Subcompact 380 vs sub 9mm

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chiltech500

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Had a Beretta model 1934 (380) stolen from my car last week. It was a gun best for a few quick shots not a protracted gun battle as replacing the magazine was best done slowly and calmly :)

I shoot almost exclusively 1911's and have a commander length S&W 1911sc but would like a pocket pistol for summer. I am a small man 5'7 155 lbs and nothing conceals very easily on me. I am of the opinion that carrying something is better than carrying nothing.

At the LGS pulled the trigger on a few 380's, a LCP and a Kahr I think. Not too impressed with the long DAO trigger in either. I like the Sig P238 (have not held it or pulled the trigger) but not convinced to spend $600 for a 380. Held and could live with the trigger on a M&P shield, but it and its brethren are a bit too big I think.

Instinctively I would rather carry a small single stack 9mm with a short trigger pull, not too worried about accuracy, want a point and shooter. Suggestions and why you like them please.
 
If you like 1911s chances are you'll like either the Sig P238 or the Colt Mustang, or if you want to step it up to 9mm the Sig P938. I'm primarily a 1911 guy myself, and that's the reason I like my P238, because it essentially is a mini-1911 that I can fit in my pocket.

Yes they're expensive compared to most of the competition... But I think it's worth it.
 
The Bersa Thunder .380 has a very short, light trigger pull. I would also encourage you to look at the Beretta Nano. Both are light, conceal easily and are surprisingly accurate for being little shooters.
 
The Keltec P3AT and the Ruger LCP are hard to beat for easy concealment. They just drop right in a front jeans pocket. They are very light in weight and no safety to deal with. They do have that long trigger pull though which is actually what makes them safe to carry with a round in the chamber. Just use round nose FMJ for reliability.
 
I'm an every day 1911 carrier. I like, and use, a Bodyguard 380 as a BUG. I bought several of them for cheap off of people who didn't like them for one reason or another. Having put lots and lots of rounds through them I am confident and competent in their use for what I bought them for - deep concealment. At the time I acquired them, i was looking hard at the SIG 238 and also trying to find a Colt Mustang. I couldn't justify the price to myself on the SIG (which was dumb; what price should I put on my safety) and I had no luck finding a Colt, so I jumped on a couple great deals on the Bodyguards.



If me of 3ish years ago were making the decision today, I would completely bypass the .380 and pick up one of the new ultra-tiny 9mm pistols. Most likely it would be the SIG 938.
 
Colt is making a poly Mustang that's about as small as you're gonna get in a single action 380.

If you want really small in a 380, you're gonna have to go DA. The Seecamp is the size of the old Colt 1908 25ACP and pricier than the SIG. The Micro Desert Eagle is just a touch bigger and half the price. It's all metal but still smaller than the Kahr, LCP and the P3AT.
 
Thanks for the 380 suggestions, how about 9mm subcompacts? I read reviews of the Si P938 and for that price was disappointed.

A short/light DAO pull is fine with me - recommendations subcompact 9mm?
 
For a sub compact 9MM, I am currently looking at the S&W Shield, Walther PPS, Sig P938, and XDs. I rented a Shield a few weeks ago, and really liked it.
 
I currently carry a PX4-Storm subcompact in 9MM. It is a great little gun but it has a double stack magazine. I do pocket carry it but I am a pretty big guy with a big belly to hid it.
 
Don't discount the Sig 938 based on the reviews.

My wife loves hers and after shooting hers I went out and got one for myself.
They seem to have worked out the problems they were having as ours are quite reliable and seem to be pretty accurate as well.
I'm the same size as you and carry iwb 3 O'clock and nobody can even tell I have it. We read the reviews and waited till around march or april of 2013 to buy hers, it was factory fresh and we have had no problems with a variety of ammo. I got mine around october and have had no problems.

Recoil is surprisingly manageable even with the flush fit mag.

1TG
 
Thanks guys. I will rent the M&P shield (at the biggest LGS which has a range) - though I consider it a bit big for me - not quite pocket size like the Sig.

Aren't the PX4 and XDS about the same size as the M&P Shield? There's a whole group about that size - the Sig P938 seems to be the only one that's pocket size (5.9 L x 3.9 H). Is there another 9mm about the size of the Sig?

I am struggling more than a little with the idea of $800 for pocket pistol. They don't have a Sig to rent (or buy) - too bad because shooting it might have convinced me.
 
I prefer SA triggers, but not in the 'tiny' category. With an Apex sear, I can manage the trigger on my Shield without any problem, and it carries easily, although not in a pocket.


