Need help choosing a .380

[hackercat13]

Hello all!

Just got my CPL (concealed pistol license) in Washington State, and looking to purchase a compact .380 for every day carry. I wear jeans and a hoodie or sweats and hoodie most days, so small and light is the way to fly for me. I own a Makarov in .380, but it's a bit bigger than I want to carry most days.

I was looking at the Ruger LCP or the Kel Tec P-3AT, and was hoping for some opinions of those who own or have fired these. I am open to other suggestions for similar sized weaopns, but can't really spend $500 for a small carry gun.

Thanks in advance for all the help!
Chris

[Helix_FR]

Id go LCP before any Kel Tecs. For that price also look for a used Sig 238 or 232. Don't bother with the new PPK's or Diamondbacks. S&W has the new bodyguard 380. It seems to be OK. Im not overly impressed with them but they seem to be trouble free. Then there is my favorite but its a little bigger and that is the CZ83 but its about the same size as your makarov.

[hackercat13]

Yeah, I have heard good things about the CZ, but as I already own a Makarov (basically same sized frame) and it is darn reliable, I am looking for a pocket gun.

I have been hearing about recalls and reliability issues with the LCP. I hadn't considered the S&W, I'll do a bit of research there. Anyone else want to weigh in?

Thanks a ton!

[Helix_FR]

Ya know what just popped in my head. Bersa 380's. Reliable and inexpensive.

[Double D]

The bersa thunder is a good choice, but may be too large for you. Taurus is making the 738 that is similar to the lcp and the kel tec, but it feels better to me. When someone comes in looking for a 380, I put them all out for comparison and the taurus seems to be winning. I would hold one to see. I sell the kel tec for 245.00 the ruger lcp for 319.00 and the taurus 738 for 295.00. The kel tec does not have a slide lock on it. The others do. I think they are all decent pocket pistols and good back up guns. Good luck!

[bayhawk2]

The Bersa Thunder .380 is out of date.Way too big in todays
modern carry gun world.The new carry guns are small,thin,light,and
easy to conceal.I got rid of my Bersa and am now carrying the
Ruger LCP.Same 6 rounds and this little gun is accurate and
has never jammed on me.I reccomend this gun to anyone
that is looking for a C/C weapon.

[Double D]

Originally Posted by bayhawk2

The Bersa Thunder .380 is out of date.Way too big in todays
modern carry gun world.The new carry guns are small,thin,light,and
easy to conceal.I got rid of my Bersa and am now carrying the
Ruger LCP.Same 6 rounds and this little gun is accurate and
has never jammed on me.I reccomend this gun to anyone
that is looking for a C/C weapon.

Hey bayhawk, how many rounds have you put thru the lcp? Did you go thru a break in period? I own a kel tec 380 and it took about 75-100 rounds before it operated flawlessly. Just wondering on the lcp.

[Old Guy]

I would look at the Ruger LC9. I know that it is new and new stuff sometimes have issues that create recalls. It is 9mm which is a much cheaper and more abundant ammunition than the 380. Your capacity would be about the same with a round that carries more energy. I do currently have and carry an LCP.

[bayhawk2]

DD-At first I only put 50 rounds through it.No jams.Now
that I reload .380 I've put some 500 rounds through it.
Never ever a jam.I shoot approx. 30-50 rounds per session.
What was really surprising was the accuracy in this
thing.I keep it cleaned and though it is a .380,I feel
comfortable with it.I carry it loaded with the Remington
JHP's.Some tell me it's too small a caliber.Whatever.
I too looked at the Kel-Tek.I had a bunch of Academy gift
cards saved up from a job I was on once and Academy had the
LCP's so I got one.Very happy with mine.Bayhawk

[bayhawk2]

Old Guy-I'm eyeing the LC 9.Waiting for a few reviews on it.
I just bought a new Ruger Blackhawk .45/.45 ACP and that set
me back a bit on my gun funds.I hear the LC9 may be the new
#1 carry gun.We'll see.O.k.O.k...so I had to throw my new
toy in here somewhere.

[Just One Shot]

If you are set on a .380 the S&W Bodyguard has usable sights, dual strike capability, last round slide lock and a built in laser as a bonus. S&W has lowered the MSRP and they can be had for $349.99 which is around $100.00 less than I paid for mine.

It's not my primary carry but it is very convenient when I can't take one of my larger caliber compacts with me. It's well built and I have yet to have the first problem with it.

Here's a pic from the very first trip to the range using only the sights.

[Old Guy]

Originally Posted by bayhawk2

Old Guy-I'm eyeing the LC 9.Waiting for a few reviews on it.
I just bought a new Ruger Blackhawk .45/.45 ACP and that set
me back a bit on my gun funds.I hear the LC9 may be the new
#1 carry gun.We'll see.O.k.O.k...so I had to throw my new
toy in here somewhere.

Cool deal on the Blackhawk. That is one of my future purchases as well. I currently have and carry the LCP which has been a good pistol. But, if the LC 9 will fit in my pocket, I may switch. It is supposed to retail at about $435.00 so I would expect to find them for around 4 or maybe under. They should start shipping next week so I guess we will see.

