A sub-compact, or 'pocket' pistol. I was thinking that a .380 is better than not carrying anything, but I've heard people calling the recoil 'snappy'. With the lower velocity I was wondering how recoil would compare to a 9mm sub compact. How about muzzle blast? My wife would probably use it. I''m also looking at the small 9s, but the .380 is more in my budget. I would carry a 'J' frame, but the cost vs firepower vs short barrel makes me think a revolver isn't my best choice. A semi holds more rounds and a 9 is app. equal to a .38 special as far as power goes. The revolvers COST about 1/3 more unless I could find a real 'beater' gun. I don't care a thing about looks or even material. Blue steel and plastic is just fine.

It's only going to be fired at the range enough for familiarity and to test reliability. It will be a carry gun and back up for home defense.

I'm looking at:

Shield (of course) My dream carry gun) and Bodyguard .380???
Glock 26, 42
Ruger SR9c,Lc9, LCP
Taurus TP708, 738TCP
Keltec P-11, P3AT
Kahr PM9, P380

MAYBE an S&W model 60

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

How much money do you want to spend on this piece?

Don't overlook the Taurus 9mm PT111 G2. Palmetto State Armory still has them on clearance for $240. I think Palmetto has a store in your home state. I have 2 PT111 G2's, and they both have been reliable and accurate straight out of the box.

I'm not a big fan of Keltec. My Glock 26 ran 14 years without a stoppage and is a great carry gun but at the expense of a bit more bulk. If you have the opportunity to lay a G 26 on top of a G19, you realize that there isn't much difference is size.

I currently use a Kahr P9 which meets all my requirements: it is thin, conceals easily, shoots 9mm, meaning I don't have the logistics of another cartridge and reloading set. With standard loads, the Kahr is pleasant to shoot.

There are a number of new .380s on the market. I haven't used any of them but I do have complete faith in Glock and if their gun is on the shelves, then it meets Glock's standards for reliability.

One last thought: I find that I do not like using gun in which only two fingers may be wrapped around the grip. These guns are harder with which to obtain a quick, firm and consistent grip.

I have a Glock 30S in .45 acp that I carry quite often. It's a plastic pistol that I don't really worry about whether or not it might get banged around a bit. If I'm not carrying it in a holster on my belt, I'll just stick it in a jacket pocket or something.

Glock says it weighs 30.4-ounces fully loaded (10 rounds)...not quite two pounds...but I'm a little guy and I barely even notice it's there.

Plus, I can take it apart for cleaning in about ten seconds.

I always said I'd never own a plastic pistol, but it does fill a niche. It's a good pistol.

The new LC9-S is getting good reviews. It's probably worth putting on the list to look at.

My Glock 19 & 26 pistols. There is about a thumb width of difference in length and height between the two models.


There is not much difference, other than width, between a Shield and a Glock 26.


Nor is there much difference between a Shield and the Glock 19/23/32 series.

if your only gonna carry one, go 9mm at the least. love my uber reliable LCP, but it is only a back up. the shield is awesome, and the new LC9s is real nice. look at the XDs in 9mm also. do yourself and wife a favor and get a 9mm or .38 if you can. .380 is BUG only to me.

I've got a Shield 9mm and the Boss Lady has a Glock 26. The 26 is a smidgen wider (double stack vs 1 1/2 stack), but all else very similar. On both, consider the extended Magazines, as hands of any size may need to teacup it to get a good grip.

They're both great CC Weapons!

380's are often purchased by hubbie for wife or girlfriend and very frequently they are a bad choice.

They tend to be 'snappy' and off putting, particularly for novice shooters.

You'll be much happier with a compact 9 than a 380.

This may seem counterintuitive but the small 380's , because of their size , are very often noticeably less pleasant to shoot than a compact 9. Of the women I've taught to shoot, I can't remember one who didn't prefer a 9 to a little 380.

