FlySubCompact
New member
I never heard of that. What is it?
Pros and Cons Micro compact 380's
- Thread starter bspillman
- Start date
I never heard of that. What is it?
Gravedigger56
New member
As recommended on the Ruger forum, the first thing I did when I bought an LCP was to polish/buff the feed ramp and put in a stiffer spring (11lb) to help with the feeding problems the LCP was experiencing. The same applied to the P3AT.
Gravedigger56
New member
I've seen several videos praising the LeHigh .380 ammo. I was planning on using JHP's as my self defense ammo but after seeing several of the videos on penetration and LeHigh I might have to rethink my strategy.
FlySubCompact
New member
I've done the "25 cent" polish job to the internals on two Glocks, so I get that part, but where would one get a stronger spring if I wanted to give it a go?
BTW, my P3AT has seen about 6-7 varieties of practice and defense ammo. I'm guessing a few hundred rounds all told and the only ammo it won't cycle is the Lehigh. Had one stove pipe on one cheap steel case cartridge, but that was the one and only flub. The Lehighs have a cross shaped tip that jams on the feed ramp depending on how the cross is oriented when the next cartridge is stripped from the magazine.
BTW, my P3AT has seen about 6-7 varieties of practice and defense ammo. I'm guessing a few hundred rounds all told and the only ammo it won't cycle is the Lehigh. Had one stove pipe on one cheap steel case cartridge, but that was the one and only flub. The Lehighs have a cross shaped tip that jams on the feed ramp depending on how the cross is oriented when the next cartridge is stripped from the magazine.
Bill DeShivs
New member
I'm pretty sure the factory know what spring rate is best for your gun. 
The Keltecs haven't needed any extra work in about a dozen years.
The Keltecs haven't needed any extra work in about a dozen years.
I used to think 380 pistols were next to useless because of the mantra that you could get something similar in size in a 9mm or 40. Well, recently I picked up a Glock 42 and find that I'm really enjoying shooting and carrying it. I used to really struggle getting quick and accurate follow up shots with my Shield 40 and ended up selling it.
To me the pro of the 380 is that it can be chambered in very small guns and be very controllable in the right package.
The con is that there really isn't a proven jhp round that reliably meets FBI standards. I bought a couple of 50 rd boxes of Speer LE 90 gr Gold Dots that consistently penetrate to 10.5-13" and reliably expand in bare or clothed gelatin to .48-.50". I really do think this will get the job done given the intended role of this pistol.
The selling point of this is that I really don't have an excuse to not have a pistol on me. I sometimes found that I would leave my larger guns at home until I got my Shield 40 and my S&W 442 J frame. But the small guns in the heavier hitting calibers can be a handful. I can fire this little 380 very quickly and accurately. Amazingly so, given the size of it. Two hands, strong hand, weak hand it doesn't matter. I can effectively shoot this little gun very accurately and get quick accurate hits on target. That's all that really matters. People get way too caught up in caliber talk. It all starts with 38 Spl and 380. I don't have much faith in anything smaller or lighter. And contrary to popular belief, a 38 Spl isn't really any more effective than a 380 in a pocket gun. There are very few 38 Spl loads that perform well out of a 2" barrel. Only a couple loads reliably penetrate deep enough and reliably expand through clothing.
I shoot my new Glock 42 much much better than I ever have my S&W 442. I shot the little j frame pretty decently but I'm much more effective with the Glock 42 and loaded with 90 gr Gold Dots don't really feel like I'm giving up anything compared to a 38 snub. The Speer 38 short barrel Gold Dots definitely perform a hair better, (and I really do mean a hair) but at the cost of fewer rounds, much more recoil, and significantly slower and more difficult reloads.
I think my little Glock 42 has permanently replaced my 442 as an "always on me" carry gun. With a loaded magazine +1 in the chamber and a spare mag I've got 13 rounds on tap vs a 10 rounds for a j frame. In pocket guns I really don't belive the 38 is any more effective than a 380. Despite actually having similar power levels I find my Glock 42 to literally have "half" the recoil of a 38 snub, better sights, and a better trigger. Plus the mag change is so much easier than dealing with a speedloader or speed strips. The G42 is every bit as tiny as my frame while also being significantly thinner. I carry it in the same role as I would my j frame but feel that I could much more effectively deploy this weapon in a defensive situation.
