Goldilocks .380 ACP

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cluttonfred

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I am looking at small, polymer frame.380 ACP pistols for discreet CCW even in a suit, but I want something still big enough to get all my average size fingers on. Candidates so far are:
  • KAHR CT380
  • GLOCK G42
  • RUGER LC380
  • SMITH & WESSON M&P Bodyguard 380
Right now I am leaning toward the Glock just because there are so many more accessories (sights, holsters, mag extensions, etc.) for it than anything else, though a Tungsten Cerakote CT380 is a close second. Anyone have any strong feelings for or against any of these pistols?

Cheers,

Matthew
 
G42 is going to be more reliable, but CT380 matches your criterion better, because its front strap is longer. This, BTW, was the main reason that soured me on LCP II: its trigger guard is so generous that I can't even put my ring finger on it, resulting in 1-finger grip. What to say about the pinkie!

But I know I'm weird. I actually have my G42 extended by the Fraurem glue-on.
 

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I have average-to-large hands and recently purchased a Kahr CT380. It’s a great gun and has run 100% with quality ammo, even during the 200-round Kahr break-in procedure. Lightweight and fits my hands well. Shoots quite nicely. It’s become my CCW. Oh, and mine is the Tungsten Cerakote CT380 - great finish that looks fantastic.
 
I have a Bodyguard, with a green laser, that I installed a Galloway trigger in, to try to make it easier to shoot accurately. I still don't like the long, stiff trigger pull.
I also have a CW380 that ran GOOD ammo from day 1, but it didn't have enough clearance between the extractor, and breech face for Fiochi ammo. Khar sent me a call tag, and it wasn't gone a week, and it now runs anything, and has a much better trigger than my BG380. It's also the softest shooting .380 I've ever fired. I also put Pierce pinky extensions on, and Maguts in the magazines. Maguts adds one round capacity, but, most important, to me, has a much better spring than stock.
 
Of the options listed g42 hands down.
I've got an early one but its run 100%, forget when i got it but it was a month or so after they were released - before the g43 was on the market. I've swam in the ocean with it, pocket carried it (a tad big for this in my opinion) , carried it on the hottest days when my g30 would weigh me down in light clothes, everything you can imagine. And its still big enough to be enjoyable to shoot.
In my opinion a pinky does not need to be resting on the grip , it doesn't add any strength or stability but the internet makes a big deal out of it for some reason. Even when i fire full size handguns my pinky does nothing, i train that way with the reason that not all guns will accomodate a pinky resting spot. To be honest i couldn't care less as long as i have a spot for my middle and ring finger that is enough, i learned to shoot on SAA style revolvers and its nearly impossible to get a pinky on those so to me its all the same.
I will not bash firearms of any kind as bad, there are lorcin, hi-point and usfa zip gun fans out there and thats their reality of whats good. With that said , the worst guns (yeah, more than one) i have ever owned were kahrs. Yeah, i know many many people love them - me, not at all.
The lc380 has a mag disconnect, if the release is pressed by accident on or before drawing it wont fire, a complete deal breaker for me.
The bodygaurd is reasonable but my buddy has one (not sure of age) that has light primer strikes regularly. Im not a fan of the trigger either.
All are decent guns but i think the glock is superior, no im not a fanboy.
 
Thanks, all, for the feedback. I stopped by the LGS today and spent some time checking out .380s. The G42 was appealing except for the awful gritty trigger. The S&W BG380 was just too small. They did not have any Kahr 380s but handled a CT40 and liked the Kahr trigger a lot. I’ll try other shops to get my hands on one but I think the CT380 is pulling ahead though I’m not ready to call it just yet.
 
One thing about the Ruger / KelTec model is that it is so light you can put it in a pocket holster, and slip it in the inside pocket of your suit jacket/sportcoat. It won't bulge or sag the coat at all. On my coats, the grip is just below the level of the top of the pocket, so it is also invisible. I use a little cheapo DeSantis pocket holster with the grippy sides and have never had a problem with it shifting, etc. (although I am not doing Parkour).

The portability of the little thing trumps a lot of other considerations, and my little Ruger has never missed a beat at the range. I use the magazine with the pinkie extender and it helps keep it on target just fine.
 
