i am not discussing the bullet shape, but the whole, commercially-sold, cartridge. i am not a reloader. in my s&w 642 airweight, wadcutters are more comfortable to shoot and thus my shots are more accurate. ymmv.
Pocket .380 vs Snub .38
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i am not discussing the bullet shape, but the whole, commercially-sold, cartridge. i am not a reloader. in my s&w 642 airweight, wadcutters are more comfortable to shoot and thus my shots are more accurate. ymmv.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
@Mr. Mosin I don't think you can wrong with LCR or J frame (442/642) revolvers. I would also include the Taurus 85 & 856 in this mix. As many others have mentioned the LCP and other 380 pistols offer a thinner and lighter carry.
I have a 442 & LCPII and carry both. The LCPII is a little better option while wearing shorts in my opinion.
I have a 442 & LCPII and carry both. The LCPII is a little better option while wearing shorts in my opinion.
@Mr. Mosin , of the two you mentioned (.380 auto or .38 snub), I prefer the .38 snub. FWIW, mine is a Ruger LCR. With that said, a .380 auto is flatter, and likely easier to conceal than a revolver. If I were in a zero-tolerance, "fired if caught," job, I'd probably go with the .380, and be sure to put enough rounds through it to be sure of its reliability.
crstrode
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Yes, you are referring to bullet shape.
"Wadcutter" is a bullet shape - nothing more. Commercially-sold, cartridge manufacturers such as Buffalo Bore, Underwood, Super-Vel, etc, etc, etc, offer a wide variety of high velocity, maximum power, cartridges using wadcutter bullets.
What you probably are struggling to say is that you have difficulty with standard power cartridges and prefer to shoot low-power target loads.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I am currently carrying a Colt Detective Special in a tuckable of my own design. This holster is simply a pancake design with two "reverse -J" kydex belt clips. I find it hard to imagine a better solution for concealed carry of a small revolver.
ThomasT
Member
About any round from a 380 is a hole poker too. Most 380 hollow points do not expand. Speers 135gr Gold Dot short barrel rounds are known to expand from a snub. Thats what they were designed for.
I was going to recommend the Kel-Tec 380 to the OP. The gun the LCP is built off of. Its still as good a choice today as it was a couple of decades ago when it came out. And I know someone who has one for sale. They also have a model 637 that is also for sale. I really wish Ruger would have brought out a 32acp version of the LCP instead of the double stack 380.
OP
OP
Mr. Mosin
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Ironically, I want a .32 and a .22LR version of the original LCP as well.
I want to add,
I know they are out there, but I have never owned or fired a reliable micro .380 that I could also shoot straight quickly and accurately one handed. LIke I said I am sure there is one out there, but the Glock 42 is about as small as I have been able to shoot reliably. But I have no problem shooting a J Frame in .32, .327, .38+p, whatever.
The extra couple of rounds is nice. Absolutely. But the first couple of rounds IMHO are the most important and J frames are much, much easier to get lead on target than a micro .380. For me. Other people are certainly different.
For me I have to get to probably a Kahr K9 size and weight before I find a gun more effective in my hands than a good J Frame. Maybe a G43 of G26 though I have never owned one. But from that size on semi automatics are more effective than any revolver for SD. The combination of reliability and ammunition capacity is worth it. But for the OP, and for me in my every day carry, that is just too big. So J frame it is.
I know they are out there, but I have never owned or fired a reliable micro .380 that I could also shoot straight quickly and accurately one handed. LIke I said I am sure there is one out there, but the Glock 42 is about as small as I have been able to shoot reliably. But I have no problem shooting a J Frame in .32, .327, .38+p, whatever.
The extra couple of rounds is nice. Absolutely. But the first couple of rounds IMHO are the most important and J frames are much, much easier to get lead on target than a micro .380. For me. Other people are certainly different.
For me I have to get to probably a Kahr K9 size and weight before I find a gun more effective in my hands than a good J Frame. Maybe a G43 of G26 though I have never owned one. But from that size on semi automatics are more effective than any revolver for SD. The combination of reliability and ammunition capacity is worth it. But for the OP, and for me in my every day carry, that is just too big. So J frame it is.
dickydalton
Member
My Kimber K6S is another option. Just a tiny bit heavier.
It's not a 38 but my 632-2 Pro Series is 6 rounds of 32 that's lighter.
It's not a 38 but my 632-2 Pro Series is 6 rounds of 32 that's lighter.
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dickydalton
Member
Now that I replaced the trigger, I carry my LCP Max a lot.
A LCP is a great pocket gun in my opinion. I can carry one in a jeans pocket without issue and still have quick access to it.
