LCP or LCP II is too small to carry with the Underwood Plus+P ammo in terms of reliability, durability, and controllability.

 

On the LCPll it is much better and I am going back and forth about buying one but a bit concerned about it’s safety.

From Ruger's FAQs:

What safety devices are incorporated into the design of the LCP® II?

We put a significant amount of engineering effort into designing a short, crisp LCP® II firing mechanism that also is safe, reliable and consistent. We then verified the design through our robust testing process.

The LCP® II hammer and sear geometry were designed with significant engagement for a positive lockup. The sear is neutrally balanced and under strong spring tension, which helps prevent disengagement during a drop scenario. In the unlikely event that a significant shock to the pistol results in disengagement of the hammer from the sear, the design includes a hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. Our testing has revealed that this design passes all standard tests and is very safe from discharge due to a drop.

Notably, the LCP® II design features a bladed trigger safety that prevents the trigger from moving rearward without intentionally being pulled. Every LCP® II is shipped from the factory with a pocket holster that protects the trigger when properly utilized.

 

I carry the Ruger (pocket) 95% of the time, here in Fla. Added the hogue grip and 7rd mag for better control. Also added a wee bit of stipple, for better weak thumb. I enjoy that mouse gun now

On the rare, cooler days, then the 43 comes along

 

Had the original LCP. Terrible muzzle flip and it took at lot of practice to be able to shoot accurately. Dumped it after I bought a Sig 238. That shoots really well with minimal muzzle flip.

The Glock 43 for me is great. Shoots just as well as any of my larger Glocks. Just finished a range session, 40 rounds, 2 in the 9 ring, 5 in the 10, and the x ring is 80% gone. That's similar to full sized guns for me (albeit at longer ranges)

No experience with the 42, but why carry a .380 when you can carry a 9mm?

 

Mike-M … another advantage of the LCPII is the slide lockback feature when using magazines designed for that model, including the 7-round mag. It really helps in competition and could be a big factor in a gunfight.

 

Just to add some .380 variety:

(This is the new Ft. Smith one on its second outing. Not modern, not hi-cap, no slide release, just blowback, all metal. The only thing 'modern' about it is the feeding is refined; it's digested several types of FMJ plus HSTs, XTPs, and HCD without issue.)
Hoping to pick up a 42 for GSSF purposes and maybe carry; been carrying this or G19.2 depending on layering.

 

You want to help your LCP shoot a bit better, drop in a 11lb recoil spring ditching the 9lb factory. Some even go so far as a 13lb spring, really helps with taming the snap of the recoil.

 

Where do you find those?