ZeTurk
Member
I'm looking for a nice .380 for carry purposes... Opinions?
Best .380
- Thread starter ZeTurk
- Start date
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mosesv2
Member
There is no best.
The one you like best is the best.
Seriously.
Go find it.
Start with looks and price.
Most companies make good stuff.
Shoot it until you figure out what you like and don't like.
Try something else.
Better, or worse?
Go with the one you like better.
Rinse.
Repeat....
The one you like best is the best.
Seriously.
Go find it.
Start with looks and price.
Most companies make good stuff.
Shoot it until you figure out what you like and don't like.
Try something else.
Better, or worse?
Go with the one you like better.
Rinse.
Repeat....
hydraulicman
Member
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2009
- Messages
- 226
go get an lcp
is small and it's .380
and 300 bones .. do it
is small and it's .380
and 300 bones .. do it
1. Get the LCP. The sheer number of LCP sales alone is a testament that it works. It conceals well. You really forget that its there. 100% dependable for me. Shoots good enough for belly to belly distances.
2. The Sig P238 is one of the newest .380 out there. This is a fun gun to shoot. You can actually go target practice with it. Nice easy follow up shots.
The downside is that it is SA only and is carried "cocked and locked". I'm still trying to get comfortable with it in the pocket. No problems with "cocked and locked" in the waistband...but the whole in the pocket thing gives me the willies.
The other down side is that it's hard to find spare mags. (I don't recommend the Colt mags that many use as a substitute mag for the Sig.)
3. The Kahr .380 is a bit overpriced. And for a pocket gun, i really prefer hammer fired guns. Come to think of it, i like hammer fired in all my guns...perhaps I'll make an exception for a Glock......but I'm rambling... back on topic...get the LCP.
2. The Sig P238 is one of the newest .380 out there. This is a fun gun to shoot. You can actually go target practice with it. Nice easy follow up shots.
The downside is that it is SA only and is carried "cocked and locked". I'm still trying to get comfortable with it in the pocket. No problems with "cocked and locked" in the waistband...but the whole in the pocket thing gives me the willies.
The other down side is that it's hard to find spare mags. (I don't recommend the Colt mags that many use as a substitute mag for the Sig.)
3. The Kahr .380 is a bit overpriced. And for a pocket gun, i really prefer hammer fired guns. Come to think of it, i like hammer fired in all my guns...perhaps I'll make an exception for a Glock......but I'm rambling... back on topic...get the LCP.
msgttbar
Member
I'm partial to the Bersa T380. Reliable, accurate, fun to shoot. I haven't tried the Bersa 380CC, but I'd wager it is equal to the task also.
VA27
Member
What's your budget?
Any brand preference?
What kind of carry; open, concealed, pocket?
Material; steel, alloy, polymer?
There are nearly a dozen (give or take a few) .380s on the market in several sizes, with new ones coming out every month (at least it seems that way!) and a $ figure, preferred material and method of carry will help us help you.
Are there any ranges near you that have rental guns? If there are, after you get some idea of what you're looking for, rent some of your choices and try before you buy.
Prices for a good .380 can be as low as $250 all the way up to over $1000.
Most of the guns on the market now are solid, reliable guns and each has a following on the forums. As a sort of general guideline, more money equals smaller size or better finish or both.
Hope this helps
Any brand preference?
What kind of carry; open, concealed, pocket?
Material; steel, alloy, polymer?
There are nearly a dozen (give or take a few) .380s on the market in several sizes, with new ones coming out every month (at least it seems that way!) and a $ figure, preferred material and method of carry will help us help you.
Are there any ranges near you that have rental guns? If there are, after you get some idea of what you're looking for, rent some of your choices and try before you buy.
Prices for a good .380 can be as low as $250 all the way up to over $1000.
Most of the guns on the market now are solid, reliable guns and each has a following on the forums. As a sort of general guideline, more money equals smaller size or better finish or both.
Hope this helps
Mad Chemist
Member
What are you looking for?
Single or double action?
Tiny, small, medium, or large frame?
Polymer or steel frame?
Will it be a carry gun and if so what method of carry?
If you answer all of these questions we may be able to determine the "best" gun for your needs.
Single or double action?
Tiny, small, medium, or large frame?
Polymer or steel frame?
Will it be a carry gun and if so what method of carry?
If you answer all of these questions we may be able to determine the "best" gun for your needs.
harmon rabb
Member
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 2,699
how small do you want it? pocket sized or larger?
if you want a pocket sized .380, do you want to carry in condition 1 or condition 2? if you want to carry in condition 1 (or wouldn't mind carrying in condition 1), i'd recommend the SIG P238. it's so much nicer to shoot than the other pocket .380's and actually has real sights.
if you want to carry in condition 2, well, then you can pretty much take your pick of a bunch of them. LCP, TCP, P3AT, MDE, etc. I have a LCP which has functioned flawlessly since day 1, but I don't really think it's any better than any of the other pocket .380's.
if you want a larger .380, can i ask why? if you move up a size, you're now in the realm of some 9mm's, so you might as well get a 9mm.
if you want a pocket sized .380, do you want to carry in condition 1 or condition 2? if you want to carry in condition 1 (or wouldn't mind carrying in condition 1), i'd recommend the SIG P238. it's so much nicer to shoot than the other pocket .380's and actually has real sights.
if you want to carry in condition 2, well, then you can pretty much take your pick of a bunch of them. LCP, TCP, P3AT, MDE, etc. I have a LCP which has functioned flawlessly since day 1, but I don't really think it's any better than any of the other pocket .380's.
if you want a larger .380, can i ask why? if you move up a size, you're now in the realm of some 9mm's, so you might as well get a 9mm.
