7 Best .380 Pistols [Hands-On Tested]

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.

Best .380 ACP Handguns Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best .380 ACP Pistols

For this article, I focused on .380 ACP pistols that have been tested in either previous reviews or that someone on the PPT team has had extensive hands-on experience with through events or their own personal collection.

Each pistol that made this list had to meet the following requirements to earn a spot on the best .380 ACP handgun list:

• Must reliably fire
• Must be easy to use and maintain.
• Ergonomics must work for most shooters.
• Must have a price tag that the average consumer can stomach

I reached out to a few staff members on the PPT team to ensure that I had good data on a variety of hand sizes and body types. Every gun on this list has spent time in the hands of someone here at PPT.

We've linked guns with reviews so you can read more.

Reliability & Accuracy

To gain a recommendation, each .380 ACP pistol had to be assessed for reliability and accuracy.

To test, reviewers are required to run a minimum of 500 rounds through guns - though some models see upwards of 1,000+ rounds. We use a mix of target and defensive ammunition. This mix helps us gauge how the pistol works alongside different ammo types and weights.

When possible, we also use live fire drills at the range to see how the gun, especially concealed carry models, work in practical situations. Drills often include:

• Bill Drill
• Draw-to-First-Shot Timing
• Reload Drills
• Strong- and Weak-Hand Shooting

For accuracy, we use controlled bench testing with a shooting rest to minimize shooter error. Optic-compatible models get a red dot as well.

Accuracy testing is done from 5 yards to 25 yards with 5-round groups. Groups are measured with a digital caliper.

Ergonomics

The way a gun feels in your hand is often a make-or-break deal. To ensure that a gun works with the widest range of hands, we turn to other staff members, friends, and family to hold and shoot the pistol. They, in turn, give us feedback on ergonomics.

As we test, we do pay attention to things like recoil impulse, trigger feel, ease of slide manipulation, reload smoothness, and whether we're left with slide bite or other hot spots.

Value

For a lot of us, price is the deciding factor when it comes to purchasing a gun. So, we do our best to ensure that our picks are a good match of features, performance, and cost.

When selecting, we pay attention to pricing across multiple vendors, average that out, then compare that to features and overall performance. We're looking for .380 ACP handguns that are actually a good value and investment.

While we try to be mindful of prices and keep costs in a range most shoppers can manage, a higher-end item is listed for those with the means to throw down a little more cash.

How to Choose a .380 ACP Pistol

When selecting a pistol, the first step is to determine...what is the gun for?

Shopping for a .380 concealed carry pistol is a little different than one you intend to just plink with at the range. So, I suggest sitting down, taking some time, and deciding what you intend to use the gun for.

After that, it's time to shop!

Of course, keep things like reliability and accuracy forefront of your mind. You want a pistol that actually works, so make sure that the pistol has a good track record for performing under pressure.

The .380 ACP can feel a bit snappy in some guns, so it's wise to factor in the size and weight of the firearm. If you don't mind a little recoil, then you can go smaller; but if you're recoil sensitive, I suggest shopping for a slightly larger, heavier .380 pistol. The extra weight will help mitigate the recoil impulse while shopping and make for a smoother shooting experience.

When shopping, also be mindful of aftermarket, especially if concealed carry is on the table. Trust me, you do not want to spend $700 on a gun just to find out that no one but one dude makes a holster...and that holster costs $250. If you intend to trick your gun out with optics or want to carry in a holster, it's always good to make sure there is accessory compatibility with that model.

Sounds like a lot? No worries, I cover those specific things in my recommendations below!

Best .380 ACP Pistols

1. Sig Sauer P365-380 - Editor's Pick

Quick Verdict: Sig Sauer's P365 platform took the concealed carry market by storm, with good reason. The P365-380 is a more petite version of the original P365 CCW pistol that is optics-ready and boasts a large aftermarket with plenty of accessories to choose from.

Editor's Pick

Sig Sauer P365-380

$499at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$499at GrabAGun

Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore (See Price)

Kygunco (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: Striker-Fire
• Barrel Length: 3.1"
• Overall Length: 5.8"
• Width: 1"
• Weight: 15.7 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 10+1

Why We Love It

The P365-380 is built on Sig's popular P365 platform, offering a more modern take to the .380 pistol arena.

I like that you can easily turn this into a summer carry pistol when it's hot and you're not layered up, and then sub it in as a training pistol in the winter if 9mm ammo prices jump. It's essentially two functions for the price of one, if you're already in the Sig P365 ecosystem.

This gun comes equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights. These are a nice upgrade to the basic sights Sig offers on other P365 models. The night sights are easy to see and track on target.

I like the ergonomics on the P365. As someone with a small palm but long fingers, I can get a good purchase around the grip. It feels very comfortable to hold, and I can reach all the controls I need. It also doesn't rip my skin off when shooting -- which is another plus. The grip texture is enough that I can keep a firm grip while shooting, but it doesn't cause hot spots on my hands.

Sig's aftermarket is huge, so you won't have to worry about finding optics that work with it or holsters to carry it. Oh, and did I mention that it comes optics-ready? Having the ability to mount a red dot from the get-go is a great perk! (You can see some recommendations on those in our Best Pistol Red Dot article!)

