Is a .380 ACP pistol a good concealed carry gun?
These pocket pistols are sometimes looked down upon in the concealed carry community for being underpowered and under-capacity.

But we here at Pew Pew Tactical believe that anything you carry is better than nothing. That said, there are .380 pistols that are better than others.
Whether they offer a bit more capacity-wise or come stocked with features you want in a carry gun, we’ve gathered the best of the best to help you if you’re in the market for a good .380 ACP pistol for concealed carry.

So, hang out with us as we dive into the .380 ACP round, talk about what it can and can’t do, then give you the best models to choose from.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editoru0026#39;s Pick
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Best High-End .380
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Easiest to Rack
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Best Optics Ready .380
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Best Budget .380
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Best Polymer .380
Table of Contents
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Best .380 ACP Pistols
1. Ruger LCP Max – Editor’s Pick
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 10+1 Rounds of .380 ACP
- Super lightweight 10.6 oz
- Decent sights with a Tritium front
- Good value at around $400 street price
- What our editor carries for athleisure days
Cons
- Hates steel-cased ammo and required a break-in of 200 rounds
- Snappy shooter that requires a disciplined trigger finger
- Requires a tool to field strip
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Single Action
- Barrel Length: 2.8″
- Overall Length: 5.2″
- Weight: 0.68 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1 Round
- Finish: Black / Pink
- Safety: No
Ruger’s LCP line has long been a staple in the .380 community. This series started with the small and compact LCP, grew to the LCP II, and now houses the LCP Max.
I personally carried the OG LCP for many years, and it served me well. Now, PPT founder Eric carries the LCP Max when wearing athletic gear.

The LCP Max offers a more updated take on the LCP series with 10+1 rounds of .380 ACP. This is all while being super compact and lightweight (10.6 oz unloaded.) In comparison, the Sig Sauer P365 weighs in at 17.8 oz unloaded.
So, if you’re looking for lightweight, look no further than the LCP Max.

It measures a total of 5.17 inches in length with a barrel length of 2.80 inches – keeping to that small theme.
But wait…we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that lightweight build comes at a cost. This gun is snappy…much like its LCP siblings. Shooting it at the range is not fun, and I don’t recommend it for plinking.
If a lightweight concealable gun is your goal, the LCP Max will certainly fit the bill.
Also worth noting, the LCP Max does great with brass and self-defense ammo, but it HATES steel-cased ammo. So, when stocking up on ammo, keep that in mind.
We have a full review of the LCP Max and even a breakdown video to help you field strip it!
2. Sig Sauer P238 – Best High-End .380
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Conceals well and still packs a punch
- Nice aesthetics
Cons
- Pricey for a micro-compact gun
- Not great for large hands
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Single Action
- Barrel Length: 2.7″
- Overall Length: 5.5″
- Weight: 0.95 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 6+1 Round
- Safety: Manual
While the P238 may not be the most modern .380 on this list, it’s hands-down my favorite.
From the way it feels to its looks, the P238 has a lot going on for it. While aesthetics certainly take a backseat to functionality, you can’t argue with a good-looking gun.

It features an all-metal design which lends some weight to it. Unlike the LCP Max, it packs on some pounds…err, ounces, tipping the scale at 15.2 oz. Yes, that’s heavier, but that extra weight works wonders at the range.
Unlike the LCP series, which is a pain to plink with, the P238 is very comfortable to shoot and not quite as snappy.

Its barrel measures 2.7 inches while its overall length sits at 5.5 inches, and capacity is 6+1.
This is my backup gun of choice and the one I carry when I can’t make my usual EDC (a Shadow Systems MR920) work. It easily slips under clothes and basically disappears.

So, what’s the downside? This isn’t the easiest model to take down. You could damage the gun if you take it apart the wrong way or forget to move the ejector upon reassembly. I would look elsewhere if you want something quick and easy to clean and maintain.
Also, this isn’t the cheapest model on the list…in a lot of places it can top $500 depending on what model you get. But I dig the looks and performance so that price tag was worth it to me.
I go over more details, features, and personal experience with the P238 in my review!
3. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .380 EZ – Easiest to Rack
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Soft shooting
- Easy to rack slide
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Very little customization
- Slide lock release doesn't feel great
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Internal Hammer Fired
- Barrel Length: 3.68″
- Overall Length: 6.7″
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 8+1 Round
- Safety: Grip
If hand strength is an issue or an injury impacts your grip, I recommend the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ in .380 ACP.
The EZ model does come in 9mm for those that want it, but the .380 ACT shines for me in this series. It measures 6.7 inches in length with a 3.68-inch barrel and weight of 18.3 oz. Capacity is a worthy 8+1.