Why .380? If you are considering a G42 why not a G43? In a small package there really isn't much difference in recoil.

I also see you didn't mention Sig P238 or P938.

As for the gritty trigger, is this going to be a target pistol or a self defense pistol? If it's a self defense pistol I'll bet my usual $1 bet that in a self defense scenario with adrenaline pumping you'll never notice how smooth or how gritty the trigger is.
 
I do not own any of the guns you listed. However I do own the Kahr CW380 and have a size large hand with long fingers and shoot it just fine. You might also try out a Kahr CM9. One of the smallest Micro9's, 14oz and Mild shooting. Should fit your hand nicely and give you the benefit of the 9mm. Well built, totally reliable.
IMO Kahr triggers are exceptionally great DAO.
 
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A good buddy got divorced and needed a big bunch of cash to buy out the ex. I gave him some of the money in exchange for" her" Bersa 380, and installing and wiring my dish washer.
It is Ok for the occasional dress up carry in a jacket and tie, with IWB carry at 4 o 'clock.
Of your choices the Glock 42 is a great choice but do consider the Glock 43.
 
Might want to try them out if possible. I like Glocks, they just do not like me. Recently shot 200 rds through the 43x and woke up the next day with a nice blister on my finger from the trigger guard. I have a LC9S like the LC380 and love the size and design. Have a Bersa 22 and love how it feels in my hand. Asking what is best for you is akin to going into a shoe store and asking the clerk to find the most perfect fit and comfort for your particular foot.
One tool you can use is the link below to get a idea before purchase.

Example"

TpZqgOH.jpg


https://www.handgunhero.com/handguns
 
If you want to get all of your fingers on the grip the BG380 may not work for you. Have you handled one?
 
If you want to get all of your fingers on the grip the BG380 may not work for you.
My hands are on the small side and the BG380 I rented was definitely a two-finger gun. There was almost enough room for my pinkie but it always slipped off during shooting.
 
Sir, I commend your awesome grip strength.

Tell us the truth, you squeeze apples into cider by hand, right. We know you do.

I own a 43 ... I train with 124gr FMJ ... I carry 124gr standard pressure... I use +2 extentions .. Allows me a better grip ..
The 42 handles the 380 recoil well ... and allows quick follow up shots ..
The 42 is a great pistol ,,, and it recoils
much less than the 43
I own a Taurus TCP .. Eats everything but is a bit snappy ..

But Im looking for a larger 380 ,,, 42 is on my list .. But Im a bit broke after getting a pistol the other day ..
A Kahr PT380 is another good candidate , but the slide is hard to rack and I have Raynauds... So in cool weather.. I have problems....

I mentioned the SCCY CPX-3 earlier..
I handled one last weekend at the range .. The slide is super easy to rack .. The trigger on the CPX-3 is lighter than the CPX-1 & 2 But still is a DAO .. It is also 10+1 and weighs in at 15oz
 
Why .380? If you are considering a G42 why not a G43? In a small package there really isn't much difference in recoil.
Because G43 is much larger and the difference in recoil is massive. I suppose it's not something a guy who's ripped like a gorilla can appreciate, but G42 and G43 are nothing alike.
 
This 380acp is one you may want to look at
Bersa BP380 is blowback operated. So lol nope. Same goes to RIA Baby Rock. These are guns that should've had a locked breech but they do not, so shooting them is basically the same as Beretta 84.

P.S. EAA Witness in 380 is like that too. And the Grand Power Roxor. What a pity.
 
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I think the blowback vs. locked breech issue is greatly exaggerated. Action. Reaction. Physics. It's more about the total mass of the gun than the locking (or non-locking) mechanism.
 
Bersa BP380 is blowback operated. So lol nope. Same goes to RIA Baby Rock. These are guns that should've had a locked breech but they do not, so shooting them is basically the same as Beretta 84.

P.S. EAA Witness in 380 is like that too. And the Grand Power Roxor. What a pity.

Im positive the Bersa BP380CC is locked breech ... Its a different design than the Bersa Thunder series, which is Blow back design ...

Tbe Blow back design in crease recoil vs locked breech
 
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