Pocket sized 380s. Pics & info.

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Logan80

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This thread is meant for current or prospective owners of pocket sized 380 pistols. Kel-tec P3AT, Diamondback DB380, Ruger LCP, Taurus TCP, etc. Even Colt Mustangs, Sig P238 or similar gun owners can/should chime in.

These very small, light, easily concealable 380s are becoming VERY popular lately. Many people just simply don't want to deal with carrying around a 1911 or even a compact 45. They are big and bulky, and for the most part uncomfortable to carry.

I'd like to see pictures of your carry gun, holsters, lasers, etc. How do you like the gun? Accuracy? Wish you would have bought a different model? Do you actually carry it? How's the recoil?

Basically I wanted to start a thread in which owners of these "mouseguns" can share information, tips & tricks, or pictures with each other in one place.
 
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Ok, here's some quick pictures I found online. All of these pistols are very similar in size.

Diamondback DB380
diamondbackdb380.jpg


Keltec P3AT
keltecp3at.jpg


Ruger LCP
rugerlcp380.jpg


Taurus TCP
taurustcp.jpg
 
I currently own an LCP and I had a P3AT before that. My only complaint about them is that they are TOO easy to carry and they tempt you to settle for them and not carry a more effective weapon. ;)

At 5-7 yards I am as accurate with my LCP as I am with a 2" snub and it has never given me any trouble. My prefered carry method for a gun this size is pocket carry in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. I don't trust the penetration ability of JHP ammo in a short barreled, light caliber pistol such as the LCP so I load FMJ in my gun.

I carry mine mainly as a backup gun. The only reason that I would carry it as my primary would be if my required mode of dress prevented me from being able to carry something bigger.

022.gif
 
that DB380 looks like a Smith & Wesson M&P in a giants hand!!!
 
My Bersa 380 CC. A long time favorite Totally reliable and eats anythin you feed it.
Remember what Col Cooper said, " You are only outgunned if you miss"


bersa380002.jpg
 
This is my current collection of what I consider pocket pistols. The PM9 is marginal for pocket carry though.

Pocket%20pistols.JPG


This picture includes the Diamondback that I replaced with a TCP. The Diamondback was totally unreliable even after going back to the factory. I don't consider the Bersa a pocket sized gun.

Pocket%20size.JPG
 
I own a P3AT but have recently taken a liking to the TCP. The trigger feel and reset are far superior to the P3AT. The slide lock on the TCP is a nice feature although it adds nothing in a self defense application. The Diamoondback was high on my list of options to replace the P3AT with until I read all the negative reports. I figured If I'm going to take a chance it may as well be with the larger manufacturer a TCP is on the short list.
 
Never thought I'd be an owner of a tiny gun chambered in .380, but I really like my TCP. I bought a cheap $6 pocket holster from CTD, works like a charm. Pretty happy with the accuracy I get from it, considering I'm a horrible shot with small guns and it doesn't really have sights

tco738target.jpg

Note that the lower shots weren't from flinching/pushing. I had a friend load snap caps randomly, and my sights didn't move when I pulled the trigger. It probably shot low because I'm not used to having almost nothing for sights, and couldn't line the shots up like I wanted to. The trigger on this thing is great though
 
Did you ever wonder why you can't buy a Seecamp from Seecamp, but You can buy 6 New in box today from Gunbroker dealers?
 
My favorite 380 is

the Kahr P380. I purchased mine approximately 12 months ago and love the weight and size of this gun. The P380 is ideal here in FL, especially during the summer. I have put about 750 rounds through the gun and it performs flawlessly. I carry either the P380 or my PM9 100% of the time.
 
Mouseguns.com

About all the info on pocket sized guns and near pocket size guns you could really like.
Personally I find a .32 to be more controllable in such a small package.
 
Bought and shot last week:

Ruger LCP for the wife
DSCN2755-1.gif

Cycled dependably, accurate at 7yds w/CT laser, recoil didn't bother the Mrs
very light and concealable

Kahr PM40 for me
DSCN2733-1.gif

Cycled dependably, fantastic trigger, very accurate, snappy but manageable, pocket carry but prints when sitting (even in a Desantis), .40 S&W is a show stopper.


Liked the Kahr so much, I'm shopping for the .380
0.jpg
 
Nice comparison pics there PX15. Your Seecamp .380 makes the LCP look.... large. Thanks for posting lefty pocket holsters too :)
 
unclenunzie:

Thanks..

Just thought folks might like to see how the Ruger LCP and the LWS380 compare, sizewise..

I cc my LCP (w/CT) daily, but there are times when even the small LCP is too large for the jeans/pants I'm wearing, but I've yet to find anything with pockets so small I can't cc the tiny Seecamp.:)

Best Wishes,

Jesse
 
I have both a Browning BDA 380 and a Sig P238. The BDA is a very reliable pistol that eats everything I feed it with no problems. It is a little on the large side for a Pocket Carry but I carry it in Uncle Mike Pocket holster in my front pocket of cargo shorts and pants with no problem. Plus magazine is 13+1. The Sig has spent more time at the factory than at the range. It is currently back at Sig to see if they can fix it right this time.
 
Kahr P380:

99827825_photobucket_8769_-1.jpg

99827825_photobucket_8776_-1.jpg

It's more accurate than I am. Offhand, 50 rounds from 15 feet:

99827825_photobucket_5625_-1.jpg

With the slightly larger, much heavier cousin, the PM9:

99827825_photobucket_5504_-1.jpg
 
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I would avoid the Kel-Tec. Don't have much experience with the other pocket-sized .380s as I went to a S&W 442 .38 SPL.

I have seen a ton of lightly used Bersas for sale lately. My guess would be that their owners sold them during the .380 ammo craze/crisis and that they're not as desirable as the micro-compact pocket .380s. At $200 or so, they get my vote for the best value.
 
I had the chance to fondle a Bodyguard .380 from Smith and Wesson this past weekend. It is a tiny bit bigger than the LCP, but I am willing to make the trade for honest-to-goodness sights and a built in laser. Excellent concept and execution. It is on my short list of "to-buys."
 
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