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For a 380, I've got a S&W Bodyguard 380 that's been really good. I had read reports on early models that had some issues with the built on laser, but that was prior to the newer models that now come with the Crimson Trace from the factory. Mine is the M&P model without the laser. Mine has never malfunctioned. I carry mine with Hornady Critical Defense. The Ruger LCP 380 seems to be popular and a good gun, but it was a little smaller than the S&W, and felt pretty "snappy" to shoot. I thought the S&W felt better to hold and more comfortable to shoot. The S&W does have a fairly long DAO trigger, but in my opinion I like it that way as I don't really want to carry something in my pocket that has a light or short trigger pull. I've seen the Ruger priced on sale recently, and a couple of vendors had them at the local gun show this past weekend for $220 to $230. I think the S&W is hovering around $300 to $325 right now.

For a small 9mm, I was down to the Ruger LC9s and the S&W Shield. I liked both, but I picked the Shield over the LC9s. I liked the feel and trigger of the LC9s maybe a little better than the Shield if I'm honest, but it has a mag disconnect safety, and I'm not really a fan of that. I bought my Shield before the Glock 43 came out, but after checking out the G43 I still don't know that I would have picked it over the Shield anyway.

I'm not a die hard S&W fan, I just liked their offerings in those 2 categories more than others I had looked at. I also liked that the safety on both is located and operates the same way. Just a comfort thing. Good luck with your search.