Larry
 
Schwing said:
The Bersa Thunder .380 has a very short, light trigger pull. I would also encourage you to look at the Beretta Nano. Both are light, conceal easily and are surprisingly accurate for being little shooters.
Click to expand...
Did you forget about the DA first shot on the Bersa?

The Nano is DAO
.
 
If you appreciated the Beretta and are a man of taste, you would be well served with a Colt model of 1908 in .380


Willie

.
 
I am of similar stature and have not found a pocket 9 that works for me. I've tried the KT P-11 (too big, long trigger), PF-9 (nice size, decent sights, good trigger, but never reliable for me). IWB I've tried the Springfield XD, Ruger SR9c, Ruger P-95 and the M&P Shield (current edc).

I've also tried several pocket .380s including the Ruger LCP, KT P3AT, Bersa Thunder CC, Walther PK-380 and S&W Bodyguard 380 (current pocket cc). The Bersa is the best shooter, but a bit too big for me in the pocket. The bodyguard is pretty new, but I'm digging it, so far. It rides well in a pocket holster, has nice sights and has been very accurate. It's not as soft shooting as the Bersa, but much better then the P3AT or LCP.

I have fondled the Sigs many times and they are very impressive.

My favorites are the Bersa Thunder CC, the Ruger SR9c and the Shield. It's too early to say how the bodyguard will work out, but 250 rounds in, I'm happy.
 
Thanks gents. I am gravitating away from a 380 as lacking horsepower but may look again if I can't find a pocket 9mm that works for me.

almherdfan I am not familiar with the Keltec , looks like the PF9 is just a hair smaller and cheaper than the M&P shield.
 
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chiltech500, why not have both?

I have pondered this issue too and for me, single stack 9mm is just not "pocket-able" enough and went with Glock 27/Taurus 738 TCP. I tried various 380 pistols when my wife wanted a pocket 380 to go with her G27 and did not find the DAO triggers desirable until the TCP.

We have the stainless slide model and the trigger is probably the best DAO trigger I have shot that is both smooth and light. Wife really likes the trigger as it allows her to easily maintain tight fast shot groups. She uses a simple pocket holster and the TCP goes everywhere she goes now whether she is carrying the G27 or not.

Also, unlike most other 380 pocket pistols, it has a slide lock. If you can, I highly recommend you try the trigger on the TCP.

BTW, TCP is made in USA if that matters.
 
Going to pick up my 9mm Shield at the FFL transfer shop Monday. Not quite a 'pocket' gun, but dang small.
 
I'm totally happy with my Rohrbaugh R9

Very slim, no controls on the side to hand on clothing, not a short SA trigger, but the trigger is smooth.

attachment.php
 
I shot my Bersa Thunder 380CC and Beretta Px4 full size 9mm today. I don't know if the Px4 Sub-Compact has the same trigger or not, but I like the short reset and crisp action of the Bersa's trigger when in single action better than my Px4.

The Thunder 380CC is my current carry until I can find a 9mm Shield in store. i want to try the trigger pull myself before deciding to switch.

If you go with the Bersa, they are inexpensive $300+/-, but be warned that it takes over 200 rounds to break the damn things in. The QC on these new Thunder 380s are not what they used to be.
 
I have a Ruger LCP for pocket carry and a Beretta Nano for pocket/IWB carry. Paid a little over $600 for both ($269 for the Ruger and $339 for the Nano). Nano works in the pocket of cargo shorts and such but I've found IWB carry quite easy for it.
 
I am not familiar with the Keltec , looks like the PF9 is just a hair smaller and cheaper than the M&P shield.
Click to expand...

The PF9 has been my EDC since April of 2010. I've had no malfunctions in the 500-ish rounds it's seen. It was acquired used, so a previous owner may have broken it in and/or serviced it.

The Kahr CM9 is similar in dimensions, somewhat heavier, and more well-refined. Think that one's MSRP is around $400-$450.

The Taurus 709 "Slim" seems to be one gun most agree the maker got right. It's pretty well respected, and not much beefier than the Kel-Tec. I'd seriously consider it (I have handled it) if I didn't already have the KT.
 
Thanks guys you have given me new ideas!

BDS your suggestion is great - but $ are an issue. I'm contemplating the Sig P938, the pause is $800 new. I'm hesitating on the Shield because I don't like to IWB carry in the humid summer.

I never considered looking at a Taurus but did see a couple of pics when glancing at an online dealers stock of smaller pistols. I also am not familiar at all with Bersa. I also never really looked at Beretta because I perceive them expensive. I will investigate all suggestions. Thanks again!
 
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