Need advice new smaller gun

[Jim NE]

I have an original series LCP, and my assessment is positive. A big caveat up front: I did have an issue or two with it a few hundred rounds into the count. The mag started dropping while shooting for no apparent reason at all (ala original series Taurus Millenium Pro.) Along with that issue came the occasional jams that can be associated with (caused by) it. Ruger customer service performed their usual miraculous quick and competent repair and I've had no mag drop problems since. HOWEVER, the seven round mags are now the only ones that feed the gun flawlessly. The six rounders that came with the gun have stopped cycling reliably. I'm thinking it's the reduced grip size caused by the smaller mag. But since I prefer seven rounders it isn't a problem with me, so I haven't had the issue addressed.

The .380 can have a bit of snap in that small size of gun, but I've never had a limp wrist issue, though my 6 round issue stated above might be related to that because of the reduced grip area. My personal example is incredibly accurate for some reason. In fact, if I haven't shot a gun for a while (i.e. out of practice) I often can shoot my LCP as accurately as larger good quality guns with longer barrels, at least at shorter distances. (20 ft or less.) Sometimes more accurately. I don't know why that is, but it is. At longer distances or with more practice the bigger guns shine, of course.

But of course, some people are going to have recoil issues with the smaller size, but some aren't. Some people are going to complain about the long trigger pull on the original series (which mine is) but I tend to really like long trigger pulls for safety reasons. Sorry, but a short light trigger in a small defense gun like that isn't a good idea, IMO. If you want something that small with a light trigger, you should get something with a safety, like maybe a Bodyguard with a trigger kit.

I'm not carrying the LCP as much now, opting for a better quality more powerful gun in the Kimber Micro 9. It's a slightly bigger gun so it won't fit into any pocket, but it will fit into some. It IS smaller than the Taurus G2 (which is a very good gun for the money, BTW.)I can't say enough good things about the Kimber, or find any bad things to say about it. No caveats at all, as with the LCP. It's beautiful looking, too, yet really is resistant to scratching and finish wear. I have more confidence in it than the LCP, but I still have confidence in the LCP...there are just some parameters I have to observe. My recommendation: Get the Kimber if you can afford it. I found a like new used example for 450 a couple of years ago. If the budget is around 200-250, the LCP will work fine in most cases.

 

[Tallball]

I think it would be an LCP or a Kel-Tec.

Kel-Tec made the P32 (32acp) first, then the P3AT, the 380acp version.

The LCP is a copy of the P3AT.

I have owned them all.

The P32 might be best for the lady. It is so light that I don't think it would even make scrubs sag. I got mine used for almost no money and have had no problems with it. I wish it had real sights. (It just has a groove.) I don't personally carry 32acp for SD, but it is about as small and light as a centerfire handgun gets, and has a good reputation for reliability.

As for the 380's, for odd reasons I owned an original LCP, a P3AT, an LCPII, and a Pico all at the same time. I went out and shot them all together. As a result, I sold the original LCP, let my FiL have the P3AT, kept the Pico just because, and carry the LCPII. The original LCP and P3AT had stiff triggers and smaller sights, though they both worked okay. The Pico has the best sights, but the trigger is not great and the pistol is heavier. The LCPII has decent sights and the best trigger (might be too light for some people).

 

[SRSTAdam21]

Since you listed a manual safety requirement, I echo the Springfield 911 or Sig. Or if you can find a used Colt.

 

[Armored farmer]

My mrs has an LCP. It has been 100% reliable and accurate. It is also discrete to carry.
In fact, we have his and hers lcp's.
The +1 extended magazine is a win/win addition. I high,y recommend it to make the little pistol more shootable, and of course. 7+1 capacity isnt too bad.
I'm not so sure that the original lcp's are discontinued. I bought hers at our lgs for $179 just two years ago
.

 

[Deleon517]

Thank you all we will be going gun shopping on Sunday, already confirmed that the LGS has all the ones we are considering available. I might even grab one for myself for around the house since I work from home. While my main EDC would be on my desk, unless they have a good deal on a Ar pistol they often stock, that I have been eyeing the last few months, then I will be getting that for me and which ever she likes best for her

 

[Ralph III]

I carry a Kahr S9 and would recommend the Kahr P380 for your wife. They don't have an external safety but they have a revolver type double action trigger which makes them very safe to carry. I owned the Diamondback DB380 (gen 2) for a while and it was a good little pistol as well. I'd go with the Kahr though.

Good luck,
Ralph

 

[jmr40]

I've been a "Glock Guy" for a long time. I have several including a G43. But after buying my Sig 365 they are all gathering dust. The Sig is a touch smaller than the G43, but is 10+1 with standard magazines making it as near ideal as I can think of for IWB carry. With 12 or 15 round mags it has pretty much replaced my G19.

