Thoughts on Kimber micro carry in .380 auto. vs Ruger LC9

A

AL45

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I handled a Kimber micro carry in .380 auto today and loved it. I didn't care for the $829.00 price tag though. Is it worth the price and is .380 auto really enough gun in a defensive situation? I also handled a Ruger LC9 at $359.99 and it wasn't bad. Both would conceal in my front pocket. Is the Kimber $470.00 better than the Ruger? Or would the simple fact that the Ruger is a 9mm be the deciding factor.
 
I think the Ruger LC9s is a very nice gun (I don't like the trigger on the LC9, but the "s" is a huge improvement). It should be very reliable. I don't think the kimber would be worth the extra cost. If you ever do need service, I'd much rather deal with Ruger than Kimber.

You may also want to look at the S&W Shield.
 
Looking at Kimber's website, the listed MSRP for the stainless Kimber Micro Carry is $679 and $651 for the black version. Bud's Gun Shop has both listed for less than $600. Maybe you were looking at a more deluxe model, such as their Custom Defense Package (CDP), which comes with night sights and an ambidextrous safety(?)

I haven't handled any micro Kimbers, but the specs and appearance seem similar to my Sig P238, which has night sights, an ambidextrous safety, and cost much less than $829. Have you looked at those at all?

Kimber Micro CDP

Sig P238 SAS
 
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I dumped my LC 9 for reasons not publicized here, i have a Sig 238 and Glock 42 as well as 20-30 Star DK and FI model D pistols that i like very much. Then along came the Kimber ads showing the Micro Carry STS and the desire began once again. PSA ran an ad recently selling the pistol for $499 and i quickly scooped one up, neat little pistol which is not the least bit innovative being a modern version of the DK. First shooting session and i knew the little Kimber was a keeper, accurate and easy to shoot bodering on just plain fun as it easily points to cans and gongs. The Kimber turned out to be accurate, reliable and just plain fun, now it takes a place with the Sig P238 and Glock 42 as an every day carry choice. Ps the Kimber and Sig use the same holster and magazines are interchangeable between my Sig, Mustang and Kimber.
 
I think the little Kimber is pretty cool. Especially in Raptor form. Assuming that the Glock 42 will have a slight edge in reliability, recoil management, and price, the only reason I'd buy one is because its a gorgeous gun that would actually have pride in ownership, unlike the Glock. That safety is a bit of a concern because its so small. I'd worry that I would have difficulty sweeping it off. My old P938 was a bit difficult in this regard, coupled with a nearly 8.5 pound trigger pull which should be enough of a safety measure if the trigger pull weren't so short. I'd get whatever speaks to you because you'll be more likely to carry it. I'm going to guess that Ruger isn't saying anything at all.
 
I think I would pass on the Kimber just due to resale value. Nobody wants to pay a lot for a used .380. If you are going to go .380 I'd go with the G42 especially since a lot of people seem to be ditching them now to go to the G43. I love my LC9S pro it's my carry gun. .380 ammo is also still a good bit pricier than 9mm which will add up over time if you practice with it often. I feel like I dropped a small fortune breaking in my Kahr cw380 which sucked even more because it was a lemon I had to send back to Kahr twice and eventually sold because I couldn't trust it after all the failures to function.
 
It was a Kimber Raptor that I was looking at. I also handled a Sig P238 but can't remember the price or much else because my mind was on a larger caliber at the time. After researching online, the Sig looks very similar to the Kimber.
 
As pointed out, the Sig P238 is also a very good option. Sit is also a company that has a pretty consistent reputation of making customers happy if issues occur.

I think the .380 would be fine for personal defense, though some would argue. The 9mm is probably a little cheaper for practice though.
 
Yes the Sig is going to be very similar to the Kimber. I wouldn't be surprised if the changes are only cosmetic. I believe they're both based on the Colt Mustang. The Sig will probably be a bit cheaper. My LGS seems to always have the 238s on sale.
 
Thoughts on Kimber micro carry in .380 auto. vs Ruger LC9
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Why those two, in particular? Because those are what your local gunmonger has on hand?

I also handled a Ruger LC9 at $359.99 and it wasn't bad. Both would conceal in my front pocket.
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If you can pocket carry the LC9, you've got a pretty big pocket. Which means you've got lots of options.

What niche in particular are you trying to fill? The two you're listed aren't for quite the same purpose, to my mind. Pocketable micro-380s are for ultimate hideout guns, when anything bigger is too big. The LC9/PF9/ micro nine category are slightly bigger, easier and more pleasant to shoot, easier to shoot well. More generally useful.

The usual internet disclaimer's apply: IMHO&YMMV. Opinion worth every copper tenth ounce you paid for it.

A couple weeks ago I sold off a Kel Tec PF9 and upgraded to a Springfield XDS9. Same size gun, albeit heavier. I caught Springfield's 3 free mag promotion, and suddenly I have probably all the magazines I need. nice upgrade, in the same size class you're looking at.

Another option worth a look. IMHO & YMMV.
 
The Kimber Micro and the SIG P238 are both direct copies of the Colt Mustang. Why not buy the original? (Which, I concede, was in turn copied from a Spanish Star pistol.)
 
Aguila Blanca, I handled the Colt Mustang, but it wasn't as smooth. Perhaps after a few hundred rounds it would be. I need to go back and look at the Sig. And yes lee, the Ruger LC9 was a little big.
 
AL45, My mistake, the PSA Kimber was $599 and still in stock at that price, i added a nice set of double diamond checkered rosewood grips which aid in keeping a hold to return back on target. The small 380's hold a fascination with me as i carried one as primary or back up for many years in LE. I have never felt undergunned with the caliber as shot placement is the key--- multiple shot placement if necessary. If i had only one choice among the Mustang, Sig, Kimber or G42......the G42 would be it as it is one heck of a package for the money.
 
If i had only one choice among the Mustang, Sig, Kimber or G42......the G42 would be it as it is one heck of a package for the money.
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The G42 is really a good gun. Recoil impulse is very minimal compared to my Beretta Cheetah which is probably double the size and weight (slight exageration). Its also extremely accurate for a gun of that size. Bullseyes at 7 yards aren't hard. You can also find them in the $400 range and there's a slew of accessories out for it already.
 
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