I've decided to pick up a pocket 380 sometime soon. I've basically narrowed down my choices to the gen 2 LCP and the beretta pico (as much as I like the sw series I'd prefer not to have a manual safety because I plan to carry in my back right pocket). I'm mainly curious about reliability and if the lcp drops mags while sitting on it (I like the euro mag release on the pico but not its track record for reliability)

I know yall are skewed towards the bodyguard but I'm not a fan of the thumb safety or the laser in a butt pistol and the pico offers second strike capabilities too, not trying to knock sw but for a $400 budget I wanna get a good reliable pistol that'll stand my fat *** sitting on it day in day out so I'm basically at the lcp and the pico

Best bet: don't sit on your gun.

Don't carry in a back pocket!!!

You might want to look at the Glock 42. I have heard good things about it. The LCP is snappy. Not sure if the 42 will be a perfect fit for pocket carry.
I am looking at one that is lighter for Summer carry than my 9c. Unlike you, I like having a thumb safety. I am leaning towards the Sig p238 myself.

back pocket carry is not the best idea, but if you're locked into that method, the LCP is the best suited gun for your needs. The Pico will not provide the same reliability and is marginally fatter. You might also give a look at the various little Kel-Tec P3-AT. Carried lose in a pocket, any gun is very likely to collect lint and other debris, so be prepared to clean it often.

I looked at the Pico, didn't like the grip (or lack of). Also very hard to rack the slide & the slide lock was impossible to engage. Also didn't like the mag release. Ended up with a Kahr CW380 but have had a number of FTE's, I don't trust it yet. It's still Winter so I carry my Shield, it never fails.

Walther PPK/Galco Horsehide holster. Front pocket, not back.

Works for me.

Bob

My EDC is a gen 2 LCP. It makes my 637 feel bulky. It shoots well enough for its intended use and 94 rounds down the tube with no problems. I'm still pondering a Glock 42, but to me its just a wee bit too large for pocket carry.

I had the Glock 42 and it was a jam-o-matic that never worked absent some sort of malfunction so I'd stay away from that. The Gen II LCP has a good reputation but the safety on the S&W is passive, if you don't like it ignore it. I just got one and cannot see how the safety will engage if you don't manually push it into position. I'll post something about my new .380 after it goes to the range.

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Check this thread out. Has pictures.

Let's see some .380 pocket guns!

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SWCA 2870

Love my Kahr 380. If yous doesn't work, send it back and
they will fix it. Best small carry gun I have found.

I second Voyager28. I use the same rig for pocket carry. For me the Walther ergonomics closed the deal over all others in this category.

The Walther PPK and PPK/S are the benchmark in .380 but due to their size and weight there's plenty of 9mm offerings available. Personally I would go with 9mm but of course it's a matter of personal preference.

I have 2 LCPs and a Kahr 380. The 2nd generation LCP is my choice; thin, light and 100% reliable. In jeans, back pocket carry works for me.

For what it is and does, the LCP works fine for me.

I own or have owned Kel Tek .380, Ruger LCP, Sig 238 (and a Sig 938) a S&W M&P Bodyguard and a Kahr P380
The Kahr and the Bodyguard were not reliable. Both went back to the manufacturer, but reliability did not improve. All others wr/are 100% reliable.
The ONLY gun that works for pocket carry for me is the LCP. I now have the latest generation of LCP (the one with real sights and the red trigger).
I normally carry in front weak side pocket or sometimes in rear strong side pocket. I DO NOT sit on my gun. I will move it to front pocket or shirt pocket before sitting down.

I typically carry my shield in an IWB holster but seeing how I need to wear a suit to work I'd like something small enough to just toss in my front or back strong side pocket. I know back pocket carry isn't optimal I just think it looks really unprofessional when a guy in slacks has weird pocket bulges from carrying too much junk around.