To me the pro of the 380 is that it can be chambered in very small guns and be very controllable in the right package.
The con is that there really isn't a proven jhp round that reliably meets FBI standards. I bought a couple of 50 rd boxes of Speer LE 90 gr Gold Dots that consistently penetrate to 10.5-13" and reliably expand in bare or clothed gelatin to .48-.50". I really do think this will get the job done given the intended role of this pistol.
The selling point of this is that I really don't have an excuse to not have a pistol on me. I sometimes found that I would leave my larger guns at home until I got my Shield 40 and my S&W 442 J frame. But the small guns in the heavier hitting calibers can be a handful. I can fire this little 380 very quickly and accurately. Amazingly so, given the size of it. Two hands, strong hand, weak hand it doesn't matter. I can effectively shoot this little gun very accurately and get quick accurate hits on target. That's all that really matters. People get way too caught up in caliber talk. It all starts with 38 Spl and 380. I don't have much faith in anything smaller or lighter. And contrary to popular belief, a 38 Spl isn't really any more effective than a 380 in a pocket gun. There are very few 38 Spl loads that perform well out of a 2" barrel. Only a couple loads reliably penetrate deep enough and reliably expand through clothing.
I shoot my new Glock 42 much much better than I ever have my S&W 442. I shot the little j frame pretty decently but I'm much more effective with the Glock 42 and loaded with 90 gr Gold Dots don't really feel like I'm giving up anything compared to a 38 snub. The Speer 38 short barrel Gold Dots definitely perform a hair better, (and I really do mean a hair) but at the cost of fewer rounds, much more recoil, and significantly slower and more difficult reloads.
I think my little Glock 42 has permanently replaced my 442 as an "always on me" carry gun. With a loaded magazine +1 in the chamber and a spare mag I've got 13 rounds on tap vs a 10 rounds for a j frame. In pocket guns I really don't belive the 38 is any more effective than a 380. Despite actually having similar power levels I find my Glock 42 to literally have "half" the recoil of a 38 snub, better sights, and a better trigger. Plus the mag change is so much easier than dealing with a speedloader or speed strips. The G42 is every bit as tiny as my frame while also being significantly thinner. I carry it in the same role as I would my j frame but feel that I could much more effectively deploy this weapon in a defensive situation.
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FlySubCompact
New member
Bill,
I know Keltec gets a lot of bad comments on the internet boards, but everyone I have personally met who had one of the P3AT's never called it a jammomatic. Not a pleasant gun to shoot, but that sucker goes bang every time I've pulled the trigger (save for that one SP and the Lehigh ammo feed thing).
I know Keltec gets a lot of bad comments on the internet boards, but everyone I have personally met who had one of the P3AT's never called it a jammomatic. Not a pleasant gun to shoot, but that sucker goes bang every time I've pulled the trigger (save for that one SP and the Lehigh ammo feed thing).
Gravedigger56
New member
Wolff springs has them. Back when I had my LCP, owners were changing with this brand a lot. Good springs. I never had a single problem after I switched but that was an LCP. Best to ask around on a dedicated P3AT group if you know of one and get their opinions.
I like carrying a 1911. But, there are many occasions when I'll throw a SW J-frame revolver or a "micro" .380 into a pocket holster for carry.
The single biggest advantage of the micro .380s is that many people are more likely to carry it than a larger gun, even a small 9mm like my Kahr CM 9. As my number one rule for carry in my sig line states, "Any gun is better than no gun." The Ruger LCP is not only small, but it is light which means I can carry it in the pocket of shorts with an elastic and pull-string waistband without worrying about the shorts falling down. I can't do that with a 1911.
The cons? As others have noted, the LCP (and Keltec) are difficult to shoot well. However, used at close range, most can shoot them well enough to hit a man-sized target. I also own a Sig P238 and Colt Mustang. They are much easier to shoot well because of the single action trigger and increased weight. However, a lot of people don't feel comfortable carrying a single action pistol cocked and locked in their pocket.
