Posted on 10/25/2018 10:11:02 AM PDT by Paul R.
What are FReeper's thoughts on the Ruger LCP .380 vs. the Taurus Spectrum .380 as a trail gun? I am looking for something fairly small and light, with decent punch, but decent quality, to carry in a backpack while hiking, fishing, etc. Budget is limited to around $200. I might spring for a 2nd magazine to keep snakeshot* charges in, the 1st would get hollow points.
I have looked at and briefly handled a Ruger LCP .380: Size, weight, and "feel" are all good for me. Reviews seem to indicate it is very reliable and not ammo picky. The Taurus Spectrum .380 I have not handled, and found far fewer reviews online. OTOH, Taurus has a good rebate goping now, and final price on a Spectrum .380 looks like it will be $20-$25 less than the Ruger.
*9 out of 10 venemous snakes will retreat given a chance (or you simply go around them), but I have run into a couple situations "otherwise":
Copperheads are unfortunately intolerable in areas frequented by people who bring young kids along.
In one case I had a large copperhead simply refuse to let go of my stringer of fish. He got the radical Muslim action (machete to the neck), but I was a bit uncomfortable at that proximity with a poisonous snake that big. (35" is an QUITE large copperhead!)
Then of course there are "poisonous" humans -- I've never run into a situation where I felt I was in danger such that I needed a firearm, but, "stuff" obviously does happen, and my wife really worries aboput me when I go off to some semi-remote spot...
I have the Ruger and works fine.
In my opinion you would be far better served with a .38 Special revolver. Taurus makes pretty good ones at very reasonable prices with the same Taurus warranty. A great variety of loads are available for the .38 Spl, including shot shells and hard hitting +p hollow points for two legged varmints and hard cast solids for small to medium beasties.
I live in Alaska so I carry something a bit heavier on my walks in the woods. Absent the need to defend against bears, I think a .38 Special with a 3 or 4 inch barrel, even a 2 inch snubbie (If you can hit with it) would be just the ticket, and far superior to a small autoloader.
I have a Taurus 380 and a LC9S. No complaints with either. I carry the one I am in the mood for that day. Its big but when I am in the woods it is the Taurus Judge on my hip.
I was pretty much kidding about the pink. My daughters is pink which works for her.
I like the glow in the dark idea.
Ruger you have so much better chance of getting one out of the box that works.
1. the Ruger is better. you can get the original one for less than $200 right now. it’s a great piece. the taurus could be had for $130 in recent months. size is everything in these; the taurus is a little bigger
2. these are underwear/swimming trunks/pajama guns, not trail guns. last resort with zero excuse for not carrying
3. for the trail you need something bigger. please go up to $300 and you will have great options - canik, s&w, just plenty of options for $300 these days. get something that holds at least 15 9mm rounds.
for $200, get the Taurus Millennium G2. No competition at this price.
when I was younger I loved taking a daily hike through a trail through the woods.
I usually stuck a Walther PP in .22LR in my pocket along with a spare mag. I like the .380 but the .22 is better as a trail gun.
You don’t mind stopping and plinking at odds and ends and carrying 25 or so extra cartridges is nothing. Also the .22 kicks quite a bit less.
Sometimes if I was more serious, I would carry an old Beretta model 951 in 9mm. It was light and the single stack mag made it pocketable in a large pocket.
I went with a Bersa firestorm 380. It just feels perfect in my hand. I will be carrying it on the trail also. Get what fits you. The Bersa is basically a wathler ppk look a like. You know, James Bonds gun. I think it was like $280.
I have the LCP 380. I don’t think of it as a trail gun, but it a great little carry pistol as protection against two legged predators. Love it. Has never failed.
Between those two, definitely the Ruger. I’ve been wanting to get a Glock 42 for a while.
For two legged threats either would be fine. Although I don’t think you are going to get a good cycle on the snake shot loads with an automatic, probably a lot of ftf’s.
I would suggest for the $200 price range a Taurus model 85 ultra light. You could carry a snake load for your first shot which from personal experience is a very effective snake load, I have taken MANY with this round. Plus you can load the other four chambers with a good .38+P JHP for self-defense.
I have a Ruger 9mm and my grandfather’s S&W .38 (circa 1920s/30s & uses .38 Special ammo). for commonality of ammunition, would it make sense to get the Ruger LC380 in 9mm rather than .380? Thanks for your replies.
If you plan on using shotshells for snakes, do some research to make sure your particular semi-auto model will cycle the rounds you intend to use.
Revolvers have no trouble cycling them. ;)
My thoughts on the subject?
Get a real gun.
Outside the options given, neither of those are trail guns and would be unsuitable except as backup to a trail gun.
I have never handled the Taurus but I like the Ruger LCP. However, I would rather have a little better punch so I carry a Diamondback DB9 9mm. If recoil is not an issue the added power could be beneficial. It also comes with 2 magazines.
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