Have been reading the posts for the past few weeks, great info. Trying to decide to purchase my 1st pistol and have been reading a lot over the BG 380 and the Walther PK 380.

This past year saw a rabid skunk while clearing brush, had a coyote come up to within 20 yds. while farming, and almost stepped on a copperhead by the barn. Would like a handgun I could easily carry for these situations. Also wouldn't mind plinking a few tin cans. I also like to hike and camp.

What are your thoughts, the BG or the PK? Or should I be looking at something else? Thanks for any input.

Well, I'm certainly no expert on anything, but in all of the three scenarios you mentioned, I'm not sure a small .380 would be a good choice. Yes, both guns are small and easy to carry, but their primary function is as an easily concealed firearm to defend yourself against mostly two-legged predators.
If it were me, and concealment was not important, for situations like you described above I would go with a .357 revolver instead of one of the tiny autos. Yes, they are a bit heavier to carry, but with a good belt and holster you will not notice it much.
A .357 will be far more effective against aggressive, possibly rabid animals, and is very well suited for protection against human vermin as well. The .357 can be loaded with a variety of different types of ammunition - from light .38 Special target loads to full-house, fire-breathing Magnums, and they even sell ammo loaded with shot for use against snakes and such. You can even carry a combination of all three in the cylinder at once if you like.
So, in a nutshell, for working around the farm, camping or hiking I think a 3" or 4" revolver is a far better choice than any auto pistol, especially a tiny .380.

^What he said!!

earl s: As I was reading your question, I was thinking of what my answer would be...and it's exactly what jdesro1911 said.

Tim

If your criteria is compact & light I'd like to suggest you take a look at the Walther PPS (police pistol slim). Available in 9MM & 40 S&W it is significantly more powerful than the .380. It is thin, light, and comes with two changeable back straps so the grip will fit most any hand. You can also get three different capacity magazines. In 9MM for example you get 6, 7, & 8 round mags. It has great sites and a pretty good trigger. The great thing about the 9MM is the wide range of power levels available in ammo. I have been carrying the .40 version everyday for the last 13 months and have been impressed with the accuracy, reliability, and how comfortable it is to carry alll day.

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Morality >religion

Thanks! I may be looking to small. My brotherinlaw has a LCP but did not like the grip. Now I've got some more reading to do.

In regards to your post about the BG 380 vs the Walther..
I picked up a S&W BG380 Saturday and have put a couple hundred rounds through it. No problems at all, and I enjoy shooting it. I'm glad I purchased it over its competitors, but I did not consider the PK380 or the PPK. I think if you look at the specs, you will notice that the BG is smaller than the PK380 and lighter than then PK380 and PPK? I recommend holding each gun in your hand and seeing what fits better. The heavier Walther will most likely have less felt recoil, due to weight and size.
The main purpose of my BG380 is as a CCW weapon. At close range it would be alright, but i would prefer to take out a rabid animal or coyote with a rifle if possible. I would carry my S&W 686P with a 4" barrel, but thats just me. Perhaps a nice .22LR like a Ruger Mark2 or a Colt Woodsman? Very accurate, very cheap ammo, and will take down a coyote or a skunk if your accurate, plus you'll plink a lot. 50rds of 380auto FMJ/ball costs between $18-22 bucks in my town, and I can get 550rds of 22LR for $18. 38special and 357mag are priced similar to 380 around here.

Hope I helped.

Neither gun is a humane 20 yd critter shooter and differ greatly in size, weight and "design intent" .If you willing to carry a 20 oz gun (as is the pk380) then the S&W M&P 9c would be a much better choice. ( MY 9c will out shoot my BG380 by FAR.)
Better yet, consider the 3-4" 38/357 revolver as others have mentioned. It's really the best choice. Better trigger, better accuracy, better reliability and more flexible in loading options. Price of a good used revolver should be a wash with a new BG 380.
Your need is not uncommon and has been discussed here/elsewhere regularly. Search and you will find most recommend a revolver.

FWIW, here is my favorite woods gun . A 4" mod 60 with adjustable sights. Compact, light, easy to holster or pocket carry ( in jacket) .It gets fed snake shot in the first hole and +P JHP in the others. This is a very capable and versatile little gun.

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Dave