I beg to differ. ANY weapon can go off if dropped, abused, or otherwise mishandled. The safety measures, such as thumb safety, grip safety, decocker, and firing pin block reduce the likelihood to almost zero in modern weapons. It's best to behave as if it's always possible. Let's be safe out there.Liberty wrote: Some 1911s can go off by themselves. Most modern weapons can't, but as I understand it is possible for some 1911s to go off without the trigger being pulled.
As for larger calibers, Bersa makes fine pistols in 9 mm, .40 cal., and .45 ACP as well as the .380. All reliable, accurate, and inexpensive.
I have the Thunder .380 Concealed Carry, which is lightweight, very easily concealed, has good magazine capacity (8+1), and costs less than $300. My objection to the real 'mouse guns' like the Kel-Tec and LCP is that I can get only two fingers around the handgrip - my pinky just sorta hangs there, or folds around the bottom of the grip. With a really lightweight gun I'd want more security.
A .380 can be made more effective with good ammo. Cor-Bon DPX, Federal Hydra-Shock, and Remington Golden Sabers (my own personal favorite) are all excellent. Find one that feeds reliably in your pistol.