singlesix
US Veteran
I have a PPK and PPKS but my choice hands down is a Glock 42
.380
- Thread starter lmacrichter
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CaptRon956
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I have the latest version of the S&W M&P 380 bodyguard (no lazer) and so far over 200 shots & zero failures. Because of the very long hot summers in Texas it has become my primary carry. But if I had the dough, I'd get a Walther ppk/s 380.
JaPes
Member
I already have. I chose a Kahr CW380. Why? I wanted...
- A very small conceal carry pistol for use when my expected attire dictates such a small pistol.
- A back-up pistol.
- A pistol that will hold back the slide after the last round is fired.
- A pistol that is not hammer fired.
- A pistol that has a trigger between a light striker trigger and a very stout revolver trigger.
- A pistol with usable sights.
- A pistol that has a good reputation and represents a good value.
From my experience shooting small pistols, the Kahr CW380 was the "Goldilocks" pistol for me.
I've owned a Ruger KLCR .357 Mag. Pocket carry? Sure. I could get away with it in cargo pants or baggier jeans. The cylinder added width. The grip that made .357 Magnum tolerable to shoot wasn't pocket carry friendly. Trying to inconspiciously carry extra rounds in a HKS speed loader was challenging. I do not have the skill or ability to quickly reload a revolver under stress.
I've owned a Ruger LCP. Absolutely horrible little gun. I expect a little pistol to beat me up a bit. The LCP really beat me up more than I would like. The trigger and I didn't get along. The sights were designed as an afterthought. No last round hold open. The overall construction of the LCP did not feel substantial.
I shot 100 rounds from a S&W bodyguard .380. Slightly better than the Ruger. Not different enough for me to bite. Same with the Kel-Tec P380. I shot 50 rounds from a Glock 42. IMO, kind of big for my .380 needs. I am not comfortable pocket carrying the Glock safe action trigger, even with a good pocket holster. I shot 50 rounds from a Sig P238. I am a P938 owner. Loved the P238. Didn't like it's weight. Again, didn't fit my needs. Beretta Pico didn't feel good in my hand.
IMO, it's all about how the pistol feels during live fire that counts. A pistol that fits the hand is important in full size/compact/sub-compact pistols. It is absolutely essential when shooting the super small .380's.
labworm
US Veteran
Have the following:
Colt Government .380 Purchased in 1990.
S&W Walther PPK .380
Sig Sauer P238 Equinox .380
The Sig is my favorite at the moment, well made, feels great in my hands, accurate and great night sights.
Colt Government .380 Purchased in 1990.
S&W Walther PPK .380
Sig Sauer P238 Equinox .380
The Sig is my favorite at the moment, well made, feels great in my hands, accurate and great night sights.
PA Guns & Ammo
Member
LCP. Mine has been very reliable. I have put all different kinds of ammo through it without any issues. They are cheap and very effective. I think they are the best pocket gun. Yeah the trigger is long and heavy but never have to worry about accidental discharge for the most part.
James
James
LVSteve
Member
FEG B9R. Locked breech all steel design, so it's a powder puff to shoot. Carries about 12 rounds IIRC.
As for slide hold open on a carry gun, I suspect it's an overrated feature. How many SD scenarios degenerate into a multi-mag engagement? Goblins are cowards, and run before getting shot like the first guy you nailed.
As for slide hold open on a carry gun, I suspect it's an overrated feature. How many SD scenarios degenerate into a multi-mag engagement? Goblins are cowards, and run before getting shot like the first guy you nailed.
jonny13sb
Member
CZ83 if you can find one. Or you could just get a Makarov if 9x18 isnt a problem.
I have eight 380s already, seven 1934 Berettas and one 1910-55
Browning. I may buy another one someday, most likely a Glock 42 or
Ruger LCP.
Browning. I may buy another one someday, most likely a Glock 42 or
Ruger LCP.
shlike
Member
+1 on the Kahr CW380
Last edited:
semperfi71
US Veteran
I have a Diamondback 380. I appear to be in the minority here.
They did have an earlier reputation of unreliability and poor customer service. Supposedly those problems were cured.
