best .380 for ccw and/or backup??

by **kimber451911** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:12 am

I carry full frame kimber 1911 for my ccw. I carry it in a crossbreed super tuck delux but still run into being rather uncomfortable with it. Just a bit to big so with recommendations about better stopping power .380 ammo I was thinking going that route. Problem is I havent seen good reviews on ruger LCP or the kel-tec. Any good ideas out there? I consistantly carry everyday and need a dependable firearm but one I can wear with about anything. thanks...

by **JustBen** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:46 am

I have a Ruger LCP, but can't imagine pointing that little mouse gun at a big drunk bad guy. He will probably laugh so hard I might have a chance to run away. Plus an auto loader may not be as good as a J Frame Revolver or somehing similar for back up. An auto loader can jam if you are in close quarters combat, a revolver will not jam. For a primary carry, I would stay with a full 9mm or above with lots of ammo capacity. There are plenty out there that fit comfortably. Glock 19/26, Springfield XD, S&W M&P, etc... I am one that wants to have my hand on a real gun if the situation warrants me pulling it out of the holster.

by **St8Shooter** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:47 am

IMHO, I know of know one willing to stand in front of a 380. Or a 22 for that matter.. As far as size goes a BG cant tell what caliber a weapon is by looking at it. Especially drunk. In CQB the only way it would have a FTF would be pressed up against the BG thus taking it out of battery. Something that I hope everyone learns about autoloaders. If I knew I was going to be in a gunfight I would have brought my shotgun or my M4. And all my friends with guns. Not offence Ben. I like my Kimber or Colt also...

New 380 ammo +P has good power, and penetration. So back to the question.

I have had no problems with my Bersa that would make me fear it FTF. I have also fired S&W bodyguard and LCP. If I had to choose I would take the Bersa 1 then S&W. Granted it is rarely my carry weapon but that is by choice and I would rather carry my S&W 360 for my smallest weapon just because of personal like's. But the Bersa is better for someone that does not like big recoil and bang..

by **JustBen** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:40 am

I have heard good things about the Bersa also, and the new ammo does work pretty well even in .380 if you are a good shot. I am uncertain of how my acurracy skills would be in a truly stressful situation, that is why I carry a compact Glock in .40 with extra magazines. It is all about what you are comfortable with using, and to be honest it is more about the shooter than the gun.

by **St8Shooter** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:49 pm

Agreed Ben.. While I don't own one, I have fired and like the Glock 27. Good solid Weapon. I own the 26(baby glock) and it gets alot of carry time. Hmmmm Maybe it's time to get a 40 cal... LOL I have 380, 9mm, 45, 357..... Can I justify it....Way to easy for me to justify getting another weapon!!! LMAO

by **headshota23** » Thu Oct 07, 2010 12:45 pm

The LCP is real popular with guys on my department and has so far proven quite reliable. It is strictly 15 yards and in though for most folks and the front sight is a little hard to find in a hurry. I've been able to rapid fire head shots at 10 yards with it and it stays put. Have you given any thought to a 9mm? I really like the Taurus 709 Slim, good solid grip, nice size, double action only, with a manual safety. It will be my next purchase. It does come in a .380 (708 Slim), but it is virtually the same size as the 9, so I would go for the bigger bang.

by **JustBen** » Thu Oct 07, 2010 5:21 pm

I painted all my sights with orange in the front and white in the back. What a difference on the LCP and other guns I have. I got the paint from www.brightsights.com

by **bazzo76** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:25 pm

Alot of the guys at my dept have bought and swear by the bodyguard .380. I'm going to buy one with my partner and worse that could happen is my mom gets a purse gun to carry ...since she can't carry the mossberg everywere she goes.

Personally I would not recommend going less than a 9mm. I am never without my HK45C (.45 cal) or Glock 29 (10mm). I believe that bigger is better in the case of failure to expand properly

by **bigdave** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 7:17 pm

I would go with the Kahr P380.

by **newyorker_000** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:30 pm

I like Sig P238 because it is all metal, really compact, night sights, 6 or 7 + 1, shoots 100gr +p and is reliable. Not a range 380. If you want that get a CZ83.