Which .380 pocket pistol under $600 is best and why?
- Thread starter Capp35
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I carried a 100% reliable Mustang PocketLite for 15 years as a CCW, or backup CCW. I loved it, IMO it was the best thing out there at the time for small/compact/lightweight CCW. I bought a Ruger LCP in 09' and fell in love with the compactness, 100% reliability and the fact that it had a double action trigger (I always carried the Mustang with a round chambered and hammer down). After six months of carrying the LCP, the Mustang was traded off to support the wife's desire for a Ruger SP101. After 40 years of CCW, I prefer the safety of a double action pull for my concealed carry handguns that I carry in a pocket or IWB carry. With the one exception of the 1911's.
I may have to look into that Sig....
I was between the Kahr P380 and LCP. The Kahr sounded like lots of people were having problems so I went with the LCP. I'm not too impressed - a jam and light primer strike in 150 rounds, and I can easily shoot my G26 more accurately at 25 yds vs the LCP at 25 ft. Build quality ain't quite there either.
I was between the Kahr P380 and LCP. The Kahr sounded like lots of people were having problems so I went with the LCP. I'm not too impressed - a jam and light primer strike in 150 rounds, and I can easily shoot my G26 more accurately at 25 yds vs the LCP at 25 ft. Build quality ain't quite there either.
Capp35
Member
Keep the recommendations coming.
Our largest gun show of the year is in two weeks!
Our largest gun show of the year is in two weeks!
Big_John1961
Member
I have the P238, P380 & LWS 380 and the Rohrbaugh 380 will be here this week, so I'll leave that one out for now
The Seecamp is a great little pistol and smaller than any other .380 out here. It is a handful to shoot, but it's not designed as a range gun. I feel very comfortable carrying one and it's been 100% reliable for me. A true pocket pistol of impeccable quality.
I have mixed feelings about the P238 & P380, both of which I purchased in the last three weeks. The Sig feels fantastic in the hand and I was immediately smitten with it in the store. It's also by far the easiest shooting .380 I've tried. My problem with it is that over the first 220 rounds I've put downrange I've had 7 stoppages, all but one of them FTE's. It may not sound like much, but it makes it hard for me to fully trust it as a carry piece. It may have to go back to Sig, not sure yet.
The Kahr is a gun I really want to like. Great size and weight, rugged, pretty easy shooter, and it's thinness really lends itself to pocket carry. BUT, like the Sig, the first 150 rounds I put through it resulted in 15, yes 15, stoppages, all involving the slide locking back with rounds still in the magazine.
Needless to say, I'm very disappointed. It does not have the requisite 200 break-in rounds through it yet, but I don't see how that would fix this particular issue. It may have to go back to Kahr also. Other than that, I love it.
That's my input.
The Seecamp is a great little pistol and smaller than any other .380 out here. It is a handful to shoot, but it's not designed as a range gun. I feel very comfortable carrying one and it's been 100% reliable for me. A true pocket pistol of impeccable quality.
I have mixed feelings about the P238 & P380, both of which I purchased in the last three weeks. The Sig feels fantastic in the hand and I was immediately smitten with it in the store. It's also by far the easiest shooting .380 I've tried. My problem with it is that over the first 220 rounds I've put downrange I've had 7 stoppages, all but one of them FTE's. It may not sound like much, but it makes it hard for me to fully trust it as a carry piece. It may have to go back to Sig, not sure yet.
The Kahr is a gun I really want to like. Great size and weight, rugged, pretty easy shooter, and it's thinness really lends itself to pocket carry. BUT, like the Sig, the first 150 rounds I put through it resulted in 15, yes 15, stoppages, all involving the slide locking back with rounds still in the magazine.
Needless to say, I'm very disappointed. It does not have the requisite 200 break-in rounds through it yet, but I don't see how that would fix this particular issue. It may have to go back to Kahr also. Other than that, I love it.
That's my input.
