View Full Version : Ruger LCP 2 for IWB CC
I have had a S&W Shield for 5 years. I carry it from time to time IWB. Usually it stays concealed in my vehicle though. I've got a drawer full of holsters and all that. I've tried the softest holsters, the lightest, the thinnest, you name it. I have a couple holsters that I can wear comfortably while standing and walking around all day. But getting in and out of the car, sitting down at a restaurant, or doing anything remotely physical is annoying. I just cannot get comfortable even after days of struggling trying to make myself get used to it.
(FWIW When I'm out in the hills I open carry a G19 in an OWB Safariland holster and love it.)
I want to try a smaller pistol for IWB EDCC. I have a Ruger LCP that my wife carries. I carried that one day and it fits the bill for me being so small and LIGHT.! I think a pocket gun on my hip will be my compromise to have a CCW rather than nothing at all in the name of comfort. However I want to get myself a LCP 2. It is a tad larger and looks like it will handle better than the original LCP.
Reason I want to go with the LCP 2 over a glock 42, or 43 for that matter, is because I don't want to be disappointed again with what feels to me like a bulky and heavy gun for IWB carry. I had it explained to me when comparing the Shield size and weight to the Glock 43; " if you cannot conceal one, you won't be able to conceal the other." I feel this train of though carries over to the 42 as well. If I couldn't comfortably carry the Shield or 43, then I'll have trouble with the 42 as well since it is close to the same specs.
The LCP 2 has great reviews. My LCP has been flawless every time I put a few boxes through it at the ranch. I realize the LCP 2 is in fact a pocket gun. I can carry it in a pocket, but I usually have a phone, keys, pocket knife, sometime a flashlight and whatnot and I don't want a gun in my pocket. I want to EDC IWB a LCP 2.
Does anyone else have experience with carrying a Ruger LCP-2 IWB daily?
Not an LCP, but I carried a P3AT, and then switched to a P32, IWB, for many years. Strong side, underneath a belt pliers holder for a lot of that time. It works well, nothing says they must be a pocket gun. Find a holster that fits your need, and rock it.
I carry the Shield when I can't carry my full size M&P9. Buy baggy bdu cargo style pants and it'll disappear in a pocket. Dress for success.
Only time I carry my LCP is for athletic stuff.
Drifting Fate
09-10-19, 01:10
First, I'd ask if you are using a dedicated gun belt, because if you are not - try one. A well constructed gun belt is not just a heavy leather fashion belt, has torsional rigidity, and helps spread the weight out. When I started carrying concealed I didn't think a belt would make a difference, but now I know better. I'd rather have a very good belt and an average holster than a whiz bang custom holster and an average leather belt.
Second, why do you feel compelled to stick with an IWB for concealment, especially in a fairly gun friendly state? Given an IWB aids in concealment, there are some tight riding OWBs that work very well and will conceal under most clothes, maybe not a t-shirt, but certainly a bloused over-shirt.
As for the gun itself - easier to shoot "well" (it's all relative) than an LCP I and should be reliable enough, but it's a bad-breath range instrument of minimal ballistic capability. While it beats no gun at all, but how much work are you willing to leave on the table because you are really trying to maximize comfort? A Clint Smithism is that a pistol is to be comforting, not comfortable. I find a 5-shot revolver or Shield/G43 is as small as I care to go so I can retain some level of accuracy greater than minute-of-man. YMMV.
Software is more important than hardware, so whatever you land on, at least you are meeting the first rule of a gunfight.
What is uncomfortable? Where do you carry it?
I was going to mention the belt like the previous poster but also pants!
Belts do wonders. But if you're using pants that fit and stay without a belt they'll probably be too tight when something is shoved in the waist. I buy belt and jeans one waist size larger. They will stay up without a belt but I couldn't walk around without holding them up. That adds about an inch or so for whatever gun/holster you're using. If I can't carry all I do is tighten the belt by one hole.
I also found that holsters play a big role. I'm more comfortable with a hybrid type with two clips spread out and not next to each other or just one big one. This allows the weight to be spread out more. If you're the type to be taking it on and off all day it is a bit of a pain on the ass.
The most comfortable spot I found was right behind the hip around the 8 o'clock position. For you right handed people that would be around the 4 o'clock position.
I carry a G19 every day, all day, winter, summer, cold, sweltering heat, rain, physical activity...etc. I don't even know it's there and often forget I even have a gun. The only time it becomes an issue is when laying down on your back to do something. Like if you're crawling under your car or under your dashboard.
As far as the LCP goes. I have the 1st Gen Ruger custom shop or whatever they call it. It has a slightly better trigger (marginally), and real sights instead of the revolver style rear notch and front ramp. It is for pocket carry when absolutely necessary. Usually for formal wear. The gun shoots fine and has been reliable but it's not something I put a ton of ammo through. It is snappy and becomes unpleasant after a few mags.