Namely, because it is super easy to shoot – from racking to firing, Smith & Wesson has brought a design that is beginner and disability friendly.
My mother has some pretty bad arthritis in her hands and a nerve injury that reduced her grip strength. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, for her to rack most modern handguns. So, of course, I put this one in her hands when I tested it to see what she could do.

She had no issues manipulating the slide and said if she was going to buy a gun, this would be the one she’d choose.
Aside from easy racking, the pistol seems designed for smaller hands with a thinner grip than some other options on this list. If you are of the petite persuasion, this would be a good gun to look into.

S&W offers two models under the .380 banner – a thumb safety version and one without (though both come with a grip safety.) Again, I like the inclusive approach to this pistol offering two designs of the same function.
I would like towards the EZ series if you want something that is…dare we say, easy.
4. Sig Sauer P365-380 – Best Optics Ready .380
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 10+1 capacity
- Tritium night sights
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Thumb may rest on slide stop negating last round slide hold open
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Striker-Fire
- Barrel Length: 3.1″
- Overall Length: 5.8″
- Weight: 0.98 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1 Round
- Safety: Available with or without manual safety
A more recent addition to the .380 world comes from Sig Sauer in the form of the P365-380.
This version is built on the company’s popular P365 platform and offers a more modern take on the .380 pistol.

Capacity sits at a very capable 10+1 with an overall length of 5.8 inches and barrel length of 3.1 inches.
This gun comes equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights, which I think are a pretty nice upgrade over most companies’ stock sights.
Even better, if rose gold is your vibe, the company just launched the P365-380 Rose in partnership with Team Sig competition shooter Lena Miculek.
I can always appreciate some variety in colors and offerings, so this was a nice upgrade to the series.

We are big fans of the 9mm P365, so it’s no surprise its smaller cousin made our list. The P365 is a very nice ergonomic pistol that is comfortable to shoot. Not to mention, it’s optics-ready, so you can throw on your favorite red dot.
Overall, I recommend the Sig P365-380 for its increased capacity and comfort.
To read more on the P365 series, you can check out our review of the 9mm version or head to the Rose review for a classier version.
5. Bersa Thunder & Firestorm .380 – Best Budget .380
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to shoot
- A decent CCW option
Cons
- A bit on the snappy side
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: DA/SA
- Barrel Length: 3.5″
- Overall Length: 6.6″
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 8+1 Round
- Safety: Integral Locking System & Manual Safety
If you’re on a budget and need a decent gun without breaking the bank, the Bersa Thunder .380 is an excellent option.
My father carried this gun for years…years…and it is still kicking. The Thunder .380 offers a barrel length of 3.5 inches with an overall length of 6.6 inches. It weighs 20 oz, making it one of the heavier options on this list.

That said, I still found it snappy…like a super sore wrist the next day, snappy. Don’t think I will plink at the range with this one, but your mileage may vary.
For me, the ergonomics were okay but not great — but, again, my dad carried this forever and loved it. So, like most things, ergonomically speaking, it will depend on you.
This model has a capacity of 8+1, which is pretty good for a .380 that balances concealability.

The Thunder does have a sibling called the Firestorm, which is very similar aside from a few upgrades – most notably, finger grooves on the grip, oversized rubber grips, and a rounded trigger guard.
Bersa’s Thunder model, on the other hand, has a scalloped and serrated trigger guard. I would opt for the Firestorm if you prefer a little more to your grip area.
Overall, if budget is a concern, the Bersa Thunder (or Firestorm, for that matter) scratches that itch while still being a reliable option for CCW.
Read more in our review!
6. Glock 42 – Best Polymer .380
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Compact and concealable
- Aftermarket support
- Reliable
- Affordable
Cons
- Low capacity
- Plastic sights
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Striker-Fire
- Barrel Length: 3.25″
- Overall Length: 5.94″
- Weight: 0.86 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 6+1 Round
- Safety: No
Glock has a reputation for reliability, and the Glock 42 is no exception.
This .380 ACP model builds on Glock’s successful and dependable design. If you use a full-size Glock anywhere else in your life, this model will feel very familiar…just in a smaller package.

It sports a 3.25-inch barrel with an overall length of 5.94 and a weight of 13.76 oz. The Glock 42 is a polymer-framed gun with a capacity of 6+1.
Stock sights on the Glock aren’t the best, but when you go Glock, you get a huge aftermarket. That means you can make small accessory adjustments as needed.