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I tried a S&W bodyguard 380, that pistol simply does not work, better off throwing it at bad guy. After having it a week, I went back to the gun store and picked up a PPK/S, took it shooting for the first time today and it runs perfectly. Both the bodyguard and the PPK/S are accurate. The bodyguard is much lighter but I have no doubt that the PPK/S is a better built pistol.
My mother also carries a Kel-Tec 32 acp. It is a much better gun than I expected, I prefer a larger caliber but it goes bang every time, looks like a total piece of crap but works very well.
My mother also carries a Kel-Tec 32 acp. It is a much better gun than I expected, I prefer a larger caliber but it goes bang every time, looks like a total piece of crap but works very well.
Sig P238
I bought a Sig P238 over a year ago, had numerous malfunctions, sent it back to Sig, they said they fixed it, but I had to send it back again, they sent me a new one, still had problems, they worked on it, still had problems, but not as many, then they finally sent me the new flat spring. Suddenly, poof, all the problems went away.
I've shot about 200 rounds since I got the new spring, can't make it malfunction, no matter what I do. I've tried to intentionally limp-wrist, I've tried multiple types of ammo, shot it right-handed, left-handed, both-handed. Rapid fire, slow fire. Clean, dirty. I do put a drop of MiliTec oil on the rails on my next-to-last clip of each range session, so the heat of firing will help "bake it in".
Based on what Sig Customer Service told me, it is the new flat spring that is making the difference. But the MiliTec is probably helping some, too. In any case, my P238 is now totally reliable.
Scott at Sig told me that pistols dated Dec 2010 or later (on the box) will be the ones that have the latest "fixes" and should be good to go.
My P238 is always in my pocket, 24/7. I'm thinking about getting a second one for IWB on those days when my 9mm or 357 mag aren't suitable. The 238 is very pleasant to shoot, amazingly accurate for it's size, and disappears in my pocket.
I bought a Sig P238 over a year ago, had numerous malfunctions, sent it back to Sig, they said they fixed it, but I had to send it back again, they sent me a new one, still had problems, they worked on it, still had problems, but not as many, then they finally sent me the new flat spring. Suddenly, poof, all the problems went away.
I've shot about 200 rounds since I got the new spring, can't make it malfunction, no matter what I do. I've tried to intentionally limp-wrist, I've tried multiple types of ammo, shot it right-handed, left-handed, both-handed. Rapid fire, slow fire. Clean, dirty. I do put a drop of MiliTec oil on the rails on my next-to-last clip of each range session, so the heat of firing will help "bake it in".
Based on what Sig Customer Service told me, it is the new flat spring that is making the difference. But the MiliTec is probably helping some, too. In any case, my P238 is now totally reliable.
Scott at Sig told me that pistols dated Dec 2010 or later (on the box) will be the ones that have the latest "fixes" and should be good to go.
My P238 is always in my pocket, 24/7. I'm thinking about getting a second one for IWB on those days when my 9mm or 357 mag aren't suitable. The 238 is very pleasant to shoot, amazingly accurate for it's size, and disappears in my pocket.
seems to me if its a carry weapon your gonna lose it no matter the circumstances if the weapon has to be used. Personally, I dont want to have to give up a 600 gun, therefore id choose the keltec or the LCP, both can be had under 300 and they both shoot well for what they are, the bersa is too big for a pocket pistol jmo
RidgwayCO
Member
I'd recommend a Bersa .380 CC for about $250, and spend the rest of the $600 on ammunition and a nice holster. And save your brass, because you ARE going to want to start reloading, what with the cost of .380 Auto commercial ammo today...
I was first attracted to the Keltec pocket pistol line by their tiny size, ultra-light weight, and low price. But after reading about all the problems owners were having with KTs in general I put off buying any of the new generation of tiny .380 pocket pistols until they were on the market long enough for the more serious bugs to have been worked out. After Keltec introduced the 2nd generation P3AT I decided to take a chance on it, and if it turned out to be unreliable and/or easily breakable I would take a loss and trade it in on a more expensive gun of the same size and as close to the same ultralight weight as possible.