I also pocket carry my Diamondback DB9 a lot. I appreciate the extra power of 9mm over 380 and for me the DB9 is as big as I can fit in my pocket and still have reasonably quick access to the weapon. The Kahr CM9 is a bit bigger and a simple comparison shows it to be a higher quality weapon than the DB9 but that extra size and weight puts it over the pocket carry catagory for me.
I have never pocket carried a revolver. Although the S&W featherlite revolvers look really nice I like the thinner profile of an automatic. All of the micro double stack 9mm's that I have handled at the gun store have been too thick, too long and too heavy to make them a practical pocket gun for me.
When I worked in a anti-self defence office where flashing was not an option I carried my Keltec P32 and felt perfectly safe. But I sat at a computer behind two locked doors that someone would have to break both down to get to me and they would only get access to dental insurance records.
When I go to the big city I usually apendix carry my .45 XDS. I have never felt the need for a high round count. I will either hit the target with the first round or be dead is the way I see most scenereos going.
I also pocket carry my Diamondback DB9 a lot. I appreciate the extra power of 9mm over 380 and for me the DB9 is as big as I can fit in my pocket and still have reasonably quick access to the weapon. The Kahr CM9 is a bit bigger and a simple comparison shows it to be a higher quality weapon than the DB9 but that extra size and weight puts it over the pocket carry catagory for me.
I have never pocket carried a revolver. Although the S&W featherlite revolvers look really nice I like the thinner profile of an automatic. All of the micro double stack 9mm's that I have handled at the gun store have been too thick, too long and too heavy to make them a practical pocket gun for me.
When I worked in a anti-self defence office where flashing was not an option I carried my Keltec P32 and felt perfectly safe. But I sat at a computer behind two locked doors that someone would have to break both down to get to me and they would only get access to dental insurance records.
When I go to the big city I usually apendix carry my .45 XDS. I have never felt the need for a high round count. I will either hit the target with the first round or be dead is the way I see most scenereos going.
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CharlieFox42
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I own and shoot both, but for the situation described I'd go with the revolver; easy to use under stress.
I’ve got two 642s and two LCPs but never shot them much. I don’t carry that often but when I do it was generally the LCP in my pants pocket in the summer and the 642 in a jacket pocket in the winter.
I joined a local range a month ago so I’ve been shooting more lately.
The LCP has a ridiculously long trigger pull. I thought it would never go off. The 642 has a lot of recoil and the double action only, while convenient, isn’t the best for accuracy.
Last week I carried along a 1960s S&W 36 to the range. I shot it much better than the other two with much more comfort.
I joined a local range a month ago so I’ve been shooting more lately.
The LCP has a ridiculously long trigger pull. I thought it would never go off. The 642 has a lot of recoil and the double action only, while convenient, isn’t the best for accuracy.
Last week I carried along a 1960s S&W 36 to the range. I shot it much better than the other two with much more comfort.
lee n. field
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Exactly what I found annoying about my LCP (original version). The sights are just vague bumps. It was impossible to plink for fun, or shoot anything on purpose further away than a few yards. Just impossible to aim deliberatly. Whereas a j-frame (equivalent) worked much better for me.
Led me to conclude that the LCP is more specialized, for when nothing larger can be carried.
KevinB
Member
I'll throw my opinions and experience into the mix.
When it comes to pocket carry I prefer a revolver for many of the reasons already mentioned. Most often when carrying in that manner I use a centennial Airweight S&W 442.
I own and have carried both types, including a LCP and TCP, and I my experience I find those guns to actually be TOO small. I'm all for the latest and greatest micro-compacts, but it needs to remain reliable and shootable. That includes in a moment of extreme stress with a rushed, perhaps suboptimal grip. I never had a problem with the .380s at the range with a perfect grip, but the TCP would jam when less experienced shooters would use it and likely limp wrist it. For me the revolver is much easier to quickly get into action from the belt or pocket. They actually conceal much easier with my body type also, I think due to the more organic shape already mentioned. I've also had the mag pop out of the LCP even while utilizing a pocket holster. That being said there are some very shootable micro 9s on the market now that would likely conceal pretty effortlessly on a belt. When it comes to pocket carry though, for me, the revolver wins.
When it comes to pocket carry I prefer a revolver for many of the reasons already mentioned. Most often when carrying in that manner I use a centennial Airweight S&W 442.
I own and have carried both types, including a LCP and TCP, and I my experience I find those guns to actually be TOO small. I'm all for the latest and greatest micro-compacts, but it needs to remain reliable and shootable. That includes in a moment of extreme stress with a rushed, perhaps suboptimal grip. I never had a problem with the .380s at the range with a perfect grip, but the TCP would jam when less experienced shooters would use it and likely limp wrist it. For me the revolver is much easier to quickly get into action from the belt or pocket. They actually conceal much easier with my body type also, I think due to the more organic shape already mentioned. I've also had the mag pop out of the LCP even while utilizing a pocket holster. That being said there are some very shootable micro 9s on the market now that would likely conceal pretty effortlessly on a belt. When it comes to pocket carry though, for me, the revolver wins.
