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Taurus TCP vs Ruger LCP – 3,000 Rounds Fired

Taurus TCP vs Ruger LCP
  • June 2, 2023

As soon as the .380 pistols hit the market, we knew we could trust our lives on these babies. The Taurus TCP vs Ruger LCP .380 pocket pistols have the right weight and bulge to carry and conceal no matter what garment or gear you’re wearing. But could one be better than the other?

Ruger LCP & Taurus TCP - What are the Differences?

While we find LCP Ruger reasonably-priced for its caliber, Taurus TCP is cheaper when it comes to pricing. When it comes to design, Taurus TCP looks slightly better. During our shooting test, though, Ruger LCP’s grip felt better, especially with the magazine extension that allows your finger to rest.

However, LCP’s trigger didn’t feel quite right as we think it’s pushed too far. TCP’s trigger was impressive as we found it smooth and light. Taurus TCP’s slide movement was more precise as the slide was conveniently locked back after the last round. On the other hand, the slide serrations on the LCP Ruger is not as well-manufactured. The slide also didn’t lock after the final round was fired. 

Specification Chart

Taurus TCP

  • Brand: Taurus
  • Model: 738 TCP
  • Height: 3.7 in
  • Weight: 10.2 oz
  • Length: 5.2 in
  • Trigger: DAO
  • Barrel: 2.8 in
  • Calibers: 380 ACP
  • Capacities: 6 +1 (380 ACP)
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Ruger LCP

  • Brand: Ruger
  • Model: LCP
  • Height: 3.6 in
  • Weight: 9.6 oz
  • Length: 5.16 in
  • Trigger: DAO
  • Barrel: 2.75 in
  • Calibers: 380 ACP
  • Capacities: 6 +1 (380 ACP)
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Similar Features

At first glance, both the TCP Taurus and LCP Ruger have the same size that you can barely see the differences. As to specifications, they also have the same caliber, trigger, and capacity. They have an almost similar length, height, and barrel. Both Taurus and Ruger models also work rather similarly when it comes to loading and magazine release.

In-Depth Comparison

Design & Ergonomics

The Taurus TCP pistol has a more modern and attractive design, so in the design aspect, we like the TCP compared to Ruger LCP, although Ruger doesn’t look bad. We were more concerned with how they would feel as concealed carry pistols. Surprisingly, the Taurus TCP felt good in our hands. But while the grip fits nicely, we think it lacks the finger rest on the magazine. Ruger LCP, on the other hand, feels more solid when it comes to ergonomics. We are impressed with how the magazine extension allows our fingers to rest, making the grip feel better.

Taurus TCP & LCP Ammunition

Both TCP Taurus and LCP Ruger .380 pistols hold six rounds in the magazine.

With an available extended grip magazine, both can also hold 7 plus one round, making it 8.

Many find the extended magazine harder to conceal carry, but we think it adds a substantial length to make the grip better and more comfortable to hold on to.

If you’re looking for rifle ammo, why not check out 308 vs 458 SOCOM here?

Tarus TCP Ammo

Reliability

When it comes to Taurus TCP vs Ruger LCP reliability, we were impressed with both. Both delivered well and even went beyond what we expected when we tested at 100 rounds. However, we decided to test further and continued shooting up to 50 rounds. Even at its filthy state, the Taurus TCP didn’t fail us. It fired all 50 rounds, and we were completely sold at that point.

Accuracy of TCP & Ruger LCP

Shooting both Ruger LCP and Taurus TCP pocket pistols is as expected insofar as accuracy is concerned. We didn’t really notice a significant difference between the two handguns. The recoil was a bit noticeable, but we still found it manageable. The follow-up shots were also easy to perform.

Trigger

The trigger on the Taurus TCP is a work of art, in our opinion. It’s light, smooth, and just the right size that we’re looking for. For a double-action-only gun, we were surprised to find a trigger this impressive, and within an affordable price range, too. With the Ruger LCP, we find the trigger weird and uncomfortable, to the point of being toy-like. It’s pushed forward too much that there’s no more space available for the firing finger. The trigger’s surface area is quite limited, as well.

If you want to try your hand at striker-fired handguns, check out this blog on Glock 43 vs Walther PPS M2.

LCP Ruger vs TCP Taurus Pricing

You’ll find both Ruger LCP and Taurus TCP to be reasonably-priced. It’s not every day you get to see semi-auto pistols within the $300 price range during special sales. Either way, both come at an amazing value. However, we find the TCP Taurus to be a good steal, considering the impressive specifications and features that come with it.

Sights - Ruger LCP or TCP Taurus?

As to the sights, we find the Taurus TCP to have a slighter edge. We find the sights sharper compared to Ruger LCP. The sights are thoroughly fixed along with the standard front setup and two posts on the rear. Although they’re not adjustable, acquiring your target is easy as the pistol points itself seamlessly and naturally.

Slide Operation

The slide serrations on the Ruger LCP do not render a strong gripping surface. We were not impressed at all with the slide movement, as we didn’t find it to be precise enough when tested on the range. The slide also doesn’t lock back after the last round. With the Taurus TCP, we like how the slide serrations feel good. It’s easy to grab hold and pull back. The slide is smooth, and the movement when you rack the slide is very precise. Another added feature is the loaded chamber indicator, which we also found remarkable.
Taurus TCP Slide

Ruger LCP Pros & Cons

PROS

  • A bit lighter than Taurus TCP
  • Reasonably-priced
  • Manageable recoil
  • Solid and ergonomic grip

CONS

  • Long trigger pull
  • Slide operation isn't smooth
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Taurus TCP Pros & Cons

PROS

  • More profound sights
  • Short trigger pull
  • Cheaper than Ruger LCP
  • Smooth and precise slide operation

CONS

  • Lacks finger rest on the magazine
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Taurus TCP or Ruger LCP: Here’s Our Pick

When we tested Taurus TCP vs Ruger LCP on the range, we found both .380 concealed carry pistols to be functional and reliable. But there are unique differences that make the TCP stand out. Aside from the more modern look, we are impressed with its excellent trigger, smooth slide lock, and very profound sights. Not to mention that it’s cheaper by around $50 when compared to LCP Ruger. We recommend you take a look at Taurus TCP if you’re in the market for a new pocket handgun. 

Are you looking for more concealed carry pistols? Read about Glock 19 and HK P2000 here.

Taurus TCP 738

Our #1 Recommendation

Taurus TCP

  • Cheaper price range
  • Impressive slide lock
  • Reliable and accurate sights
  • Smooth and light trigger
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