This 380 is pretty much just for when I'm wearing dress pants otherwise I'll be packing my shield, I was really just curious what works for pocket carry with you guys before I go drop some cash

Edit: my dad has a PPK and as much as I love that gun it's just too heavy for pocket carry in slacks, that's why I'm interested in plastic fantastics that are 12oz or lighter

Have you checked out the Taurus 738 TCP? A lot of people don't like Taurus, but the TCP is pretty highly rated. No external safety, and the slide locks back after th last round...

L8R,
Matt

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Ya I handled the tcp and the lcp side by side at cabelas, I like that the slide locks back but felt like the lcp fit my hand a little better.

Here's a basic rundown of my homework:

Colt mustang/sig <insert sequence of numbers after a p> great quality and reliability, but too pricey and heavy for the intended use

Kahr p/cw380 has all the qualities I'm looking for except quality control, read too many complaints about reliability even after multiple trips back to kahr (ie broken strikers, ftrb etc)

Taurus tcp wAsnt a huge fan of the ergos but I liked everything else, was a top contender until I read about the "false reset" which can render the gun useless under stress

Sw bodyguard 380 didn't like the external safety and laser (if rather get a crimson trace if I add a laser) plus the trigger pull was a little hefty

Ppk/bersa Thunder love the looks, hate the weight

Kel tec heard mixed reviews about them, can't ever find any locally but since the lcp is basically a rip off of the p3at I think I'm ok paying 50 bucks extra for a slide stop (always annoys me having to stovepipe the ppk at the range with an empty shell)

J frames tough triggers, prefer autos for capacity and less likely to print

That pretty much leaves the pico and lcp, I'm leaning more towards the lcp because it's had some time to address the teething issues (drop safety recall anyone?). Basically just want a bad breath gun for situations like this: This Pharmacist doesn't take any *****! Watch him shoot back during a robbery

Just remember, bad news travels faster and farther than good. When a customer has a bad experience, they'll tell anyone who will listen.

For example: the Kahr CW380. I own one, and unlike the BG and LCP (two LCPs actually) I used to own, has gone through its initial 350 rounds 100% malfunction free.

Of the options, any one will fit your need. You might get a dud and you might not. It seems like you're leaning toward the LCP, so give it a shot. No pun intended....

BTW, I've heard nothing but complaints about the pico.....

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Ruger LCP. I've carried mine since they came out and have never had it malfunction.

This one:

(Please excuse the rust. This pic was taken when I first took possession of the pistol. It has since been cleaned.)

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.

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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.

Look at the Micro Desert Eagle,this one will surprise you.

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.

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

May I strongly suggest FRONT pocket carry?

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 want a set up where I can alternate between front and back pocket carry depending on my situation (whenever I can't conceal my shield)

If you absolutely must carry in your back pocket get a good holster like the one below.
BAI Leather 67130 Holster-Leather BAI LTHR WALLET HLSTR BLK RH P32,P3AT,LCP,TCP32,TCP738

I know two guys that have used this holster for over ten years and no problems. One is 500 pounds and the other 280.

But you better have a big back pocket.

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Lol I don't think that would fit my back pocket, I'm 5'7 and ~175 lbs so that's why I want something super concealable (something along these lines http://www.unclegeorgeswalletholster...s/default.aspx )

Serious?

Aside from size, two hands to get the gun from the holster is such a bad idea....

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

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

Get serious Phil, it's a 380 pocket gun. Ain't gonna do no good anyway!

Or, maybe I forgot to mention that these guys carry their 380's as a backup to a REAL gun.

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That is a very nice pocket holster! If I end up getting a small .380 for summer carry, that definitely looks like the way to go. Looks like pretty good quality too.

L8R,
Matt

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SD40-VE owner and proud of it!

There are two guns approved for backup carry by the LAPD, the LCP and BG without laser.

I certainly wouldn't want to get shot with a 380


Hornady gel test: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-H9M6cZGd18

Feral hog one shot kill w 380 hollow point (skip to 1:15): http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7u6-9VXiBDw