Your thoughts on which 380 pocket carry

[tallmike]

I bought an LCP for my wife a couple of years ago and she did not like how it felt to shoot, so I bought her a Bersa. She loves that gun.

I inherited her LCP and it gradually replaced the Glock 23 that I carried religiously for 8 years. The ease of a pocket gun didn't really appeal to me when I got it, but after carrying it a few times in clothes that couldn't support my Glock I realized that I did not feel unarmed - the way many folks describe carrying just a pocket gun. With my Glock I was usually armed, with my LCP I am always armed.

We can all sit here and think of times where an LCP (or any pocket gun) would not be enough firepower, but we could also sit here and think of almost as many times when a Glock or 1911 would not be enough. There are quite a few times when carrying any gun (even a long gun) is going to leave you under powered but none of us is likely to ever see any of those situations. Statistically speaking most of us will never even have to draw our weapons, among those who draw few will have to fire them, of those who fire few of the engagements are stopped because the caliber was sufficient or they had enough rounds. Bad guys generally run off at the sight of a gun, the brave ones leave when the first shot is fired.

I guess my point is, sure I might someday find myself outgunned and wishing I had my Glock but the odds are definitely in my favor. None of us are ready for everything so carry what makes you comfortable and comforted.

[zero4o3]

Nothing about a Sig P238? Wow..

I love my miniature 1911. They have tons of holsters for it and are extremely reliable. Shoots everything I have fed it so far without any hiccups.

I was thinking the same thing, I love my P238 have never had any problems with it almost no recoil and very accurate

[Rex B]

At last count I had about 15 .380s, including LCP, P3AT, and most of the others.
Of late my pocket carry is a .38 snub - Taurus M85 ultralight
When I'm wearing tight jeans, I revert to the LCP.

I occasionally carry a P238 just 'cause it's cool, and easier to shoot accurately than the LCP.
But I'm not comfortable with a single-action SD pistol.

[10mmillie]

I used to carry a Keltec P3AT in the front pocket but went back to a J frame 38 over grip preference. I do like the weight of the Keltec and the flat profile but my hand just doesn't fit it as well.

[68Charger]

At last count I had about 15 .380s, including LCP, P3AT, and most of the others.
Of late my pocket carry is a .38 snub - Taurus M85 ultralight
When I'm wearing tight jeans, I revert to the LCP.

I occasionally carry a P238 just 'cause it's cool, and easier to shoot accurately than the LCP.
But I'm not comfortable with a single-action SD pistol.

Which brings up a good point on if you're more comfortable with SA/DA

I was raised on SA pistols and prefer them with the trigger pull they give. I just always make a bit of a jerking movement when I pull that long trigger on let's say my Sig P232, or P226. Though I always fire the first shot as DA with those because it goes into SA after. Personal preference to all.

[Rex B]

Don't get me wrong, I do like SA firearms. Most of my pistols are SA or SA/DA.
But none of my pocket 380s are SA/DA

I do wish Colt or Sig would make a DA/SA Mustang. Happiness would ensue

[RPB]

My thoughts are:
1) buy pants with deeper pockets from Duluth Trading Co (some have 12" deep pockets) and carry a better caliber
2) Extend the pockets on your current pants so they are bigger, and carry a better caliber

if neither 1 nor 2 work for you, and you really want a .380 then decide:
which is more critical for the pants worn?
gun size or weight?
If size: consider a LW Seecamp .380 (it's small/snappy. a defense gun not a fun day at the range gun)
If weight: look at the polymer guns, there's lots to choose from

Seecamps disappear, that's what I'd carry if I was in a place where it was "legal"-BUT A POLICY WOULD GET A PERSON FIRED/EXPELLED
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I front pocket carry a Keltec P11 9mm 13 rounds and/or PF9 every day in regular Rustler/Wrangler jeans but it's easier in Duluth Trading "deep pocket" slacks/pants/jeans

A PM9 Kahr 9mm would be easier too

And people do "Alterations/tailoring" to lengthen pockets on regular pants if you have a certain type of pants you wear.

[atxtj]

Seecamps disappear, that's what I'd carry if I was in a place where it was "legal"-BUT A POLICY WOULD GET A PERSON FIRED/EXPELLED
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They really are awesome little guns. I can't think of a smaller .380. If you can stomach the initial investment it's a great tool for its dedicated purpose.

