BigBL87 Posted April 2, 2018 at 07:16 AM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 07:16 AM So, after my earlier thread about what my next firearm purchase should be, I decided that I'm going to go with a pocket-sized 380 because it is the most useful/practical thing on my list (a 1911 in .45 is still eating at me, but I think the 380 has won out). I can carry my Shield 90% of the time, and I'd like an option for the other 10% of the time when the Shield isn't possible due to my wardrobe (usually when I'm wearing dress clothes). So, that being the case, wanted to get some input on 380s as all I currently have/carry are 9mm. The main options I'm looking at are the Ruger LCP II and the S&W Bodyguard, leaning towards the LCP II due to the trigger. I thought about the Taurus TCP but after the experience a friend recently had with sending his PT111 G2 back in, I don't see another Taurus in my future. I also looked looked into a Kahr CW380, but the cost of mags is pretty rough, especially considering I like to have a minimum of 4 for every gun I own. Trying to stay under $300, under $250 would be even better, and cheap mags would be a huge plus. I'm open to other options, these just happen to be the ones I've looked into. As far as other info goes, I do have biggish hands (XL sized gloves) which I know can make any pocket gun a dicey prospect. As mentioned above, my EDC is a Shield for what that matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yyyz Posted April 2, 2018 at 07:28 AM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 07:28 AM I have a BodyGuard .380... fits perfectly in a pocket. Note, mine has a Galloway trigger and springs. Very accurate at 21 feet and very concealable. Galloway also make a modification to the magazine to get 7+1 rounds. http://yyyzltd.com/images/MandPBodyguard380.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyP Posted April 2, 2018 at 08:40 AM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 08:40 AM I often pocket carry a Keltec P3AT, Ruger liked the design so much they later copied it and made their LCP. It all but disappears in most any pants pocket, dress or jeans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scipio24 Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:29 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:29 PM I just got a new Bodyguard about 3 weeks ago. Like you, I liked both the Bodyguard and the Ruger (especially the trigger). I shot both and have to admit, I did like the Ruger a little bit better. However, in the end I was able to get a good sales price on the Bodyguard and went with that. Been happy so far. Picked up a Blackhawk size 2 pocket holster to pair with it. Super concealable compared to my Springfield 9mm and my choice when wearing lighter clothing. On the plus side, my wife is scheduled for her CCW class and she's eying the Ruger LCR II so I may end up with both anyways :-) Long story short, both are great guns for a pocket carry and I think you'll be in good shape either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyDuty Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:35 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:35 PM I like the original Ruger LCP for pocket carry. Some of the .380s out there arent radically smaller than a small 9 like a G43. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rilo Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:42 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:42 PM Glock 43! Power over the 380, doesn’t jam as much. Fits in all pockets great little carry gun I use it when I wear things that can’t conceal to well. I normally carry a 19x/vp9sk. It will blow your $300 budget though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milesvdustin Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:52 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 12:52 PM I have a G43, not exactly a pocket pistol for me. Its extremely obvious that I have a gun in my pocket with that thing in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee n. field Posted April 2, 2018 at 01:53 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 01:53 PM So, after my earlier thread about what my next firearm purchase should be, I decided that I'm going to go with a pocket-sized 380 because it is the most useful/practical thing on my list (a 1911 in .45 is still eating at me, but I think the 380 has won out). I can carry my Shield 90% of the time, and I'd like an option for the other 10% of the time when the Shield isn't possible due to my wardrobe (usually when I'm wearing dress clothes). So, that being the case, wanted to get some input on 380s as all I currently have/carry are 9mm. The main options I'm looking at are the Ruger LCP II and the S&W Bodyguard, leaning towards the LCP II due to the trigger. I thought about the Taurus TCP but after the experience a friend recently had with sending his PT111 G2 back in, I don't see another Taurus in my future. I also looked looked into a Kahr CW380, but the cost of mags is pretty rough, especially considering I like to have a minimum of 4 