Pocket .380

[iblong]

I have one pocket 380 and thats the no frills goes bang every time with any ammo P3AT.Plain, light ,small,replaceable.
Its rarley carried as it not a primmary for me.If Iwas going to use a 380 as a primmary I woul probablly go with a little larger plat form with a double/single action.But for occational pocket carry The P3AT just works.

 

[bannockburn]

wendelb

I have experience with three of your choices: the SIG P-238, the S&W Bodyguard, and the KelTec P-3AT.

If you're okay with the SAO of the P-238, then that would be my first choice. The newer ones seem to have overcome the earlier problems, are easy and pleasant to shoot, and are surprisingly accurate. Very well made with good ergonomics and real sights, yet not too heavy for pocket carry.

My second choice would be the DAO Bodyguard. I don't have much need for the laser and its on/off buttons aren't as intuitive as some others are, but I doubt I would ever use it anyways. It also has a thumb safety, which again I don't think I would use because the gun is DAO, and the safety is rather stiff in its operation and makes a loud "clacking" sound when it's used. But at least it's there if you're so inclined. The DAO operation itself is quite smooth and even; definitely better than that found on a P-3AT or an LCP. Like the P-238, the Bodyguard is made from quality materials, has a good set of "real" sights, and is also easily carried (with the proper holster), in your pants pocket.

While the P-3AT is not as nicely made or as refined as the other two, it still is a viable choice for pocket carry. Lightweight, easily concealable, with a proven DAO design, the P-3AT offers you a decent reliable gun at a very affordable price.

 

[kokapelli]

the safety is rather stiff in its operation and makes a loud "clacking" sound when it's used.

I don't see the problem with the clicking sound of a safety being disengaged. It's kind of like a rattlesnake's rattle warning or the sound of the slide of a 12 ga and anyway if the BG does hear it, it's probably too late for him anyway.

 

[shootingthebreeze]

Holo, I have looked at the Ruger LCP very seriously but the Kahr P380 beats it as far as hand fit and it's also invisible.

 

[Holo]

I would go for the Kahr if i could afford it. If you are considering the p3AT i would spend the extra $30 and get the LCP, but if you have a $600 budget, for sure go for the Kahr or the p238. They are tiers above the rest.

 

[rugerman]

I'm going to get outside your limitations for a second here. I have a p3at-good gun easy to carry, the sig to me is a mite heavy and I would prefer a grip saftey on a 911. I also have a ppk (I know outside your price range) but its heavy and the sights are rather small. My suggestion is a keltec pf9, more power, about the same size as the sig and ammo is easier to find and cheaper.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

P-238- modeled after the Colt Mustang, but aluminum frame. I love sigs, they've always shot well. It's a mini-1911, so that's kind of nifty. Never held it, don't know anyone who's shot it. I know the originals had a recall about a spring or something, but nothing bad since. And, well... it's a sig.

If you shoot it....you'll love it. The new ones will get you the updated spring and mag.

I had to get a new recoil spring to made mine 100%.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

If you think the Diamondback kicks you should try shooting an NAA or a Micro Desert Eagle or a Seecamp. Shoot one of those and you will think the Diamondback is a cap gun.

The reason my Seecamp went bye bye.

 

[bannockburn]

kokapelli

Personally I found it rather annoying; kind of like the same loud clacking sound of an AK-47 safety. And definitely nowhere near as intimidating as when you rack a pump action shotgun. Now if the bad guy wants to think I've got an AK instead of a Bodyguard .380, then that's just fine with me. Other than that, to each his own; I doubt I will ever use it.

 

[heeler]

IMTHDuke,just how does the prospective buyer of the Sig know the gun he's about to purchase is one that has been updated??

 

[IMTHDUKE]

I am just saying that Sig has learned from the first ones produced, what the issues were and have begun to correct those...being the springs, the mags and the ejectors. I would think that one purchased now will have all that stuff taken care of.

I love mine and plan on keeping it. With me, I guess that I do not have patience as a virtue....if after minor issue of correction and it still is a jamomatic.....I get something that I can trust.

You wont go wrong in getting one.

 

[SwampWolf]

Other than extreme reliability, there's two things I insist on when deciding on a pistol to be carried in a pocket for self-defense: light weight and small size. Anything much bigger or heavier than a Taurus TCP, a KelTec 3AT, a Ruger LCP, a Smith Bodyguard or a Seecamp for pocket carrying duty is too large and too heavy imo and probably belongs in a belt-mounted holster. And if I'm carrying a pistol on my belt, it's going to be chambered in something no smaller than a 9mm.
Just my take on what should constitute a true pocket pistol.

 

[heeler]

Very good point Swampwolf.

 

[omu]

I'll throw my vote for a 238. I've got one that I replaced my LCP with. Love how it feels, love how it shoots, love how it carries.

 

[benderx4]

Seecamp 380

If you want a REAL pocket gun - this is it.

 

[Uteridge]

I am a big fan of my LCP, it is fairly similar to the Kel tec but I think it feels a little better and my LCP accepts any type of ammo I want to throw in it while my dad's Kel Tec is picky with ammo. Could just be his gun but I have had no reliablity issues with my LCP.

 

[tpan]

Colt Defender

I carry a little 380 but I have recently browsing the net and forums for small carry guns and came across one that I may have overlooked in the past. The Colt Defender. If I had the money I would have one. Fitted with 9mm or 45, its small and mimics the Kimber 1911 as far as looks and the rounded top of the slide. IMO for a few hundred more than the P238 would be money well spent. Just my $0.02.

 

[kokapelli]

I carry a little 380 but I have recently browsing the net and forums for small carry guns and came across one that I may have overlooked in the past. The Colt Defender. If I had the money I would have one. Fitted with 9mm or 45, its small and mimics the Kimber 1911 as far as looks and the rounded top of the slide. IMO for a few hundred more than the P238 would be money well spent. Just my $0.02.

Why not just get a Springfield EMP or a Para Slim Hawg both are smaller than the Colt Defender and both are 1911 style pistol all the way.

 

[tpan]

All three of those are awesome. Nice to see them all side by side.

I noticed though in your specs that the Colt is physically the largest but the lightest...interesting.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

I carry a little 380 but I have recently browsing the net and forums for small carry guns and came across one that I may have overlooked in the past. The Colt Defender. If I had the money I would have one. Fitted with 9mm or 45, its small and mimics the Kimber 1911 as far as looks and the rounded top of the slide. IMO for a few hundred more than the P238 would be money well spent. Just my $0.02.

Not a pocket gun, but for me it's keeper.



Here's it's rival....

 

[BP Hunter]

May I respectfully add the Bersa .380 CC in your decision making. I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago and was looking for a pocket 380. I ended up purchasing the Bersa .380. My wife has the Bersa thunder and I defeintiely love shooting that weapon. My new CC shoots as comfortable and is very accurate. I also bought it for its price - only $278. Give it a look see. Good luck.