Compact firearms immediately bring the Sig Sauer P238 and Ruger LCP to mind as popular carry guns. While I’ve never had a chance to shoot a Sig P238, my time with the Ruger LCP since 2019 sets up a good comparison table.
The Ruger LCP has been carried out since 2019 and is truly a model of convenience and reliability. I used to carry a Walther PPK/S, an effective firearm but a little large for pocket carry at about 25 ounces loaded. In contrast, the LCP is much smaller and lighter, so it makes for an ideal self-defense firearm to carry every day. Its use is so facile that it takes more work to exclude it than to drop it into a pocket, and thus it is with you everywhere, even in the house.
Some reports have circulated questioning the LCP’s durability, specifically rail cracking. These, however, always have a relationship with the use of overpressure loads, like Buffalo Bore’s “.380 ACP +P” rounds, outside of SAAMI specifications and which the LCP is not rated for. At a minimum, those reporting rail cracking frequently admit to using these overpressure loads, when their previous, often larger and heavier, firearms could handle such ammunition. The takeaway from all this is to avoid unofficial “+P” factory loads or overpressure hand loads in the LCP to reap maximum longevity from the pistol.
It’s good to know that Ruger stands by their customer service. They will replace any LCP with slide rail failure. It gives peace of mind to those who choose an LCP for concealed carry needs.
Oppositely, Sticky Holsters—a company started in 2010 by a former SWAT officer—provides versatility and reliability for carry solutions in everyday carry. Their holsters are made in the USA and sport a new self-securing mounting system based on compression in the waistband or friction in the pocket. This enables easy access and a smooth draw on the handgun. Coming in more than 20 different sizes, Sticky Holsters provide a snug fit for many handguns out there, including options for light and laser systems.
Their exterior is crafted from a soft, supple synthetic rubber that offers quite an impressive grip without feeling sticky to the touch. This material holds the holster in place, making for quite a secure and rather reliable option for concealed carry.
At the very end, the Ruger LCP and Sticky Holsters are both practical and viable products to help anyone effectively and efficiently carry the smallest of pistols. The LCP has its lightweight design and par excellence Ruger customer service, while Sticky Holster gives one a versatile way to carry many handguns in a very secure method.