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Sandotex5 wrote: ... but the long trigger pulls in the LC9 and LCR (I know, not 9mm) resulted in me being a crappy shot with both, whereas I can quickly shoot very good groups (for me) with the P238. I've made the mental trade-off and will settle for lower power but far more accuracy with my .380 vs 9mm (again, in a small pocket gun-- I'll shoot .40 or .45 at home). I shoot ok with the Kahrs and may give them another try. Rohrbaugh is a little too pricy and finicky by reputation, Kimber Solo not bad but my range gun had a lot of FTF/FTE issues, Keltec just feels cheap. I'm going to give the Beretta Nano a good look but so far my P238 is my confident pocket gun.

If you can rent one at the range, if you haven't already, give the Ruger SR9C a try. Also, at the gun shows yesterday, I paid closer attention to the 'snubbies'. I have avoided snubbie revolvers like an ex-wife, since my aforementioned near failure to qualify with one. I always attributed my difficulties to just the small (and uncomfortable) grip, but I finally realized that the whole 'geometry' is different. Maybe it's just my 'high hold' grip from 1911's, but I saw that I was having to pull Up as well as back with my trigger finger. I guess I'll just never shot worth a darn with a revolver.

wgoforth wrote:

Zylo_X wrote:wgoforth,

From the man who said "Siginess", Thanks for correcting my sarcasm about the trigger pull.
Thanks also for the info about the mags. The 238 is moving up on my shopping list.

So sorry! Without a smiley, sarcasm doesn't always come across, I thought you were being literal. Didn't know what other word to use but "Siginess"

BTW... find some excuse to send your 238 back to factory if you get one... (ie, jamming, FTF)...I did that and they sent a free magazine as well as polished the feed ramp and moving parts. Smooth as butter when it came back.

No worries, we're lost without a sense of humor. I've got thick skin, and thicker skull!! Thanks again for the info and heads-up about the 238, it is climbing my wish list with a bullet. It always seemed a logical contender, but it keeps getting better.

wgoforth,

From the man who said "Siginess", Thanks for correcting my sarcasm about the trigger pull.
Thanks also for the info about the mags. The 238 is moving up on my shopping list.

J.R.@A&M wrote:I would bet that the explanation for large variances in snubby accuracy by experienced pistol shooters has more to do with differences in trigger pull than sight radius issues....

In a nutshell, YES. For me, its about the grip, which makes the 27# DAO triggered pocket gun unusable. For less experienced shooters, without good mechanics, the trigger pull alone could be a problem, regardless of fit. I can barely get 2 fingers on an LCP, but actually did quite well with the rented P238. In concurring with the OP, with regard to new shooters, I think it is important advice to determine the 'best fit', not just 'get the smallest'. I could certainly use an LCP for a BUG, or carry the P238 in the summer time, but for a new shooter, it is likely to be their primary. At least until they get the 'bug' to acquire more.

wgoforth wrote: ... (3) The extended magazine allows for all of my fingers on the grip, rather than the pinky in the air.

Are those Sig mags? Also, can you confirm if the Colt Mustang mags fit? Thanks

Ruark wrote: ... Like I said, I love my P238 .380, but beginners need to realize that using a small pistol for CC creates a whole new set of issues. I never see this being discussed here; that's why I brought it up.

Not to be 'preaching to the choir', but I take the OP's point, and add to it because it may help the less experienced make a better selection. Some might get caught in the rush to get a 'pocket pistol', before realizing it might not be the best fit for them. I 'came up' on original 1911's and Browning High Powers, along with an occasional large frame revolver. Joined the Army in 1983 and used both the .45 and 9mm with no problems. HOWEVER, when I was attached to an aviation unit, we were issued 38's and I almost couldn't qualify with it. Yes, practice, practice, and more practice is key, but I look for a comfortable and controllable grip first. As I consider purchasing a 380, I've rented several at the range, but found the size is too small for me. I'd rather hit 10 X's with my P22 then spray 380's around from the S&W Bodyguard. When I get to the larger sized 380's like a Beretta Cheetah, or Taurus 638, I find they are about the same size as my Ruger SR9C, so it doesn't make much sense to carry the same size pistol, but with a smaller caliber round. Just some points for consideration.

Divided Attention wrote: ... I encourage everyone to practice, practice, practice! Muscle memory is your friend in high stress situations. Remember you have 2 hands and may not always have the luxury of using both of them if your life depends on it... train that other one too.

Thanks, another excellent point. I too practice with both hands, and have ambi safeties on all so I can not only fire, but also carry on either side.