Well, I can now say I'm glad I waited and ended up with a KT P3AT after all the months of hand-wringing and head-banging over which gun of that type to buy. First time out on my backyard range I had one stovepipe, (2nd round of the first magazine I fired) with the HydroShoks I intended to carry. After that one malfunction it has been 100% perfect with everything I have fed it. After the rest of the Hydroshoks were used up it was fired mostly with my usual .380 handloads of 3.2 grains of WW231 under various 98 & 100 grain lead bullets, some round nose, some conical flat nose That's what I have always loaded for recreational shooting in my Russian-built Makarov IJ70 .380. After about 225-250 rounds fired (I didn't keep an exact count) the pint-size Keltec has gotten better in every respect except for the simply awful trigger pull. Actually the long and heavy trigger pull is a good safety feature on a tiny gun meant specifically for pocket carry, and since that's exactly what I bought it for I can put up with the trigger pull and the less than impressive overall workmanship. Bottom line, the KTs aren't hi-polish, famous name, glass-case trophy getters, but if mine continues to perform as well as it has so far it will fill the always-armed hideout role I bought it for at 1/2 the price of a more prestigious gun of that type. There are several of those out now that are no doubt built to a higher standard of fit and finish, such as Kahr, S&W, Sig, Ruger, whatever. However, if I can prove to my own satisfaction that I can carry the little Elcheapo .380 in my left side pocket 16/7 comfortably and 100% unnoticeable, and that it will reliably go bang 6 times in a row if it's ever needed, (and I now believe it will) it will have turned out to be just what I was hoping it would be.
Well, I can now say I'm glad I waited and ended up with a KT P3AT after all the months of hand-wringing and head-banging over which gun of that type to buy. First time out on my backyard range I had one stovepipe, (2nd round of the first magazine I fired) with the HydroShoks I intended to carry. After that one malfunction it has been 100% perfect with everything I have fed it. After the rest of the Hydroshoks were used up it was fired mostly with my usual .380 handloads of 3.2 grains of WW231 under various 98 & 100 grain lead bullets, some round nose, some conical flat nose That's what I have always loaded for recreational shooting in my Russian-built Makarov IJ70 .380. After about 225-250 rounds fired (I didn't keep an exact count) the pint-size Keltec has gotten better in every respect except for the simply awful trigger pull. Actually the long and heavy trigger pull is a good safety feature on a tiny gun meant specifically for pocket carry, and since that's exactly what I bought it for I can put up with the trigger pull and the less than impressive overall workmanship. Bottom line, the KTs aren't hi-polish, famous name, glass-case trophy getters, but if mine continues to perform as well as it has so far it will fill the always-armed hideout role I bought it for at 1/2 the price of a more prestigious gun of that type. There are several of those out now that are no doubt built to a higher standard of fit and finish, such as Kahr, S&W, Sig, Ruger, whatever. However, if I can prove to my own satisfaction that I can carry the little Elcheapo .380 in my left side pocket 16/7 comfortably and 100% unnoticeable, and that it will reliably go bang 6 times in a row if it's ever needed, (and I now believe it will) it will have turned out to be just what I was hoping it would be.
BADUNAME37
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Since the Seecamp does not fall into the under $600 category, I would have to rate the Ruger LCP as the next one to consider.
I have put at least 500 rounds of varying factory ammo, different makers, different bullets, and even shot many loads, working up an accurate load, and the gun did not jam once.
So, I would have to say that my LCP is about as trustworthy as a gun can be.
I have a Robert Mika pocket holster which decreases printing and also prevents lint from gathering in the gun's cracks-crevesis.
I have put at least 500 rounds of varying factory ammo, different makers, different bullets, and even shot many loads, working up an accurate load, and the gun did not jam once.
So, I would have to say that my LCP is about as trustworthy as a gun can be.
