I'm not a big fan of the 380 (I wouldn't want to get shot with one) but, I do like the fact that I can carry the micro compact 380's in a shirt pocket if I wanted to. I'm thinking of getting one to carry during summer months. What are the pros and cons with these little guns?
Pros and Cons Micro compact 380's
- Thread starter bspillman
- Start date
Neither would Mahatma Gandhi or the Arch Duke Ferdinand and his wife. Evidently they are not as ineffective as many would have us to believe.
Con: The only one I would buy, Walther PPK, is reported as having way too heavy of a trigger pull.
"Shirt pocket"?! Why a shirt pocket as opposed to your pants pocket?
Pro:
Small/conceal able
Good compromise between size/power
Con:
Small/less control
Reliability
I've shot a handful of 380's, and never had issues with follow on shots. That's probably because the Glock 42 is the smallest one I've fired, and honestly I wouldn't want anything smaller as I have never considered pocket carry personally.
I will agree that the PPK trigger is heavy, but given its' age and intended use, I think it is fine. I have put around 300 rounds through one over a few trips, and it was surprisingly accurate and reliable given what you typically read. It feels more like a revolver than a semi auto, but you have the SA trigger after your first shot.
.380s came back in to favor with the Keltec and Ruger releases, but now there are 9mm's which are comprable in size. I wouldn't include the PPK/P232 in with those, as they weigh as much (if not more) than many of the smaller 9mm's.
You give up a good bit with the palm sized pistols, as the generally lack sufficient sights and the shorter radius does little to improve accuracy. It's all a trade off depending on what you are looking for, but I'd probably try to stick with the Glock 42 size or smaller if you are trying to pocket carry. Triggers vary based on the brands as well, but most are not the smoothest, with a heavier pull as a safety measure.
Small/conceal able
Good compromise between size/power
Con:
Small/less control
Reliability
I've shot a handful of 380's, and never had issues with follow on shots. That's probably because the Glock 42 is the smallest one I've fired, and honestly I wouldn't want anything smaller as I have never considered pocket carry personally.
I will agree that the PPK trigger is heavy, but given its' age and intended use, I think it is fine. I have put around 300 rounds through one over a few trips, and it was surprisingly accurate and reliable given what you typically read. It feels more like a revolver than a semi auto, but you have the SA trigger after your first shot.
.380s came back in to favor with the Keltec and Ruger releases, but now there are 9mm's which are comprable in size. I wouldn't include the PPK/P232 in with those, as they weigh as much (if not more) than many of the smaller 9mm's.
You give up a good bit with the palm sized pistols, as the generally lack sufficient sights and the shorter radius does little to improve accuracy. It's all a trade off depending on what you are looking for, but I'd probably try to stick with the Glock 42 size or smaller if you are trying to pocket carry. Triggers vary based on the brands as well, but most are not the smoothest, with a heavier pull as a safety measure.
I have a bunch of the compact .380's, the Sig P 238, Kimber Micro and Colt Mustang are basically the same pistol, mags even interchange. I carry one of these most days and feel quite confident the pistol will serve well if needed. My G42 is the easiest shooter of the bunch and although slightly larger is super easy to conceal. My S&W Bodyguard without laser can easily be dropped into a pocket, just don't put it in the same pocket as your other carry around junk as you do not want anything to interfere with retrieval. All of my Micro's function 100% reliabily. There are other small pistols and each have their own following, my SA pistols probably my favorites with the Glock second. When carrying cocked and locked i use a holster rather than a pocket but i like that type of carry from pea shooter size to a 1911 .45ACP.
I've had an LCP for a while.
Pros:
Light weight
Exceptionally easy to conceal pretty much anywhere
Recoil is snappy, but very controllable especially with a grip sleeve
Very accurate with practice
Cons:
Next to useless sights
Reliability
The LCP started to develop some very strange FTE that could not be alleviated by a tap/rack/bang. Didn't matter what ammo I fed it or which mags I used. Thought it was the recoil spring, so I changed that out. Same problem. Hoping Ruger will take it back and fix the problem.
FWIW, I also had a trigger spring mysteriously work it's way out of my CZ75B a couple weeks ago. This was my nightstand gun.
My confidence in semi autos is a bit shaken.