I bought mine new two years ago and had to run about 5 or 6 brands of solids through it to find one or two that fed reliable. That was PMC and then I ran about 100 or so rounds through it to make sure.
What I like about it is that it is essentially a mini-Glock. I don't like manual safeties on small semi-autos as they can be hard to "find" under stress.
My PMC load shoots to point of aim at 15 yards and into 3 inches.
They did have an earlier reputation of unreliability and poor customer service. Supposedly those problems were cured.
I bought mine new two years ago and had to run about 5 or 6 brands of solids through it to find one or two that fed reliable. That was PMC and then I ran about 100 or so rounds through it to make sure.
What I like about it is that it is essentially a mini-Glock. I don't like manual safeties on small semi-autos as they can be hard to "find" under stress.
My PMC load shoots to point of aim at 15 yards and into 3 inches.
litenlarry
Member
Before most of the .380's shown were available, I bought a Kel Tec P3AT..It does not have the refinement's of the more expensive model's now available..But it is a great little inexpensive pistol..
WOW, talk about being in the minority ...
WOW, talk about being in the minority ...
The last .380 I bought was a SIG P238. For no reason that anyone could discern, it would routinely fail to come to battery round after round. I got fed up with it so it went back to my dealer and I went on down the road carrying my 642 and not being interested in another .380. It was a straight single action pistol, though - I am not sure when they became double action as noted by RMC1.
At the time I had 3 other .380s, a Beretta 84/Cheetah with the squared off trigger guard, a Star Model S, and a Colt Mustang Plus with mother of pearl stocks. The only reason I wanted the SIG was because as much as I liked the Mustang + it was not a happy medium for a pocket pistol. The Beretta and Star are simply not pocket pistols; they are nice, concealable belt guns. (I once had an Astra Constable, too - a copy of the PPK - it was NIB and I sold it that way; unfired).
I sold the Colt Mustang + last year and used that money to buy a S&W 25-5 in .45 Colt. That made me very happy; I never really warmed up to that Colt Mustang+. I had a Bersa .380 that I liked better but sold years ago to obtain another 2" Model 10, just because I like snubbie Model 10s.
I might never buy another .380 because that Beretta 84 is a wonderful gun and the Star Model S is superb - I have few guns as accurate in my hands. It never failed to perform. I don't shoot either very much anymore but they're not going anywhere.
To answer the question, though, it would be a Ruger LCP; the whole point of my buying a .380 today would be as a pocket pistol.
***GRJ***
At the time I had 3 other .380s, a Beretta 84/Cheetah with the squared off trigger guard, a Star Model S, and a Colt Mustang Plus with mother of pearl stocks. The only reason I wanted the SIG was because as much as I liked the Mustang + it was not a happy medium for a pocket pistol. The Beretta and Star are simply not pocket pistols; they are nice, concealable belt guns. (I once had an Astra Constable, too - a copy of the PPK - it was NIB and I sold it that way; unfired).
I sold the Colt Mustang + last year and used that money to buy a S&W 25-5 in .45 Colt. That made me very happy; I never really warmed up to that Colt Mustang+. I had a Bersa .380 that I liked better but sold years ago to obtain another 2" Model 10, just because I like snubbie Model 10s.
I might never buy another .380 because that Beretta 84 is a wonderful gun and the Star Model S is superb - I have few guns as accurate in my hands. It never failed to perform. I don't shoot either very much anymore but they're not going anywhere.
To answer the question, though, it would be a Ruger LCP; the whole point of my buying a .380 today would be as a pocket pistol.
***GRJ***
Sig P238
Why?
Tiny, light weight, single/double action, has a safety, and very accurate for such a small pistol
Just to clarify, I don't own one and have never shot one, but, are you sure the P238 is SA/DA? I thought for sure it was SAO.
Bob
My wife loves her new G42 Glock. So far no issues and size, ease of use and accuracy are all great. Nice sights for a little gun.
I still use my old AMT Backup from time to time. Works just fine for what it is.
I still use my old AMT Backup from time to time. Works just fine for what it is.
RMC1
Member
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Yes, it is sa only. My bad.
smokey04
Member
+1 for voyager,mine isn't D.A.either. I don't think they make them that way but.... I've been known to be mistook ever oncest and a whyle. Nick
