I know I shouldn’t post a question re: .380s in this forum, but you guys are as knowledgeable as you are opinionated. My problem is I’m a little guy and can’t conceal a 9mm. I’ve checked the compact Sigs and CZ Rami, but no dice.
I have a J-frame airweight, but can’t shoot it worth shit. Perhaps with tons of practice I could improve, but at the cost of a lot of money, range time and a sore hand/wrist. Besides, there’s nothing worse than carrying a gun you don’t feel confident shooting.
So, I’m looking for a top-notch reliable and accurate .380. Preferably one that has natural pointability, but I’m not sure if that’s applicable in such a small gun. I don’t know if .380s are mostly striker-fired or not, but would prefer a DA/SA with exposed hammer. Any recommendations?
There is no magic gun with a magic bullet to fit everyone, but a Sig 232 will meet your requirements. But there are other guns out there, have you tried a browning hi-power it is thin and does shoot 9mm, The M&P 9C is smaller too. dont get roped around one platform, if it works for you and you are confident in your shooting abilities with the platform, use it. One more tool to put in your self defense tool box.
Seriously, check out the Kahr PM9. It is smaller than almost all .380s. The Walther PPS is right up there too. I have seriously considered ditching all my other guns and just carrying a PM9.
I appreciate the recommendations on the Kahr and Walther, but don’t want a striker-fired pistol. Perhaps I’m being dangerously naive/ignorant, but I’d like a gun that I can pocket carry without a holster, if desired. DA/SA pistols, w/exposed hammers, don’t strike me as being dangerous to carry (in condition 2) without a holster. That’s definately a no go with a striker-fired gun. Please correct me if this is flawed thinking.
You are essentially forgoing a more capable, powerful handgun, that is just as small, because you want to carry it in a pocket without a holster. Some guy in Lynnwood Wa just shot himself in the balls at the local walmart doing that. If you are going to carry a semi auto, you need to put it in a pocket holster. It disrupts the outline of the gun, it protects the trigger from inadvertant pulling, and its not like you are going to be firing it from within the pocket anyway.
I have found that most 380s kick as hard as 9mms. I have a student that is 5’2’’ and weighs just over a hundred pounds. She conceals a 9mm. I carry a Kahr 9 in road cycling kit. It is doable.
Get a small 9mm pistol, get a pocket holster and a good inside the waist band holster and proceed.
Don’t rely on the weight of the trigger to protect you from a ND. If you’re going to carry your gun, put it in an adequate holster. Not doing so makes you a liability to yourself and anyone around you.
I know you’re set on something tiny, but I know small petite women who can conceal some of the 9mm’s on the market.
Forget about the .380’s and look into something like a Kahr PM9.
Thanks for all the solid advise. I didn’t want to have to chase .380 ammo and add another platform when I already have a 9mm. Guess I’m hesitant to change and never felt comfortable with striker-fired guns. I’ll get a good holster and go with the little Kahr or Walther.
A pocket holster is a must. Even one of the cheap Uncle Mikes or Desantes can be very efficient.
If you must go with a 380, then the Sig 232 is good, and I’d look at the new S&W coming out.
With that said, I’d really give some of the striker fired guns a second look. The Kahr PM9 is smaller than a lot of the 380’s. I’v use mine as a summer pocket gun for about 5 years. I own a J-frame 642, but can shoot circles around it with the PM9.
The Walther PPS is another one to look at.
If you can go with the idea of an IWB holster then you have a lot of options. The S&W 3913 is an excellent gun. Almost anything you are able to get a proper grip on could be concealed with a good IWB holster.
Personally I would go with a compact 9mm such as the Walther PPS. But if you don’t want a 9mm then a Makarov might be a good choice. 9X18 Makarov is cheap and readily available.
(At least it is around here)
I am 150 pounds and about 5’ 9" or less. No problem concealing my fullsize 1911 or M&P 9 even on the waste band. You have to dress with some common sense about you, but it is not that difficult. I do carry a Kahr PM9 in a pants pocket or IWB sometimes. If you want small go Kahr.
when i was a younger man at 5’8" and 145lbs, i had no trouble carrying a 1911 or full size USP45. i think it really comes down to how self-conscious you are about it. i didnt give a rip, and it mattered not, if i printed a bit when bending over to pick up a dropped binky/keys/etc. i’ve also learned, over the years, how to crouch instead of “bend over” and not look like a curtsying little girl. my wife says i just look like a tired old man with a stiff back (which isn’t that far from the truth).
i’m a bit thicker nowadays, averaging 175lbs (all tempered steel ;)), so it’s even easier to pack full frame pistols… my EDC is a glock 17, but i have a baby glock for deep concealment- when wearing that thing, i can actually bend straight over at the waist with nothing but an un-tucked shirt over it, and still only print a little lump that could be anything- phone, knife, pager, etc… but NOT a gun.
if you haven’t tried the glock 26 in a forward-cant IWB holster, you really owe it to yourself to. there’s no excuse for 380s.