The Glock 42 is very comfortable to shoot, though a tad snappy. I find it easier to take to the range that some other models on this list, but it still wears me out after a few magazines.
Takedown is fairly easy, though I tend to gripe about the required trigger pull to takedown. Is it a dealbreaker – no. But you want to ensure it’s unloaded before you take down. (But that goes for any pistol you intend to clean.)
Overall, the Glock is best for people who want a no-muss, no-fuss pistol that will make the transition to bigger guns like the Glock 17 and Glock 19 easier.
What’s your take on the Glock 42? Rate it below!
Honorable Mention
This section is for guns that the staff at Pew Pew Tactical doesn’t have as much time behind, but still think it might be worth considering.
7. Diamondback DB380
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Decent trigger
- Great price point
- Good starting point for newbies
Cons
- Prone to malfunctions
- Don't recommend for CCW
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: DAO
- Barrel Length: 2.8″
- Overall Length: 5.26″
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 6+1 Round
- Safety: No
I’ve shot the DB380 a few times but unlike the other guns mentioned, I have less than 500 rounds behind it — hence its spot in the Honorable Mentions section.
That said, the DB380 is a seriously budget-friendly option — often coming in well below the $250 mark.

It’s not going to have all the bells and whistles of, say, a Glock or Sig, but for a no-muss/no-fuss model, it holds its own. The latest generation sports Glock-compatible sights, which gives you a little more aftermarket to play with.
It’s not one I would rely on for my life, mainly because reliability seems iffy, but it’s fun as a range toy.
All in all, I wouldn’t recommend it to seasoned gun owners or those looking to carry. However, I think this is a good option for newcomers who are experimenting with firearms and want something that works but requires a lower investment.
Is .380 ACP A Good Round for Concealed Carry?
That’s kind of a loaded question (pun intended). Nearly anything is “good” if you put in the right training and time to learn its quirks and limitations.

While some in the gun world feel like anything under 9mm is not concealed carry friendly, we’re of the mindset that you should carry anything that you feel confident and comfortable with. If that’s .380 ACP, then so be it.
Like any round or gun, take some classes, get familiar with your firearm, and stay up to date on your training.

Put in the time at the range to feel confident and, most importantly, perform well should you ever need to use your carry gun.
For more on this, head to .380 ACP vs. 9mm.
.380 ACP Ammo in Stock
How We Tested the Best .380 ACP Pistols
For this article, I focused on .380 ACP pistols that I have tested in either previous reviews or that I have extensive hands-on experience with through events or my own personal collection. All pistols in this category were chosen based on their ability to balance reliability and accuracy with features and price.

All hands-on gun reviews at Pew Pew Tactical adhere to a strict testing protocol. That includes 500 rounds through every review gun. For each gun we hands-on review, we test with both FMJ and JHP ammunition and a couple of magazines to evaluate accuracy and reliability with different types of ammo and magazines.
All .380 ACP pistols are evaluated based on their ability to place hits on target, reliably fire, fit and feel in while shooting, and overall value.
Why You Should Trust Us
Like anything in life, you want to make sure you’re getting the best information from a reliable source.
Our experienced team of gun reviewers is run by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years.

She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards. Jacki is a pistol girl at heart, with most of her gun time spent behind handguns. She is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and previously taught Basic Handgun and concealed carry classes. During her career, she has tested and shot dozens of .380 ACP pistols and even owns a handful, which has given her the ability to quickly and efficiently evaluate .380s.
Final Thoughts
Our list definitely doesn’t cover every .380 ACP on the market, but based on our experience, these are some of our favorites.

