Ruger LCP?

[fishboat]

I know zero about guns, other than small game & waterfowl hunting some 40 years ago. I know even less about buying a gun. I've never been arrested in my life, so I doubt there would be any issues on that front.

If one were interested in picking up a used Ruger LCP..where would I find source of used-legal pistols? I'd go used for no other reason than I always look for 'used' first rather than new.

thx..

[Phil T]

You have to buy through a licensed dealer. A handgun cannot be shipped to you. There are a number of used firearm auctions on the web, search for them. But you would likely do as well by shopping at a number of dealerships near your town.

[jigstop]

The best place to buy a used handgun would be at a local dealer or at a gunshow. The expense of buying one on an auction site and having it shipped to a dealer and paying the transer fees and shipping would eat any savings you would get on a gun in this price range. Even if you find a used LCP at a dealer you're not going to save much as they re not very expensive to begin with and they're in enough demand that you're probably only going to be saving $30 or so dollars on a used one versus buying a new one. With that said I would just buy a new one if I were you.

I bought my girlfriend an LCP for Christmas last year and it's a pretty nice litle gun. It's not a precision target gun or anything like that but that's not what you're buying it for either. I would recomend it to anyone wanting a good lowere priced pistol for self protection.

[fishboat]

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to know. It sounds like used isn't worth pursuing...and it looks like there's an older recall, I'd have to dodge any that hadn't been fixed/replaced..new works. I don't need long range accuracy, just good for closer-range...wildlife.

As long as I have your attention...this is for home protection as I live in the country..sort of. They come with a laser-sight option(?)..is it worth it? work well? I imagine it would have to be sighted in?

Also..what ammo? Once I get used to firing it, it will see little, if any use(hopefully).

From what I've read..the LCP seems to be well thought of and inexpensive..should be fine.

[Paul H]

Depending on what state you are in, you can buy used face to face from a private seller, with no transfer through a FFL required.

Ohio, for example requires nothing. Local forums - similar to this, gunlistings.org, etc.


From what I've seen used on a LCP is same or more than a new one. I have one FWIW.

[jigstop]

JUst my opinion but I don't think the laser is worth it. I have a Crimson Trace on my 3" 1911 and find myself using the sights whenever I'm using it and not worrying about the laser. For home protection the distances will be so short it will be more point and shoot than actual aiming. That said a laser is cool on a pistol but if you're trying to keep costs down this is a simple way to do it. You're better off spending the money you would have spent on the laser on more ammo so you are more fmiliar with the gun.

AS for ammo first just find some cheap stuff and shoot the gun a lot to get used to it and to be comfortable with it. Then get some quality self defense ammo, there's so many good ones that brand doesn't really matter. But make sre to shoot a box or two of this ammo out of the gun to make sure that it functions perfectly out of your gun.

[Paul H]

Originally Posted by jigstop

JUst my opinion but I don't think the laser is worth it. I have a Crimson Trace on my 3" 1911 and find myself using the sights whenever I'm using it and not worrying about the laser. For home pa box or two of this ammo out of the gun to make sure that it functions perfectly out of your gun.

Agree - mine has it, at the time it was cheaper with it than without.

FWIW I carry it more than my 9mm as the size is perfect(for m) esp. in the summer.

Lousy trigger pull, snaps like a rattler, but for a carry gun it's fine.

[Phil T]

I'm not impressed with laser sights. they don't show up very well in daylight, and make a nice target in the dark. My wife, however loves hers. Maybe it's and experience thing.

[Duckjunkie194]

Gunsamerica.com and gunbroker.com are both online sites that you can find new and used guns. They will all need to be shipped to a FFL dealer prior to you picking them up. If you are looking at the LCP, take a look at the S&W Bodyguard 380 as well. For about $325-$350 you can get one that comes with a built in laser. For close in work, it shoots pretty well.

[jigstop]

Originally Posted by Duckjunkie194

Gunsamerica.com and gunbroker.com are both online sites that you can find new and used guns. They will all need to be shipped to a FFL dealer prior to you picking them up. If you are looking at the LCP, take a look at the S&W Bodyguard 380 as well. For about $325-$350 you can get one that comes with a built in laser. For close in work, it shoots pretty well.

And don't forget that if you order it off of GB or GA, or anywhere else on-line, you will need to pay shipping ($35-$50 for next day as required by UPS and FedEx on handguns) and a transfer fee for the dealer of $10-$50. Kind of eats up any savings on a gun that sells new for a little over $300 doesn't it?

To the OP, no offense but it doesn't sound like you are extremely knowledgable on handguns. IMHO it would be well worth your time to go to a store that stocks these and handle them along with some different 9mm's in the same range to get a feel for what you like. And remember that stocking those guns cost the stores money so if it costs a couple bucks more to buy one at a place where you can handle them it's well worth it IMHO.