Pocket .380s

jmt2566 · Jun 7, 2010

Well, I went to the gun show in Ladson on Saturday originally thinking about 1911's but then started looking at the different pocket .380 autos. In the other thread about "What & How" I noticed that more people than I expected carry a small .380 at least some of the time, so I thought that I would start looking into them.

I was somewhat impressed with the quality & feel of them - I did not have a very high expectation for them but I am beginning to think that I was wrong to have never taken them serious before now. I have not tested any of these at a range but figured that I could rely on the members here to give good feedback about their experiences with them.

Soooooo, what do you think about these, what is your favorite, and are there others that should be considered also? How confident are you with 6 - 8 rounds of .380 ACP for protection?

The type of guns that I am curious about are like: Ruger LCP; Kahr P380; Kel-Tec P3AT; Taurus 738 TCP; etc...

Thanks for any input! Jeff

Red Hat · Jun 7, 2010

I've have several BUG's. For a long time I carried my Kel-Tec P3AT with an ArmaLaser on it or my P32. I also have a Bersa but never carried it. The Bersa is a great feeling and shooting firearm. What I carry now for my BUG is my Kahr P380. My Kahr hands down is the best BUG I've ever owned. Great feel, accurate and a good trigger pull. It's an exact reduced copy of their PM series. Of course you can buy two of the other firearms for the price of one Kahr. Mouse Guns are good for a BUG and for when you want to discrete carry. As far as confidence a 380 with a good defense round will do the job if needed. I usually carry CorBon ammo in mine.

HHB Guns · Jun 7, 2010

If you have the money then go with the Kahr. Hands down the best in my book. I have had lots of customers buy them and love it. I went the cheaper route and went with the LCP. At first I had problems with feeding but a quick polish of the ramp and it eats anything now. One thing I might add is it is not an everyday shooter. Actually to be honest I hate shooting mine. Lot of punch and a small frame. It aint no Bersa.

fordnut · Jun 7, 2010

Mine is kind of to the top on the price...but...I love my Sig P238...It is just like the 1911's....Which I love...

I have put a lot of ammo down range with it, and, never had any FTF's. I have let lots of people shoot the little gun, and, everyone that shot it have been suprised...

It is deadly at 25 yards....

Steve

thebrasilian · Jun 7, 2010

Take a look at the Taurus 738. It is really highly rated and it's the only .380 that holds open after the last round. I've seen them down to about $270.

Reports and range reports on www.taurusarmed.net.

Red Hat · Jun 7, 2010

thebrasilian said:
it's the only .380 that holds open after the last round

Not really, the Kahr P380 also locks to the rear after the last round.

mcdaniel · Jun 7, 2010

I had a P3AT, I never warmed up to it. I went back to a 38 spl revolver for my small gun.

The new sig P238s are looking sweet though.

I wouldn't really go with any of the tiny 380s, but that really just my opinion and worth only what you paid for it.

Range Master · Jun 8, 2010

Carried a Walther PPK in .380 as a b.u.g. for years, accurate, reliable, easy to carry in an ankle rig. While I prefer my 1911, I would feel o.k. with a reliable .380. The ability to place rounds accurately is the most important consideration, especially so when carrying small guns.

Pops · Jun 9, 2010

Kel-Tec P3AT (pronounced, "380")
good gun, dependable, enormous grip improvement with the little finger hook on the magazine.
I shoot a magazine or two when ever I go to the range, but then spend the rest of the time shooting what I brought.

I also have a Bersa. Very well made gun, nice to shoot, but it doesn't disapear into your pants pocket like the 3AT ot the LCP.
Sometimes I forget I have it in my pocket.

If I were going to carry any other way than in a pistol sleeve in my pocket, I'd carry my Glock 27. If I have to have a holster, it might as well have a monster in it.

:lol:

HHB Guns · Jun 9, 2010

I received a diamondback in yesterday for a customer and I am very curious about it. Its a little larger than my LCP but it looks like they copied glock to a T. Comes apart like a glock and everything. The only thing I was not impressed with for the price was the fact it doesn't have a slide lock.

jmt2566 · Jul 3, 2010

Well I finally made my decision & went with the Ruger LCP. I am happy with it so far, made a quick run to ATP to put a few rounds down range. I would add a pic but am having a problem getting pics to upload to my computer. Thanks for everyones input!

Pogo · Jul 16, 2010

Anyone have problems with their Sig 238's? Wandering through their site, I saw some of them are getting recalled.

fordnut · Jul 16, 2010

As far as I know, the recall was for the early ones. I don't know of anything recently...

I have a P238 that I love...lots of people have shot it, and, I have put many rounds thru her. I have an IWB holster for mine. After 15 minutes of carring it, you forget you even have it on....and, I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of the little Sig at 25 yards. It is very accurate and easy to shoot...

You ever get to the range when I am there, just ask and we will load her up with target ammo and let you try it...

Steve

Pogo · Jul 18, 2010

Its tying a couple others at the top of my list for a small ankle piece. I might take you up on that offer, thnx.

Midnight Raver · Jul 19, 2010

Pogo said:
Anyone have problems with their Sig 238's? Wandering through their site, I saw some of them are getting recalled.

Why were they being recalled?

Pogo · Jul 20, 2010

I think the safety was malfunctioning on some if I remember correctly.

star · Jul 31, 2010

I carry a Sig 232 most of the time. It is simple, very reliable and robust. Haven't tried a 238 yet but they look great.

Pops · Aug 1, 2010

I've looked at the Sig 232 a couple of times. It seems more of a holster gun than a peice of pocket lint like the P3AT.

Much better made than any plastic gun though. I may have to revisit it at the next gunshow I go to.
I also liked Fordnut's little Kimber. Sweet and petite!

If you come to the BoggyHead cleanup next weekend 8/7, bring it with you. We can't shoot while the range has people all over it, but we do tend to show off our toys.

Pops

fordnut · Aug 1, 2010

I will have my P238 with me at the clean-up next Saturday...If it was like when we cleaned up Twin Ponds, they should open the range up for a little blasting after the work is done...

Bring some .380 ammo, and youall are welcome to fire it...It is a suprising little gun at 25 yards...

Steve