My personal .380 carry gun is the Sig Sauer P238 but other PPT staff members prefer the LCP Max, P365-380, and Bersa Thunder. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of these guns.
What’s your go-to .380 ACP? Let us know in the comments below. If you need some ammo, see our top .380 ACP picks. Or if you want more super small pocket options? Check out the Best Pocket Pistols.
Latest Updates
August 2024: We removed the Kahr CW380 based on the lack of availability and added the Diamondback DB380.
477 Leave a Reply
Answer me this question, please. If the Diamondback DB380 is, in your words, prone to malfunction nor is it recommended for CCW then how in the world is it an honorable mention?
So you agree with me, the review is not objective! For some unknown reason as you say you "hate the bodyguard", and that's how you justify excluding it. But you did include the Diamondback DB380 which according to the article is "Prone to malfunctions" and you "Don't recommend for CCW". Interesting.
Hate to break it to you, but no review is objective. It's an opinion, so it's inherently biased and reflective of the author's experiences. If you love the Bodyguard, that's awesome! I am happy it works for you. It doesn't work for me. I love a lot of S&W's other guns...just not that one.
Good to see the Bersa listed. I bought mine used and it is a nail driver. That said I carry the Glock 42 when my 19 seems a little big. I live in Florida so shorts and t-shirt 90% of the time. I have a Bodyguard that disappears in my pocket but the trigger pull is hideous.
No mention of the S&W Bodyguard?? Have a hard time going along with your choices
The s&w m&p 380 ez are junk ,the trigger bar likes to fail ,in them the Bersa thunder is ok ,but has a tendency for the extractor to bend when firing +p ammo ,the rest do not have a double strike capability.
The oversite of the Bodyguard 2.0 makes me question the objectivity of all these reviews. Something smells rotten.
Nothing rotten here. I wrote this article and I hate the bodyguard. I feel like there are better options. It's as simple as that, lol.
How would you rate the Ruger LCP 380 auto
Model #3701 also Model 3791 with the Red laser Both hold 6+1 Barrel length 2.75 overall 5.16. And do they come with a safety I am looking for something real small to fit in my front pants pocket unnoticeable thank y’all for the help
What makes it better than any of these. All of the reviews say the sights are off and it has issues with feeding a lot of ammo? Also, it’s only $50.00 less than the Sig.
Great article. Reading the review on the P365-380 made me wonder if the recoil would be similar between this pistol and Sig’s P365 XMACRO COMP, which got me thinking, “can you put the P365 XMACRO COMP barrel and slide on the P365? Hear me out, the barrel length is not the problem with CC, it’s the pistol grip that “prints,” But the P365 in 9mm isn’t exactly fun to shoot, so the P365-380 would be a great CCW. But… if the compensated 9mm pistol has the same or similar recoil as the .380 you would have the best of both worlds. Any thoughts!
Why did you omit the following:
Tisas Fatih
Girsan MC 14T*
Bersa Thunder Plus
Beretta 80X Cheeta
Sig Sauer P365-380
Why did you leave off the Smith & Wesson bodyguard 2.0? It is clearly better than most of the guns you reviewed IMHO.
Totally agree with you. I never thought about a 380 until the 2.0 version came out.
I've had a KAHR CT380 for several years now. After the break in period, it was smooth as butter and shoots everything I've asked of it. I practice with FMJ and keep Hornady Critical Defense as my usual carry round. It has an incredibly smooth trigger, hold open on empty, quick to use combat sights, and has a 7+1 magazine. Field stripping & cleaning is a breeze with no tools required. I use it on light clothes/ shorts days etc. and it doesn't print because it is so thin. I would hope you give the CT380 a look - it is the epitome of a lil' ccw banger. My only complaint is it's a bit too small for my hands for any extended practice sessions.
My error, I should have labeled the excluded weapon as the Bersa 380 Thunder Plus which has same dimensions but thicker grip (good thing) and 15+1 magazine. Better than any in this review.
You removed the Kahr cw380 for the piece of crap DB380
That DB380 is the most unreliable gun I ever saw unlike the Kahr
And the Kahr had the best trigger out of them all
Beretta Cheetah should have been top 3 !
I have the predcsssor of the Sig P238. I have P230 made in Germany with all the German markings and imported. Love it
Absolutely love my PA63, $125 at a pawn/ gun shop ten years ago. Great condition with cosmoline all up in her cracks. Nice and lite with the aluminum frame.
Not sure how familiar you are with the KAHR CT380. Mine shoots anything and has worked flawlessly for thousands of rounds. I practice with round nose white box & my carry round - Hornady Critical Defense. My only complaint is it's a little TOO small for my hands! Perfect for my spouse however. With the DeSantis Superfly pocket holster, I can wear this in my summer shorts with no printing - the thing is TINY. KAHR worked the bugs out of this model a long time, and I couldn't be happier.
“Great list, but you left off the best gun ever, the Smith and Ruger XYZ! Why?”
I tell you, you people at PPT are very patient and courteous with all of these posts!
Super heavy trigger in DA mode. If not for that, I would buy one.
Glock 25 not worthy of mention?
Why no mention of the Ruger Security-380