They come with night sights and are available with a 1911 style safety which mine has. The Sig has a much lighter trigger than the Glocks which makes it easier to shoot well. But with a trigger that light I do feel better with the safety. It doesn't bother me that the Glocks don't have one.

On a tighter budget the Ruger LC9s is also a good gun which I'd recommend.

 

[MedWheeler]

I can't think of too many safety-equipped pistols in calibers greater than .25 that wouldn't challenge a set of scrubs in staying up. The smallest in dimension would be the Mass/CA-compliant version of the Seecamp line (those states require safety levers), but they're weighty in both price and heft. A psychiatrist in Philadelphia used one two years ago to defend himself and his staff after a patient executed his caseworker in the doctor's office, then fired on him. The doctor's two hits did not immediately incapacitate the shooter, but it drove him from the office and into the arms of other employees, who subdued him. The Seecamp was in .32ACP, and I do not know with what type ammunition it was loaded.

I agree greatly with those suggesting the Kel-Tec P32. It's my go-to all the time, and I do wear it to and from my job in EMS. I do not wear it on the job because the nature of the job includes the potential of being in places in which carry is actually unlawful, not just employer-prohibited. I'm confident that it would not weigh down a good-fitting pair of scrub pants, though it might swing a scrub jacket some if carried in a jacket pocket.

 

[Iggy]

Kahr CW380 It doesn't have a manual safety, but has a long smooth revolver like trigger pull. Light, small, and thin.
If she wants a little more horsepower, the Ruger LC9S is thin and has a manual safety.

 

[Sneakshot92]

She is willing to go down to .380 size caliber but still wants to have a manual thumb safety as well.

Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ with a thumb safety.

 

[rabid wombat]

Sig 238. I have several S&W Bodyguard. They shoot fine, but the trigger stinks.

 

[Ernie Bass]

Kahr CW380 It doesn't have a manual safety, but has a long smooth revolver like trigger pull. Light, small, and thin.
If she wants a little more horsepower, the Ruger LC9S is thin and has a manual safety.

The Kahr is a wonderful little gun with a great trigger. Another thing about the Kahr, is you can move up the the CM9, have one of the lightest weight and smoothest 9mm's and have basically the same trigger. A very Smooth DAO which IMO is ideal for a small carry gun. The Kahr 380 trigger is completely opposite from the trigger of the LC9S which is a very light trigger.

But recommending any small barrel gun to anyone that I do not know, is something that concerns me. Every gun mentioned is different in many ways to the others. All unique to themselves. Pro's and Con's between all of them. And small barrel guns have a longer learning curve than many other larger guns. The OP's wife should IMO get acquainted with as many as possible. Find the right fit and then prepare to get as much range time as possible. Something that may not be easy right. now. I carry a number of Pocket guns, shoot them on a regular basis, and some I have a preference to,I would never recommend to someone that did not have a lot of experience with them.
Some are DAO but just the fact that it is DAO means you have to know how to shoot that trigger for example. So in essence which gun should the OP's wife purchase. I have no clue.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I switched to a Sig Sauer P938 Legion about a year ago for my everyday gun in warmer weather. It's easy to shoot, recoil is manageable, conceals easily, and it does what I need it to. With Federal 124 gr HST +p ammo I got a very consistent 1100 fps at the muzzle.

I like mine enough that I am considering buying a second as a backup.

Sig P938 Legion and ZT0456

• Zaydok Allen
• May 11, 2020

 

[12Bravo20]

The Kahr is a wonderful little gun with a great trigger. Another thing about the Kahr, is you can move up the the CM9, have one of the lightest weight and smoothest 9mm's and have basically the same trigger. A very Smooth DAO which IMO is ideal for a small carry gun. The Kahr 380 trigger is completely opposite from the trigger of the LC9S which is a very light trigger.

But recommending any small barrel gun to anyone that I do not know, is something that concerns me. Every gun mentioned is different in many ways to the others. All unique to themselves. Pro's and Con's between all of them. And small barrel guns have a longer learning curve than many other larger guns. The OP's wife should IMO get acquainted with as many as possible. Find the right fit and then prepare to get as much range time as possible. Something that may not be easy right. now. I carry a number of Pocket guns, shoot them on a regular basis, and some I would never recommend to someone that did not have a lot of experience with them.
Some are DAO but just the fact that it is DAO means you have to know how to shoot that trigger for example. So in essence which gun should the OP's wife purchase. I have no clue.

Some good advice.
While the LC9 and Kel-Tc PF9 are lighter (not by much) than something with an aluminum frame such as the micro pistols from Kimber/Sig/Springfield, they are harder to rack for someone with a weak grip or arthritis. My daughter-in-law can not rack the slide on my son's LC9 but has no problem with my Sig P938. Weight and conceal-ability are only part of the equation. How the pistol fits a person's hand and the ease of raking the slide and comfort in shooting comes into play too. My best suggestion for anyone is to check out as many different pistols as they can.