[AL MOUNT]

My local gun shop has a Sig .380 I'm lusting over.

No more DA only for me.....

If it ain't got a real hammer I don't want it...

[hogger129]

Originally Posted by hackercat13

Hello all!

Just got my CPL (concealed pistol license) in Washington State, and looking to purchase a compact .380 for every day carry. I wear jeans and a hoodie or sweats and hoodie most days, so small and light is the way to fly for me. I own a Makarov in .380, but it's a bit bigger than I want to carry most days.

I was looking at the Ruger LCP or the Kel Tec P-3AT, and was hoping for some opinions of those who own or have fired these. I am open to other suggestions for similar sized weaopns, but can't really spend $500 for a small carry gun.

Thanks in advance for all the help!
Chris

Try looking at a Bersa Thunder .380.

[TheGunClinger]

I have two LCP's and they work just fine for what they were designed for, up close and personal. If you want an accurate target pistol, then get one of the bigger models. Lots of good ones out there. Most of them have been mentioned in this thread.
BTW, LCP's can be had for under $300.

[Gun Geezer]

I've had the Kel-Tec P3AT for several years. It's not a range gun so I've only put a couple hundred rnds. through it without a single burp. I'd choose it over any of the others mentioned. Some of them are simply Kel-Tec clones.

[lucky-gunner]

I've owned a LCP for a little over a year. Have about 500 through the pipe with zero issues from round one. It's not a perfect pistol but for the price it's solid. The LCP to me is like the Glock 19 of pocket guns. May not be the best but you can't go wrong with it.

That being said I think the S&W may be a better deal. The features are better and the inclusion of a laser for just $30-50 more is a pretty good deal. Only major grip with the bodyguard is the placement of the laser button.

[Jay]

This is strictly my opinion, and has worked in many years of firearms training, and for men and ladies alike. Buy a handgun just like you would buy a pair of shoes. If Ol' Joe over here says he likes Charlie China tennis shoes, and you're looking for a new pair of shoes, do you run out and buy Joe's pick, just because HE likes 'em? Probably not. If a person is asking what to buy for a carry gun, it doesn't matter what works for me, or anyone else. I suggest telling that new shooter to go to many gun shops, and/or gun shows, and handle all the guns they can get hold of. Just like they would try on shoes. Before long they'll be able to make a list of guns that feel ok, pretty good, real good, and "that really feels great in my hands". The last two are the ones to pursue, and here's why I say that....
If a given handgun doesn't feel "right" in your hands, you'll not shoot it enough to become proficient with it, because it's not comfortable, and you won't like shooting it. Just like you rarely wear shoes that are UNcomfortable. If you're not gonna become proficient with it, save your money, and buy a ball bat to carry. With proper fundamentals, he/she can learn to shoot almost any handgun, or any caliber. Very few folks can re-train their hands to make just any handgun feel comfortable.
Again, just my ramblings.... but they work for me...

Shoot Safely....

[Thumper01]

I own an LCP and, compared to the Kel Tek, there's not that many differences. Both pistols have a long trigger pull {the LCP's trigger felt more comfortable-to me}. My LCP took a little "breaking-in." Out of the first 200 hundred rounds fired, I only had two ejects stovepipe. After that initial break-in, I haven't had a bit of trouble with it..it's 'very' concealable and very accurate for that 10-20 ft shot {it is what it is}. It's easy to break down and clean and fits just about anywhere for concealment. The only down-side to owning a .380 is the price of ammo...good luck and welcome to the club!

[hackercat13]

So I took the plunge yesterday and purchased an LCP. I will be heading out to the range today, so I'll post about that a bit later.
Thanks all!
Chris

[ole iron sights]

i agree with jay , in the old days when you had earned the respect and finally got a gun , i am sure it wasn't new . it may have been an heirloom or a present from some one, did it fit? who knows till ya get used to it and learned how to hit something with it...... yeah it fit !
oh yea didn't hear anyone tell ole' granny the double barrel was to big for her

[Pro-Gun"Liberal"]

What about the colt mustang? I have never fired one, but Colt tends to make good weapons and I can't help but LOVE the looks. It's just an extremely scaled down 1911, about the size of a p3at, just thicker. Anyone that cannot appreciate the looks of the 1911 has no aesthetic sense, IMO.

But again, I have not fired it. Anyone use that gun? It certainly needs to put reliable fire out whether it looks good or not...

[gdmoody]

I see you selected a LCP, probably a good choice. I have never had a LCP but do own a LCR. If I had made a suggestion before, I would have suggested that you look at the Sig P-238. It is a pretty close copy of the Colt Mustang.

How did your range session go?

[hackercat13]

I am in love! I shot 100 rounds on Winchester White box through it, no FTF or FTEs. This is the last 2 mags (12 rounds) at 25 feet. That is a 6 inch target, 10 of 12 on the target, and the 2 just below and right. I am sure the gun can do better, but that DA trigger takes some getting used too!

Chris

[coonbait]

if you reload finding the brass from either the LCP or the kel-tec is a pain in the a$$ those things fly 20-30 feet away....