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380 Pocket pistol recomendations

BrandonHall10

BrandonHall10

Solving problems
I'm in the market for a new carry gun. I want something small and light that I can pocket carry easily, preferably under $500. Going to have to be 380 to get down to the size I'm looking for. The Kahr CW380 is what I'm looking at right now. Sounds like it has some initial quirks, but they work themselves out after break-in.

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What are you carrying and what's your opinion?
 


I bought a ruger lcp for my wife and we both hated that thing, sold it first chance I had. I am not a fan of the lcp style guns because they were not accurate for me and had a long heavy trigger pull. I think if you are going to carry something, it should be something you enjoy shooting, and the lcp has a lot of snap, so its hard to enjoy shooting, resulting in less practice and lower proficiency. I don't carry anymore, just leave it under the seat in the car, but when I did I had a springfield xp 45. I don't recommend the XD anymore because the gun is only as good as the weakest component, and the magazines for the XD are junk. I also have a Glock 30SF, which I would recommend because it is battle tested, used around the world, easily customizable, and easy to find. If I was going to buy another pistol to carry, it would be a slim style 45 with a 4" barrel, like a 1911 only smaller and slimmer.
 
The Kahr has a much better trigger than the Ruger,, I haven't shot the .380 but have the CW9 and it shot really well for a small pistol. I know Kahr has 2 different models that are very similar but one is more expensive, they will both do the job.

Jeff
 
I don't carry. But when I did, I really liked my AMT (arcadia machine & tool) stainless 380 "backup" with lg trigger guard. Easy as a phone to carry, hides in jeans pocket 100% but is DAO & 7 rounds max. Have Firestar M45 for general purpose.
 
My current carry gun is a G27, and I love it for the most part. The "snap" of the 40 cal round doesn't bother me at all. Some people find it a little to aggressive. The problem with that gun is the size and weight. Even being a sub-compact gun, it's still hard to carry for a long time in the summer. It's not bad in the winter when I'm at least wearing a pair of jeans, but typically I'm wearing super lightweight cargo shorts, or sometimes just gym shorts. That being the case, I find myself NOT carrying more often than I DO.

I looked at the LCP, but there's just something about that thing that I can't get past. Maybe it's because they're sooo common. And you're right, the trigger is poop.

@J57ltr, That's correct. Kahr makes a P380, and a CW380, the CW380 being the "budget" model. That's the one I'm looking at. The differences I saw (barrel rifling and a couple machined vs MIM parts) didn't warrent an extra $200+.
 
I've had a Taurus TCP738, a Ruger LCP, and now a Sig P238.

The Sig is by FAR the best of them. I have no complaints with it at all, the trigger is 1911 smooth. The Sig is a little heavier, but still pocket carries extremely well.

-Rob
 


idrivejunk said:
I don't carry. But when I did, I really liked my AMT (arcadia machine & tool) stainless 380 "backup" with lg trigger guard. Easy as a phone to carry, hides in jeans pocket 100% but is DAO & 7 rounds max.
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Good ole Saturday night special! One of the "ring of fire" guns.


RivMan said:
I've had a Taurus TCP738, a Ruger LCP, and now a Sig P238.

The Sig is by FAR the best of them. I have no complaints with it at all, the trigger is 1911 smooth. The Sig is a little heavier, but still pocket carries extremely well.

-Rob
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Haven't shot the Sig, but I love the look an feel of it. Kinda pricey for me to pocket carry though. I wish they were a little cheaper.
 
It depends on what I am wearing on what I carry, If am wearing a Tshirt I will typically carry a Taurus PT-22 (don't laugh, nobody likes to leak), and If I have an over shirt I carry a Cannik 55 C-100 (CZ-75 compact clone). If I'm wearing a coat then I will carry either a 1911 Commander (Frankingun, Oly arms receiver with a Colt Combat Commander upper) or my Cannik 55 T-120 (looks like a Baby Eagle that is also a CZ clone). I drivejunk I always wanted a Firestar and used to look at the Firestar plus and the 40 caliber model. I always liked them and when I turned 21 it was either that or a Dan Wesson 15-2 VRHB in .357 Mag. I ended up buying the Dan Wesson and figured I could pick up a Firestar. They used to sell all day long used for 150-200 and now I haven't seen one less than $400 except for J&G had them in good condition for $225 but they were out by the time I called.

