Kahr 380. Opinions? (Handgun Vanity)

2/3/10 | Self

[scottdeus12]

Hi all, don't know if you've seen my previous threads, but I'm in the market for a conceal/carry (pocket) handgun....thanks much for your awesome advice.

I've almost landed on the new Kahr 380 for a variety of reasons...mostly the size (I know I'd pocket-carry everywhere) and Kahr's reputation. The smallest 9mm I've found is still to big to pocket-carry, and the .40 is for sure way to big.

Anyway, curious to know if you have any comments or feedback.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[JoeProBono]

For what it’s worth

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2443652/posts

[OKSooner]

S&W 642. You heard it here first. :)

[dblshot]

Get a good pocket holster that keeps the gun in an upright draw position and prevents imprinting through fabric.

[Dan Nunn]

I have a Kel Tec P3AT .380 caliber pocket pistol. I suppose it gets the job done but it was a total pain to shoot at the range because of the unavailability of .380 ammunition and the form of the gun (small size, big caliber = heavy recoil).

I decided that if I wanted a gun that I could feel comfortable saving my life with, I’d have to shoot it often, so I got the Glock 26 subcompact 9mm handgun. Not really a pocket pistol and a lot heavier than my P3AT, but still a small gun.

Couldn’t be happier. 9mm is incredibly inexpensive and prevalent, I can fit 10+1 rounds in it (expandable up to 33 rounds if I wanted to get ridiculous), and I shoot it every week.

But if you still want the pocket pistol, the P3AT is a decent gun.

[JoeProBono]

Kahr-Pm9-in-hand

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Yep. Everyday...

[Tijeras_Slim]

I’ve handled but haven’t shot the .380 yet, but it had the same feel and quality as all Kahr guns I’ve seen.

It seems of better quality and more substantial than the Kel Tec or Ruger, and the sights are good. I also like the trigger better.

If I were in the market for a small .380 (I have an old Colt 1908 that is great but a bit on the large size for the caliber) the Kahr would be the gun.

[EdReform]

S&W 642

+1

[Yo-Yo]

How timely! This month's American Rifleman (NRA's magazine) has a nice comparison of 9 different .380s for concealed carry. You can read a summary of the article online here. There is much more detail in the print article, but I don't have my copy in front of me.

None of them did really well in the functioning department, do if you do use one for carry, make sure you know your clear jam drills down cold.

[OB1kNOb]

Have you checked out a Kel-Tec 9mm? Weighs 12-14 oz. I can find 9mm ammo availability and reasonable price easier than I can find .380.

[Josh Painter]

Wow, if a Kel-tec PF-9 or Kahr PM9 won’t fit in your pockets, it may be time to find a new brand of pants.

Seriously, .380 ammo has always been costlier than 9mm, and with the ammo shortage of the last year, .380 is even more scarce and more expensive than before.

Plus, 9mm has packs a more powerful punch than .380

- JP

[voteNRA]

I don't have an opinion on .380's to offer but if you are in the market for one this month's Team Sig contest is for a SIG SAUER P238.

Looks like a good, small carry gun, who knows you may win

[Puppage]

I have a S&W 642, a Kel Tec P38T and a new Sig P238 (which my wife has taken as her own)that's just a joy to shoot. Having said that, with a revolver, you never really have to worry about a jam in a life threatening situation. It'll always go boom.

Do what I do....just get 'em all.

[scottdeus12]

Hi Joe...yeah I was in the PM9 camp, them I found out about the 380....if that 9 was smaller, I’d get it hands-down.

[scottdeus12]

great post thanks man.

[Tijeras_Slim]

The P238 looks nice, a Colt Mustang that works.

[scottdeus12]

Cool, thanks Yo!

[mrmeyer]

I know they can be pricey, but have you considered a rohrbaugh? They make some small 9mm’s.

[screaminsunshine]

over under .45 derringer.