A Pocketable .380 that will hold up at range
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My P3AT has held up okay with regular practice, and I believe the Ruger LCP would do the same, but while the guns might hold up, neither of them is exactly comfortable to shoot with full-power .380 defensive ammo. I use the P3AT for daily carry, but for spending a lot of time only at the range, I'd go for something with a bigger grip and more steel, like a Walther PPK or one of the .380 Sigs.
I have never understood why
people think that LCP is no fun to shoot. When I bought my first one I put over 600 rounds through it in two trips to the range. Since then I bought a second and I shoot them both occasionally. When I do, I usually put 50 to 100 rounds through them. They are definitely fun to shoot.
The only issue I have with them is that when I carry one in my left front pocket, the mag is occasionally released. This can be remedied with a good pocket holster.
people think that LCP is no fun to shoot. When I bought my first one I put over 600 rounds through it in two trips to the range. Since then I bought a second and I shoot them both occasionally. When I do, I usually put 50 to 100 rounds through them. They are definitely fun to shoot.
The only issue I have with them is that when I carry one in my left front pocket, the mag is occasionally released. This can be remedied with a good pocket holster.people think that LCP is no fun to shoot. When I bought my first one I put over 600 rounds through it in two trips to the range. Since then I bought a second and I shoot them both occasionally. When I do, I usually put 50 to 100 rounds through them. They are definitely fun to shoot.
Thanks, this kind of reassured my decision with the LCP. I shoot full my .38 special with barami hip grips, not exactly the best at absorbing recoil. I think that is decent to shoot so I can't imagine an LCP packing more of a punch.
Mine is in my pocket right now.
wally
Member
SIG P238 is IMHO by far the most pleasant of the small .380s to shoot at the range. However I much prefer to carry my LCP, P3AT or S&W Bodyguard .380, as for about the same size/weight as the SIG P238 I can carry my Kahr PM40 -- whole lot more power!
I too would recommend the P238 but it does not fit the OP's budget or weight restrictions. I'm not sure how well any of the micro .380's would hold up over time, however, it does not sound like you'll be beating the crap out of it.
As a previous poster recommended, I would consider carrying on the belt, OWB. If you don't have to tuck in your shirt it's by far the most comfortable way to carry, IMO. It's also quick and easy to draw from. Unless I'm wearing a pair of shorts with big pockets, I belt carry..
Seems like a it would be the best choice economically and you could continue carrying a gun you love.
As a previous poster recommended, I would consider carrying on the belt, OWB. If you don't have to tuck in your shirt it's by far the most comfortable way to carry, IMO. It's also quick and easy to draw from. Unless I'm wearing a pair of shorts with big pockets, I belt carry..
Seems like a it would be the best choice economically and you could continue carrying a gun you love.
dondavis3
Member
If you decide to carry OWB - and you haven't said you'd consider that.
It opens up a world of choices.
And then - I'd suggest going to a 9 mm.
It opens up a world of choices.
And then - I'd suggest going to a 9 mm.
He specifically asked for a "pocketable" 380.If you decide to carry OWB - and you haven't said you'd consider that.
It opens up a world of choices.
And then - I'd suggest going to a 9 mm.
dondavis3
Member
True
I drifted quite a bit
Sorry
I drifted quite a bit
Sorry
Sapper771
Member
I recommend the Ruger LCP or the Kel-Tec P3AT. I do not own a LCP, but have shot one on several occaisions. I do own a P3AT currently and carry it every day in a pocket holster. It has been a reliable piece so far. Accurate enough (2-3" at 7 yards) for its purpose. It carries great due to being light and thin. I dont really notice its even in my pocket. The recoil is not the kindest in the world, but its not painful IMO.
I also have a 438 j frame. I pocket carry it occasionally, but it doesnt pocket carry as well as the P3AT. Not as thin and not as light. I will say this, I do feel more confident with my j frame than my P3AT. I guess because I have more rounds through my j frame.
I recently picked up a Kel-Tec P32. I was craving another light, thin pocket gun and I have never owned a 32acp. So far I like it, still evaluating it tho. With as light and thin as the P32 and the P3AT are......I dont see an issue with carrying both at the same time. Two is one and one is none.
I havent been on the pocket carry scene very long, but I have learned that light and thin are what work for me. When I do pocket carry, it is normally as a back up to my G19 or my G26. There are some occasions where I cant carry a belt gun and am stuck with just my pocket gun.
I also have a 438 j frame. I pocket carry it occasionally, but it doesnt pocket carry as well as the P3AT. Not as thin and not as light. I will say this, I do feel more confident with my j frame than my P3AT. I guess because I have more rounds through my j frame.
I recently picked up a Kel-Tec P32. I was craving another light, thin pocket gun and I have never owned a 32acp. So far I like it, still evaluating it tho. With as light and thin as the P32 and the P3AT are......I dont see an issue with carrying both at the same time. Two is one and one is none.
I havent been on the pocket carry scene very long, but I have learned that light and thin are what work for me. When I do pocket carry, it is normally as a back up to my G19 or my G26. There are some occasions where I cant carry a belt gun and am stuck with just my pocket gun.
The_Armed_Therapist
Member
As far as ones that can "fit" in the pocket, nothing is better at the range than the Sig P238. WONDERFUL to shoot! Nothing else is even close. That said, some don't like it for pocket carry b/c of it's design/action. If you end up agreeing with them, then the next best shooter that I've experienced has been the Magnum Research Baby Eagle (I think that's what it's called), but it is heavy, too. The third best shooter that I've shot is the Kahr P380, which is convenient because it's also probably the easiest to conceal in the pocket. The LCP, TCP, and P3A-T are not as pleasant as the other three to shoot, but are all great for pocket carry and almost as tiny as the Kahr.
