Please help me select a compact .380

[wrs840]

I need a very compact .380 pistol that I can carry in my pocket when I’m doing my lawn duty at the house. The purpose is mostly for protection against some pack-dogs that roam our semi-rural neighborhood...

Why in the world does one need a mouse gun compromise when doing yard work in a semi-rural setting? I have a LCP and it's functionally flawless and jim-dandy in a wallet holster, but really only "ideal" for very light dress slacks at a Summertime outdoor wedding or similar. Lawn-mowing attire can easily accommodate something full-sized IWB under your Tee-shirt.

Maybe I don't understand the question properly.

 

[Mac Attack]

I have a Keltec P3AT that I have been carrying for several months and it is a great little carry. However, the trigger rebound and the shape of the trigger guard cause my finger to get pinched when after firing the shot. I can shoot it about 50 rounds before I call it a day. I have shot my friends LCP and the same thing does not happen. As much as I like my P3AT if I had to purchase another .380 compact I would purchase a LCP.

 

[IdahoSkies]

If it is in your price point you really should give serious consideration to the sig p238. The combination of sights, a little more weight, and good trigger (its SAO with a manual safety) makes it the easiest shooting, fastest shooting on target of the .380 micros.

That said any of them will do you well. I like the trigger on the TCP (taurus), and the built in laser and real sights on the S&W Bodyguard. And I prefer the Kel-tec P380 to the LCP.

You have a good list, go down to the counter, pick them up and handle them. Find out which one fits your hand, and realize they are really small and can be quite a handful when you shoot them.

(I went with a kel-tec p32 after everything was said and done).

 

[rotator]

I'd like to thank EddieCoyle for the outstanding Savage 1907 32 cal info and the time put into giving this information out. thanks again!!

 

[Jaymo]

Heck, just get a Bersa .380 or a CZ82 (surplus 9x18mm Makarov). It's bigger than the Keltec and will probably fit your hand a lot better.
My Keltec P3AT is what I think of as a backup to my backup (to my backup, even).
EAA Witness .45/Taurus PT99 9mm, backed up by my ATI Commander .45 and/or Star Firestar .45, backed up by my Charter .44 Bulldog/Taurus PT111/Taurus 85CH/Ruger Speed Six/CZ82, backed up by the P3AT.
The New York speed load has a lot going for it.


If pack dogs are in close, a Taurus Judge loaded with the Federal .410 pistol load with 4 000 buck would be a good choice for you. It's available in both stainless and polymer.

Or, a stainless Ruger Mk2 or 3. Proper shot placement is easy with the .22. A 40 grain hollowpoint will put a dog down very well and followup shots are easy.

 

[orionengnr]

When I am mowing my lawn, I am wearing shorts, a t-shirt and an LCP.

If I were to carry a .380 more than once every two weeks for 30-45 minutes at a time, I would carry a Kahr P380.
As a matter of fact, I am looking forward to replacing my LCP with a Kahr P380 one day.
In the mean time, I am happy with my Kahr PM9.

 

[dirtengineer]

I have an LCP. My only beef has been some corrosion on the slide. I have intensified my maintenance regime and have had no further problems, but it would be nice to have a stainless or chrome option so I could abuse it as much as my CM9.

 

[kokapelli]

I have an LCP. My only beef has been some corrosion on the slide. I have intensified my maintenance regime and have had no further problems, but it would be nice to have a stainless or chrome option so I could abuse it as much as my CM9.

Get a TCP , it has a stainless slide and a better trigger than the LCP, oh and it cost less too.

 

[Luger_carbine]

Tanfoglio FT-9 ???

 

[orionengnr]

I recall seeing a post that there is someone out there who will hard-chrome your LCP/P3AT slide. If I can find it, I will re-post. In the mean time, do some searching.

I have intensified my maintenance regime

...Ummm, I believe that would be "my maintenance regimen"...

 

[TennJed]

Why in the world does one need a mouse gun compromise when doing yard work in a semi-rural setting? I have a LCP and it's functionally flawless and jim-dandy in a wallet holster, but really only "ideal" for very light dress slacks at a Summertime outdoor wedding or similar. Lawn-mowing attire can easily accommodate something full-sized IWB under your Tee-shirt.

Maybe I don't understand the question properly.

Well for me yard work in Mississippi involves very thin cotton shorts and a tank top. When it gets over 100 less attire is best. No way do I wear anything involving a belt or a iwb holster. Pockets only and it needs to be as light as possible to keep from weighing my shorts down.

 

[psyopspec]

One size does not fit all!

I agree, most of the time. In the realm of mouse guns I suspend the rules of good fit in order to compromise. If it had the size to fit my hand well, it's not a slim, light, easily pocketable .380 BUG.

 

[chico831]

I need a very compact .380 pistol that I can carry in my pocket when I’m doing my lawn duty at the house. The purpose is mostly for protection against some pack-dogs that roam our semi-rural neighborhood. The gun is going to be in my pocket so a polymer framed gun would probably be a good bet in a sweat dampened environment.

Any suggestions?

I have a Kahr .380. I put 150rds. thru it, the book calls for 200 rds. break in.
During the 150 rds. the slide would lock back would not go forward until I hit the slide release lever.
I sent the pistol back to Kahr at my expense $42.00 over night shipping only.
I got my pistol back in three weeks but have not been to the range yet to see how it functions.
Kahr replaced the EXTRACTOR, EJECTOR, 2 MAGS.,SLIDE STOP SPRING,SRIKER BLOCK,
COCKING CAM, AND LUBED AND TEST FIRED.
MY BROTHER HAS THE SAME PISTOL AND NO PROBLEM.

 

[CZguy]

I've never personally seen a Kahr that wouldn't run well, but I read about them all the time on the Internet.

I hope that yours runs well when you get a chance to shoot it.

One other thought. Your LGD could have mailed that gun back much more cheaply.