I have a Robert Mika pocket holster which decreases printing and also prevents lint from gathering in the gun's cracks-crevesis.
baylorattorney
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For accurate shooting, not to mention convenient tip up barrel I had a blast with my Beretta 380 cheetah. Packed a punch. For really concealable back up type gun I liked my NAA Guardian with CtC laser grips but wouldn't bet my life on it.
If I bought one today it would be the economical kel tec. Too many people agree on that pocket rocket.
If I bought one today it would be the economical kel tec. Too many people agree on that pocket rocket.
Picked up a BG 380 back in March. I have run about 400 rounds through it with no problems. I like th laser in that it does what it is designed to do although took getting use to the activation. I am really impressed with it's accuracy.
Got this at Gander Mountain originally priced at $379. The guy took off $70 to close the deal.
Couldn't be happier.
Got this at Gander Mountain originally priced at $379. The guy took off $70 to close the deal.
Couldn't be happier.
snooperman
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I have the Kahr P380 and the Taurus TCP and ...
they are both very reliable. Because of the CCW laws around the country over the past few years, manufacturers have given us some great pocket guns to choose from in this caliber. Also the ammo companies have given us some great choices that we did not have many years ago , that make this caliber a very good CCW.
they are both very reliable. Because of the CCW laws around the country over the past few years, manufacturers have given us some great pocket guns to choose from in this caliber. Also the ammo companies have given us some great choices that we did not have many years ago , that make this caliber a very good CCW.
The Kahr p380 is the best .380 pocket gun IMO.
If you liked the PM9, but thought it was just too big and heavy this is your gun. I know what you mean about the pm9, while it can be used for pocket carry, it isn't ideal. There just usually isn't enough room in the pocket for that gun and my hand at the same time, which results in a sluggish draw.
If you liked the PM9, but thought it was just too big and heavy this is your gun. I know what you mean about the pm9, while it can be used for pocket carry, it isn't ideal. There just usually isn't enough room in the pocket for that gun and my hand at the same time, which results in a sluggish draw.
MtnSpur
Member
Another vote for the Bersa. I have a Bersa Thunder (model 95) .380 and it's been reliable, POA is excellent and takedown for cleaning is throwing a lever, your slide comes off and there ya have it. It's an excellent weapon for the price. Hides very very well in a Don Hume OT I might add.
PX15
Member
LCP....
My first requirement in a carry firearm is RELIABILITY..
Between my wife and myself we have 3 LCP's, all have been absolutely reliable from day one.
If you care to research the reliability of the Ruger LCP, just use the "search" function on any firearms forum and I believe you will find reliability is pretty much a given with this pistol.
IF you can carry a slightly larger pistol I would suggest you consider the Ruger LC9.. I refer to it as the LCP on steroids.. My LC9 has also been absolutely reliable right out of the box.
I have never understood those firearm manufacturers who tell you that it's necessary to shoot 200 (or whatever) rounds thru any particular pistol before it can be considered reliable..
What if it works perfectly for 200 rds and on the next round it jams?
If any pistol/revolver I buy shoots reliably and accurately right out of the box I have confidence in it. IF any pistol/revolver I buy does NOT prove reliable AND accurate for self defense purposes right out of the box I NEVER have confidence in it.
I've considered the other options in this ever-crowded 380 cal. mousegun nitch, but apparently most of them are not quite ready for "prime-time", or worthy of consideration because of one factor or another, and reliability problems is one area where I have a zero tolerance level.
The Ruger LCP is obviously a KelTec P3AT "clone" that has been "smoothed out", and prettied up a bit.. Perhaps any teething problems were already found and corrected in the P3AT, and that's why LCP's are normally so reliable.
Don't know, but I know I trust MY LCP's, and carry one in a back pocket holster daily.
No offense to those who have a different opinion. One of us is probably wrong, and you gotta' know it's not me.)
Jesse
My first requirement in a carry firearm is RELIABILITY..
Between my wife and myself we have 3 LCP's, all have been absolutely reliable from day one.