Jeff
 
If you are looking for the best, the Sig 380 is the way to go... A few caveats...

its based on the 1911, so you'll have to be comfy with external safety. Something training takes care of, some don't like it. And many will argue the .380 doesn't have much punch, but I'm sure not many of those who express such opinions have not been shot by one. But the Sig 380 is the Cadillac of the pocket 380's. Very accurate for a 2.5" barrel, and very little kick/recoil. Can really shoot and is fun little gun. I don't think I will ever sell it, I have a few thousand rounds through mine and its a charm. It works pretty much whatever you're wearing too, in hot weather I use a belly band, or a holster I made myself (kydex - single clip) that tucks ever so perfect right were I like it (4:00) and stays tight, barely any printing...
 
coolone said:
If you are looking for the best, the Sig 380 is the way to go... A few caveats...

its based on the 1911, so you'll have to be comfy with external safety. Something training takes care of, some don't like it. And many will argue the .380 doesn't have much punch, but I'm sure not many of those who express such opinions have not been shot by one. But the Sig 380 is the Cadillac of the pocket 380's. Very accurate for a 2.5" barrel, and very little kick/recoil. Can really shoot and is fun little gun. I don't think I will ever sell it, I have a few thousand rounds through mine and its a charm. It works pretty much whatever you're wearing too, in hot weather I use a belly band, or a holster I made myself (kydex - single clip) that tucks ever so perfect right were I like it (4:00) and stays tight, barely any printing...
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I don't doubt that the Sig is a nice piece. Even their "economy" firearms are very nice. I think the external safety is a no-go for me. Good point about the .380 not having enough punch. Made me chuckle.

bachert24 said:
I'm carrying a Springfield armory mod.2 3" in 40 caliber. I have the bi-tone. By far the best pistol I have owned. Mine was over $500 because I got night sights, but budsguns recently accepted an offer of $420 from me on a 2nd one.

Gorgeous gun... http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/12515/springfield_45_3_sc_mod2_2tn

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Everybody I talk to with an XD loves them. They're nice to shoot too. 45 acp is probably a bit much for me to pocket carry though. :p
 


BrandonHall10 said:
I don't doubt that the Sig is a nice piece. Even their "economy" firearms are very nice. I think the external safety is a no-go for me. Good point about the .380 not having enough punch. Made me chuckle.



Everybody I talk to with an XD loves them. They're nice to shoot too. 45 acp is probably a bit much for me to pocket carry though. :p
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Yeah I sent you the wrong link, sorry about that. It comes in 40, 9, 45, and 380 I believe.

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Drive XR7 said:
A buddy just bought a Glock 26 for carry. He's had great luck with it so far. I haven't tried it yet.
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Glock 26 is 9mm and is double stack. Used to be my EDC, but since Sig, not anymore. Funny thing is I shoot better with it, but love the SIG... Go figure?
 
NebTurboST5 said:
since no one else said it...glock 43?
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I was really close to taking a G42 home. It would compliment my G27 perfectly. I just don't think they're worth the current price tag. And it's big. If I'm going to sacrifice on the caliber, it had better be a small (pocket/mouse) firearm.

There's something to be said for the Glock simplicity though.
 


I have one friend that has an XDM and it's not bad, trigger is a little rough, but it shoots well but isn't compact. Watch out for the XDS it's a big hunk of dung. Worst shooter ever I have never had the displeasure of shooting a worse pistol. Can't say anything of the Mod.2 but if it is anything like the XDS you will not like it, and be lucky to hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with it.

Jeff
 
J57ltr said:
I have one friend that has an XDM and it's not bad, trigger is a little rough, but it shoots well but isn't compact. Watch out for the XDS it's a big hunk of dung. Worst shooter ever I have never had the displeasure of shooting a worse pistol. Can't say anything of the Mod.2 but if it is anything like the XDS you will not like it, and be lucky to hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with it.

Jeff
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Sadly untrue. I have and CDs and it is subcompact. Rated one of the most accurate pistols on the market. It is consistently in the top 3. The very first time I shot mine the grouping was excellent from 12 ft. I'm going to have to say your issue may have been a one off, or user error.

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