Ruger LCP - Mag Extension (with or without)?

[KahrGuy]

Question for LCP owners: Do you pocket carry & train/practice exclusively with LCP magazine extension (factory or Pearce) or do you have reasons / preference to carry, train, &/or practice without any extensions. Also, do you have Crimson Trace installed & does this make a difference in your decision?

Looking forward to 1st range visit with my new LCP this weekend. I may even be lucky enough to receive my Crimson Trace & Leather Pocket Holster from PocketHolsters.com by then! My LCP came only with one magazine (w/extra, optional mag extension plate). I've purchased 2 additional magazines now, but unfortunately both are standard w/out extension. Dry fire practice (w/Snap Caps) with and without mag extensions has led me to near certainty that I'll be carrying & practicing only with extension installed! Unless the Crimson Trace alters the grip ergonomics to change my initial findings, I will definitely be taking the regular mags back and replacing only with factory extension mags (Pearce extensions seemed much bigger compared to factory extensions). They're same price but may be out of stock.

[USA1]

I use the factory extension on mine. I believe it aids in controlling recoil during firing.
I also purchased a second factory mag and it included the optional extension in the packaging.

[flb_78]

I don't use the "extension". It hits me in the middle of my middle finger and makes it even more uncomfortable to shoot then it normally is. I do have the Crimson Trace and it does not affect how you hold the gun.

[chartreuse]

I don't use the "extension". It hits me in the middle of my middle finger and makes it even more uncomfortable to shoot then it normally is. I do have the Crimson Trace and it does not affect how you hold the gun.

Conversely, the extension fits my hand just great, so now I use the mag with it as the primary and keep the one without as a backup.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

I have practiced with mine both with and without the finger extension and find it more comfortable without. I also find that the extension sits wierd on my finger and puts my hand in an unnatural position. As far as the crimson trace goes, I never got a chance to shoot mine without it as I ourchased it before the gun. As far as I can tell though, the activation button has little effect on the demensions of the grip. Additionally, the finger extension is one more than to snag if pocket carried.

[flb_78]

I don't use the "extension". It hits me in the middle of my middle finger and makes it even more uncomfortable to shoot then it normally is. I do have the Crimson Trace and it does not affect how you hold the gun.

Conversely, the extension fits my hand just great, so now I use the mag with it as the primary and keep the one without as a backup.

Yep, fits your hand rather well compared to my bear paws.

Moral of the story is, try it both ways and see which one works best for you. If you like the extension baseplate over the regular, just order a couple extra baseplates and change em out.

[NcongruNt]

I have mag extensions for all my carry mags. I have some practice mags with it as well. I have found that I can keep much better control towards the end of the trigger pull when using a magazine with the extension. My shots are more inclined to go low without it.

I see you're in Cedar Park. If you're interested in trying one out, I'm in Austin and perhaps we could coordinate some range time.

[KahrGuy]

Thanks for the quick responses! If the extension isn't going to cause pinching to what I can best describe as an engagement finger (right hand), the dry fire practice I've done thus far concludes extension offers much better control & confidence. From the messages I've seen & warnings from others that this IS a hand canon (different world from G26), I'll need all the help I can get (next to using boxing wrap) with keeping this thing in my hands! Of course, those videos from Nutnfancy & others sure may it seem like a bb gun when firing!

I'm not going to use the extra mags I bought before taking back or exchanging (can always try both ways with the magazine & extra extension plate that came w/weapon, but can't see how it'll get any "better" in comfort with live firing - when compared to dry firing)! I'm most concerned with the pocket carry (right-front) impact by having that extra triangle/point added. That's something that may, over time, grow more and more ... or ... less and less of an issue - so wanting a few more comments on that comfort & printing factor as well.

I can't believe I'm actually questioning comfort & printing here with this tiny little guy, but guess I want to try and get this right the first time. Have enough holsters & accessories collecting dust already!

[cowboymd]

With my big hands, the extensions made a world of difference. More control having the extra finger for grip. 1 mag with the factory, 2 with the Pearce extensions.

[USA1]

From the messages I've seen & warnings from others that this IS a hand canon

I find that recoil is not too much of an issue as long as you have a good firing grip.

As far as pocket carry, I use a DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster like this one. You can get one for about $20

[NcongruNt]

For pocket carry, it's a non-issue. All surfaces of that extension are rounded, so there's no increased snag factor.

In fact, I'd say it makes it easier to deploy from a pocket, because you can get a more positive grip on the gun to draw.

[Embalmo]

I borrowed one from a friend and was disappointed because it doesn't touch the pinky, but instead catches the ring finger and causes a separation between those 2 fingers that I find uncomfortable. My Bersas both have magazine extenders that catch the pinky, which I find ideal. My attitude is: If it doesn't catch all the fingers, it's just in the way. I was curious to see if the Pierce +2 extender would solve the problem, but the pics show it as unreasonably large. Anyone here ever use a Pierce +2?

Embalmo

[StewNTexas]

I am a little confused by the terms being used. With my LCP I did get what I call a finger extension base from Ruger. It does not increase the number of rounds, only improves my grip.

I then bought two Pearce 'magazine bottoms' that have a bit more space and curve below the bottom of the stock magazine. After trying both of them, I decided on the Ruger one. It just fits my hand better.

A friend has the actual magazine extension that allow the loading of two additional rounds. I do not like how they feel, so I have not made a purchase.

Now I just need to locate one additional Ruger model for my second magazine.