So now I'm carrying a J-Frame. Fewer rounds on tap, but I've got 5 rounds that I'm confident will fire.
Pros:
Light weight
Exceptionally easy to conceal pretty much anywhere
Recoil is snappy, but very controllable especially with a grip sleeve
Very accurate with practice
Cons:
Next to useless sights
Reliability
The LCP started to develop some very strange FTE that could not be alleviated by a tap/rack/bang. Didn't matter what ammo I fed it or which mags I used. Thought it was the recoil spring, so I changed that out. Same problem. Hoping Ruger will take it back and fix the problem.
FWIW, I also had a trigger spring mysteriously work it's way out of my CZ75B a couple weeks ago. This was my nightstand gun.
My confidence in semi autos is a bit shaken.
So now I'm carrying a J-Frame. Fewer rounds on tap, but I've got 5 rounds that I'm confident will fire.
I tote a LCP because it's small and doesn't require me to wear a bunch of clothes. Yes, The iron sites suck. I have a crimson trace laser on mine. Have heard a couple of guys on this form say they can easily keep an LCP on a sheet so 8.5 By 11 at a distance of 25 yards. That's not my experience, but I'm not as good a shot as many folks here either. I might be able to do it at 25' with the laser, but not yards.
its a gun best suited to last ditch defense in fairly close situations.
its a gun best suited to last ditch defense in fairly close situations.
dogtown tom
New member
Shirt pocket carry is the single worst idea I can think of.
If you need something that small there is nothing wrong with a .380. I don't personally have a need for anything that small for CCW. IWB and a compact or even a light weight full size works for me any time of the year and in all garb except swim trunks. Still, I have a Beretta Tomcat and will no doubt get a few small .380's in the future, just because. Any gun that goes bang when you need it to go bang is an effective defense. Well, maybe with the exception of .22 short, and even that might help in a bad situation if for some reason you decided to carry one.
Bill DeShivs
New member
The size is the biggest pro. You can't make a 9mm as small as a you can a .380.
There are small 9mms and big .380s, but there won't be a 9mm as small as a Keltec P3AT.
Cons: lots of recoil, slow follow-up shots, and they are susceptible to limp-wristing.
The micro .380s (and a Walther is FAR from micro!) are really expert's guns that require a lot of very specific practice to use.
There are small 9mms and big .380s, but there won't be a 9mm as small as a Keltec P3AT.
Cons: lots of recoil, slow follow-up shots, and they are susceptible to limp-wristing.
The micro .380s (and a Walther is FAR from micro!) are really expert's guns that require a lot of very specific practice to use.
Whirlwind06
New member
The pros and cons have already been pretty much summed up.
I have the Beretta Pico, the recoil on it is surprising mild. I can put 50 rounds though it without dread. The trigger is heavy though. I had a P3AT and it was not fun to shoot.
I have the Beretta Pico, the recoil on it is surprising mild. I can put 50 rounds though it without dread. The trigger is heavy though. I had a P3AT and it was not fun to shoot.
I am not any type LEO or private security.I'm only a retiree who along with my wife are enjoying our "golden years".I am armed24/7 with a Glock42.Practice is also handy as we live on a farm.i have total trust in the Glock42+the Hornady 90gr.Critical Defense it carries. 
"...but there won't be a 9mm as small as a Keltec P3AT."
That is the biggest "pro." I suppose there could be 22's and 25's that small. The Kel-Tec 32 is a tiny bit lighter, at least. But the P3AT/LCP type of 380 is the smallest, lightest gun that you can get in a reasonable SD caliber. I would rather carry my 44 snub or 38 snub or "pocket 9", but I can carry my P3AT when none of my other CC guns would be anywhere near as comfortable and convenient. Any weather, any clothing, I can always have it with me.
I have had it for five years, shot hundreds of rounds through it, and have never had a malfunction (knock on wood).
Where I live the legal "reasonable distance" for SD under most circumstances is 20', right around seven yards. I can hit a paper plate with my P3AT every time at that distance. It would be FUN to be able to shoot it well at 15 or 25 yards, but it is not necessary. It is a close range personal defense pistol, not a target pistol.