or the Beretta 80X?
If this was updated in August of 2024, why is the Bodyguard 2.0 not included? It pretty much surpasses all of the competition.
Agreed. We picked 1 up about a month ago. Very nice piece.
P365 .380 beats them all
Why does everyone ignore the performance of 380 vs 9mm in short barrel guns. As barrels shrink under 4" and under 3" bullet performance is becoming more important. I want a small gun but which caliber and bullet is going to produce the best wound with a sub 3" barrel. it seems no one is optimizing the ammo to barrel length or twist rate.
Finally: a well-written article!
First, high praise for not including the Walther PPK or its variants n your list — a terrible firearm that is unsafe!
In 40+ years of teaching women lethal self-defense, I’ve seen dozens of women who have been swindled into buying the PPK or variants: any pistol whose slide can’t be manually locked back for inspection is unsafe to own.
The very first thing that I’ve noticed about .380 ACP pistols is that in the effort to make the pistol marketable, its weight and size are minimized. This reduces the mass-to-impulse ratio, causing considerable muzzle flip — costing valuable time in re-aiming the pistol: the advent use of polymers has reduced the pistol’s mass even more, exacerbating the mass-to-impulse ratio even further.
I’ve had students who came to class with the PPK fire controlled pairs with their .380 (and I include in this all models of .380 pistols), and multiply time (in seconds) from buzzer to second shot by distance in millimeters from target center (from 7 yards), running three tests daily in the first three days of shooting their .380: on day four, I’ve had the students select one of four Colt Government model 1911 .45 ACP pistol models, shoot 300 rounds and 350 rounds on days five and six — all controlled pairs (after the first 100 rounds on day 4) — at the end of day 6, shoot the same tests of controlled pairs’ time-and-distance.
The results?
In 16 years of running these tests, students reduced time-and-distance score using the .45 an average of 63% — elegant mathematical proof that smaller is NOT better.
Of those students who reported to class with a small handgun, be it a revolver or pistol, lightweight calibers from .22 to 9mm, only four of them did not choose a .45 (though not necessarily a Colt) — and very few of them eventually chose a polymer .45 auto.
YMMV.
Love the reviews but have a question. I signed up for a marksmanship program and it requires a 10 round mag. My S&W .380 EZ doesn’t have 10 round mags. I also have had a broken wrist & thumb on my dominant hand. What do you recommend I look into for fairly easy racking with not lots of recoil that doesn’t break the bank?
Ruger security 380
Light rack, 10 and 15 round magazines
$299 at Cabelas
PPK/S. Oldest. Best.
Can you test the Browning .380 1911 4" barrell
Guru Jacki:
Great article!
Having test fired every firearm listed, I would rank the Glock 42 the best polymer 380 Auto. However, the best 380 Auto is the one you can shoot well and often, and the hands down winner (for me anyway) is the Springfield Armory 911 Enhanced Micro Pistol. Based on the 1911, this all metal pistol is an easy shooter, accurate, and fun to shoot. Find this one on the used market, get 'intimate' with it for a moment or two, and I believe you'll really like it!
Though, at the end of the day, my EDC is the Springfield Armory XDM Elite in 45 Auto.
I'm a big Sig Sauer fan, but for a .380 CC I prefer my Bowning Black Label 1911. It's an 85% scale gun that handles impressively. It's easy to stay on target with it, though capacity could be an issue.
Chris Baker (Lucky Gunner) tested the Sig P365-380 and found that if you didn't have a strong grip on the gun, it had a lot of cycling failures. So if someone is getting this gun because they don't have a lot of hand strength, they will likely have lots of problems with it.
Good point. The Sig 238 is the Colt Mustang, Sig bought the design. The small safety is difficult to manipulate. The Ruger LCP max is best choice for a small .380. For a somewhat larger size, the Ruger Security .380 and the Walther PD .380 are best.
I have the Ruger LCP. I don't find the kick to be any problem. Nonetheless I hate shooting it. the trigger traps my finger between the bottom of the trigger and the trigger guard. No problem while firing but releasing the trigger is painful. After 50 rounds I had a blister on my trigger finger.
TAURUS SPECTRUM 380
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I bought a Walther CCP for my wife. She loves it. I have fired it myself several times at the range. It’s easy to rack like the S&W EZ and soots very well. Light enough but felt recoil is comparatively low. It’s a very nice .380 pistol.
I'd put my Walther ppk 380 up against any of these guns all day any day !
There are many good choices not chosen here, especially in the "higher-end" group. One might ask about a Beretta 80 series or the current 80x, for instance. Consider the authorship.
Been a Glock guy forever until I had to have cervical surgery that left a lot of nerve damage and loss of strength. I could not effectively rack a Glock 42 or my ruger lcp 380. Needless to say I checked out the Smith and Wesson m&p shield 380 ez. Best carry pistol for my needs and your review is spot on. Very easy to rack and the size of the gun while not huge is big enough for my large hands, absorbs recoil very well and my accuracy is as good. As ever. Highly recommend .