Even better, if rose gold is your vibe, the Sig launched a P365-380 Rose in partnership with competition shooter and former Team Sig member Lena Miculek. I can always appreciate some variety in colors and offerings, so this was a nice upgrade to the series.

I think the Sig P365-380 covers a broad audience and can easily work in multiple environments.

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.

2. Ruger LCP Max - Budget Concealed Carry .380 ACP

Quick Verdict: The Ruger LCP Max pairs a compact pistol with a really affordable price. This gun is perfect for summer carry when you need something a little smaller to tote around.

Budget CCW .380

Ruger LCP Max

$289at Classic Firearms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$289at Classic Firearms

GrabAGun (See Price)

Kygunco (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: SA
• Barrel Length: 2.8"
• Overall Length: 5.2"
• Width: 0.81"
• Weight: 10.88 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 10+1

Why We Love It

The Ruger Security LCP Max is an excellent blend of features you want from a .380 ACP pistol at a price point most of us can stomach.

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 LCP for many years, and it served me well. Now, PPT founder Eric carries the LCP Max when wearing athletic gear. He's been carrying with this for 3+ years now!

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.) So, if you’re looking for lightweight, look no further than the LCP Max.

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, the small build and lightweight frame lend less weight to manage recoil. I wouldn't recommend this one as a plinker as you will leave with a sore wrist/tired hand.

The grip area is really small so those with larger hands may have a pinky hanging off or may struggle to keep a good grip. Petite shooters will have an easier time holding on to this one.

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.

That said, if a lightweight, concealable gun is your goal, the LCP Max is .380 ACP gun you want.

Read more about the Ruger LCP Max in the review ->

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3. Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ - Easiest to Rack

Quick Verdict: If you have arthritis or a disability that impacts your hand strength, the Smith & Wesson M&P380 EZ is the perfect model for you! It features a super easy-to-use slide with controls that are also built for ease.

Easiest to Rack

Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ

$339at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$339at GrabAGun

Kygunco (See Price)

Palmetto State Armory (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: Internal Hammer Fired
• Barrel Length: 3.68"
• Overall Length: 6.7"
• Width: 1.04"
• Weight: 18.3 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 8+1

Why We Love It

If hand strength is an issue or an injury impacts your grip, I recommend the Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ.

The EZ model does come in 9mm for those that want it, but the .380 ACP shines for me in this series. Namely, because it is super easy to shoot – from racking to firing, Smith & Wesson has brought a design that is beginner and disability friendly. Even the magazines are easy, with a push-down tab that helps with loading

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 feels intentionally designed for smaller hands. It's got a thinner grip than some other options on this list. If you are of the petite persuasion, this also would be a good gun to look into, as the ergonomics are best suited towards the petite.

Smith & Wesson offers two models under the .380 banner – a thumb safety version and one without (though both come with a grip safety). I like the inclusive approach to this pistol, offering two designs of the same function.

The downside? The sights are lackluster and basic. They work, but I would prefer something that stands out a bit more and is easier to see when I'm pointed on target. Also, the aftermarket is insanely small for the Shield EZ, so there aren't a lot of accessory options.

I highly recommend the M&P380 Shield EZ for those who are just starting out or have a physical limitation that mandates a....Dare I say, easy gun.

You can read up on the EZ series in our full review!

4. Beretta 80X Cheetah - Best High-End .380 ACP

Quick Verdict: Beretta's 80X Cheetah is compact enough to concealed carry but large enough to shoot comfortably. It offers shooters superb ergonomics mixed with modern features, making this a fun range toy!

Best High-End .380 ACP

Beretta 80X Cheetah

$599at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$599at GrabAGun

Kygunco (See Price)

Midway USA (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: Direct blowback
• Barrel Length: 3.9"
• Overall Length: 6.8"
• Width: 1.4"
• Weight: 25 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 13+1

Why We Love It

If you're a bit recoil sensitive, the Beretta 80X Cheetah is the gun for you! Its larger size means that it is much easier to control than a teeny-tiny micro-compact. This makes it actually fun to shoot at the range!

The grip is very textured, which helps in controlling the pistol, even with sweaty hands. Paired with the flatter grip design, it allows the shooter to get a high, tight grip. The 80X Cheetah's controls also sit nicely on the frame, easy to reach and easy to engage.

Its bigger grip makes it a perfect companion for larger-handed shooters. Petite shooters might struggle with the larger grip area, though.

This pistol is optics-ready, which is a nice modern touch. It uses a standard mounting system, but you have to order those separately. The plates do not ship with the gun itself.

Its blowback design, paired with a smooth trigger, aids in accuracy, allowing you to really push this gun out. Our reviewer, Travis, really took this gun for a spin and was able to hit a gong at 50 yards with a Shield RMSC red dot mounted.

The 80X Cheetah is not one I would recommend for beginners. Not to say that a beginner wouldn't enjoy it, but with a price tag north of $650, it's better suited for .380 enthusiasts or experienced shooters who want a more premium pistol.

