The cartridge looks like half a 9 mm as I recall. I'm asking about this because I got a Cabela's flier yesterday with the Ruger LCP .380 on sale for $199, which is $130 lower than normal. A friend of a friend has a .380 for his everyday carry, a different brand, but he finds the compact size convenient. I haven't shot one. I thought I would carry my 9 mm some, but I don't, because it's really not convenient, so it remains a home defense weapon. Anybody have an informed opinion about the .380 as an easy carry piece?
My wife's daily carry is a Sig P239 and it is an impressive little gun. She burns through 250 - 300 rounds on a range day (at least every other week) and that little gun just keeps running, no matter what ammo she shoots through it. Your right about the trigger. That first double action pull is a bit long, but once it goes to single action it is smooth and crisp. Being an all metal gun, it has just enough weight to help manage recoil, but not enough to make carry a problem. I get a bit jealous whenever she starts shooting. Great gun.
I'm not really a fan of the .380's I've shot, although I don't own one. I like the single stack 9mm platform for a carry gun. I have the Taurus PT709, and I've shot several other manufacturers offerings because my buddies all have them for their carry guns as well. The S&W M&P Shield, Kel Tec PF9, etc. etc. They are snappy for sure, but if you put a bunch of rounds through it you will be able to shoot it well. This is just a really easy size pistol to conceal, and it has adequate knockdown power (which is something I wouldn't say for a .380 other than at very close range). I don't think I will ever move away from a single stack 9mm for a gun that I plan to conceal on the regular.
I'm newer to shooting, but I am with TO on single stack nines. I really like wrapping mine in granular Talon Grips to make them more controllable in my big sweaty hands. Then they work great, even fun time shoot. But the smallest nines still seem too big to truly pocket carry, which would be nice. Anyone differ on my assumption? There's the Beretta Nanos, but it gets poor reliability reviews for me to bite.
I purchased a Ruger LCP on the recommendation of a number of Federal LE guys that carry it. I hit best with my Sig 226 in 9mm. However for everyday carry the LCP rocks. I can put it in the pocket of a cycling jersey or board shorts and you just don't know that it is thete.
A .380 will do plenty of damage. With any handgun round the key to success is multiple hits in vitals. The smaller, lighter platform does work against you, but it is better than a sharp stick if you need something very concealable.
A .380 will do plenty of damage. With any handgun round the key to success is multiple hits in vitals. The smaller, lighter platform does work against you, but it is better than a sharp stick if you need something very concealable.
And therein lies the key! Put a .380 round through a thug's left eye (or his right one, whichever you prefer), and I guarantee you'll fuck up his entire day......
Even with lots of carry options already, I picked up an LCP yesterday. It won't leave the house very often, but it's barely noticeable in the pocket of pajama pants.
I've never handled or fired one of these, Bob but I have put a lot of rounds down range with my Daughter's full-size, 45ACP Raptor; Kimbers are typically of very good quality. The Micro is a nice-looking handgun. I'm guessing that felt-recoil would be very manageable. The Kimber Micro .380 weighs a few ounces less than my Glock 43 9mm & the Glock is very comfortable to shoot & is extremely easy to carry & conceal. The Micro is some 9 ounces lighter than my stainless PPK/S .380 & that piece is a joy to shoot. Good luck with your decision. I find myself in agreement with Alex once again - handguns in the PPK family ARE sexy (and at 68, I'll take all the help I can get, lol.).
Without a doubt, a single-action semi-auto trigger pull is superior to that of double-action & striker-style handguns, which was the driving force behind my converting a CZ75B from double-action/single-action to single-action only. Now it's a joy to use (too heavy & large to CC comfortably for extended periods, but smooth, accurate, & reliable.). With your "not doing a long trigger pull" in mind, the Micro appears to be a fine option. Being comfortable with and confident in a carry piece is hugely important.
Been thinking about this for a while. Never owned a handgun but think it's time to get one. Experienced hunter but never liked the results of my shooting with a handgun, haven't shot them much and only a .22 in the last 20 years. Conceal carry is the reason, any reasonable advice appreciated, what's the best or really good, reasonably priced concealable 1911 type 9mm. It'll only be used for target practice.
I used to visit various gun enthusiast web sites and they were rife with testosterone. Most guys poo pooed the 380 cartridge as weak, but oddly enough no one stepped forward to take a volunteer round. I landed on the SW 642 (38+p cartridge) and it is surprisingly easy to carry concealed. Even though the cylinder is slightly wider than an auto, the overall shape is rounded and easy to carry. But, I think the 380 is enough if you can shoot it well, unless you need to fight off drug crazed he-men or pterodactyls. Wing'em and run like hell.
It was fairly common advise to keep your gun stock. If you have to use it in a defensive situation, the opposing lawyer can easily twist the "tricked out" gun into you being a gun crazed radical.
Calling you out Jim.
Thanks for your insight and lawyers have never failed to surprise me, David but I don't use the CZ as a personal protection, carry piece - rather as a highly-accurate handgun I use at the range. Being called names doesn't bother me - I've already been painted as a "terrorist" and more recently "deplorable." Personally, I prefer to describe myself as a private, law-abiding citizen who embraces the right to keep & bear legal arms as bestowed by the 2nd Amendment. I also prefer accurate & dependable firearms.
I see your call, David. My Jeep isn't stock, either lol . . .
Deplorable is one of the nicer things I have been called over the years, that said I carry a sharpened spoon for self protection , I like multi use tools so I carry a assault spoon made in Germany !
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Washington Fly Fishing Forum
1.8M posts
21.3K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to fishers, anglers and enthusiasts in the Washington area. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, boats, tackle, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!