Bought one for my wife and enjoy shooting it as well. It seems bigger than most pocket-sized 380s, but feels good in hand, is easy to rack and is a comfortable, solid shooter. 5 by 5 on this one.
I like my Colt Mustang 380 for Ankle carry
What ankle holster do you use? And did you have to get pants with wider legs?
Thanks.
I sometimes carry a Browning .380 Black Label 1911. It handles great with any ammo, though capacity is just 8+1. I slip an extra magazine in my pocket(just in case). I enjoy shooting it as much as any 9mm I own and feel confident with it. As a bonus, it's a great looking firearm.
Why are most .380 guns in the cc range? For smaller than human targets it is undeniably a great round. Someone out there should make the move up from the .22s and make a good easy to handle .380 rifle. Large enough to actual be usable for things other than self defense. A lot of people out in the country have coyote and raccoon problems.
Hipoint makes a .380 chambered carbine
I began my concealed carry journey with a S&W J frame revolver. It was simple-"point and shoot!" But IWB was not as comfortable as I thought it would be and OWB meant having to consider what covering garment I needed to wear. So my next step on the journey was a a Ruger 380 to carry in my pocket. Carried the Ruger for months which got me comfortable with carrying a weapon everyday, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the Ruger was like a plastic toy gun I played with as a child. Next and final step was a Kimber 380 micro-metal frame. Kimber is comfortable in my hand, 7+1 rds, and small and light enough to carry everyday in my pocket, which is key to me. Too large or too heavy or uncomfortable to shoot and I won't carry the weapon with me, no value leaving the weapon on the shelf at home!
I still like my old Walther PPK. Honestly, I like it better than my Sig P365. My old Walther is the only pistol I've ever had to actually use in self defense. It may not be as powerful as a 9mm, but at a range of 2 inches, it was enough to send Mr. Switchblade Knife man running away!
I hear you Jim. I have a Chech knock off of the PPK that I bought 23 years ago. I've always enjoyed using it, but never had to in self defense. Good for you, my man.
If you are able, without hesitation or mercy, to smoothly draw your pistol and shoot somebody in the face then a .380 will work just fine ( so will a .32, a .22, a pellet gun, a BB gun etc...).
My Cajun Grandad, when he was 9 years old, was given a rusty, single shot, .22cal rifle without a rear sight. The front sight he had to hammer it as straight as possible. (this was the Great Depression). A the general store they sold "loose" ammo (who could afford a whole box?), his father would give him 3 bullets and it was his job to put meat on the table. He killed hundreds of deer with that .22 (shoot em at the top of the neck, just below the ear).
Your choices seem a little strange to me, A 380 is about small size yet you have a few choices like the smith EZ yet don't look at the smaller smith bodyguard makes no sense to me. Why pick a 380 that is as big as a 9 mm a much better round for defense. If you want a 380 you want it tiny. Not as big as a 9 mm. A cocked and locked YIKES for a pocket gun. Have to holster that. A 380 is about not needing a full on holster to carry it along. For me a 380 just a summer gun were I have shorts on. Pocket holster at most. Other wise it shows way to much.
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Hello
I have a 30-year history in law enforcement as a field officer and Police weapons and tactics instructor for the last 15 years before I retired. At 80 my hands are getting weaker. I used to carry a bodyguard for concealed carry then a 9mm EZ and probably last, I have discovered the Girsan MTC 14, 380 with its tip-up barrel. Good single and double action trigger pull, and without the need to rack the slide to load it. I have added a light laser below the barrel, and I believe it will fill my needs as my last carry gun. Heavier and larger than I would like but the 4.8-inch barrel should push some of the new .380 ammo close to 1000 fps and the new lighter ammo to 1500 or so. If I get a chance to chrono it I will send my results. Perhaps you might get a chance to do a video.
i HAVE A 30
Girsan is an excellent Turkish company that manufactures high quality firearms at very reasonable prices. Many of them are clones of well-known weapons that provide the same quality and functionality of the original versions. This model, Girsan MTC 14, is a copy of the Beretta 86 - the last model in Beretta's outstanding 80 series of pistols (nicknamed "Cheetah"). Tisas, another fine Turkish company, makes a copy of the Beretta 84/85 called the Fatih.
These original Beretta pistols and their Turkish clones have become so popular that last year Beretta reintroduced their 80 series in an all-new Cheetah called the 80X . These pistols with their signature, exposed barrel design, resemble a scaled down Beretta 92, a full-sized 9mm that became the standard issue of many militaries around the world, including our own. Since Girsan also makes an excellent clone of the 92 called the "Regard," their MC14 was a logical extension of it in the same way that Beretta's 80 series was the "little Brother" of their 92.
If you're like me and always wanted a Beretta 86 but couldn't afford the cost of one, the Girsan MC14 is the way to go.