[matriculated]

Nothing about a Sig P238? Wow..

I love my miniature 1911. They have tons of holsters for it and are extremely reliable. Shoots everything I have fed it so far without any hiccups.

I was just about to say that, then saw your post. Just a great little gun. No recoil. Beautiful to look at. 1911. Compact. Reliable. What's not to love?

[zero4o3]

...my thought is that you can buy a 9mm almost as small, suitable for pocket carry...and be much better armed...

Or a .38 S&W revolver.

I was under the impression that .38 and .380 were very similar as far as stoping power is concerned, is this not correct?

[WildBill]

...my thought is that you can buy a 9mm almost as small, suitable for pocket carry...and be much better armed...

Or a .38 S&W revolver.

I was under the impression that .38 and .380 were very similar as far as stoping power is concerned, is this not correct?

IMO, there is no such thing as "stopping power". If there is such as thing, it can not be quantified like muzzle velocity and engery.

.38 S&W Special 158 gr 940 ft/s, 310 ft·lbf
.38 Special +P 158 gr 1,000 ft/s, 351 ft·lbf
.38 Special +P+ 110 gr 1,100 ft/s, 295 ft·lbf
.380 ACP 100 gr 895 ft/s, 178 ft·lbf

The data shows that a .38 Special +P+ with a 110 gr bullet can achieve 1100 feet per sec velocity with 295 foot-pounds of energy

A .380ACP with a 100 gr bullet can achieve 895 ft/sec with 179 foot-pounds of energy

Clearly the .38 special has superior ballistics.

The .38 special can also fire a 158 gr bullet at 1000 ft/sec with a muzzle energy of 351 foot-pounds of energy.

Clearly the .38 special has more "stopping power".

[WildBill]

The Sig 232 is another nice .380ACP. In my experience it is accurate, easy to shoot, reliable and not too finicky about ammo. My only problem with it is the European style mag release which isn't condusive to fast reloading. But as a BUG, it's nice.

[smoothoperator]

Seecamps disappear, that's what I'd carry if I was in a place where it was "legal"-BUT A POLICY WOULD GET A PERSON FIRED/EXPELLED
================

They really are awesome little guns. I can't think of a smaller .380. If you can stomach the initial investment it's a great tool for its dedicated purpose.

When I got my LWS-32 it cost as much as a SW-642. Not cheap but it didn't break the bank.

[atxtj]

The lws380 is typically double the price of the lws32, and it rang true for mine as well.

[zero4o3]

...my thought is that you can buy a 9mm almost as small, suitable for pocket carry...and be much better armed...

Or a .38 S&W revolver.

I was under the impression that .38 and .380 were very similar as far as stoping power is concerned, is this not correct?

IMO, there is no such thing as "stopping power". If there is such as thing, it can not be quantified like muzzle velocity and engery.

.38 S&W Special 158 gr 940 ft/s, 310 ft·lbf
.38 Special +P 158 gr 1,000 ft/s, 351 ft·lbf
.38 Special +P+ 110 gr 1,100 ft/s, 295 ft·lbf
.380 ACP 100 gr 895 ft/s, 178 ft·lbf

The data shows that a .38 Special +P+ with a 110 gr bullet can achieve 1100 feet per sec velocity with 295 foot-pounds of energy

A .380ACP with a 100 gr bullet can achieve 895 ft/sec with 179 foot-pounds of energy

Clearly the .38 special has superior ballistics.

The .38 special can also fire a 158 gr bullet at 1000 ft/sec with a muzzle energy of 351 foot-pounds of energy.

Clearly the .38 special has more "stopping power".

well, your not really looking at all of whats availble in .380
90 gr .380 that shoots at 1050 FT / Sec and 220 Foot pounds of energy
380 Auto +P Ammo - 90 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point 1200fps M.E. 288 ft. lbs.
380 Auto +P Ammo - 95 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point 1125fps M.E. 267 ft. lbs

that being said, I agree if you can find one you like pocket 9mm is probably the best choice over a .38 / .380 but from that point I say if you buy a quality gun in either caliber your gonna fine.



hmmm we left off the .357