Posted: 4/2/2016 12:05:48 PM EDT
[#2]
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No .380 ACP hate here - it's a caliber that is I think coming into it's own as more and more shooters realize that it offers acceptable performance (with one of the 90 gr XTP loads) for a self defense pistol in a small, light, easy to conceal package.
The current crop of reasonable sized micro sized .380 ACP pistols are actually easier to shoot than the older blow back designs like the PP, PPK., PPK/S, Bersa Thunder, etc. Even with a steel frame, a blow back .380 pistol stings a bit.
I've found the Kimber Micro, and Sig P238 to be very comfortable to shoot, although I prefer the Kimber for the more rounded lines and for it's relentless reliability. Either pistol is moocher comfortable to shoot than a PPK/S and it's smaller and a lot light.
As for the LCP, and similar sub micro pistols, I agree they are not a great idea, and they've gone a bit too far in the wrong direction sacrificing shoot ability for an only incremental decrease in weight and size - but that also means you can't judge the entire crop of small .380 pistols based on the LCP.
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You mention that you're most comfortable, or have the most knowledge of shotguns and rifles, handguns are kind of a new game to you. You also mention this is your first carry gun, is it also your first time carrying?
I'm going to say something that's going to get my flamed I'm sure, but have you thought about some of the larger, but still smallish .380 pistols? For example, Glock 42, Sig P238, Kahr CM380 (mixed reliability reviews on that one). You can carry the 238 and the G42 IWB or in a pocket, it can go with you anywhere with any kind of attire. Everyone on the internet claims you need a minimum of 9mm to be "combat effective", but they never define what they think "combat effective" is. We're not going to war with our carry pistol, our carry pistol is our last ditch effort to get us out of trouble that we could not avoid.
With quality .380 SD ammo, you can still poke a 10" - 15" hole pretty reliably and you're going to have to put a lot less effort into your concealment and with that light weight gun, it will just blend into your daily life effortlessly. So before you short change the medium-sized .380's, give it a second thought. I carry my G42 every single day, everywhere legally allowed and barely notice it's there. When I carry my G26 (still lightweight for capacity) I can tell it's there and over time it will drive me nuts. Just my .02.
I you don't like Glock, that's cool, look at the 238. I only picked up the 42 because I'm familiar with the platform and it was the perfect Christmas gift haha, otherwise I would have probably ended up with the 238 because it's a beautiful little gun, every bit, if not more reliable than the Glock and very comfortable to hold and shoot.
Slim and light weight all day! Even in 9mm, weight is everything.
Waiting for .380 hate
The day I sold off my last .380, I swore I would never go back. Have not been tempted yet. There are some truly small guns in .380 (like the lcp) but I don't like shooting them, and realized I could at least pocket carry a CM9 if I need a really small gun. Haven't found a need for one smaller. That said, other people do. I would rather have someone carry a pocket .380 than no gun, but you had better shoot it a lot as it is a hard gun to master and understand the limitations of the round and shoot a lot of your carry ammo through it to make sure it is reliable. Also select ammo that has the best penetration.
No .380 ACP hate here - it's a caliber that is I think coming into it's own as more and more shooters realize that it offers acceptable performance (with one of the 90 gr XTP loads) for a self defense pistol in a small, light, easy to conceal package.
The current crop of reasonable sized micro sized .380 ACP pistols are actually easier to shoot than the older blow back designs like the PP, PPK., PPK/S, Bersa Thunder, etc. Even with a steel frame, a blow back .380 pistol stings a bit.
I've found the Kimber Micro, and Sig P238 to be very comfortable to shoot, although I prefer the Kimber for the more rounded lines and for it's relentless reliability. Either pistol is moocher comfortable to shoot than a PPK/S and it's smaller and a lot light.
As for the LCP, and similar sub micro pistols, I agree they are not a great idea, and they've gone a bit too far in the wrong direction sacrificing shoot ability for an only incremental decrease in weight and size - but that also means you can't judge the entire crop of small .380 pistols based on the LCP.
All fair points. And yes the p238 is enjoyable to shoot.
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