A new.380??

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BP Hunter

BP Hunter

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Hello folks! I am contemplating in purchasing a .380 auto. I am looking for a CCW weapon to most probably replace my Kel Tec PF9. Depending on what I wear, I carry my PF9 in an IWB holster nicely hidden under my vest at work in my semi-formal attire. I can either carry a Taurus PT145 or Taurus Model 85 snubbie when wearing casual clothes. It is getting warmer here and and it will too warm to wear a vest soon. I have been looking at a pocket holster for the PF9. I found one locally but the butt still shows. Thus, I am looking at a new .380. It will either be the new Taurus TCP or Ruger LCP. They will be good pocket guns with a good pocket holster.

What you folks say? I shall keep the PF9 if any of you folks can share with me a good way to conceal it in warm weather. I will trade in the PF 9 for either the TCP or LCP if this is the better option.

Thanks for your comments.:)
 
I will trade in the PF 9 for either the TCP or LCP if this is the better option.
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They are not, quite frankly. And with the price of the P3AT/LCP/TCP, why do a trade-in at all? They're only $250-$300. Just settle on one and buy it, IMO. And don't discount the Diamondback DB380, if you can spend just a touch more ;)
 
MachIV is right onall counts -and the Diamondback is worth considering. I only have a couple hundred rounds through mine, but flawless so far. Much prefer to LCP (can't speak to TCP), and just a bit more at $359.
diamondbackdb3801-1.jpg
 
I was considering a PM40 or PF-9, but opted for the LCP instead ... mainly due to pocket size. If you can afford to though, I'd say keep the 9mm for future carry options. There are some tuckable holsters out there, but I don't have any experience with them. Smart Carry is also an option for you.
 
I was thinking of the .380 over the PF9, since if I was carrying the .380 then I wouldn't have any use for the PF9.

Question: Both the PF9 and the LCP/TCP are small guns. How do the recoils compare? I got use to the FP9, but was surprised to how hard it snapped after not shooting it for 2 months.
 
What are you gonna do with your .380...throw it...Seems there isn't any ammo.
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Yeah, when I went to the store last week they only had a few thousand rounds of .380 in stock. :D
 
UNless you really want one of those .380s instead, I would experiment with some new holsters first. What are you using right now? Do you go topless often in teh summer while wearing carry-acceptable pants?
 
One Size (brand) Does Not Fit All

Looking for an ideal "carry all the time, anytime" weapon, I went though the Bersa .380 CC, the KelTec P3AT, Ruger LCP, Kahr P380, Sig P-238, NAA and a couple of others...all in a 7 month period!
None of them performed satisfactorily for me.

There were the (to be expected) Failures To Feed, Failures To Eject and the refusal of certain guns not to like certain types of ammunition.

Of even more concern: The grips just did not fit my hand properly (with the exception of the Sig and Bersa..but these guns were noticeably heavier and THAT worked against them ,for my purposes. The others just did not fit my hand.
The result was that the pistol would twist in my gip (under recoil) and, if I fired more than two shots, rapid-fire, my thumb would invariably (but inadvertently, press the magazine release!!!

I was about to give up when a friend at a local gunshop offered to let me try a "Diamondback" (made by some former KelTec employees).
The Diamondback is well built and nicely finished. Although it is the same size and weight of the KelTec and LCP, it FEELS more substantial. Even better, it fits my hand perfectly No more twisting or muzzle fllp under recoil.
This, of course, means MUCH greater accuracy and surer handling.

This little mouse is a SHOOTER!
It's taken every form of ammunition and digested it without a fuss.
The grips stand almost vertical in your shooting hand and your hand sits up high. Recoil is straight back, and they've done some sort of magic with polymer because there is a SIGNIFICANT reduction in recoil. The gun is much more manageable than the KelTec, LCP, NAA and Kahr P380.

Call around and find a shop that has one. Then RUSH over before it's gone.
Shoot this gun and you'll buy it!

Mike Harvey
 
Yeah, when I went to the store last week they only had a few thousand rounds of .380 in stock.
Click to expand...
........It can be found around here for $20 box...that is just STUPID
 
My CZ-83 will eat anything I feed it but it may be a tad bulky for your purposes. If the PF9 is reliable, I'd probably just keep it and upgrade my holster. Good luck.
 
In a rather short period of time I bought the Ruger LCP, Ruger LCR, Kahr P380, BERSA .380 CC, KelTec P3AT, S&W Centennial Airweight and a Sig P238!
They ALL had drawbacks. Too big, too heavy, too much recoil, too hard to hide, and few of them fit my hand comfortably enough to allow me to quickly engage with satisfactory accuracy the LCP and KelTec consistently twisted in my hand under recoil...spoiling my aim...and 9 times out of 10, when firing multiple shots (quickly) my thumb would inadvertently press the magazine release. NOT things I would like to happen if I ever DO have to defend myself and my family.

ALL those pistols went back to the dealer!

He made ONE MORE suggestion: Try the new Diamond Back .380.

It was love at first hold! And stepping over to the shooting range...in fast-draw, fast-fire, multiple-target drills it consistently puts 7 rounds within the 9 ring at 15 feet, hand-held with no rest or support. And I can put 'em all within the 8 ring at 25'!
That's more than "good enough" or my purposes.

The DIAMOND BACK is extremely well built and the shape of the grip feeds recoil straight back, through the pistol's composite handle and, somehow (magically?) the felt recoil is more like a .25. Put a Hogue Hand-All Jr. over the grips and you've got a nice soft kitty...not a Wildcat.

Two former employees of KelTec started the company and they certainly figured out what a true pocketgun needs to be.

I've run more than 500 rounds of various types (FMJ, JHP, Hornady Extreme Protection hollow-point and Frangible rounds like the Glasers) through this pistol so far, with not one problem!

If you're looking for the perfect pocket gun...check the Diamond Backs out beore you buy. If it fits YOU like it does ME..it'll sell itself!

Mike Harvey
 
You ought to get the .380 to supplement your pf-9.

I have an LCP and love it. If it wanted another I'd get the tcp or that daimondback.
 
I can conceal my PF-9 easily under even a light t-shirt with this cheap, very thin, suede IWB holster. Smart Carry works well too.

pf9holster2.jpg

pf9holster1.jpg
 
Hows the trigger on that pf-9? What do you think about all the people whining about trigger slap?
 
Look at the Micro Desert Eagle. A little pricier than some of the others mentioned, but it's a very nice all metal gun.
Click to expand...

With nastier recoil than any of the polymer guns half it's weight. I was super excited about these, loved the looks. Then I shot my dealer's sample gun. I was so turned off by it. One of the most unpleasant handguns I've ever fired, save the 340PD with mag loads.

Hows the trigger on that pf-9? What do you think about all the people whining about trigger slap?
Click to expand...

:confused:

That's the first I've ever heard of it. The PF-9 is quite snappy, as to be expected of a 12 ounce 9mm. But I've never experienced an unpleasant feeling from the trigger.
 
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