^^^^^^^^^^^^^ T H I S ^^^^^^^^^^^^^What do YOU think?
And that's a correct answer.
^^^this^^^ I'd add that the choice might be both situational&seasonal. You have to do your own risk analysisThat is strictly a matter of opinion and no one can really answer it for you. It is good that you carry the LCP- definitely better than nothing. The general rule of thumb is that you should carry the largest caliber with the largest capacity that you will actually carry and are accurate with.
*All* handguns are a compromise. The LCP is definitely one that you are likely to carry based on size/weight/concealability, but has a marginal cartridge, marginal accuracy at range (if you don't have a laser), and marginal capacity. Carrying a spare mag helps, but doesn't cure the other shortcomings. A standard .45 1911, a double stack Glock and every other firearm have different strengths/weaknesses. If a gun is so large/heavy that you will not choose to carry it regularly, then it isn't of much benefit. So, what factors are most important to you? That will help you decide what to carry.
6 rounds of 380 beats a larger gun at home every single day of the week.
6 rounds of 380 also beats a sharp stick every day of the week.
I had a 45 acp fmj do the same thing out of a 1911. My local range had a 55 gallon drum we used for trash and it filled with rain water. I decided on cleanup day that since I did not have a drill I would put a few bullets through the bottom of the barrel so the water would drain out. I put it against the berm open end towards me so the metal would flare out and laid down prone about 10 yards away. The 45 acp out of my handgun was not going through and bouncing back. I never would have thought the round would not go through. Those 55 gallon drum bottoms are very hard, so I would not hold that against the .32 long.And twice on Sunday.
One of the few calibers that would worry me (being under gunned) is .32 Long. I shot a snubbie in that caliber several years ago at the bottom of a 55 gallon drum (burning barrel needs drain holes, .22 LR worked well for this). On the 2nd shot when I realized the rounds were bouncing back at me (and not very fast, the first one I thought a bug flew by) I stopped shooting the .32 at the drum.
Is an LCP enough gun to carry or should I carry something bigger?
I had a 45 acp fmj do the same thing out of a 1911. My local range had a 55 gallon drum we used for trash and it filled with rain water. I decided on cleanup day that since I did not have a drill I would put a few bullets through the bottom of the barrel so the water would drain out. I put it against the berm open end towards me so the metal would flare out and laid down prone about 10 yards away. The 45 acp out of my handgun was not going through and bouncing back. I never would have thought the round would not go through. Those 55 gallon drum bottoms are very hard, so I would not hold that against the .32 long.
The one I shot was empty, I had to dump the water out, then pull the trash out before I could transport it to the berm for an attempt to drill the holes with the .45 acp. It failed, I stopped. Of course there is probably a difference in different 55 gallon drum manufacturers. Someone shipping heavy items may need a stronger bottom than someone shipping something else.I'm thinking filled with water vice empty could make a difference. Sounds like something for the Mythbusters.
Is an LCP enough gun to carry or should I carry something bigger?