which .380

Consider one of the four Bersa Thunder models,,,

Consider one of the four Bersa Thunder models,,,
I have the basic Thunder .380 and love it,,,
It's been trouble free for 4 years now.

Great price with very good ergonomics,,,
It doesn't hurt that they are sexy as all get out.

Bersa Thunder 380 - 7+1 capacity.

Thunder Concealed Carry - 8+1 capacity.

Thunder Combat - 8+1 capacity.

Bersa Thunder Plus .380 - 15+1 capacity.

Actually I have three Bersa pistols,,,
Thunder 22, Thunder 380, and a Thunder 9UC Pro.

I don't recommend them because I'm a Bersa fanboy,,,
I recommend them because they work so well.

Aarond

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Assuming you are looking for a "pocket carry" pistol, the LCP, Beretta Pico, and Kahr P380, would be among my choices.

IMO the best .380 ACP available today is the Sig P238.

Having been through a lot of them, i've settled on the Kahr P380. Smooth trigger and light recoil, and I don't know if I'm lucky but mine has never had any of the problems which are posted here and there.

Most of the 380 pistols that are reliable and have a decent capacity are a larger than a 9mm. The Beretta Nano is smaller than any Bersa 380. The Walther PPK is the same size as a G26. I hear a lot of good things about SCCY pistols. But I heard a lot of good things about Kel Tec when they first came out. Most people who are happy with a Kel Tec do not shoot it very often. I had a P3AT that broke more often in 3 years than than all the guns I have ever owned in well over 40 years. If I had that much bad luck with the P3AT I doubt those who claim it is great do not shoot it or they are not being totally honest. When the Remington R51 was first introduced it was the best thing since sliced bread. Then there was a total recall of the gun. If you search for R51 reviews you can still find dozens of glowing reviews of the R51. That is why I am very hesitant to buy a SCCY. The first model of the SCCY was a disaster. The second version is just like the first version without a safety.

You can find a G42 or a G26 rather easily by using www.gunwatcher.com.

Sig p238. Same manual of arms as the 1911,great sights ,and very accurate.

Sig P238 is probably my fav .380 carry

I really like the Walther PK380 for a .380 range gun and I can get away with carrying it depending on my attire

Otherwise Ruger or Kel Tec will probably offer the most compact, affordable .380 for carry

-Matt S.

If you were open to trying something a bit different I would recommend a Polish Random P64.
They are built like a Tank, accurate and there is defense ammo being made for them. Some Wolf Springs and you'll have a handy pocket pistol for under 300.00.

I've gone through nearly all of them (except the Pico), and always came back to carrying the old reliable LCP...boring I know, but it works and weighs nothing...

My P3AT has been absolutely flawless. Apparently that means I am a dang liar.

My Russian Makarov is an okay size to carry, but kind of heavy. It has also been perfect. I am probably lying about that, too.

My Beretta 84 is maybe a little big to conceal, but people do. I only got it recently and haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. As soon as I do I will make up some lies.

I've got the Browning version of the Beretta 84 of course it's made by them, great shooter not tiny but for a .380 very nice.

Mine being a CA gun is 10 +1 but they are great guns.

The m&p bodyguard is the s&w version without the laser. It has actual sights. After hitting them with a little nail polish, I was easily shooting targets beyond the practical range at 25 yards.

Smaller & lighter than those big .380s is the Kahr CT380, a 7+1 single stack. I bought one from Bud's @ $289:

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CT380.asp

Slightly larger than the CW380 & my Ruger LCP, (with one more round) it fits my hand very well with pinky on board. These are very slim little pistols.

With my LCP:

I have both an LCP and the Sig P238. I much prefer the Sig. Better trigger and sights. I rarely carry the LCP anymore but it has always gone bang when I wanted it to do so.

Just finished breaking in a Sig P238 hd, it is really really good. I would look at it for a up close and personal defense piece. Very accurate out to 7yds. Farther than that I'll beat feet!

be safe.

I think PSA had a Sig P380 on sale over the holidays for $399. That looked like a great deal. Was tempted, but had just bought the Kahr.

I have shot them all...not that my choices will or should be your choices. If you are looking to buy a .380 pistol and are very serious, you should shoot as many as you can put your hands on and rent, borrow, or even buy to test. Wanted to own a Ruger LCR as it is popular and seems to handle all ammunition but the recoil was simply painful. Really liked the Sig P238 but have as yet resisted buying one because of the price.

That said I own a Glock 42 and a Beretta Pico. The G42 I would recommend as one of the best .380 pistols all around. The Pico has been flawless for me in almost 1000 rounds now but is ergonomically extreme and not for everyone.

It is (the Pico) extremely accurate and soft shooting at 11.5 oz but the odd DAO trigger and overall size of the gun make it an acquired taste.

My 2 cents on .380 pistols.

VooDoo