With the options you presented I would go with the 38 revolver. I'd rather carry a 9mm Smith and Wesson Shield or Glock 43 though.
WrongHanded
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Both. One on the right side, the other on the left. I'm not kidding.
aaaaa
Member
Makes sense. One for each hand. If one hand is injured can still quickly pull the other gun.
WrongHanded
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Yes. I also think 5 rounds might not be enough, and that the kinds of .380 ammo that are safe to shoot in the LCP may not be enough to stop a threat in a timely fashion. Plus more shots before a reload is needed.
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I've struggled for many years on the smallest hand gun to carry. I've decided an S&W J-frame is about the largest. I've settled on the 642 and 442 DA designs for this purpose and my revolvers are machined to accept moon clips.
Small semi-auto pistols can get similar performance as 38 Special from a J-frame in a smaller package. I've been able to shoot a Colt Mustang very well, even at ranges out to 50 yards or so.
With the Mustang, I'm most comfortable carrying it with the chamber empty. which requires a bit of preparation if one anticipates problems.
I have worked with a KelTec P3-AT in 380 ACP. The gun is a bit small and light for me. I could probably get more comfortable with the gun over time.
I also have a KelTec P32 which is a dream to shoot but is the 32 ACP round sufficiently capable.
Finally, I have a Walther PPK in 380 ACP. Besides being a bit heavy, it may be the best option for safety and limiting potential collateral damage. The PPK is a bit smaller than the J-frame snub.
The work in progress continues.
Small semi-auto pistols can get similar performance as 38 Special from a J-frame in a smaller package. I've been able to shoot a Colt Mustang very well, even at ranges out to 50 yards or so.
With the Mustang, I'm most comfortable carrying it with the chamber empty. which requires a bit of preparation if one anticipates problems.
I have worked with a KelTec P3-AT in 380 ACP. The gun is a bit small and light for me. I could probably get more comfortable with the gun over time.
I also have a KelTec P32 which is a dream to shoot but is the 32 ACP round sufficiently capable.
Finally, I have a Walther PPK in 380 ACP. Besides being a bit heavy, it may be the best option for safety and limiting potential collateral damage. The PPK is a bit smaller than the J-frame snub.
The work in progress continues.
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Yes.! This is why I have a PM9 in my weak hand front pocket.
I can't put my hand on the Glock that is IWB without revealing I'm carrying, pocket PM9 affords that option.
Just a pocket gun? Quick access with opposite hand is laughable and access while seated like in a car, restaurant, not good either.
Stop reading my mind.
Wanderling
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I own and shoot the original LCP no problem. It's snappy but I don't find it particularly unpleasant to shoot. The accuracy at SD ranges is decent. I pocket carry it all the time in a Sticky holster and it barely prints, especially in shorts. I also have a remora micro which is excellent for IBW. Completely disappears. But pocket carry is more convenient. Never, ever had a mag disengage while in pocket.
However, this LCP has been back to Ruger twice for the failure to go to battery. I don't limp wrist, and I have no failure issues of any kind with e.g. my G26. The last time, they seem to have fixed the problem, but I still have a sneaking mistrust of this gun for now.
I tried LCR and for some reason it was extremely hard for me to hit anything with it. It's not hard to shoot and aim, but I literally have no idea where the round will land. I rented it twice and both times went through a box of rounds scratching my head in the end. It's about the same sight radius as LCP and it actually has better sights.. go figure.
I may just end up getting a LCR and learning to use it effectively. I don't think 5 rounds are much worse than 7, in a realistic SD situation. If you as a civilian need a reload you're likely screwed anyway. I just need a reliable gun that I can trust. I do have, love, and carry G26 but far prefer a smaller option in summer.
However, this LCP has been back to Ruger twice for the failure to go to battery. I don't limp wrist, and I have no failure issues of any kind with e.g. my G26. The last time, they seem to have fixed the problem, but I still have a sneaking mistrust of this gun for now.
I tried LCR and for some reason it was extremely hard for me to hit anything with it. It's not hard to shoot and aim, but I literally have no idea where the round will land. I rented it twice and both times went through a box of rounds scratching my head in the end. It's about the same sight radius as LCP and it actually has better sights.. go figure.
I may just end up getting a LCR and learning to use it effectively. I don't think 5 rounds are much worse than 7, in a realistic SD situation. If you as a civilian need a reload you're likely screwed anyway. I just need a reliable gun that I can trust. I do have, love, and carry G26 but far prefer a smaller option in summer.
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