Recently sold my pocket carry gun, and need to upgrade. It was a .25acp and I'd like to move up to a .380 yet stay the same basic size. I carried an Innotex (Kel-Tec) Defender .25acp.

I would really like a hammer fired gun. Suggestions?

DR

There is quite a variety of really small .380 autos out there and I've tried the Ruger & S&W. Both proved to be unreliable, fail to extract, so I returned to my tried and true J Frame. Others have had success but I just do not trust them.

I do have a Keltec P32 (.32 ACP) that has been very reliable w/FMJ ammo that I use for those times when deep concealment is needed.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I carry a Kel Tec P-3AT, double action only recessed hammer. Ruger LCP is the same design but a bit more refined in finish. Both are excellent options and about as small as you can make a 380.

If you want it in all steel there's the Colt Mustang single action or DAO Pony Pocketlite. Both are a bit bigger but not much. Still a "pocket gun" IMO. Sig makes a Mustang copy as the P238.

Last but absolutely not least is the S&W bodyguard 380.

There are a dozen or more out there that would fit the bill and be "small", but the P-3AT/LCR class is the smallest you can get in 380.

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Chuck M

I had a couple but find the j-frame to be the best pocket gun for me. Specifically the model 442. Hope you find what you want. Ed

My wife has a S&W BG380 that has been totally reliable. It is a DA only auto. It has an outside hammer and the trigger cocks the hammer like a revolver and the hammer follows the slide back so the gun does not stay cocked. When the hammer is down the firing pin is not against the primer so it is safe to carry one in the barrel. The gun has a safety but to me it is like putting a safety on a DA revolver and I don't see the reason for it but she still carries it with the safety on. My wife has a Sig P238 and a S&W 642 but the BG380 is what she carries. Larry

Take a look at the S&W Bodyguard. It's a tad larger than the LCP380, but thats a good thing. It offers the most for your money in the .380 class, with features most others don't have.

It has proven to be reliable, feeds all different types of ammo, and I have been very happy with mine.

Colt has a new Mustang XSP with polymer frame. Looks interesting.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

I don't like to go below .38 Special +P for SD. Pocket-carried J-frame for me. I carry a Speed Strip reload most of the time; but realistically, if I'm in a situation that requires more than five rounds I'm in extremely deep guacamole anyway.

If I were going to carry a pocket semi-auto (I'm not) it would be a 9mm.

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Oh well, what the hell.

DA/SA External or DA internal??? If you want an external hammer the Sig P238, or a Bersa 380CC are options many people extol - I don't have them so I don't know. I have a PT738 TCP that I like, has a good trigger, it's been reliable, and the slide locks back on the last shot fired. But, its hammer is internal partial cock DA only, as many of the small polymer 380s are. I believe the Beretta Pico that's supposed to ship this fall has double strike capability.

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M&PC FS BG Shield+ 642 686+

Beretta 21A in .22 LR.

For me it's my 442 in my pocket in one of my homemade holsters in the summer and ridin' on my belt when it's cool enough for a cover garment. Along with a couple of reloads in quick strips in the other pocket.

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Seecamp .380 if you must go that route.

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I'm with the banned ...

Once I decided that I wanted a better "mouse gun" I started carrying a J-frame .38 and stuck with it. Except on very rare occasions when what I'm wearing simply will not accommodate one of my J-frames I'll go back to my old Beretta .25 (some very light clothing causes this). I sold my Colt Pony, I really hated that trigger, and although I still have a Colt Mustang Plus I really consider it just a barbecue gun and/or future trade bait for something else.

If you must carry a pocket pistol then why not a Kahr? They seem to be wonderful in .380 or 9mm. I have a Kel-Tec in 9mm but, no, I would allow anyone to carry it. Too risky/unreliable!

SIG makes a gorgeous little pocket pistol but I had one that was so unreliable that I sold it and didn't ever bother with a pocket pistol again - just wheelies for me!

***GRJ***

I pocket carry a 637 or a seecamp 32. I am a big fan of J-frames but you can carry the seecamp anywhere.

Doyle

I carry the much maligned BG 380 when I pocket carry. I've got about 600 rounds through it and no problems other than tightening the laser set screw one time.

My pocket carry is a Seecamp LWS32. I chose it a long time ago because I was leery of striker-fired guns and wanted a hammer-fired pistol. It is about 4" long x 3" high and weighs 14oz fully loaded. Years later, the LWS380 came out. I was tempted to switch but I didn't because it cost almost double the LWS32 and it's been said that there's not much to be gained by going from a .32ACP to a .380ACP.

Today, I am seriously considering a Kahr CM9 for pocket carry but I am not sure if it fits that purpose well.

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Audemus jura nostra defendere

Modraker, just curious why you are leary of striker fired weapons. Is this a reliability issue, or a safety issue?

That was a while back when I had no experience with them. Since then, I've bought M&P's, Glocks and Kahrs.

I was worried mainly about accidental discharge. I did not feel safe with a spring-loaded striker hanging by less than 1/16" on a sear and poised to discharge a round. It was hammer-fired DAO or nothing for me. In time, I learned to put aside my fear and started carrying a Glock 23 in a hard plastic holster. I found it getting heavier as I got older so today I carry a Shield 40 in a leather holster. My BUG is still the Seecamp LWS32.

