Range Report 03/13/2010 - Ruger LCP (+CT Zeroing)

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KahrGuy
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Range Report 03/13/2010 - Ruger LCP (+CT Zeroing)

#1

Post by KahrGuy »

Well, the time finally came today when I could get some range time w/my new pocket friend, Ruger LCP w/Crimson Trace Lasergrip. :woohoo Visited Eagle Peak in Leander mid-day w/not a cloud in the sky. Overall, I'm very pleased with this pocket protector and accuracy, performance, comfort, & post-trauma (so far) has well exceeded my expectations :thumbs2:

First off, this is my first time 1) ever shooting "any" .380, ever shooting a true pocket pistol (G26 closest), ever laser-zeroing any pistol, and ever even shooting a pistol w/Laser, and ever taking this little guy outside w/leather pocket holster (shwew) - so here's to being nervous :cheers2: !

Get to the 7 yard bench and quickly unconceal, drop mag, clear, & lay LCP on bench (not much different that usual w/G26). After unpacking everything else (including allen key for CT adjustments), posting targets, etc., I'm ready to roll. I decided to load 2 mags w/3 shots each to determine some groupings - knowing that laser is probably quite a bit off from beginning... After 1st shot, my first reaction was releaf that I still had a hand (given some of the comments I've been seeing) - followed by another sigh of relief to still have LCP firmly in my hands and ready (as oppose to the 90-180 degrees jerk I was expecting)! My second shot literally touched the 1st shot :eek6 and right then & there, I knew that I not only made the right decision here, but was likely going to have opportunity to eventually train to be deadly accurate (at least 7 yards in) with this weapon (as with G26). 3rd & final shot was about a inch away from first 2 shots - but may be been a quick over-confident trigger pull. Definitely did not like LCP not keeping slide open on last shot - even though I knew this, was expecting this, and actually thought it was better this way in self-defense situations (never let'em know your out). I found the slide lock difficult to put in place - and found myself basically doing all kinds of circus acts (next to putting my foot up on the bench) to get this little thing locked throughout my session today!

Next 3 shots were similar - so decided, let start attempts to zero. Wouldn't you know it that within about 9-12 more rounds, I had this LCP shooting inner-most bullseye with an emphasis to upper right. So being the perfectionist that I am, I say, let's go ahead and attempt perfect, dead center! This was my mistake! I got the thing so messed up (going the wrong way), that I eventually got to the point where the dosh-garn thing wouldn't even hit any ring on the target :grumble ! Decided, time for square one again - and with no ammo in, decided to zero weapon in on exactly what I'd consider matching with factory sites. This was close, but definitely not inner-most bullseye. Took another few tweaks and I was back in business - pretty much same as before, but this time only right emphasis - not upper right... I said that's enough adjustment for today and will see how next range session goes - time for fun in sun :fire .

Overall, I went through a box of 50 CCI Speer Lawman 95 gr TMJ .380 ammo + 6 Hornady Critical Defense ammo (http://www.hornady.com/images/sell_shee ... efense.pdf) and hit dead-center, inner-most bullseye many times throughout these rounds. There were times where I had shots that were up to 1.5-2" off, but I believe these will be corrected as I gain more comfort & confidence in the long, yet pretty smooth-consistent trigger travel (unlike Glock where it's more like apply such 5.5lbs pressure and it fires w/little travel at all). I also found that there were times when I couldn't even put laser on target until I first found target with factory sites - need more point & shoot practice I guess! Surely this laser shooting adjustment will be good point-shoot experience if done properly.

A word about the magazines... I used only the factory ruger magazines with factory finger extender - loved them. Absolutely no pinching of ring finger - in any way, shape or form. Also, they were a breeze to load/unload. Much easier than Glock double-stack magazine loading. Ok - here we go with more circus acts... I found myself using more of a thumb & index finger combination trick to lock these mags into place... I tried many times (even at home) using palm of off hand to drive in magazine, but at least 1/2 the time, the magazine simply wouldn't travel to furthestmost point. found that thumb & index finger pressure (w/off hand) was necessary to secure magazine into place for 100% success in seating. A bit embarrasing to do this with typical experts & instructors around - just know they'll lean into me with this unconventional approach (removes the slap from slap, rack, bang :leaving )...

In terms of laser - I had absolutely no problems seeing red dot on targets in broad daylight. I definitely thought that would have been harder - and was contemplating going to Red's Indoor Range for a bit darker setting. Glad I went near home (Eagle Peak) because it was great - and I could take all the time I needed zeroing ($10 all day vs. $14/hr).

One more thing (thanks for hanging in there this long)... About 80% into my box of 50 .380, I decide to shoot off about 10-15 rounds on G26. Wow what a different feel that G26 was - I actually was getting so use to the LCP that I didn't really want to shoot much more than 10 through the Glock - couldn't wait to get back to LCP & Laser (more-so because I know now that I'll be carrying the LCP 90+% of time with these results) and want to train myself to get as close to my G26 comfort, feel, & accuracy as possible).

Thanks to all who have posted their reviews of the LCP :tiphat: . I'm so happy that I made the decision to purchase (both LCP & CT Laser). I'm confident this will make its way to being my primary civilian CCW in most conditions. I would much rather be armed as 24x7 vs. saying let's just leave the Glock in car/home for this event this time...
Last edited by KahrGuy on Sun Mar 14, 2010 1:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
KahrGuy
CHL January 2010

gtrman66
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Re: Range Report 03/13/2010 - Ruger LCP (+CT Zeroing)

#2

Post by gtrman66 »

Thanks for the report!
1/9/10 CHL Class
2/2/10 Packet Sent
2/4/10 Delivery Confirmation
2/18/10 Pin Received "Processing Application"
3/4/10 Application Completed - license issued or certificate active
3/13/10 Plastic in Hand!!!
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KahrGuy
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Re: Range Report 03/13/2010 - Ruger LCP (+CT Zeroing)

#3

Post by KahrGuy »

Congrats on the plastic gtrmann66 :clapping: !
KahrGuy
CHL January 2010

gtrman66
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Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 114
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:20 pm
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Re: Range Report 03/13/2010 - Ruger LCP (+CT Zeroing)

#4

Post by gtrman66 »

Thanks! If I can find a few boxes of 380, I'm going to get either an LCP or TCP. Range reports like yours help out. I'm hoping someone has one on a TCP soon.
1/9/10 CHL Class
2/2/10 Packet Sent
2/4/10 Delivery Confirmation
2/18/10 Pin Received "Processing Application"
3/4/10 Application Completed - license issued or certificate active
3/13/10 Plastic in Hand!!!

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Re: Range Report 03/13/2010 - Ruger LCP (+CT Zeroing)

#5

Post by Greybeard »

Good report.

FWIW, ya, with the CT grips, I've found it's often best to get the things as close to zeroed as practical by first benching the gun and using the itty bitty allen wrench and the open sights to get the dot as close as practical to where it's supposed to be. Then load up, shoot a group, then move the laser to the center of the group. This method can often save lots of (expensive ;-) .380) ammo.
CHL Instructor since 1995
http://www.dentoncountysports.com "A Private Palace for Pistol Proficiency"
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