for every gun I own. Trying to stay under $300, under $250 would be even better, and cheap mags would be a huge plus. I'm open to other options, these just happen to be the ones I've looked into. As far as other info goes, I do have biggish hands (XL sized gloves) which I know can make any pocket gun a dicey prospect. As mentioned above, my EDC is a Shield for what that matters. How well pocket carry works for you depends on your pockets. I have an LCP, one of the original line of them. I do not find the trigger to be a problem. It's been quite reliable. I do not, however, find it a very fun gun to shoot. The sights ("sights") make aiming just guesswork, and that takes any fun out of plinking. Ejected brass goes higgledy-piggledy every which way. If I was to buy one now, I'd be looking for the "LCP Custom" version, for it's better sights. The Hogue grip sleeve is a very nice thing to have. I'd like an option for the other 10% of the time when the Shield isn't possible due to my wardrobe I concluded that the LCP was a specialized gun, for when nothing larger could be concealed. As far as other info goes, I do have biggish hands (XL sized gloves) which I know can make any pocket gun a dicey prospect. As mentioned above, my EDC is a Shield for what that matters. BTDT. My hands are big enough that a Glock 19 is a 2.5 finger grip for me. Pocket carried XDS is EDC. You just have to find pants with adequate pockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybermgk Posted April 2, 2018 at 03:08 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 03:08 PM I have both a Taurus TCP and an S&W M&P Bodyguard. I originally got the Taurus over the LCP II, where I shot both head to head. The trigger on the Taurus is just that much better than the LCP II, imho. Both felt about the same in the hand for shooting. And the Taurus is cheaper. Able to get the Taurus and a leather 'wallet' pocket holster and a sticky holster for a little less than the Ruger. That said, I added the Smith and Wesson because I finally tried one on the range. Fit my hand better. The Taurus and Ruger grips are so-so for me. I added a slip on swell to the Taurus. They also have more perceived/felt kick and muzzle rise imho than the Bodyguard. Going through a box of ammo at the range with the Taurus (or Ruger) and my older hands definitely hurt. The Body guard not nearly as much pain, going through 50 rds. I can get 2.3-2.4 fingers on the normal Bodyguard extended mag bottoms (the not flat factory ones). But, I needed to get the Pearce extensions for the Taurus to get that. Taurus has milled in, minimal sights. The Bodyguard has actual, albeit all black, driftable sights. Not really a big concern for these, as these are really not meant for even medium range engagement. Taurus also doesn't have 2nd strike capability. Have to rack the slide to engage the trigger. The Taurus is actually very well made, made here in the US. But, the Smith and Wesson IS just a little bit better fit and finish. That said, I did have to slightly file one of my S&W mags for it to consistently lock into place. And it costs quite a bit more. No such issues with the Taurus mags I got with the gun, and bought afterwards. S&W is also a little heavier, and has a longer grip if you use the only available (that I could find), mag grip extensions. I HIGHLY suggest, you go to a range that rents all the makes your interested in, and try them. How they fit your hand is, imho fairly important, as you aren't getting the best grip. This can affect your shooting and accuracy. Trigger finger placement and position also comes into play for that, as well, since they all have a decent pull on their double action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregivq Posted April 2, 2018 at 03:12 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 03:12 PM Here’s my LCP. Tiny and I can shoot it surprisingly well. Oh yeah...you can’t even tell what’s in that pocket, like a cell phone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregivq Posted April 2, 2018 at 03:21 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 03:21 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r29795 Posted April 2, 2018 at 05:15 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 05:15 PM i have had LCP and some other in 380, I like the sigs 380 the best for shooting and the ways it can be carried. Plus the trigger pull is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa Posted April 2, 2018 at 05:41 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 05:41 PM I have the LCP II and love it. I carry it in a DeSantis super fly pocket holster. The overlay flap completely hides the grip to keep it from printing when sitting. Ruger is making 7 round mags for the LCP II now also. I use the XTP loads in my pistol and have never had a problem after 200 rounds. The little guns are snappy but keep in mind they aren't made for all day range guns. The sights on the LCP II are not as good as the custom but are way better than the original LCP. I tested the custom side by side with the LCP II and decided on the latter . I put some neon