 

[12Bravo20]

I switched to a Sig Sauer P938 Legion about a year ago for my everyday gun in warmer weather. It's easy to shoot, recoil is manageable, conceals easily, and it does what I need it to. With Federal 124 gr HST +p ammo I got a very consistent 1100 fps at the muzzle.

I like mine enough that I am considering buying a second as a backup.

Sig P938 Legion and ZT0456

• Zaydok Allen
• May 11, 2020

I have been very happy with my Sig P938 and it is carried the most. The funny part is that it is only 2.5oz heavier than my Kel-Tec PF9. The Sig has a way better trigger, better sights, and is way easier for me to rack with arthritic hands/wrists.

 

[Ernie Bass]

I have been very happy with my Sig P938 and it is carried the most. The funny part is that it is only 2.5oz heavier than my Kel-Tec PF9. The Sig has a way better trigger, better sights, and is way easier for me to rack with arthritic hands/wrists.

Why is the trigger better? Do you mean a better trigger for you? Do not get me wrong the Sig 938 is a fantastic gun. But not my preference for trigger in my EDC guns. To me, a perfect trigger is a nice smooth DAO. And again this is where all guns need to be considered by the person carrying one all day.

 

[12Bravo20]

Why is the trigger better? Do you mean a better trigger for you? Do not get me wrong the Sig 938 is a fantastic gun. But not my preference for trigger in my EDC guns. To me, a perfect trigger is a nice smooth DAO. And again this is where all guns need to be considered by the person carrying one all day.

Yes the trigger is better for me. I grew up shooting single action revolvers and 1911s. Triggers and trigger pull along with DA vs SA is subjective. Some prefer single action while others prefer double action. There is no right or wrong answer on that choice. Use which ever one you prefer.

 

[rskent]

The problem is now they aren't allowing employees to bring bags into work. My guess is to reduce the chance of employee's slipping extra gloves and mask into their bags for personal use (its a medical office). So she is in scrubs which may help with the printing concerns as they aren't form fitting or tucked in. She also won't add a belt but doesn't want something as heavy as the g2 that will drag down her pants as the day goes on.

OK, A sig 238, in a belt holster, under her scrubs.

 

[12Bravo20]

The Sig 238 is a good choice.

 

[bannockburn]

Love my Colt Mustang and SIG P238 for their small size, light weight, decent single action triggers, and easy to see sights. Couple that with a locked breech design that's really soft on the felt recoil and a manual thumb safety and you have the makings of two very nice .380s to conceal carry.

 

[MikeInOr]

It seems like a belly band holster with a thin pistol like a P32 might work with scrubs?



In my experience the weight of the pistol is more important than the size when trying to conceal in lite weight clothes. The P32 is both very thin and very lite weight. A LCP is just a bit thicker and a bit heavier but it feels noticeably bulkier... although it is still a great carry option if it will fit her carry method. Both of these are MUCH smaller than any of the mini 1911's and, in my opinion, much less bulky to carry.

 

[Howland937]

What she ends up carrying seems to be less a hurdle than how. I'm not a fan of belly band holsters so far. I've tried 3, but I'm constantly moving. Reaching overhead, leaning under a hood, upside down under a dash...they don't stay put for me. Underwear or bra holster may be something as last resort, but I'd lean more to an ankle holster in scrubs. Unless flashing while drawing is a distraction tactic.

 

[Dudedog]

Don't have a lot of choices in CA but I am quite happy with my Kahr P380, small, light, decent trigger, good sights, locked breech.
No manual safety however. (also not cheap)

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/kahr-p380-perfecting-the-pocket-pistol/

https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/kahr-p380-tiny-pocket-pistol-made-in-usa/

Was a bit picky ammo wise until I had a couple hundred rounds thru it then loosened up.
(did not like anything less than full power reloads when new, so since I need to work up I had quite a few it wasn't happy with, after break in not anywhere near as picky, break in ammo was using and Xtreme 100gr RNFP, no real feed issue just failure to eject)

 

[JTHunter]

I think figuring out how to carry in scrubs would be the first question to answer. With no belt, there needs to be some other method for carry other than the most common belt holster.
A chest holster https://2aholster.com/product/litepath-chest-holster/
or a bra holster https://www.flashbangstore.com/collections/bra-holsters
Choose a method and see what holsters are available for the guns that you'd consider.

You could also consider a "bellyband" holster.
https://aliengearholsters.com/belly-band-holsters.html?msclkid=60b4a6994efc111bf2e5f859e769d4d6
https://www.craftholsters.com/breat...m=4580496729017030&utm_content=Falco Holsters
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...9756&msclkid=2e9be4a8d9361f13a288ba6870a338ab

 

[WestKentucky]

I got my daughter a Glock 42. She loves it.

That’s what my wife bought when we were looking for something for her.