Posted on 05/17/2018 2:31:51 PM PDT by dirtboy
.380 versus .32? What models? Also, best ammo. Looking for best combination of stopping power, accuracy and recoil. Not looking for this to be primary concealed carry weapon.
..........I like the 380 Ruger. It’s 13 ounces fully loaded, no recoil and fits nicely in any pocket.
Whatever you decide on you will need to practice practice practice or it all is just a waste of time.
Really cant beat 9mm for effectiveness, capacity, and cost.
Old standard 9mm carry: Glock 26
New standard 9mm carry (MAYBE): SIG P365
NEVER .32.
Ever.
You would be better off with a .22 LR.
For pocket carry, .38 snubby is a long term favorite.
A friend showed me a micro-380 Kimber he carrys around the house. Great trigger nice size and very smooth looking. I like Barnes XTP or Federal Hydro shock. Also check out Springfields XD micro. Get what feels good to you above all else or you wont carry it. Be safe.
I shoot the Sig Sauer P232 in polymer.
Perfectly accurate and perfectly reliable.
I don’t carry anymore, as my diabetes is way out of control since going on this pump (so I don’t trust my judgement at times), but my wife regularly carries an older Walther PPK on her person. (I think it’s because she is still sweet on Sean Connery...).
She started with a Lady Smith, but changed a few years ago.
I recommend the Ruger LCP or LCP2. The Glock 42 is also excellent for pocket carry, but a bit bigger.
Ruger LC9 and Glock 43 (both in 9mm) are at the upper end of comfortable pocket carry for me.
44 Mag Auto!
Personally I prefer a small 9mm - a Kahr PM-9, a Kimber Micro 9 (I own and carry those) or a Sig P938, the latter two if you like the quasi-1911 controls. These are a little bulkier than their .380 counterparts but I do like 9mm. All of the above I have experience with; there are lots more in that very popular category. YMMV.
For me... a .22LR auto filled with CCI Stingers.
I gave a S&W but any will do. I like the zero recoil. Basically feels like you can put 3 in the same hole.
Great CC weapon, but don't take my word for it; just read the multitude of user reviews and watch any of the numerous YouTube review videos.
I pocket carry Kahr PM9. The Kahr P380 is tiny compared to the 9, and easy to shoot imho.
Between the two, only .380 is a serious contender.
Keeping in mind that you said pocket pistol, you need to ask some questions:
1) Do you feel comfortable with a loaded semi-auto in your pocket and a short, fairly light trigger pull like that on a Glock 42? Remember that unplanned things might go in a pocket and get inside the trigger guard.
2) Do you want to trust the safety on a cocked-and-locked Kimber or Sig pocket single action?
3) Do you mind the heavy trigger pull of a DAO like a Ruger LCP or S&W Bodyguard 380?
I own or have owned all those guns (except the Kimber), along with some pocket 9mms such as the Glock 43 and Sig P290RS.
Because of MY answers to the 3 questions, I only carry the Bodyguard in my pocket. I’ll carry the G43 in a hard IWB and the P290 in a soft IWB.
I’m not attacking the others, so people don’t need to flame me for being cautious and pragmatic.
It’s not really about caliber. Its about what you will comfortably and confidently carry because a 380 in the pocket beats a 45 ACP that you left at home every time!
My favorite is my S&W 332ti revolver, J-frame, 2”bbl, 6-shot, .32 H&R Magnum, 10.5oz empty. Very small and hides well in my right front pocket (in a sticky pocket holster).
Ruger LC9s Pro (9mm)
Springfield XDs 3.3” (.45 ACP)
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