Pocket .380s....

Discussion in 'Concealed Carrying & Personal Protection' started by JCANNON, Feb 13, 2013.

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  1. Feb 13, 2013 #1
    JCANNON

    JCANNON New Member

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    Hi guys I'm in need of some advice... I'm trying to find a reliable pocket da/sa or dao .380 pistol. I've been lookin online nonstop and I think I may have it boiled down to a couple good ones. Feel free to try and convince one way or another! The kahr p380 (cw380 just came out as a less expensive option might go that route) is at the top of my list as of now. It's dao, small, and seems of good reliable quality. Only thing is it only has a 5 year warranty. Should this be a deciding factor at all? Next on my list is the s&w bodyguard .380. I hear they had a firing pin cracking issue? Is this resolved and reliable now? this does have a lifetime warranty but I don't know if rat should count so heavily for it if its not a quality pistol. Besides after 5 years maybe a new pocket pistol is a good idea regardless? Feel free to suggest any others guys and btw, I am not interested in a pocket 9mm. Thank you in advance!
     
    JCANNON, Feb 13, 2013
    JCANNON, Feb 13, 2013
  3. Feb 13, 2013 #2
    winds-of-change

    winds-of-change The Balota's Staff Member

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    I don't know much about the two you have it narrowed down to. I have a Sig P238 that I really like.
     
    winds-of-change, Feb 13, 2013
    winds-of-change, Feb 13, 2013

  5. Feb 13, 2013 #3
    vincent

    vincent New Member

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    Ruger LCP?
     

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    vincent, Feb 13, 2013
    vincent, Feb 13, 2013
  6. Feb 13, 2013 #4
    orangello

    orangello New Member

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    Have you looked at/handled a Bersa Thunder .380? They have 7, 9, and 15 round capacity models and one that is supposed to be optimized for concealed carry. I had one and loved it, but my sister needed a new purse pistol.

    It is not as teeetiny as the Kahrs.

    It is SA/DA and has a decocker and an integrated lock in case of kiddies. I really like the flat nickel finish.
     
    orangello, Feb 13, 2013
    orangello, Feb 13, 2013
  7. Feb 13, 2013 #5
    hardluk1

    hardluk1 Active Member

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    kahr has a new CW380 , well it is out but you may not see one for some time. I would not over look the taurus TCP with a SS or black SS slide and 2 mags. They can be bought for 250 to 260 dollars. A far better trigger than other micro 380s and seems to shoot any ammo. You would want a C model. Its in the serial number.

    I carry kahrs and like the larger calibers very much in 9mm and 40 but our 380's are a couple tcp. Both are very reliable. Great under 5lb trigger and a slide hold open. My wife and youngest daught cc them as part of there pistols.
     
    hardluk1, Feb 13, 2013
    hardluk1, Feb 13, 2013
  8. Feb 13, 2013 #6
    JonM

    JonM Moderator

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    lcp is a great choice and is a true pocket pistol. i carry one all the time even have mine in my pocket holster in my pocket as im typing this.
     
    JonM, Feb 13, 2013
    JonM, Feb 13, 2013
  9. Feb 13, 2013 #7
    JCANNON

    JCANNON New Member

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    can you get two fingers on the lcp?
     
    JCANNON, Feb 13, 2013
    JCANNON, Feb 13, 2013
  10. Feb 13, 2013 #8
    JonM

    JonM Moderator

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    yes easily. the grip is very thin but thats a good thing for ccw in the pocket
     
    JonM, Feb 13, 2013
    JonM, Feb 13, 2013
  11. Feb 13, 2013 #9
    John_Deer

    John_Deer New Member

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    I would have to give the nod to the LCP. I have a Kel Tec. Yes, mine runs flawlessly after 5 months of shipping the P-3AT back and forth to Florida. Needless to say I can not recommend a Kel Tec. Yes, I have the P-3AT in my pocket right now.
     
    John_Deer, Feb 13, 2013
    John_Deer, Feb 13, 2013
  12. Feb 13, 2013 #10
    GonzoGeezer

    GonzoGeezer New Member

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    I have owned a BG380 for two years and have had no complaints. I haven't run thousands of rounds, but then none of this class of guns are range guns. It conceals well in pocket or belt holsters. I do not bother with the laser. I also have a PPK and PPK/S in .380 but they are larger and heavier and require a belt holster.