The LCP is so small I'm not sure how it would work in an IWB holster.
I wish you luck. I have no suggestions, as IWB behind the hip simply does not work for me. I either carry AIWB, OWB, or (rarely) in a pocket. I've tried just about every variety of holster out there in every type of material, but there's something about having a gun under my belt back there for more than a couple of hours that drives me absolutely insane.
MountainRaven
09-10-19, 11:17
I don't understand wanting to carry what is essentially a pocket pistol anywhere other than the pocket.
I don't understand how something as small as a Shield could possibly be uncomfortable to carry, unless you're doing so with poorly designed belts and/or holsters.
I don't think that you're going to find carrying an LCP IWB any more comfortable than an M&P Shield.
If you cannot carry the Shield comfortably IWB and you are using a good quality holster and belt, I would try carrying the Shield OWB with a good quality belt and holster.
What I don't think several of you folks are factoring into your suggestions is that not everyone is built the same, so what works for one person may not work for another.
After reading several of these threads I've come to the conclusion that there are enough members that collectively we have experience with just about every holster and belt system you can imagine. What is generally missing is a good idea of the person asking for advice's build. This is a long roundabout way of saying maybe some pictures of the person's waist area would help.
As far as the merits of the LCP's, I have an LCP that I routinely pocket carry. I also shoot it fairly often because it is pretty much what I carry. For some reason I also like shooting it, largely because I shoot it well. The sights are okay for what the pistol is made for. The trigger is not the greatest, but I grew up as a shooter using DA revolvers, so it is manageable.
I use the 100gr Sig Elite for carry.
Thanks for the replies thus far.
I’m appreciate some of y’alls concern about me carrying a “pocket pistol” on my hip. But it’s about my last option I feel. I started this thread 6 years ago and have still not reached a conclusion with any of my compacts or sub compacts in any type of holster I can find.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?140530-I-m-too-skinny-to-CCW&highlight=
So I’m going to pursue a pocket pistol for myself since my wife’s LCP pistol rides my hip well and I actually carry it; on hip and in pocket. That being said I want my own LCP 2 or Bodyguard. Both have a tiny bit more heft and size than the LCP. Not much, but it’s side by side noticeable. Just about every manufacturer makes a left side iwb holster for either BG or LCP2.
The bodyguard has entered my list after I handled one today at Academy. Really like it’s feel, the finger grove accommodates my hand well. Also, more importantly, I can manipulate the slide and mag releases easily with my left hand. I have to use two hands to manipulate the controls on either of the LCP’s. The BG also has a SS slide and barrel which is preferred because I am around saltwater A LOT. I just have to decide if the extra two ounces and horrible trigger of the S&W will keep me from enjoying to carry it. It’s a gamble for sure.
LCP 2
or
Bodyguard 380 for about $40 more and I’ll want to improve trigger then add night sights.
Buy the LCP2 and don't look back. You will be pleased with it! It is a significant improvement over the original LCP. I have carried one on occasion iwb and it's fine. I carry it more often as pocket carry in a Desantis Nemesis holster.
Bodyguard 380 for about $40 more and I’ll want to improve trigger then add night sights.
If you get the Bodyguard, this trigger makes a huge improvement.
https://gallowayprecision.com/smith-and-wesson/bodyguard-380/santiago-short-stroke-trigger-kit-for-bodyguard-380/
If you get the Bodyguard, this trigger makes a huge improvement.
https://gallowayprecision.com/smith-and-wesson/bodyguard-380/santiago-short-stroke-trigger-kit-for-bodyguard-380/
So I went all in on the BG. No cash out of my pocket.
I had a XDm 40 that I simply don’t use. Bought it used 10 years ago to have a platform in 40, but I don’t have any holsters for it, and I always shoot my 9mm’s before 40 anyways. (Sometimes I want to be committed to 9mm, but others I want to have a 40 around in case 9mm is not available, but that’s another topic. If ones unavailable then the other probably would be too)
So I traded the XDm for a brand new Bodyguard. Idea is that although the BG will be less comfortable to shoot then anything else I own, I should actually use it more since it will be my carry gun. Looking into the Galloway trigger. Thanks.
sundance435
09-13-19, 11:37
I had an LCP that was boringly reliable but the trigger is possibly the worst I've ever shot. Sold it and got an LCP II. Trigger is much better, but I couldn't get through an entire mag without a jam. Tried maybe 75 rounds through it and it did not get any better. I could've sent it to Ruger, but I sold it for a small loss. I'm thinking of getting another one, though, because I haven't found anything better for when I pocket carry. Overall, despite my experience, I would still rather have an LCP II or LCP than a Bodyguard.
That said, a good gun belt makes a world of difference, even if you're only carrying the LCP II.