IMHO the biggest "con" is that due to their weight and size they are unpleasant to shoot. I know that if I put 50 rounds through mine, my gigantic hands will be a bit roughed up and sore afterwards. The extended magazine helps a bit and I do use it at the range some of the time.
Like everything else, it's a trade-off. You get a SD pistol in an okay (but not great) SD caliber. The only other handguns as small and light are not acceptable to most people due to caliber. It is easily concealed and comfortable even in shorts and t-shirt.But it is a short-range weapon that is difficult to shoot well past 7 yards or so. Its caliber is the weakest caliber that many shooters would consider for SD. It is not fun to shoot. Its capacity is limited.
If you think of it as an OPTION, it is a good thing to have in the rotation. But I am happy that I have other options too.
That is the biggest "pro." I suppose there could be 22's and 25's that small. The Kel-Tec 32 is a tiny bit lighter, at least. But the P3AT/LCP type of 380 is the smallest, lightest gun that you can get in a reasonable SD caliber. I would rather carry my 44 snub or 38 snub or "pocket 9", but I can carry my P3AT when none of my other CC guns would be anywhere near as comfortable and convenient. Any weather, any clothing, I can always have it with me.
I have had it for five years, shot hundreds of rounds through it, and have never had a malfunction (knock on wood).
Where I live the legal "reasonable distance" for SD under most circumstances is 20', right around seven yards. I can hit a paper plate with my P3AT every time at that distance. It would be FUN to be able to shoot it well at 15 or 25 yards, but it is not necessary. It is a close range personal defense pistol, not a target pistol.
IMHO the biggest "con" is that due to their weight and size they are unpleasant to shoot. I know that if I put 50 rounds through mine, my gigantic hands will be a bit roughed up and sore afterwards. The extended magazine helps a bit and I do use it at the range some of the time.
Like everything else, it's a trade-off. You get a SD pistol in an okay (but not great) SD caliber. The only other handguns as small and light are not acceptable to most people due to caliber. It is easily concealed and comfortable even in shorts and t-shirt.But it is a short-range weapon that is difficult to shoot well past 7 yards or so. Its caliber is the weakest caliber that many shooters would consider for SD. It is not fun to shoot. Its capacity is limited.
If you think of it as an OPTION, it is a good thing to have in the rotation. But I am happy that I have other options too.
suncoastarmory
New member
I swore off the micro 380s after I fired the Ruger LCP next to a Kahr CM40. The CM40 was more comfortable and easier to shoot. I carry a CM9 now. Shoots and runs great. But i have heard the Glock 42 is a sweet shooter.
Limnophile
New member
Because his Speedo doesn't have a pocket?
bedbugbilly
New member
I can't give anything worthwhile as far as .380s as my experience is limited with that caliber. I did have a Bersa Thunder CC at one time . . . shot and functioned very well but I'm sure it's not as "small" as some you may be looking at?
I will add one thing. I have a friend who is 82 . . he wanted something small for CCW and he purchased a Smith Bodyguard 380 without ever trying one first. His hands are not in the best shape. We took the MI CPL class together and he used it in that class . . . was the second time he'd shot it I believe. He had a heck of a time racking the slide with his hands - arthritis plus the size of it.
You don't state your age so maybe any of the small ones would not be an issue for you. Before buying though, I'd try to rent some different makes/models that have good reputations for reliability first and see what you like the best. I'm sure they all would feel a little different whether it be in grip, ease of racking the slide, recoil, etc. Everyone has their likes and dislikes . . . and "don't get this one or that one". In the end, it's your handgun and whatever you get, it has to meet your needs.
I will add one thing. I have a friend who is 82 . . he wanted something small for CCW and he purchased a Smith Bodyguard 380 without ever trying one first. His hands are not in the best shape. We took the MI CPL class together and he used it in that class . . . was the second time he'd shot it I believe. He had a heck of a time racking the slide with his hands - arthritis plus the size of it.
You don't state your age so maybe any of the small ones would not be an issue for you. Before buying though, I'd try to rent some different makes/models that have good reputations for reliability first and see what you like the best. I'm sure they all would feel a little different whether it be in grip, ease of racking the slide, recoil, etc. Everyone has their likes and dislikes . . . and "don't get this one or that one". In the end, it's your handgun and whatever you get, it has to meet your needs.