The single biggest advantage of the micro .380s is that many people are more likely to carry it than a larger gun, even a small 9mm like my Kahr CM 9. As my number one rule for carry in my sig line states, "Any gun is better than no gun." The Ruger LCP is not only small, but it is light which means I can carry it in the pocket of shorts with an elastic and pull-string waistband without worrying about the shorts falling down. I can't do that with a 1911.
The cons? As others have noted, the LCP (and Keltec) are difficult to shoot well. However, used at close range, most can shoot them well enough to hit a man-sized target. I also own a Sig P238 and Colt Mustang. They are much easier to shoot well because of the single action trigger and increased weight. However, a lot of people don't feel comfortable carrying a single action pistol cocked and locked in their pocket.
I don't care if a 22, 25 ,32, or 380 . No one really wants shot not even druggies . If you start shooting .I sure their going to be looking for a exit . I was amazed at stopping power my Beretta 950 in 25acp had one night in a parking garage . Just seeing gun and BG was on the move fast away from me .
A pistol is for Self Defense Our carry permits are same Self Defense . SD doesn't mean 007 license to kill. I have yet to met guy that will take a couple 380 or even a few 25. Then say Thank you can I have another.
Must be a reason the 22 25 32 and 380 been around a 100 years Other than 22 their not a hunting round . For many people those calibers have worked or they feel that all they need. They don't come to gun forums . They carry what they feel comfortable with and hope never need it .
Many many people carry a Kel Tec 32 or 380 and feel well armed every day.
Not every one in America feels the need for a 9mm 38spl or larger to carry every day.
A pistol is for Self Defense Our carry permits are same Self Defense . SD doesn't mean 007 license to kill. I have yet to met guy that will take a couple 380 or even a few 25. Then say Thank you can I have another.
Must be a reason the 22 25 32 and 380 been around a 100 years Other than 22 their not a hunting round . For many people those calibers have worked or they feel that all they need. They don't come to gun forums . They carry what they feel comfortable with and hope never need it .
Many many people carry a Kel Tec 32 or 380 and feel well armed every day.
Not every one in America feels the need for a 9mm 38spl or larger to carry every day.
smokehouse4444
New member
I really like the little .380's. They serve their purpose. The Kahr 380, Ruger LCP, Taurus TCP, and KelTec P3's and the like are great for:
*throwing in the pocket to go to the store
*throwing in the pocket while doing grimy work out on the property
*throwing in the pocket of light gym shorts
*relatively inexpensive
These are the reasons I bought my TCP, and I have been pleasantly surprised with it. Very nice Kahr-like trigger, unbelievably light, and no problems shooting it, for me. The wife does not shoot it well, however, tending to limp wrist it a bit that can cause problems. I have a StaysPut pocket holster that works as it should. There are many times that I honestly would not have a firearm on me if it were not for this little fellah.
Now...something like a SIG P238 is a whole nuther animal in my book. It is in a different league when talking 380's. Feels and handles like a full-size handgun, great sights, great trigger, conceals like a dream, and drives tacks. Just a bit heavy for the gym shorts thing, and I'd rather have the TCP when doing the dirty yard work, but it conceals better than the CM9 for those particular times. Other than her SP101, it is by far my wife's favorite handgun, and I (even after previously owning a Mustang) find it to be one of my favorite's as well.
*throwing in the pocket to go to the store
*throwing in the pocket while doing grimy work out on the property
*throwing in the pocket of light gym shorts
*relatively inexpensive
These are the reasons I bought my TCP, and I have been pleasantly surprised with it. Very nice Kahr-like trigger, unbelievably light, and no problems shooting it, for me. The wife does not shoot it well, however, tending to limp wrist it a bit that can cause problems. I have a StaysPut pocket holster that works as it should. There are many times that I honestly would not have a firearm on me if it were not for this little fellah.
Now...something like a SIG P238 is a whole nuther animal in my book. It is in a different league when talking 380's. Feels and handles like a full-size handgun, great sights, great trigger, conceals like a dream, and drives tacks. Just a bit heavy for the gym shorts thing, and I'd rather have the TCP when doing the dirty yard work, but it conceals better than the CM9 for those particular times. Other than her SP101, it is by far my wife's favorite handgun, and I (even after previously owning a Mustang) find it to be one of my favorite's as well.