orange fingernail polish on the front sight of mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solareclipse2 Posted April 2, 2018 at 05:52 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 05:52 PM I'm not a .380 fan. I did get some trigger time behind a P938 this weekend, which is 9mm. They're not much bigger than the P238, and I probably wouldn't mind having a P938 in a pinch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipshot Percussion Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:04 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:04 PM I have a Taurus TCP and to be honest, I haven't had a problem with it after a couple of FTF in the first 20 rounds or so. It has, probably, 400 -500 on it now and it works great. I have a rubber sleeve on the grip and extensions on the mags. It kicks like a mule, has terrible sights (not a big deal on such a little gun) and a decent trigger. What made me choose it over the LCP was that the slide locked back on the TCP - not on the LCP (although I don't know if that is still an issue with the newer generation of LCPs') I agree with the suggestion you go to your LGS and at the very least, handle the guns. My son has a Bodyguard, which he ordered online and had never put a hand on. He has never carried it for the same reason I wouldn't... for us it's an uncomfortable gun to hold. The grip seems very deep (front to back) which then makes the width seem ultra slim. As I said, very uncomfortable to hold and, as it turned out, to shoot. Just my .02¢ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcook619 Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:13 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:13 PM I carry an LCP 2. Love it. I had a TCP and did not like it at all. The LCP2 has a great trigger and the wider grip panels fit my hand great! 100% reliable. A dab of green nail polish on the front sight and you are good to go. I carry it in the holster that comes with it. no bigger than a cell phone in my pocket. Carry it OWB occasionally as well with a clip on kydex holster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybermgk Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:22 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:22 PM I reiterate (as you can see, some find the LCP great, others not, some like the TCP, others don't, same for BG), try them at the range then decide. For these little mouse guns, I think this is even more pertinent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBL87 Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:41 PM Author Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:41 PM Range time might be difficult, no ranges nearby that rent a good variety. However, I think my local Rural King probably carries most if not all of the ones mentioned so I could at least handle them. Re: the P938, I have a friend that has one. I love that little thing actually, but it's closer size-wise to my Shield than anything. If a P238 was near my price range, I'd probably go that route but unfortunately they're a little out of reach ATM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:52 PM Share Posted April 2, 2018 at 06:52 PM I have a Taurus TCP and to be honest, I haven't had a problem with it after a couple of FTF in the first 20 rounds or so. It has, probably, 400 -500 on it now and it works great. I have a rubber sleeve on the grip and extensions on the mags. It kicks like a mule, has terrible sights (not a big deal on such a little gun) and a decent trigger. What made me choose it over the LCP was that the slide locked back on the TCP - not on the LCP (although I don't know if that is still an issue with the newer generation of LCPs') I agree with the suggestion you go to your LGS and at the very least, handle the guns. My son has a Bodyguard, which he ordered online and had never put a hand on. He has never carried it for the same reason I wouldn't... for us it's an uncomfortable gun to hold. The grip seems very deep (front to back) which then makes the width seem ultra slim. As I said, very uncomfortable to hold and, as it turned out, to shoot. Just my .02¢ The slide locks back on the last shot out of the LCP II. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyDuty Posted April 3, 2018 at 03:25 AM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 03:25 AM I can only see a G43 as a pocket pistol if you wear a zoot suit or cargo pants. Mine is much too large for pocket carry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkroenlein Posted April 3, 2018 at 04:46 AM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 04:46 AM Kahr CW380. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reeko Posted April 3, 2018 at 05:39 AM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 05:39 AM I currently pocket a lcp II. I initially had a Taurus TCP that I loved. It ran great until one day every other round would not chamber correctly. Sent it in and Taurus replaced it with a brand new gun. I ran 500 rounds through the new TCP, and kept getting 2-3 FTF every range session. Sent it back in, Taurus replaced it a 2nd time stating there was a manufacturer defect and gave me a couple extra mags for all the issues. No big deal up to this point since Taurus had been great and issues happen. Got my 3rd TCP and now the magazines kept dropping out if you wiggled the bottom of the mag. I sent it in, they repaired it and I had it back in 2 weeks. Everything ran smooth and it had zero issues but the doubt had set in about being able to trust it. Got the lcpII and have had zero issues with 500 rounds through. Can't disengage the mag and I feel as though I can trust it with my life. I felt as though the TCP shot better and felt better in the hand though, I just could no longer trust carrying it. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted April 3, 2018 at 12:49 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 12:49 PM I'm not a .380 fan. I did get some trigger time behind a P938 this weekend, which is 9mm. They're not much bigger than the P238, and I probably wouldn't mind having a P938 in a pinch. I have a 938. It is not unpleasant to shoot for a tiny gun... but it's no Hi Power! Shooting 9mm is cheaper than .380 so I have never gone there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangerdeepv Posted April 3, 2018 at 01:04 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 01:04 PM Kimber Micro 380 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangerdeepv Posted April 3, 2018 at 03:01 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 03:01 PM Oooops........sorry! Gun Addiction Syndrome (GAS) flared up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmurph44 Posted April 3, 2018 at 04:43 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 04:43 PM I currently pocket a lcp II. I initially had a Taurus TCP that I loved. It ran great until one day every other round would not chamber correctly. Sent it in and Taurus replaced it with a brand new gun. I ran 500 rounds through the new TCP, and kept getting 2-3 FTF every range session. Sent it back in, Taurus replaced it a 2nd time stating there was a manufacturer defect and gave me a couple extra mags for all the issues. No big deal up to this point since Taurus had been great and issues happen. Got my 3rd TCP and now the magazines kept dropping out if you wiggled the bottom of the mag. I sent it in, they repaired it and I had it back in 2 weeks. Everything ran smooth and it had zero issues but the doubt had set in about being able to trust it. Got the lcpII and have had zero issues with 500 rounds through. Can't disengage the mag and I feel as though I can trust it with my life. I felt as though the TCP shot better and felt better in the hand though, I just could no longer trust carrying it. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk I also have a TCP 938 when I first got it it would fail to feed about every two or three rounds, I sent it back to Taurus hoping they would give me a new gun to replace that piece of crap but instead they replaced the ejector and gave me a new clip. After three months they finally sent it back to me, I took it to the range and ran a 100 rounds of the same ammo through it and it ran flawlessly but I still don't trust it. No more Taurus for me.....ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangerdeepv Posted April 3, 2018 at 04:47 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 04:47 PM You would look really good with DWesson 1911! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted April 3, 2018 at 07:03 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 07:03 PM The key to his post is: Trying to stay under $300. Combined with a new baby, he has only a few options for a mouse gun. For $300 he could pick up a KelTec P3AT, a couple extra mags, holster and some ammo. I've never fired one but my old P-11 was/still is a good budget choice for carry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted April 3, 2018 at 07:23 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 07:23 PM Oooops........sorry! Gun Addiction Syndrome (GAS) flared up again. We all get a bit GASSY from time to time. I have been telling myself for a couple of days " You don't need the Dan Wesson 1911, You don't need the Dan Wesson 1911". "You already have 4 1911s, You already have 4 1911s". "You just bought an M&P and haven't even fired it"GAS Is this why my wife keeps feeding me GAS-EX? Maybe she's trying to tell me something. I do suggest following the advice of testing them out before you buy. I've had a Shield(wife claimed it), P290RS (wasn't right for me), G43 (close but no cigar) and now P938. My friend's P238 is still nicer to shoot. Try them first, particularly if you're on a budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScopeEye Posted April 3, 2018 at 07:39 PM Share Posted April 3, 2018 at 07:39 PM I've shot lot's of 380's My preference is the Taurus TCP, better stock trigger then most. Another feature that stands out for me is the Taurus can be fired without a magazine in it. I won't own a pistol that has a mag safety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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