If you do wind up deciding on a .380 ACP the relatively new (about 3 years old) Colt Mustang Pocketlite in the all metal version is the best IMHO. VERY reliable, accurate, great trigger, compact and well made. IMHO it's the only .380 I would consider if I were to carry one. I do not own one because I personally am not all that fond of the .380 ACP for SD, but I have three friends that own them and I've shot a several hundred rounds from them, worked on one, and hold them in very high regard. They now have a polymer version, but if I were ever to buy one I'd stick to the all metal version.

IMHO a Pre Lock J Frame (1 7/8" bbl.) RB standard frame configuration like a M60, 36, etc. in .38 Special is the perfect way to go unless you are an active LEO - that's IF you decide to go woth a wheel gun.

All .380s are not "snappy".
There are plenty of small ones that are fine, comfortable shooters.
The first ones that come to mind are the Bersa Thunders and the Colt Mustang/Gov't. 380s.

The Bersa is a da, while the Colts are sa.

The snappy 380s are usually the micros. I would never consider one of those as a primary weapon.

I carry a Sig P239 9mm. It's da, single stack, and a bit heavy at about 32 oz empty. But I'm used to it and shoot well with it.

The Ruger SR9C is da, double stacked (17 rds), easy to shoot, and a great value.
It's a little wide but not uncomfortable.

I do own and shoot all of these.

Most .380s are blowback vs. lock-breach......... so the recoil is "different" from larger calibers .......9mm and up are almost all lock-breach.

If you like the .380/9mm Kurz, I suggest the Bersa Thunder. Reliable, accurate, cheap and light weight. Doesn't feel "snappy" to me. If you want to have some fun with it, buy the drum magazine. Mine feeds perfectly to the last round and always draws a crowd at the range. I like it a lot more than, for example, the Walther PPK. I find the S&W version much better to shoot than originals, but it is still heavy for its size.

The modern compact 9mms such as the LC9 are easy to carry, and can be found for not unreasonable prices. I don't own one - yet - but have fired ones our children and friends have. One son has the Glock G26 he carries. Several friends, including police officers, have the Shield and have had no problems such as I read on the forum.
My smallest 9mms are a Sig 225, S&W 915, at Taurus PT92C. With appropriate holsters I can conceal them easily IWB. I also have a Sig 239/357Sig that I carry because I shoot it well. Might trade it for a 9mm in the near future.
I shot the G26 better than the LC9, but that is just me. I feel a little time with the LC9 would put it on my list.

I have a 380 LCP. It is a fine gun. YES its difficult to shoot accurately and my trigger finger gets banged every time I fire it. BUT to stick in a pocket or carry IWB or in an ankle holster, its great. I only use it when I don't have room for my J frame 38.

Carrying a J frame feels great to me. Total comfort and piece of mind.

The 380 is for those odd times I want or need something else. Yes, its snappy to shoot. Its the smallest platform to launch the 380, so its hard to shoot. Everything is a compromise.

David

Is the .380 "pocket" pistol intended for pocket carry?

If so... I looked around and read a fair bit about about .380 pocket pistols. I chose the LCP. It is thin, small, lightweight, rounded edges, no external hammer, low profile sights and no safety. Perfect fit for my idea of a pocket pistol that will remain in the pocket at all times.

Sure, bigger heavier guns have less felt recoil and are easier to handle. But if it's intended for pocket carry you have to ask yourself if you're willing to carry a brick in your pocket.

Accuracy is perfectly acceptable for self defense. Yes, it's snappy. It's not intended to be a recreational range gun. Nor should it be intended for someone just learning to shoot.
I don't fret over caliber.



Someone mentioned a block 19.

LCP pocket carry gun vs G19 brick.

I ran across this one a few days ago. At 8.8 oz I'm betting "snappy" is a good definition!!!!

Diamondback DB380 DB380 6+1 380ACP 2.8" $203.00 SHIPS FREE

I bought a Sig 228 (.380) on a fathers day sale because I got about $200s off. Went out with it just once a couple months ago. The trigger was the worst I ever pulled and I couldnt hit anything. Put it up for trading stock.
Was a shame as it is very light and cute. I even invested in another holster and magazine.

