Originally Posted by
Oldtimr
While a .380 is better than nothing, I want something stouter than that if my life may depend on it. For a gun you are going to carry for protection, price should not be one of the foremost reasons to buy it. You will only have to buy it once, buy the best you can afford and handle a bunch before you buy one.
I couldn't agree more. I would choose S&W Shield 9mm over the LCP. Much more solid firearm. Use your Gander bucks for ammo to get familiar with your new pistol and a holster. You won't be wasting any money.
Last thought is find a range with rental pistols and maybe they will have the pistols you are interested in available for rental.