You could also try seeing if the Bersa "C.C." Thunder fits well in your pocket. It's too big for me (and I've never shot it), but it might work for you.
You could also try seeing if the Bersa "C.C." Thunder fits well in your pocket. It's too big for me (and I've never shot it), but it might work for you.
I'm 5.8, 130 pounds and wear my clothes to fit, for the most part. I've never had a problem with printing when carrying OWB. A good pancake holster will be snug up against your body without the rubbing caused by IWB. The key is a good holster and belt combo.
srtolly
Member
I was looking at pocket .380s at one point. I did find a KelTec PF9 9mm that can fit nicely in my pocket or IWB. I don't even notice it most times. Price is good, bucks a bit but shoots good. I picked it up used and the guy I got it from had a couple hundred rounds through it, I have 100 through it of various types of ammo including hp with no malfunctions of any kind.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
I've been debating about the pf9 for at least a year and I've almost bought it like 3 times now. I keep seeing mixed reviews on them but the people who like them swear by them. Is it absolutely necessary to do the fluff and buff to a pf9?
Robbins290
Member
+1 for sig p238. try to find a colt mustang plus II, mine has been 100% and accurate enough for 25-40 yards
I would say no.
A friend of mine bought a PF9 a few months ago on price alone and his has been 100% through at least 200 rounds of WWB and Blazer brass.
Although it is a pia to have to send a pistol back at least Kel Tec is known for great customer service.
I bought a little KT P32 last year and it too has been 100% through around 150 rounds.
If money was my concern and I needed decent 9mm I would not hesitate to buy a PF9.
A friend of mine bought a PF9 a few months ago on price alone and his has been 100% through at least 200 rounds of WWB and Blazer brass.
Although it is a pia to have to send a pistol back at least Kel Tec is known for great customer service.
I bought a little KT P32 last year and it too has been 100% through around 150 rounds.
If money was my concern and I needed decent 9mm I would not hesitate to buy a PF9.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
In my experience shooting an LCP is much easier on my hand than shooting a hard gripped lightweight snubnose .38 Special.
You may love the LCP.
hardluk1
member
I have pocket carried a couple small 9mm's. I now CC a cm9 kahr and that replaced a as reliable pf-9. Yesterday I picked up a taurus tcp 380FS. That model can be bought for 195 dollars retail. My lgs had one for 185. Only have a 50 rounds fired but it is so far offered no problems. 10oz weight but same size as the kt and ruger. Easy pistol to shot too. feels alot like the cm9 kahr shooting standard ammo.
I don't not think any pocket gun makes a viable range gun but I have been wrong many times. I also carried a revolver in my pockets for 20 years. No revolver carries as well as some flat 9mm's.
I don't not think any pocket gun makes a viable range gun but I have been wrong many times. I also carried a revolver in my pockets for 20 years. No revolver carries as well as some flat 9mm's.
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Biggerhammer
Member
+++++ On the LPC.
I love carrying my P238 in the pocket. It's a great pistol that is highly accurate and reliable. It fits right into the pocket but I'm getting a wallet holster to print less with dress pants.
I've tried other 380s and the only others that I'd consider are the Bersa Thunder and Sig P232.
I've tried other 380s and the only others that I'd consider are the Bersa Thunder and Sig P232.
I think I might give the pf9 a try, it should def be easy enough to fit in my pocket. If I don't go with pf9 I think I'll pick an LCP. As much as I want a p239 right now, I sadly can't afford it.
Clark
Member
I have the LCP and the P3AT.
They both have nearly the same case support ~ .270"
The Ruger is a hair better, but I load them the same: 90 gr Gold Dot 1100 fps [I handload but Buffalobore +P claims the same velocity]
They are both light weight.
The Kel-Tec is a hair better, but they feel the same in the pocket.
Advantage LCP: a great laser that is easy to get.
Advantage P3AT: a pocket clip is easy to get.
So I carry both with pocket holsters:
DESANTIS M44BJG3Z0 for P3AT marked "G3"
DESANTIS M44BJG5Z0 for LCP with laser marked "G5"
But sometimes I just clip the P3AT into my shirt pocket.
For the PF9 I use +P+ ammo and the holster is:
DESANTIS M44BJMKZ0 for PF9 marked "MK"
They both have nearly the same case support ~ .270"
The Ruger is a hair better, but I load them the same: 90 gr Gold Dot 1100 fps [I handload but Buffalobore +P claims the same velocity]
They are both light weight.
The Kel-Tec is a hair better, but they feel the same in the pocket.
Advantage LCP: a great laser that is easy to get.
Advantage P3AT: a pocket clip is easy to get.
So I carry both with pocket holsters:
DESANTIS M44BJG3Z0 for P3AT marked "G3"
DESANTIS M44BJG5Z0 for LCP with laser marked "G5"
But sometimes I just clip the P3AT into my shirt pocket.
For the PF9 I use +P+ ammo and the holster is:
DESANTIS M44BJMKZ0 for PF9 marked "MK"
Onward Allusion
Member
NAA Guardian. Heavy, recoil absorbing and you can shoot it until the cows come home. I guarantee you that it will outlast a LCP or P3AT.
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