Good DAO .380acp

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1John1:9

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Question:

What is a good DAO .380 that can be pocket carried?

My ideal specs would be something like:

  • Hammer fired
  • Trigger Pull between 7 and 10 lbs
  • No smaller than the Colt Pony
  • No bigger than the Sig P232 (don't think they made these DAO?)
  • No external safety lever
 
I'm not sure of the size of a Colt Pony, but Kel-Tec P3-AT and its Ruger copy come to mind.
 
I'm sure not everyone will agree but I've had good luck with the Kahr CW380. Not a hammer fired gun, but the trigger is a smooth longer DA pull. Softer shooting than the LCP. I'd probably go with an S&W Bodyguard as my second choice.
 
I have a Kel-Tec P3AT. It has been an excellent pistol and I would recommend it to anyone. It is small enough for pocket carry. It can even fit in a shirt pocket.


Kel-Tec%20Target_zpsrsq7twyz.jpg
 
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I've been carrying a S&W Bodyguard 380 for about two years. The sights are very usable and I shoot it about as well as a 2" J frame.
 
A friend of mine has a S&W Bodyguard which is his EDC. Very reliable and with a halfway decent DA trigger, the only negative thing about the gun has been the inability of the built-in laser to hold POA on target. Good news is S&W now makes them without the laser.
 
Take your pick, they will all do the job. Kahr CW380, KelTec P3at, Taurus TCP, Ruger LCP, S&W bodyguard, and Beretta Pico. For pocket carry these little pistols are hard to beat.
 
I have a SW Bodyguard and a Ruger LCP. The Bodyguard is way better. Better sights, more accurate, better trigger, and lower recoil. I'd get the one without the laser.
 
I have and carry a S&W bodyguard as well. Works for me to pocket carry in dress pants.
 
I'd recommend the Beretta Pico but I think it may be too small...not for everyone but it's my constant pocket companion with the flush mag having put over 1000 rounds down range without a problem.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=767874

PicoAngleonTarget_zps66ebe00e.jpg

The trigger pull is pretty stiff when new as is the slide *but* as a counter the gun has real sights and is amazingly soft shooting compared to stuff like the Ruger LCP. In hammer fired, DAO 380's you won't have many choices and may have to compromise on some of your criteria, IMO.

VooDoo
 
The P3AT, TCP and Kahr pistols are not DAO in that pulling the trigger a second time on a misfire does not work like it would on a true DAO pistol.
 
My ideal specs would be something like:

Hammer fired
Trigger Pull between 7 and 10 lbs
No smaller than the Colt Pony
No bigger than the Sig P232 (don't think they made these DAO?)
No external safety lever
Click to expand...

You've described the Sphinx AT-380M except for the safety. Mags hold 10 or 11 rounds, DAO, smooth as silk trigger.

Sphinxsale003.jpg
 
Magnum Research Micro Desert Eagle. Striker fired, otherwise meets your specs. Hold that in one hand and a P3AT in the other, and I'll guess which one gets laid down first.
 
Would you include the glock

In this size class, my choice has become the GLOCK 42 with its safe action. Some consider the GLOCK as DAO, others do not.

If you do, you get a short trigger action in a gun that is very reliable, very accurate for its size with good sights.

Jim
 
I fondled a S&W Bodyguard 380 at the LGS today and was favorably impressed. Can't speak to how it shoots but the trigger is nice, the sights are good and the grip fills the hand pretty well without being excessively large. I'll defer to the experience of others that have fired one but it seems to be an interesting pistol. The Beretta Pico also seems to be a good one although maybe smaller than you're looking for.
 
How about that slick new Taurus .380 micro-revolver: tiny, reliable, moon clips reload just as fast as auto magazines...also double strike capability and will tolerate any bullet weight or shape- something which many pocket autos have trouble with....
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
How about that slick new Taurus .380 micro-revolver: tiny, reliable, moon clips reload just as fast as auto magazines...also double strike capability and will tolerate any bullet weight or shape- something which many pocket autos have trouble with....
Click to expand...
The problem with the Taurus 380 revolver is with it's almost 1-1/2" width dimension and the even shorter barrel compared to any of the longer barrels of all of the mini 380 autos.

Also it only has a five round capacity and very bulky to carry moon clips.
 
The sig 290 in 9mm is a nice gun. It actually has what you want - hammer, dao. As noted, it also comes in .380
 
Normally I would not consider a .380 auto for a defensive weapon but I am not as limber as I once was and I have been considering a CQC handgun for a backup. I usually carry a .45 auto or .357mag but in a close quarters altercation I could end up shooting through my intended target and hit myself in the process. I am talking about two (or more) bodies entangled in a jumbled mass of hate and discontent. A .380 auto with the correct ammo stuffed into an armpit, crotch or underneath a chin would have a good chance to end the altercation without penetrating and hitting myself in the process. I have seen no mention of the DIAMONDBACK DB380 380ACP so I will mention it here. I have not had the opportunity to get one in my hand but most of the reviews I have read seem to be positive. Another option I am contemplating is the Ruger LCP. Next on my list would be the S&W Body Guard. Of course the scenario described above is just that a scenario. The best defense would be not to put myself in a situation where something like that could happen in the first place but I am a firm believer in the old adage "Be Prepared". Good luck with your quest.
 
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My wifes Ruger LC380(NOT the LCP) meets everything on the list except the safety, which can be left off, because its DAO. It has a trigger like a DA revolver, but shoots nice and smooth. Recoil is very manageable, and its easy to rack.
 
A completely different approach in a DAO .380 ACP....

taurus-1-tau_2_380121ul.jpg


http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=853&category=Revolver&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

or

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=856&category=Revolver&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=
 
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