Read all about the Beretta 80X Cheetah in our review ->

5. Sig Sauer P238 - Best Single Action .380

Quick Verdict: The Sig Sauer P238 pairs a small package with enough weight, serving up a comfortable-to-shoot .380 ACP handgun. This package might be small, but it is a fantastic backup or summer carry option!

Best Single Action .380

Sig Sauer P238

$749at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$749at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (See Price)

Kygunco (See Price)

Guns.com (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: SA
• Barrel Length: 2.7"
• Overall Length: 5.5"
• Width: 1.1"
• Weight: 14.9 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 6+1

Why We Love It

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 lighter guns on the list, it packs on some ounces, tipping the scale at 15.2 oz. Yes, that’s heavier, but that extra weight works wonders at the range.

The P238 lacks some of the snap that other guns have, and is very comfortable to shoot.

This is my backup gun of choice and the one I carry when I can’t make my usual EDC work. It easily slips under clothes and basically disappears.

So, what are the downsides? 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 fact, it is the most expensive model. So, brace for wallet impact. For some shoppers, the 6-round capacity makes the higher price tag just not worth it, and I get that. You can get a more modern .380 pistol with a higher capacity at a much lower price with the Sig P365-380 if you want to stay within the same pistol family.

This gun really serves SAO fans who like the look and feel of a 1911-style gun and who have the cash to spare.

While the Sig P238 is not for a beginner, it's perfect for seasoned shooters or those who want a classic look.

See the full Sig Sauer P238 review ->

6. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 - Best for Beginners

Quick Verdict: Smith & Wesson's Bodyguard 2.0 received some greatly appreciated updates (a.k.a., its trigger) and punches far above its weight. It's a concealable but usable .380 pistol.

Best Beginner .380

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

$399at Midway USA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$399at Midway USA

Sportsman's Warehouse (See Price)

GrabAGun (See Price)

Classic Firearms (See Price)

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Specs

• Caliber: .380. ACP
• Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
• Barrel Length: 2.75”
• Overall Length: 5.5”
• Width: 0.88”
• Weight: 9.8 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 12+1

Why We Love It

Those who remember the original Smith & Wesson Bodyguard might recoil in horror that this made our list, but hear me out...The revamp is not bad.

S&W overhauled the terrible trigger on the original Bodyguard to give the Bodyguard 2.0 a nice, flat bow. Even better, it offers a crisp trigger that breaks around 2 pounds.

Ergonomics are good, fitting a variety of hand sizes. Those with super-large hands might struggle a bit, but that's to be expected from a compact handgun. Petite shooters will find this gun fits very well in their hands.

Shooting-wise, it's a small gun, which means it brings more recoil. Smith & Wesson did try to offset that with some more aggressive grip texture and a bit more weight to help mitigate that. But you can't fight physics.

Our reviewer, Sean, did have some issues with the firing pin on our test gun, but he sent it back, and the new gun Smith sent out worked flawlessly. It seemed to be a one-off lemon instead of a recurring problem, but we like to be honest around here.

When it comes to accessories, there are a few holsters floating around, and you can mount a Viridian laser to it if you so choose, but there are certainly not as many options as the Sig or Glock.

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is a new take on an old gun with some nice upgrades. Those who remember the original and want a second go will be pleased with this edition.

Interested in learning more? We have a full review of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.

7. Glock 42 - Best for Glock Fans

Quick Verdict: If you're a Glock fan, the G42 is the model for you. It brings a polymer design and Glock reliability.

Best for Glock Shooters

Glock 42

$399at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$399at Kygunco

Guns.com (See Price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: Striker-Fire
• Barrel Length: 3.25"
• Overall Length: 5.94"
• Width: 0.98"
• Weight: 12.17 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 6+1

Why We Love It

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.

If you're already invested in the Glock ecosystem, either through concealed carry with a Glock 19 or home defense with a Glock 17, I recommend adding the G42 as a training option. .380 ACP ammo is often cheaper than 9mm, and, with the same build, you can work on similar mechanics like reloads without going broke.

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, like new sights, as needed. There's also plenty of holsters to choose from, so you won't have any difficulty carrying the G42 if you want.

The Glock 42 is very comfortable to shoot, though a tad snappy. I find it easier to take to the range than 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 or shooters who already own a Glock (or two).

What's your take on the Glock 42? Rate it below!

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.

Who Should Buy a .380 ACP Pistol?

.380 ACP handguns are great for a multitude of uses.

Glock and Sig P365 owners who want to train at the range on a familiar platform while saving money on ammo would benefit from the G42 or P365-380 as trainers.

.380s can also make great concealed carry guns -- used as a backup or secondary gun or as a summer carry gun. Most of the ones on this list are lightweight and compact, meaning the hide well under thinner clothes we all tend to wear in hotter weather.

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 Beretta 80X Cheetah. 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.

Meet the Experts

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.

Latest Updates

• August 2026: Added new testing metrics. Added Beretta Cheetah 80X.
• March 2025: Added Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0. Moved Glock to Honorable Mentions.
• August 2024: We removed the Kahr CW380 based on the lack of availability and added the Diamondback DB380.