Best .380 Pocket Pistols for Personal Defense

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 7/15/20 | C Cocole

[w1n1]

These .380 mouse guns or "get off me" guns can be a good choice for personal defense. Prices vary from $200 to $700, some current full size handgun model may be a better choice to go.
But, if you’re looking for good concealment carry with a decent bite, then the .380 caliber is a good choice to consider. Before we get into the list, a quick word about .380 pocket size pistols and a pragmatic opinion.

Besides the concealment attribute, most of these pistols aren't that great. Full size semi-auto pistols are reliable, but the child size pistols are hindered with malfunctions during that melee.
While fishing to get the gun out of your pocket and wind up with a weird grip or you’re trying to create space when this 250 pound guy is hammering you from above – these are the things that tends to lead to malfunctions.
Ok, lets get to the meat of this – Here's a quick list of good .380 ACP pocket pistol for concealed carry to see if it works for you:

• Bersa Firestorm .380
• Ruger LCP II .380
• Kahr CW 380
• Sig Sauer P238
• Glock 42
• S&W Bodyguard 380
• Kel-Tec P3AT

Let's go over some pros and con.
Down Side
The .380s are usually light in weight, this makes it harder to dampen the recoil thus affecting the accuracy of the shot.
Another thing that can affect the recoil is the design.
Having a high grip helps in handling recoil better than low grip.
The grip size also helps in better control of the gun. The bigger the better.
Last its obvious that the caliber is not the same caliber as a .45ACP.

Upside
So the positive is that its a highly concealed gun, but you still need to be aware of deep concealment. This would make it harder to access in a stressful situation. Another upside is the caliber, I know what we said earlier about bigger caliber...Read the rest of best of .380 pocket pistols.

[rstrahan]

I picked up a little Jiminez .380 for $175. Made in AZ. Action was bad, etc. took it to my local gunsmith, got it worked for $50, now very smooth action. Just as good as an expensive firearm.

[Ancient Man]

Walther PPK/S.

[albie]

I carry a Taurus G2C 9MM. Excellent gun

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I’ll cast a vote for the Sig.
Too bad its single action...

[kjam22]

S&W Bodyguard. A great shooting gun. I carry it all the time. Have twice shot the head off of a snake with it at about 10 yards. One shot each time... I mean this gun is accurate. Long long trigger pull to get used to.... but once used to it you will hit what you are aiming at.

[Caipirabob]

The Taurus TCP has been an excellent CC weapon with high reliability at the range, never in actual practice fortunately. Thus, plus the cost is very reasonable.

[yarddog]

A lot of good .380s left off the list. A whole series of Browning and Colt from the early 1900s. The Walther PP and PPK, The Savage (10 shots quick).

I have a Hungarian FEG which performs perfectly and cost something like $120 a few years back.

I will also mention how much I like the Bersa’s which the article lists. Also the classic Beretta model 84 and 70s.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Get a Glock 19 or a 45 Semi.

[stevio]

Funny you should post this. I started a more intense practice regiment with my Ruger LCP (not the II). I don’t carry with one in the chamber so I’m practicing drawing, loading, and firing as I walk around a corner towards a target. Loads very easy and comfortable grip, but the recoil is not as much of a problem as it being a small gun. But that’s why we practice.

[Old Yeller]

Went to Cabelas yesterday. They are all out of 9mm, .40 and .45 ammo.

[spincaster]

Colt Government if you can find one. Small, reliable and light weight.

[Zathras]

9mm is a better round.

[bhive]

I don’t own a gun. I moved to safe neighborhoods to make sure I did not need it. Has the time come for everyone to buy guns?

[cuban leaf]

I bought the Ruger for my wife a few years ago. I didn’t do any research. It just seemed fine. I bought it in the way you might buy a toaster.

My wife hates it because it doesn’t have a safety so I’ve kept it in my car. It’s very reliable and I can throw it in my pants pocket. But I don’t keep one in the chamber, so if I ever needed it I’d have to cock it first.

[Joe 6-pack]

A CZ Rami will provide 9x19 or .40 S&W firepower in a package not much bigger than those on the list. Granted, a .380 is probably a better choice for those sensitive to recoil, but when it comes to concealability, I don't see any real advantage to be had.

[rednek]

The ammo problem is nationwide. At least it is citizens buying it this time, unlike the ammo shortage under Obama when it was the government buying it all.

Red

[BereanBrain]

Did you know it’s a known issue with Glocks that holding the gun in “Limp wrist” fashion will cause a FTE?

https://www.tannersgun.com/diagnosing-repairing-glock-pistol-problems/#:~:text=If%20the%20ejector%20is%20broken%20or%20the%20round,to%20Eject%20by%20“weak-wristing”%20or%20“limp-wristing”%20the%20pistol.

[TexasGator]

“Get a Glock 19 or a 45 Semi.”

Is that a Glock in your pocket?

[TexasGator]

“9mm is a better round.”

460 Weatherby is better!