If you care to research the reliability of the Ruger LCP, just use the "search" function on any firearms forum and I believe you will find reliability is pretty much a given with this pistol.
IF you can carry a slightly larger pistol I would suggest you consider the Ruger LC9.. I refer to it as the LCP on steroids.. My LC9 has also been absolutely reliable right out of the box.
I have never understood those firearm manufacturers who tell you that it's necessary to shoot 200 (or whatever) rounds thru any particular pistol before it can be considered reliable..
What if it works perfectly for 200 rds and on the next round it jams?
If any pistol/revolver I buy shoots reliably and accurately right out of the box I have confidence in it. IF any pistol/revolver I buy does NOT prove reliable AND accurate for self defense purposes right out of the box I NEVER have confidence in it.
I've considered the other options in this ever-crowded 380 cal. mousegun nitch, but apparently most of them are not quite ready for "prime-time", or worthy of consideration because of one factor or another, and reliability problems is one area where I have a zero tolerance level.
The Ruger LCP is obviously a KelTec P3AT "clone" that has been "smoothed out", and prettied up a bit.. Perhaps any teething problems were already found and corrected in the P3AT, and that's why LCP's are normally so reliable.
Don't know, but I know I trust MY LCP's, and carry one in a back pocket holster daily.
No offense to those who have a different opinion. One of us is probably wrong, and you gotta' know it's not me.
)Jesse
Ledgehammer
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Can you pocket carry the lc9 pretty easy?
Yo Mama
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My recommendation is to ditch the pocket 380. Please man, don't get it. You'll regret it.
1. Cost of 380 ammo, it's rediculous
2. Vs. a 9mm, you're not going to notice much of a size or weight difference
3. 9mm platform gives you increased velocity and energy
Keltec pf9 is a great gun. You'll save some cash getting it, and have money for some accessories.
IN THE END: I love my pocket gun, but don't carry it anymore
. IWB is my preference, and you can IWB a .45 without much difficulty in most any clothing. I'm really just keeping it for my kiddo when she's big enough-more a future purse gun.
Capp35
Member
I already have a great carry 9mm, a Springfield EMP 9mm.
I am looking for a backup / throw in your shorts last minute, to go to the store type of gun. Small, light, cheap!
Also something not too expensive that I could keep in my truck (as backup) and not have to worry if it got stolen or lost.
I would even consider a Seecamp .32 since they have bottomed out in price, if I did not worry about carrying that cartridge.
Hi-Point. None of the others are even close.
Barrel length: 3.5"
Overall length: 6.75"
Weight: 29 oz.
Frame: High-impact polymer
Finish: Black powder coat with chrome rail
Capacity: 8-shot magazine standard (10-shot magazine also available)
Sights: 3-dots, fully-adjustable
Polymer frame
Durable, attractive easy-grip finish
Last round lock open
Quick on-off thumb safety
Operations safety sheet
+P rated
Free extra rear peep sight
Free trigger lock
Lifetime warranty
100% American-made, parts and assembly
Barrel length: 3.5"
Overall length: 6.75"
Weight: 29 oz.
Frame: High-impact polymer
Finish: Black powder coat with chrome rail
Capacity: 8-shot magazine standard (10-shot magazine also available)
Sights: 3-dots, fully-adjustable
Polymer frame
Durable, attractive easy-grip finish
Last round lock open
Quick on-off thumb safety
Operations safety sheet
+P rated
Free extra rear peep sight
Free trigger lock
Lifetime warranty
100% American-made, parts and assembly
StrikeFire83
Member
I know you want a .380, but I'm gonna echo what the other guy said and unless you have a stable of .380s that you need to keep ammo around for, why add another caliber? I used to own a P3AT and I carry my Kahr PM9 daily. There are VERY FEW situations where you can't pocket carry PM9 but you can pocket carry a P3AT, very tight emo skinny jeans/cowboy wranglers or very lightweight shorts. Other than that, a PM9/CM9 will fit in pretty much any front pocket that a P3AT will.
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