i prefer the kahr micro .380 because the manual of arms is the same as the 1911 .45 i carried for years and still do if trouble seems likely. i bought it to replace a colt mustang which was stolen at the hotel ALBUQUERQUE, but had never been as accurate as i liked despite trips back to COLT and to some excellent gunsmiths. The kahr is a little more accurate, perhaps a 12 or 15-yard practical range instead of the colt's 10-yard one, but i am looking for a small pistol capable of 25-yard a-zone hits with a good shot holding it two-handed. The kahr's night sights, are handy in low light. otherwise there is litle difference in the two and the kahr will even use colt mags. kahr is definitely better but not good enough. I think this may be because both use a similar delayed blowback barrel link. I would like a very light direct blowback .380 pistol if i could find one and would willingly put up with serious recoil to get it .
You left out the Walther CCP .380. The grip on all Walther pistols are outstanding. I have a PPQ 9mm Walther and a .22 Walther pistol. I belive the best grip is most important for comfort and accurate shooting. The brand is made in Germany known for quality. I know you could not include every 380 in your article but Walther is often over looked.
My wife bought the CCP 380 after handling it in the LGS. A bit inaccurate (shoots WAY high) but getting better with break in. A unique design, tricky to breakdown and clean, but compact, easy to rack, and good trigger. Low 8 round capacity is the only big downside.
Every time I see a 380 article it mentions the LCP Max, never the security 380. Always wondered why.
Glad you mentioned the Bersa Thunder .380 guns. I'd also like to make folks aware of the Bersa Thunder .380 Plus. Only 1/2 ounce heavier but comes with a 15 round magazine. Compact, comfortable to shoot, good looking, and my 4 Bersa Thunder 380 guns have all be flawlessly reliable with whatever ammo I load, including Hornady Critical Defense loads.
Far from an expert but I own the S&W380 ez AND THE 9ez. I won both of them. Actually I won the 380 first. At the time 380 ammo was hard to find and 9mm ammo was cheaper. First of all I do not like the grip safety. If, you do not hold it as they expect, it will not fire. Concealed carry. Shooting under stress. Why does it not shoot? Weight, size, recoil little difference between the 380 and the more powerful 9mm. The 380 ez does seem to eat any ammo I feed it. That is not so for many other 380s.
I purchased the new Ruger Security .380 a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised. 15+1 rounds, light, minimal recoil and oh so easy to rack. I have the Smith & Wesson Equalizer in 9mm and it is, I daresay, half as hard to rack the slide. I even allowed a female who was with her partner at the range to rack and fire it. After she was done, she turned to her significant other and told him "I want one of these!" It is a great pistol for those with hand issues or smaller hands. Y'all might want to check it out.
Some guns I'm looking at for future reference:
S&W EZ 380. As I get older, I may need to get a gun that doesn't require as much hand strength. The S&W EZ is easy to rack and easy to load. However, the one reason I would not want the S&W EZ is that I don't want a grip safety.
Bersa Firestorm. I prefer the DA/SA action with a decocker, and I don't want a trigger lock, so I'm looking at the Firestorm rather than at the Thunder. Of course, you can't beat the price on that gun!
Walther WMP (22 magnum). I am intrigued by 22 magnum. I believe it is powerful enough for self defense purposes; yet I understand that it has very little recoil. From what I have read, the Walther WMP is the most reliable 22 magnum on the market. With rimfire what it is (less reliable than centerfire), I am seriously considering buying this gun and going with 22 magnum at some point in the future.
One thing that I have never read, but that is an important consideration: less ammo means less weight. A 15 round gun is going to weigh more than a 7 round gun. When you are carrying it around all day every day, that can make a difference. If you pocket carry or carry in a holster that is attached to your belt, that means that you will have to tighten your belt sufficiently in order to hold everything up. If your gun is too heavy, it may hurt to tighten your belt sufficiently. For this one reason, a lighter gun with less ammunition may be what you need to carry. (Of course, you could just put less bullets in the gun, or you could get lighter weight ammunition.)
you might take a look at the Girsan MTC 380 with the tip-up barrel. Not necessary to rack the slide. A little larger and heavier but I carry it with a belly band or a HQ vest that has holsters on either side that do not print your weapon.
What do you think about the EAAcorp tip up barrel 380 for a woman's use
Just bought one this week and added a mini light laser. Looks like it will serve for me and the longer barrel (4,8 in) may take care of the low power consideration. Overall with the way things seem to be going in our country I may want the greater firepower
Great reviews. I bought a Bersa Thunder and found that it's too snappy for my liking as well. Upgraded to a Sig P365 and absolutely love it- shoots like a dream, great accuracy and follow-up shots on target. I find it fairly easy to rack as well. I love the look and size of the P238 but don't like the idea of having to carry it with the safety on, cocked & locked. I want my EDC ready to go.
