.380 pocket autos...

[moonshine44]

I've been kicking around the idea of getting a deep cover back up of some sort. Initially I was leaning toward a Bond Arms derringer, then after some consideration and some posting on a couple of forums, I'm instead leaning a different direction...

So tonight I went to my local gun store and did some fondling of the merchandise, specifically a Ruger LCP and a KelTec P3AT. Both are small guns, both would stash well, but I believe that I like the trigger, etc. of the KelTec over the Ruger...

So now I need to save my pennies...

 

[pete950]

The Ruger is stronger, more accurate and also handles a lot better.
From experience.

 

[J.P.60]

I have carried a KelTec P3AT for years... perhaps, since they came out. I carry it in my back pocket or front and have never had a problem.

The Ruger is stronger, more accurate and also handles a lot better.
From experience.

Considering the purpose of these guns, is the strength of the Ruger or "accuracy" even a consideration? These are not range guns and are generally used at a distance measuring in inches, not yards. Would one, in a defensive situation, even look at the sights?

I keep mine clean and I fire a few rounds every few months. Otherwise, it's intended to be a belly gun. A backup.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Between the two it basically boils down to personal preference. We have both and prefer the Kel-Tec over the Ruger, for me the rougher texture on the Kel-Tec's grip allows me to hold on to it's small size better than the smoother Ruger, especially in the summer if my palms are sweaty.

I never did ask my wife why she prefers the Kel-Tec over the Ruger, I just know she mentioned it and when I gave her first dibs on which one she wanted she chose the P3AT No matter, I still have my Kel-Tec P32.......

 

[Skeptic 9c]

The extension magazine on the Kel-Tec makes it more manageable, but I like my Ruger better than the P3AT. BUT I would like the .380 in a slightly larger gun. The SIG .380 comes to mind, but it's not quite long enough in the grip for what I want.
Geoff
Who notes the Browning 1910 but it never felt right in my hand.

 

[USAF385]

I'd also go with the LCP. Feels better made and simply feels better in my hand than the Kel Tec. When I shot the two, the Kel Tec felt as if it was going to vibrate apart in my hand when fired (obviously it's been around long enough I know it wont, but it's a big reason why I prefer the LCP).

 

[pete950]

J.P 60 is correct about the use of up close and personal but accuracy is important when one has to qualify with what they carry by dept regs.
Can't wait to retire!!!!!!

 

[walnutred]

I chose the Keltec. I'd had a P32 for years and when I started looking at 380's in the same size looked at the Taurus, Ruger and Keltec. I thought the Taurus had the best trigger pull of the three but selected a Keltec. Part of it frankly was price. Around here the Rugers cost $40-$50 more new than the Keltecs, I didn't see $40-$50 improvement in design, quality or reviews.

 

[Capt Steve]

Try the Bersa

A dissenting opinion if I may...BEFORE you buy and LCP shoot a Bersa Thunder .380 CCW Model. For about the same or probably less money(under $300), you will get a far better gun. The Bersa gives you SA/DA, more rounds (8), has better sights and shoots like a dream - not nearly as snappy and far more accurate than the LCP. To be fair the LCP is a tad smaller and lighter but unless your hands are on the small side of the equation the LCP just won't fit. As always ...YMMV (o;

 

[jdh]

BG380! This is a Smith and Wesson forum after all.

 

[Goffman]

BG380! This is a Smith and Wesson forum after all.

I was going to say that as well. Why isn't the S&W BG380 in the lineup? Having shot both the Ruger LCP and the S&W BG380 (the latter of which I now own), I can tell you that the Ruger just isn't much of a pistol compared with the S&W, but all three are in the same general ballpark of price.

 

[Pokerstar]

I purchased the BG380 and am very impressed with it. I have about 200 rounds through it and am liking it a lot. The only issue I have found is that one of my holsters (an in the pocket holster) has a reinforced lip and hits the mag release button. This has happened 3 or 4 times, so I have 'retired' this holster from in the pocket use and replaced it.

The only other caveat so far is the lack of availability of extra magazines. I finally found one in a lgs, and have 2 more on the way from S&W.

 

[TDR911]

As a secondary recomedation, try and shoot each pistol that you are interested in with the defense ammo that you prefer. Many of the small 380's that I have and shoot are very particular on ammo with FTF's being the biggest issue.
One day at the range my friend showed me his keltec that he has carried for a long time. Loaded it up with the ammo that he has had been carrying. 1 shot and all FTF's. Range ammo no problem. Since then he has learned to always check any weapon carried with the ammo you are using. I would suggest to shoot at least 50 rounds thru a BUG to make sure it feeds properly. The more run thru the more secure you will feel about your weapon.
Small auto's can be finicky.

Also how about a Diamondback??

 

[Ranger98]

Both the LCP & BG are great for pocket size carry

 

[moonshine44]

I was going to say that as well. Why isn't the S&W BG380 in the lineup? Having shot both the Ruger LCP and the S&W BG380 (the latter of which I now own), I can tell you that the Ruger just isn't much of a pistol compared with the S&W, but all three are in the same general ballpark of price.

The BG isn't in the initial line-up because they didn't have one in the store. I need to find a store that has all three so I can compare feel between 'em...

Plus I forgot about it...

Too bad we don't have an embarrassed smilie available...

 

[Maximumbob54]

Since someone said Bersa, I will chime in on this. Unless you plan to pocket carry and absolutely can’t get a little more size and mass then you really want to look at the Bersa. I have a Thunder .380 and while it isn’t US made, it has got to be the best foreign made firearm for the price that I have ever bought. They are pretty much PPK clones with slight modifications. I have yet to read a serious negative review on one and every single owner of one that I have met says they are good, solid, and reliable. Yes, it is twice as big as any LCP or BG but you get a gun that doesn’t suck to practice with at the range and you will be able to shoot much better with that practice. I have the duotone and I love it.

 

[moonshine44]

Unless you plan to pocket carry and absolutely can’t get a little more size and mass then you really want to look at the Bersa.

I'm looking for something that will fit in the back pocket of my Wranglers. I've got a big enough hiney that I need something small and flat to fit in my pocket...

 

[REM 3200]

I'm looking for something that will fit in the back pocket of my Wranglers. I've got a big enough hiney that I need something small and flat to fit in my pocket...

SIG 238 fits nicely in my back pocket.

 

[azasadny]

We have the Ruger LCP and have put over 1100 rounds through it without a single problem. My wife carries it in a DeSantis Nemesis holster ($19 at Cabela's)

 

[JIMSPD9]

.380 PREFERENCE

MY WIFE HAS AN LCP AND SHE LOVES IT. I PERSONALLY FIND IT A LITTLE HARD TO HOLD ON TO WHEN I FIRE IT, BUT I HAVE LARGE HANDS. THE LCP IS WELL MADE, ALSO EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

THE WIFE CARRIES HER'S IN A $9 DOLLAR CELL PHONE CASE WITH A FOLD OVER FLAP. IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM WITH THE C/T LASER.

I LIKE MY WALTHER PPK IN .380. THE PPK FITS MY HAND VERY WELL.

JIM S.