I have a Glock 42 and it's great, even though I have to confess that I'm not a Glock fan in general. I handled a lot of so-called pocket 380s when I was shopping for one about 6 months back, and the 42 fit my hand best although was larger than some. Because of it being a little bigger and fitting my grip, the recoil is very mild and manageable. No criticism of other 380s, I'm of the mind that it's best to handle as many as you can and pick the one that fits you best. We're all a little different.

As little as possible and still get a quality, reliable gun. More than likely used.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

In cold weather, a coat pocket. In warm weather in holster.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

This is an abundance of great information. I would have to peruse all over magazines and boards to glean all of this. It will definitely go into my decision.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I saw a nice Glock 19 (gen. 2) Tuesday for $400.00 at a LGS.

Well... I don't see much use in buying a subcompact in .380 unless it's strictly for pocket carry, but there is a crazy clearance sale at Palmetto today on LCPs equipped with Viridian green laser... $259 Also selling LC9 with Viridian for $299.

Ammunition, Magazines, Rifle Parts, Bulk Ammo and Rifle Accessories - Palmetto State Armory

I saw a Sig P238 going for $449 on slickguns.com

I own a dozen small carry guns, but the ones that get carried the most are the cheapest -- Keltec P38t and Keltec P-9. I shoot them regularly and have had no problems.

Redfox, look at my post #18. Maybe mine was unusual but since then I have checked out tests on the sig 228 and all complained about the hard trigger. I still have it and may work with it again but I couldnt hit with it at all as the trigger was/is unbelivably hard. The gun is light and cute BUT--

I never thought much of .380s as defensive guns because most of the ones I'd ever dealt with malfunctioned fairly often. But then I got a Glock 42. This is a great gun. It's not the smallest but it shoots like a dream. No snap, crackle, just a pop. I've not had any malfunctions with cheaper range ammo and premium self defense ammo. It hides easily, there's a Klipt by Blade-Tech that's perfect with a laser. CrimsonTrace makes a perfectly functioning very petit laser for the front of this gun. I just really love it and find myself carrying it confidently. I do have a Shield and several 9mm Glocks from G26 on up but for ease of carry, the G42 has them all beat. I've also done some research on the efficacy of the round. It's not going to blast through concrete but like my motorcycling buddy says, the .380 has been killing Europeans for years. I have as much confidence in it as I do a 38 special out of 1 1/8 inch barrel and a lot of people are happy carrying those. Except I get six plus 1 and several faster reloads with back up mags.

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Jhawk412
Tulsa, Ok.

If a person is set on carrying a .380, I'll recommend getting a model with a lock-breach design versus the blowback design. The lock-breach's felt recoil will be easier to take.

I have a Ruger LCP (blowback) and later picked up a Kahr CW380 (lock-breach) and the felt recoil is night and day. I don't carry .380 often, but when I do it's no longer the LCP.

My S-I-L is a bright person, but not a gun person! My brother bought 2 identical Walthers, one in 380 (Black) and one in 22LR (Green). We took the wives to the range to practice. The S-I-L fell in love with the P22 Walther and that became her pistol. Over the next year she was at the range 15 times when I was there and I know she shot in the yard some more. Then the fateful day happened, a raccoon was in the barn and she grabbed her Walther and went after it. For the life of her she couldn't get the gun to fire! After five tries she gave up and gave the gun to the Blacksmith to kill the 'coon. He racked the slide one time and shot the critter. My brother had to locate a gun she would have confidence in, and ended up with a Ruger LCR in 22LR. Simplicity is very important in times of stress! BTW, my wife isn't a gun person either, but her arthritis keeps her away from any revolver, so she has 2 guns. Her first, a Beretta 390 in 20 gauge, her second a Glock 17. We drilled with them so that she can operate them blindfolded and has learned to clear malfunctions in the rain ALL IN PRACTICE. I hope we never find out how good she is when it counts. Ivan

I had a Taurus TCP and wasn't comfortable with its reliability. Traded it in and bought an MP BG380. Terrific little gun, absolutely reliable and shoots like a mid size 9mm. I had a couple of buddies shoot it a few weeks ago and they loved it. Try it, you will like it.

