A local LEO and good friend of mine asked my opinion about various 380, semi automatic. I did not have much info to offer him.
I am vaguely Ruger LCP, Keltech, S&W. My Keltech fell apart before I even shot it (never did shoot it). Heard 2nd hand mixed reviews on the Ruger, but mostly positive. The S&W has only been out for a year, but some department testing report were very favorable.
Anyone have experience with these or others they could share ?
Also, his main off duty is a Glock sub compact 40 which I am sure is a better option than any 380. But just looking for suggestions, experiences, and info reguarding 380 single stack auto BUGs.
You are going to get lots of replies saying that the LCP, and possibly the .380, is a piece of shit just to let you know. I however love mine and it has been reliable so far (only about 300 down the pipe, though). Great little gun for when you want to carry when you “cant” carry.
LCP and a good pocket holster. You’ll have no problems as long as you run good ammo through it. The only time I’ve had any problems out of mine was because I was shooting a box of the cheap Wal-Mart Tula. Even then out of 200 rounds there where only 3 FTF, and 1 that was a bad primer.
I got a smoking deal on LCP so I carry that now I did carry a P32 for past 4 years roughly and loved that. I shoot Fiochi (spelling) ball our of both and it groups really well. I love them. Its a bug its not my primary so.
What issues did you have with KT I have shot mine a ton and my friends 380 never any issue but I also made sure I didnt get them in first PROD year so
Don’t overlook the Kahr 380. Good trigger, accuracy, recoil and sights for a weapon of this type. I looked at the Keltec, LCP (KT clone), and the Taurus but walked away with the Kahr. I did have a few (<10) FTF during the first 150 rounds but that doesn’t seem to be unusual for this pistol or some of the others in this class. 600 rounds so far with no further malfunctions. I’m a southpaw so the Sig wasn’t in the contest for me.
I just picked up a Diamondback DB380. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to shoot more than a mag through it yet so I cant speak for reliability, but I like the grip, trigger, and sights. Just another one worth looking into. It is the same size as a Keltec or Ruger. Although, most people I know use the LCP with CT laser and none of them have had any problems that I know of.
Very interested in this topic as well since I just started a new job that is in a little more “urban” environment. The office environment makes IWB difficult to pull off, so I’m seriously considering a .380 pocket pistol.
The S&W Bodyguard 380 really has my interest at the moment. What is the general consensus on this relative new comer to the BUG market?
When I went to motors 12 years ago I could no longer carry my back up in an ankle rig. A 38 in the vest has always seemed very lumpy to me. I just switched to the s&w 380 and am very happy with it. It’s very shootable and carries better than any gun I’ve used.
The laser switch is not in a very good position to use quickly so I just don’t use it. I’ve put about 400 rnds through it without issue. The double action is smooth and even (no stacking), although it may be a bit on the long side for some. I started my career with a wheelgun so its not a problem for me.
I cant argue with anyone who says the 380 cartridge is lame though. If I ever get off bikes I’ll go back to the 38 on my ankle, but they’ll have to drag me from my scooter. I’m very satisfied with it(the gun).
Personally, I carry a Sig P238 Nitron everyday. It has worked very well for me, and is much easier to shoot than the LCP. The 238 feels like a .22 in comparison to the LCP, so follow up shots are almost too easy and much faster…which is kind of a big deal in a BUG.
That’s just my opinion, of course.
ETA - I have an LCP, my girlfriend carries an LCP, my dad carries an LCP, my little sister carries an LCP, my little sister’s fiancee carries an LCP, my best friend carries an LCP and his girlfriend carries an LCP. All of them have worked flawlessly from the factory.
I have a Ruger LCP and it’s ok. I’ve heard lots of complaints about the sights, but let’s face it, this isn’t a pistol designed for 25+ yards target shooting. I actually think they are a plus since they are much less likely to snag being they are such a low profile.
Make certain the recoil spring is installed correctly. One end is flared and if installed backwards you’ll have malfunctions.
As a personal preference I added a heavier 13lb Wolf recoil spring.
Having said that I would buy a LCP again but I’d also like to try an Kahr 380 and 9mm.
One final thought, paying more for .380 ammo than for 9mm sucks and .380 can be hard to find at times.
I’ve carried a sig p238 for appx. one year. It comes with a decent set of sights and is very enjoyable to shoot. The only training issue to overcome is the manual safety. It is a .380…but I have it on me when I would otherwise have gone without.