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
My wife loves her SIG P232...
I do not care for the 380 , I rather have a 9mm. However, with the Corbon 90gr 380, her SIG seems potent enough for her. It is very comfortable to shoot and that was what she wanted. I might add , she also carries a Ruger LCR as well with Gold dots.
I do not care for the 380 , I rather have a 9mm. However, with the Corbon 90gr 380, her SIG seems potent enough for her. It is very comfortable to shoot and that was what she wanted. I might add , she also carries a Ruger LCR as well with Gold dots.
HOWARD J
Member
In the winter I carry a Glock 26-9mm
Summer a Kel-tec P3-at--380---very light weapon--pull the trigger it fires.
I have a Walther PPK-380--too heavy.........
Also a Sig P-238--don't like to carry cocked & locked..........
Summer a Kel-tec P3-at--380---very light weapon--pull the trigger it fires.
I have a Walther PPK-380--too heavy.........
Also a Sig P-238--don't like to carry cocked & locked..........
benderx4
Member
SEECAMP! Look no further, there is none better. Expensive and worth every dime.
jaysouth
Member
Big .380: Bersa Thunder
Little .380: Kel Tec P3-AT
Got bux? Sig 238.
Better yet, get a 9mm.
Little .380: Kel Tec P3-AT
Got bux? Sig 238.
Better yet, get a 9mm.
AJChenMPH
Member
My opinion only: if you're going to carry a .380, make it a pocket gun -- if you're going to get up into the Bersa/PPK territory, you might as well carry a subcompact 9mm and gain a little extra energy per round. (And this is coming from a guy who has and loves a Browning BDA-380. It sits in the safe these days.)
That said -- I have a Taurus TCP that I like very much and has been reliable for me...so far. The trigger pull is very long, but light and smooth, and it's very accurate. I will say that shooting the Buffalo Bore HCN rounds are quite painful.
I've never shot a Ruger LCP, but they have a solid reputation for a reason.
A guy who works at the range where I shoot has a Diamondback 380 and swears by it. I've never shot one, but have handled one -- it points very well, the bore axis is lower than my TCP (which means there should be a little less felt recoil), and there are real bona-fide three-dot sights which make aiming a lot easier.
For the money (Seecamps and SIG 238s also have a great reputation, but they're pricey), those three top my list.
That said -- I have a Taurus TCP that I like very much and has been reliable for me...so far. The trigger pull is very long, but light and smooth, and it's very accurate. I will say that shooting the Buffalo Bore HCN rounds are quite painful.
I've never shot a Ruger LCP, but they have a solid reputation for a reason.
A guy who works at the range where I shoot has a Diamondback 380 and swears by it. I've never shot one, but have handled one -- it points very well, the bore axis is lower than my TCP (which means there should be a little less felt recoil), and there are real bona-fide three-dot sights which make aiming a lot easier.
For the money (Seecamps and SIG 238s also have a great reputation, but they're pricey), those three top my list.
stinger 327
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2009
- Messages
- 3,204
How about the Desert Micro Mini?
Coltdude84
Member
Go to a range and rent a couple 380's and see which one you like the best.. There really is not "best 380" but there are several reliable 380's on the market.. I have a Walther Interarms 380 PPK/s and it has been flawless.. I just recently aquired another little 380 its a Colt MK IV 80 Stainless government.. So far it has performed well without a single hickup.. I will eventually pick up a Ruger LCP 380. I have heard nothing but good things about them..
searcher451
Member
A wide variety of makes and models are out there, just waiting for you to experiment with them and find the one that you like the most. My recommendation: Head to a range that rents guns and test-drive some of the .380 models that strike your fancy (surely you have a few in mind). Then invite some friends along who own .380s, and bring plenty of ammo. Make a day of it, and give all of the models a good try. Eventually you'll find the one gun that best fits your hand and eye -- that's the one you want to buy.
Lots of good recommendations already have been made. Be sure to scope out the Walther PP or PPK/S models; the design has been around since 1929, the guns are classics (as well as stylish), and mine have been reliable and accurate performers for years and years. They also make terrific concealed carry weapons.
Lots of good recommendations already have been made. Be sure to scope out the Walther PP or PPK/S models; the design has been around since 1929, the guns are classics (as well as stylish), and mine have been reliable and accurate performers for years and years. They also make terrific concealed carry weapons.
MICHAEL T
Member
stinger 327
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2009
- Messages
- 3,204
Bersa?
Where are these made?
Where are these made?
KodiakBeer
member
Your question is far too general. Is the purpose for strictly for self-defense or for shooting beer cans and general entertainment as well? Are you looking for a pocket pistol, or something larger? Do you want something made out of plastic or steel? High capacity or single stack?
It's like asking what .308 rifle is best - the answers could range from a model 7 hunting carbine to a full auto Cetme, with a lot of stuff in between.
It's like asking what .308 rifle is best - the answers could range from a model 7 hunting carbine to a full auto Cetme, with a lot of stuff in between.
HiVelSword
Member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
- Messages
- 31
Agreed. And since he didn't mention size being a factor, my vote is for the CZ 83!
glove
Member
Kel-Tec P3AT
- Status