Marine Corporal
09-13-19, 21:33
I have an LCP 2 and carry it in itÂ’s included holster IWB when I need to 100 percent not print at all and also when IÂ’m just going to walk the dog with shorts and no belt. I forget itÂ’s there IWB compared to my normal EDC Glock 26.
I had an LCP that was boringly reliable but the trigger is possibly the worst I've ever shot. Sold it and got an LCP II. Trigger is much better, but I couldn't get through an entire mag without a jam. Tried maybe 75 rounds through it and it did not get any better. I could've sent it to Ruger, but I sold it for a small loss. I'm thinking of getting another one, though, because I haven't found anything better for when I pocket carry. Overall, despite my experience, I would still rather have an LCP II or LCP than a Bodyguard.
That said, a good gun belt makes a world of difference, even if you're only carrying the LCP II.
What ammo where you using. IÂ’ve only used Fiocchi FMJ which is a tad bit hotter than American.380 and it hasnÂ’t had not one malfunction.
Just picked up a BG and ran it today.
I have a LCP, gen 2, so I think sights and trigger were improved from the very first LCP.
The LCP II supposedly has better trigger, same sights. I’ve handled one in store, never shot one.
Now that I own a BG let me say this:
They are all so close to the same size that you can conceal any of them any way you want. The spec weights are all pretty true to what the manufacturers say (according to my digital food scale.) LCP shows 0.2oz heavier, BG shows 0.1 oz lighter than spec sheets.
They both carry the exact same. Can’t tell what’s on my hip or in my pocket between the two.
I prefer to shoot the BG as it fits my hand better. I happen to like the finger groove. I do not mind the long trigger. By no means am I a pistol pro, but I find the BG take up and brake to be very doable. It brakes and goes bang exactly when I expect it to every time. I can keep my hand steady through the takeup without a problem for 50 rounds or so. Fatigue sets in after that and I get wiggle during the take up.
I like the DOA trigger because I can repeatedley pull the trigger while sitting on the couch with an empty gun so as to practice with my CCW. Perhaps brake in the trigger some as well. (With the LCP you have to rack the slide for every dry fire trigger squeeze)
The LCP has just as long of a take up, although it is a lighter take up. But then the brake is just plain mushy. I still shoot it well for what it is.
The one and only spec that pissed me off about the BG was that it is supposed to have a SS slide and barrel. According to magnets, they are NOT stainless. Fail by S&W website! But it’s still a good pistol. I might make a thread about this issue after I talk to S&W customer service to see what the deal is. Maybe they switched to an alloy when armalite finishing came out. ? Maybe it’s some special cold forged grade of stainless from outer space that still attracts magnets . ? Don’t know, but the lil pistol works well.
sundance435
09-16-19, 10:27
What ammo where you using. I’ve only used Fiocchi FMJ which is a tad bit hotter than American.380 and it hasn’t had not one malfunction.
For carry ammo I was using XTPs, which I know can be problematic. It was also jamming on FMJ - Winchester, IIRC.
MountainRaven
09-16-19, 14:15
Maybe it’s some special cold forged grade of stainless from outer space that still attracts magnets .
Stainless steel used in firearms manufacture is still ferrous.
Go to your LGS with a magnet and ask to handle any stainless steel firearm(s) you want and you'll very rapidly learn that they are all ferrous. That is, they all attract a magnet.
Marine Corporal
09-18-19, 18:37
For carry ammo I was using XTPs, which I know can be problematic. It was also jamming on FMJ - Winchester, IIRC.
Winchester’s have flat points right? Give round nose a try. Personally I’m not a fan of holler points in .380 so I couldn’t really tell you what’s worked for me.
If you’re looking at the LCP, take a hard look at the LC9S Pro. I think it carries the same, but you get 9mm.
Been carrying the bodyguard for two weeks now and loving it. I like shooting it more than my LCP.
That LC9S Pro is my next interest.
150 rounds through the bodyguard today. 6 steel targets, 6 rounds per mag drills. I had a couple of ftf’s on the last round. A quick recognition of this followed by a simple press on the back of the slide with my off hand thumb got me through the drill.
Still loving the bodyguard. It’s everything I want it to be.
150 rounds through the bodyguard today. 6 steel targets, 6 rounds per mag drills. I had a couple of ftf’s on the last round. A quick recognition of this followed by a simple press on the back of the slide with my off hand thumb got me through the drill.
Still loving the bodyguard. It’s everything I want it to be.
I shot a buddies Bodyguard a bit, and overall liked it.
One issue they can have is the hammer doesn't swing properly on its axis/pin.
Sometimes it doesnt matter, sometimes it drags the hammer enough on the slide to cause light hits. My buddies gun had the scrapes on one side from contact, but it wasnt enough to cause a problem.
That may be the problem with yours. It's easy to tell.
I've had many pocket guns.
Oh, you meant failure to feed! Well then the problem is something else. 🙂
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