    -GG
     
    GonzoGeezer, Feb 13, 2013
    GonzoGeezer, Feb 13, 2013
  13. Feb 13, 2013 #11
    Tackleberry1

    Tackleberry1 New Member

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    I'd suggest holding the CM 380 and a CM 9 at the same time.

    The 9 mm is only marginally larger but provides MUCH more terminal performance than the .380

    Just my .02 cents... Good Luck

    Tack
     
    Tackleberry1, Feb 13, 2013
    Tackleberry1, Feb 13, 2013
  14. Feb 13, 2013 #12
    Randy40TX

    Randy40TX New Member

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    Bersa Thunder .380 really neat pistol also it comes with a laser out of the box ! It shoots great I recommend !
     
    Randy40TX, Feb 13, 2013
    Randy40TX, Feb 13, 2013
  15. Feb 13, 2013 #13
    GeneralPatton

    GeneralPatton New Member

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    I have the KelTec P3AT and have had it for at least 7 years now. It's never failed nor had any issues. However, it is anything but a pleasure to shoot. I rarely even pull it out at the range. After carrying it for many years, I bought the new Sig P938 in 9mm. You can get that same Sig in the .380 I don't own one, but of all the people that I've read using it love it.
     
    GeneralPatton, Feb 13, 2013
    GeneralPatton, Feb 13, 2013
  16. Feb 14, 2013 #14
    JCANNON

    JCANNON New Member

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    Guys I think I'm pretty much set on getting the S&W Bodygaurd .380. My reasons are as follows: small size, manageable recoil, lifetime gaurantee, laser (only a small +), DAO w/hammer design (second strike and more importantly safer carry should i choose to not use safety except for pocket carry), price, lock back on last round, 2-finger groove for decent grip, sights, witness window (not necessary but neat nonetheless). All of your insight has been much appreciated and has gone into my consideration. However, unless i can be strongly persuaded otherwise, I'm getting the BG380. Feel free to continue the debate/info still!
     
    JCANNON, Feb 14, 2013
    JCANNON, Feb 14, 2013
  17. Feb 14, 2013 #15
    hardluk1

    hardluk1 Active Member

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    No use in giveing advise as you all ready made up your mind . Worse trigger in any 380.
     
    hardluk1, Feb 14, 2013
    hardluk1, Feb 14, 2013
  18. Feb 14, 2013 #16
    JCANNON

    JCANNON New Member

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    You clearly didnt read my second to last sentence. if your feelings are hurt becasue i didn't choose your gun i apologize. advice is just that, advice. it's not a "pick what i say or else."
     
    JCANNON, Feb 14, 2013
    JCANNON, Feb 14, 2013
  19. Feb 14, 2013 #17
    drvsafe

    drvsafe New Member

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    Check out the Beretta Nano. It's 9mm, 6+1, and far less snap than an LCP and did I mention it's 9mm?
     
    drvsafe, Feb 14, 2013
    drvsafe, Feb 14, 2013
  20. Feb 14, 2013 #18
    JCANNON

    JCANNON New Member

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    less recoil and 9mm? i'm listening...how??
     
    JCANNON, Feb 14, 2013
    JCANNON, Feb 14, 2013
  21. Feb 14, 2013 #19
    drvsafe

    drvsafe New Member

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    A bit more weight to the pistol over the LCP.

    I gotta strongly suggest you give them all a test, it's the best investment of ammo you will make.
     
    drvsafe, Feb 14, 2013
    drvsafe, Feb 14, 2013
  22. Feb 14, 2013 #20
    AntonE

    AntonE New Member

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    I have the Kahr PM40. Love it, but when you hafta take it down, it field strips a little differently than others. When you reassemble the slide to frame you have to get a little spring adjusted just right on the takedown pin. Just a shade more hassle to this gun. I dont have a Bodyguard to compare, but it got awfully great reviews.

    I think you made the right choice.
     
    AntonE, Feb 14, 2013
    AntonE, Feb 14, 2013
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