Mike

I swore I would never carry a .380and then I noticed I was not carrying some days so I picked up a Kahr p380 it is a sweet little gun for pocket carry. Beats not carrying.

Like shamuscull, I also own a Kahr P380 and like it quite a lot. The trigger, while long, is smooth and, even though I have large hands, I can gain decent purchase on the grip with a Hogue grip cover wrapped around it to add to it's very slender profile. I've only fired one other .380...a Bersa Thunder that a kind woman loaned me at a range with which I took a total of TWO SHOTS...and found it fairly smooth and controllable, but without being able to compare the two side-by-side, I can't say which one felt the best, as far as recoil goes.

My only beef with it is twofold; one, it's somewhat finicky on ammo. I had to plow through quite a number of different brands to weed out those that the Kahr didn't like. And one Kahr owner's results may be different than another, even with the exact same pistol so it's strictly your own evaluation.

Secondly, finding .380 ammo is a rather frustrating experience. No one in my immediate area sells anything more than just a few 25-50 round boxes of it and even then the supply is very limited. Mail order purchase is almost mandatory. I don't understand why it's so scarce, but that's my experience.

Amen X 10!

Bob

Do yourself a favor. Check out a Bodyguard 38 Smith revolver at a gun store. 14 ounces of perfection for concealed carry

Since you're open minded you might wanna consider one of these.

I was so impressed with the ergomomics, reliability and handling of the stainless steel Taurus PT-111 G2 that I bought a second one.

They are about the same size and weight as the S&W Shield but with a bigger payload.

3.5" barrel, 21 oz's, 1.2" thick, 12+1 rd. capacity, loaded chamber indicator, manual safety, quick (GLOCK clonned) disassembly, fully adjustable sights...and a double strike capability.

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NULLI SECUNDUS

My experience is much the same my 42 has replaced my 442. It fits my pocket, is fun to shoot. My son and grandson bought .380 bodyguards. I like my glock much better.

I have always been a revolver person. For all the reasons that any revolver person would say, I would agree. I just like revolvers. I have had thru the yrs several semi-autos and I guess until recently my XD9sc is my favorite semi-auto. My EDC for a long time has been a S&W 642. It seems the older I get the more uncomfortable and more printing the 642 gets. I try to shoot the 642 on a regular basis but the recoil snap continues to get worse. A friend recently sold me his Sig Sauer P290RS 9mm. It shoots easy and fits flat in my rear pocket and I can easily carry the extra 8 capacity mag. Best of all to me is that it is double-action only so no safety to fool with.

OP, you mentioned an M60 "maybe".

I'd say, hold that thought. A steel J-frame is much more comfortable to shoot than an Airweight, and personally I prefer not to go below .38 Special for self defense.

You might consider a 640 in .38 Special for pocket carry in a holster. Or, if you don't mind hellacious flash and blast, and pretty nasty recoil, a 640-1 that will shoot .357 Magnum ammo.

I've considered a Shield--not that I can afford one at this point--but I'm more trusting of a revolver for reliability, with no worries about limp-wristing.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Kind of pricey, but find one and take a look. You will really be amazed; even the .380 micros aren't much smaller, and most .380 autos are bigger. And it will take two more than a J-frame. Interestingly, same barrel length as a lot of carry sized Speed Sixes, but a whole lot smaller (I've considered a 2.75" speed six in 9x19 for awhile; but after I bought this, no longer). This is the DC version, the stainless silver colored ones are a bit cheaper.

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Si vis pacem, para bellum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B68I...D343E4&index=4




This lady has some great information for you and your wife.
it is useful.
I will keep my J frame and 158 gr FBI load

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Have a blessed day ,
Bull

I should have added to my post that my current favorite carry is my old, but trusty little 36. I like autos, have a few, but nothing really beats a good J-frame when it comes down to it.

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Si vis pacem, para bellum