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Audemus jura nostra defendere

I own a Ruger LCP 380 & it has always been reliable. I don't trust the fancy 380 JHP to both penetrate AND expand, so it's loaded with ball ammo. I don't know that I'd want a Colt or Sig 380 in my pocket in the cocked-and-locked condition, since they're 1911-like but without the grip safety. I just don't trust that little safety lever not to get swiped into the fire position- I've had that happen when carrying my Astra A70 in the console of my car & it was not very reassuring. A Seecamp 380 would appeal to me if I was still inot carrying a 380-- however, although I still carry my LCP on special occasions, I much prefer carrying one of my Chief Specials.

I have a Ruger LCP in .380 auto and have been very pleased with it. I keep it loaded with Hornady Personal Defense ammo.

It's a reliable little gun...BUT, you need to realize, it's perfect for what it was intended for, and that's a close-up, personal, belly gun. It's not a target pistol. You'll hear people complain that it's uncomfortable to shoot 50 rounds through it at the range. Well...duh...it wasn't made for that. It was made to quickly pump six or seven rounds into a target at close range.

I love mine. It's very easily concealable and reliable to shoot.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Maybe after a 1000 round break in?

[QUOTE=hotrod150;137392692] I don't know that I'd want a Colt or Sig 380 in my pocket in the cocked-and-locked condition, since they're 1911-like but without the grip safety. I just don't trust that little safety lever not to get swiped into the fire position-QUOTE]

Why not carry with the hammer down? With the hammer down the firing pin is not resting on the primer. In my past life I carried a Govt. Mod. Colt many miles and I could draw, cock the hammer and fire as fast as I could draw, knock off safety and fire. My wife has a Sig 380 and I have found the same to be true with it. Larry

To me, cocking most semi-autos is awkward vs just swiping off the safety. But for a self-defense/carry gun, I prefer point-and-shoot operation- like a DAO semi or a DA revolver. A bobbed Chief Special is my preferred EDC.

Well I bought one, as you can see the Ruger LCP is my new pocket rocket. I wasnt really crazy about the little gun, but when comparing it to others in its field, it won hands down.

The first one I held was tbe S&W body guard with lazer. Instantly I fell in love. I was sure it was heading home with me. It was perfect perfect. Then I started operating it and the gun literally failed in my hands. The magazine wouldnt go back in the gun as the disconnect button fell apart inside and the gun would not fire in double action. It tried too but just froze and gave a dead trigger responce. The gun shop guy wasnt shocked at all. He too, like you guys, recommended the LCP. I would have bought the Smith, I liked it better, but it just wouldnt function and that turned him and I "off".

Anyways ...here is my new baby:

Congrats on the new lcp.

My lcp has worked fine. I do wish the trigger pull was not so long, but I get it to work ok. I don't carry it a whole lot, but it is an option.

It's light weight does tend to increase the recoil velocity by a pretty fair margin, so there will be some snap when shooting it.

If I remember correctly, the slide and barrel are made from a steel alloy instead of stainless steel, (stainless is not rust proof, but does help to slow it down), so be sure to keep those parts wiped down with a very thin coat of oil or whatever you use. Especially if you get some moisture on it or it is very humid.

That might be something to keep in mind for your holster selection to minimize any exposure to perspiration.

Thanks! I will keep that in mind. I noticed Ruger didn't give any suggested lube areas for this gun in the instruction book, I just "winged it". That's one thing ALL instruction books should have IMO.

DR

Nice... that's the LCP with the updates on it. The trigger and sights were improved this year. Supposed to be a lot better than the earlier models.

D50Boy,

I really wasn't "crazy" about it to begin with, but the more I toyed with it during and after cleaning/lubing it got better and better. Now I kinda really like the little guy. Shooting it will be the real test, but from what I've read, it will be a great shooter.

No 380 ammo to be found in my area yet, going hunting again after work today. I detest having a firearm with no ammo for it! Bugs the heck out of me.

DR

I think you'll really be pleased with the LCP.

One little note, however, when it comes to lubing it. I found that if I used oil on the slide, it would come forward too quickly and I'd get an occasional stovepipe. As a result, I use Slide-Glide or a white lithium grease. Doesn't take much. Haven't had any problems with stovepipes since I switched.

Like I mentioned earlier, I use Hornady Personal Defense loads. I've done some ballistic penetration tests with them and they are amazing.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Thanks Mule,

I always use grease on my slides, so I got lucky

Always liked Hornady ammo, I'll look some up if I can find it.

DR

I pack a sig p238 love the night sight's.

I have two small carry guns.
Most times I carry my Sig P938, 9mm, 7 round mag with one in the pipe at condition 1. It is a very accurate pistol with Tritium night sights as well as a Crimsontrace laser, and a great trigger. Loaded with Speer +P Gold Dots it is also a potent pistol.
For very hot days or times when the Sig is just too heavy I carry my Ruger LCP with Crimsontrace laser and a 7 round mag in a back pocket leather holster that looks like a wallet in outline.