Excellent article! I'm also a former certified NRA instructor,Marine veteran, gun collector and have had a life long interest in firearms BUT have never found the right firearm for my lovely wife. I early on found that she cannot pull the trigger on most handguns. I took a S&W model 60 to a local gunsmith and had the trigger worked on. She could now pull the trigger but felt it was too heavy, so i purchased a Colt Mustang, which she could pull the trigger on. She fired it once and said it's too loud. I purchased a Browning 1911 .22 caliber pistol, which she can shoot comfortably but does not want to carry, as it doesn't fit well in her purse. FINALLY I REALIZED THAT NOT EVERYONE IS PROGRAMMED TO CARRY CONCEALED.
I would recommend A keltec P17 for your wife to try. It’s light weight, easy to shoot, not snappy and ridiculously accurate. Yes it is a LR 22 and I can put all 17 rounds into a 6 inch circle from 7/10 yards plus it comes with 3 mags so 46 rounds anything is better than nothing
thank you
Expert reviews are great as we can't or won't try them all.
There is price and their is value. Bias or brand loyalty, I'm not sure either apply to me but it seems I keep getting Smith and Wesson pistols. I've won both the MP380 EZ and later the MP9 EZ. When, I won the 380 EZ ammo was both hard to find and more expensive than 9mm-now at least easy to find. For me, not much difference in weight or size the 9mm is for me a better choice. Both work well. The 380 handles, unlike some other 380's any ammo that I've used. The grip safety took me a while to get used to.
Is 380 enough? Every situation will vary. In some situations 32ACP might be enough. In other situations 9mm and 40 S&W might not be enough. I've seen a few pistol shootouts at close range where every shot by both parties missed.
This fairly recent video of an LA Santa Clarita officer shooting a very large homeless veteran at close range appears to have no immediate affect on him. She fired twice and he didn't even react (he died later). If he was intent on harming her he was close enough and big enough to do it.
It's been said thousands of times if you need to defend yourself then any gun is better than none. 9mm is probably the least you want but 380 is definitely better than nothing.
I am rather curious as to why the venerable Walther PPK was left off of this list. For a pistol that’s been around for almost… what? 90 years? It doesn’t get mentioned? I’m rather disappointed in your comments this time. For my everyday carry I use a black label Browning 1911 380. I do this for the following reasons: 1) I also carry a full size Taurus 1911 (45) when I’m out in the woods so to speak. 2) The 380 fits just right in my hand, and yes: I can hit the broad side of a wall with it. Last time I shot at the range: 1.5” groups of 9 @ 25 yards. I do just as well with my PPK….
I know, I know. I like the PPK but if I put every gun I liked on this list, we'd be here awhile. Hahaha. The PPK is a decent option as well. One of our reviewers, Mike, really likes his. He did a whole review on it for us. I just had to make some painful cuts so this article wouldn't be terribly long. Thanks for reading!
I like most of what you guys are doing, I just was a little disappointed with no mention of the PPK. As for my 1911 380, I was surprised to find out how many patrol LEO’s carry a 1911 (45) AND carry a 1911 380 as a bug.
The Bersa Thunder and Firestorm appear to be modern versions of the PPK, so you do have that.
They subbed in the Bersa lots cheaper and basically the same gun for 1/3 the price. The gun is outrageously snappy. When you look up the word it has a photo of a ppk. I has a pp and loved it. I had a ppk and it was a cool gun just too much for what it represented. There are too many guns that are lighter have less recoil and equal or surpass capacity.
I 'am a certified instructor and have several female clients who do not like the 9mm. To give them more options, I own both the LCP Max .380 and the S&W .380 EZ. I, along with my female clients, like them. Also, I recently purchased the Ruger Security .380 "Lite Rack" and both my clients and I are pleased with it as well.
Those are all solid choices and good to have on hand for teaching!
I think the Bersa .380 is underrated . Probably because it's one of the lower priced handguns out there.
But my experience is that it's got a better Burrell length (3 1/2") than most small guns.
It's also easy to shoot & holding 10 rounds is not bad.
You found the Bersa Thunder a little too snappy? That's the gun my wife selected after shooting my Beretta 92FS, which she felt had a little too much recoil (I've always thought the Beretta was really mild, but that just shows how subjective "snappiness" can be). Regardless, I'd have to agree that the Bersa Thunder makes an excellent budget .380. In fact, I like my wife's Bersa so much, I'm considering one for myself!
It was just a little snappy for my taste but I have really tiny wrists. I'm so glad that it works for your wife. It's a great gun at a very nice price point! I would totally recommend picking one up.
Oh! I hadn't thought about how wrist or hand size might affect perceived recoil. My wife is 5' 11", with a proportional frame, so that could make a huge difference. In any case, I enjoyed the article!
direct blowback creates felt recoil. Try the tisas fathi or the MC14T. Those are beretta clones to bersa's walther clone. The Fathi is a little bigger but the gun is much softer shooting than the bersa or ppk.
Get the thunder plus