Pocket .380 opinions

I have had two LCP's. Both are first generation. Both were sent back to Ruger for the updates. They function fine for what I think their intended use is: a backup gun, or a gun to carry when you absolutely can't carry a larger gun concealed. The last reason is never a possibility for me, so I pretty much carry the LCP along with something else, especially when riding my motorcycle. I carry the LCP inside my jacket pocket for easier access. To me, the Glock 42 is way to big for pocket carry, and I personally don't want one. I do love my larger Glocks though. The one LCP I have still have had to be sent back because the slide kept rusting no matter how well I kept it oiled. Well, that's not totally true. If I over-oiled it to the point I could not grasp the slide, it would not rust. Ruger re-blued it, and it is a little better. Just my 2 cents worth.
 
My Glock 42 has been 100% reliable. Very easy to shoot and excellent for pocket carry. I front pocket carry only, I would not carry in a rear pocket.
 
I'm not a fan of pocket carry mostly because I personally find it uncomfortable and difficult to manipulate the gun out safely. But to each his own.

Please tell me however, when you say "rear pocket carry" you plan on using an Uncle Mikes or similar pocket holster. Carrying a gun in any pocket without a holster is a recipe for disaster IMHO.

As for actual guns, I would lean towards the LCP over the Beretta. I handled the Pico last week at our local GM and wasn't that impressed (nor were any of the folks standing around looking at it). The LCP is a proven reliable, no frills workhorse.
 
A recently purchased 2nd generation stainless LCP is one of my carry guns. A Galco horsehide pocket holster makes the gun vanish while carrying. Mine has been totally reliable, and due to the ease of carrying, is what is with me most of the time.
 
The cz83 in 380acp (9x17) but why not the surplus military Czech cz82 in 9mm makarov (9x18)? Both have the double action first shot. Both are very reliable and quality pistols. I been carrying the cz82 for a while now. The in the pants holster has the spot for the extra 12rd mag.
The cz83 also comes in 9mm mak, 380acp, 32acp.
I purchased the cz85db in 9mm luger first. I waited many decades to purchase a pistol in 9mm luger. It's the same as the cz75 but it's amberdexterious. The cz pistols have been awesome quality guns.
I'm not fond of pistols. I like them and ccw them and have them but I Like revolvers.
 
I did quite a lot of research on pocket .380s. I chose the LCP.

The LCP is among the lightest, smallest and thinnest. It has no external miniature safeties to fumble with. All edges are rounded for no snags. From all the things I read, owners had few reliability issues with the LCP, particularly with Hornady CD.

I use a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. My LCP has operated flawlessly out of the box with Hornady CD. Very satisfied.
 
I didn't consider the new Glock because it's only slightly smaller than my shield, didn't really consider the cz series because I haven't heard much about them and I haven't seen the micro desert eagle anywhere around here (I like to at least handle a gun and test the trigger/action etc instead of buying blind).

I plan to get an uncle George's wallet style holster for whatever I decide to go with btw
 
Since the Colt Mustang has been characterized by the OP as heavy for the intended use, that pretty much disqualifies the Micro Desert Eagle weighing a couple ounces more than the Colt. And the CZ83 weighs about the same as two Micro Desert Eagles. :eek:
 
Here are a couple of my thoughts,

To the OP. Try to find a indoor range that rents pistols and hopefully you can be able to rent one of the 380's that you are interested in. Also, try not to be influenced too much by reviews on a certain brand/model pistol you read online, but base your decision & opinion's with personal experience.
All 380 pistols mentioned here on this thread are of good quality & will do the job, but ultimately what is most important is that what pistol you choose you are happy with it.

IMO, the Kahr cw 380, polymer frame, the Colt mustang pockelite poly frame version & the non lazer M&P bodyguard 380 would be my top 3 picks for what you are looking for... Honorable mention goes to the Ruger LCP 380. Ya gotta admit, it is so dern popular!
Our old state govenor Rick Perry carries a Ruger LCP and even used it to dispatch a coyote that was bothering him & his dog while out on a walk... If its good enough for him then it should be good enough for the rest of us!

Texas Governor Shoots, Kills Coyote Who Threatened Dog | Fox News
 
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I think ruger even had a special Rick perry edition of the lcp for a little while. Btw greg Abbott is planning to sign a bill for open carry.

Luckily my LGS does rentals and they have a few of the 380s I'm interested in so I'll def try before I buy, just wanted some opinions from you guys :)
 
I'm 5' 11" and 165 lbs soaking wet and with a pair of levi's & a mustang club of America T-shirt hanging out you cant even tell I'm carrying. I use the DeSantis sof-tuck #106 holster. Feels no different than a cell phone... I keep it out back on my right side at around 5 o-clock position
 
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CaptRon956 said:
I'm 5' 11" and 165 lbs soaking wet and with a pair of levi's & a mustang club of America T-shirt hanging out you cant even tell I'm carrying. I use the DeSantis sof-tuck #106 holster. Feels no different than a cell phone... I keep it out back on my right side at around 5 o-clock position
Click to expand...

That's the holster I use with my shield, slight forward cant at 4-5 position
 
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