Added some grips and some front sight gun sight paint, she's looking better!

Glad you got your LCP!
A couple folks have mentioned being uncomfortable
with a SA pistol with cocked carry. I feel pretty good with
DAO in pistol or revolver, but I've never warmed up to that
sneaky little safety lever staying put. I'm happy with a K-T P32,
'cause it's DAO. Any time I carry a pistol, it'll be TDA or
exposed hammer. I've never had to carry a duty gun.
I'm looking at the new Shield models, and I'd sure like
a flatter 45 than the CS45, and wouldn't make me tip over
from the weight. Meanwhile, the J frames are my fav.
TACC1

For mine I picked up a Brooks Tactical A-grip. It's a suede-like cloth that wraps around the grip. Looks cool (to me) and it seems to be lasting longer than the stick on rubber grips from TractionGrips did. "Grips for Guns - Grips for Glocks & More - Accessories - Brooks Tactical Systems - Maker of AGrip™- Gun Grips & Accessories for Glock Heckler & Koch Kahr Kel Tec Ruger 1911 MP5 Pistols Revolvers" ™

I also picked up a 7 round conversion kit for the magazine. It adds another round to the factory magazine without increasing the size at all. So far it has worked very well. Ruger | MagGuts


Hopefully .380 will start coming back to store shelves. My brother got lucky and found a box at Academy Sports last month.

What Ed said. Mine:

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Ditto on the pocket carried J-frame (in an Uncle Mikes) and speed strip.

I used the Uncle Mike's pocket holster for years, then discovered the DeSantis Nemesis, highly recommended by forum members here. Bought one, and like it a lot; but on days it doesn't fit the pants pocket du jour quite as well I go back to the Mike's. Mostly the Nemesis, which I'd recommend for any pocket gun, revolver or autoloader.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Took the LCP to the range, after one 6 round clip I settled in and started really grouping some super nice groups. I can hit a 50 cent piece nearly every time from 7 yards and can neck shoot a perp ONE HANDED every time at 15 yards.

GREAT shooter, love it so far. Sights are perfect, function with two different ammo brands was 100% flawless. Zero issures with over 100 rounds. The rubber grips I added are a must, as the LCP is a touch snappy. It would be even better with granulate grips, but that would ruin the pocketability of the piece.

I'd buy another in a twinkle of an eye, awesome little pocket pistol. Does exaztly what it was made for and does it well. It's not a range toy, its a serious close up easy to carry self defense pocket gun. With that said, hitting a human sized torso at 25 yards was simple and easy. Can't ask for any more than that in my opinion.

DR

Concur wholeheartedly - it is either my 642 (in a Don Hume pocket holster) or my Shield (now in a new R. Grizzle pocket holster) when I leave the house.

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M&P-9FS,Shield40,642,32ColtPPS

I know the Ruger LCP is not the OP's choice, but mine is very reliable. Mostly, it is small and easy to pocket carry. It is a huge compromise - no one's first choice. But very carryable.

I agree with the J-frame for a pocket gun. I simply don't trust or like the pocket size semi-auto loaders.

A full size semi-auto for a primary carry weapon is fine, but most of the time I carry a revolver for a primary as well, just depends on where I am going.

For a BUG or pocket carry, I mostly carry a 649-2, but sometimes I carry a nickel 49 no dash, and on rare occasion I pocket carry a model 60 no dash. However, I never pocket carry a small semi-auto.

If it wasn't for the small amount of extra weight I'd always carry my 649. I opt for the 642 solely because of its lighter weight in my pocket.

I try not to these days but if I have to I go back to my .25 ACP Beretta 950-BS. I carried it for two decades plus. Then I decided J-frames were just as easy to pocket carry as the Beretta so it was put away for the most part.

***GRJ***

I dress around my guns. The least I will carry is my LCR357 IWB backed up by my 442 in my pocket. Lately I have been carrying a 7 shot 357 IWB and my LCR357 in the pocket. Every day all day.

Plus One in favor of the Seecamp LWS .380
Number two M&P 340
Rohrbaugh 9


Or an LCP.....: -)

Congrats on your purchase, Drinva. I think you'll like the LCP.

I've been carrying a LCP in a DeSantis holster for a while now and have no complaints. The only ammo I have used is Hornady Critical Defense. Cycles perfectly.

About the size and thickness of a wallet...



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1969 60 in homemade rough out leather pocket square. I had hammer bobbed. Federal Nyclads in them days.

Back up to primary in RF, LR or R jacket uniform pockets.

In order went through;

TP 22
H.S. .22 mag derringer
AMT .380 Back Up

Best

I love my Kahr P380 in a Recluse holster in my right front pocket. Never had any problems with this gun and in this holster you forget it is there until needed.

Yep, Sig p238, sweet little gun. Even though it will fit in a pocket with a pocket holster, it still feels good in my large hand. I prefer the 7 round mag, but they have a 6 rounder if size is a real consideration. It is hammer fired SA only. I was at the range today and I have routinely been able to put 5 round groups in a 3" circle at 21'.

^+1 on the Sig P238!^