Small, light, thin 380 for pocket carry

603Country · December 5, 2019, 06:37 PM

I am looking for a carry 380. This would be a pocket pistol. I looked at a Sig P238 and liked the size, but not that I’d have to thumb the hammer back prior to use. I’ll have a look at the Ruger LCP II and the Bersa Thunder. I like that the Bersa has a safety and decocker, is DA/SA, and has a good trigger, all of which I am used to, having a Beretta PX4 Type F full-size. But, I read that the Bersa isn’t small. The Ruger is small and DA only, but how is the trigger?

What do you folks have that you like, or don’t like. And did I miss something on the P238?

Ricklin · December 5, 2019, 06:41 PM

I like my first gen. LCP just fine. In a pocket holster of course.

I took me some time ten years back to get comfortable with my G19. So what made the difference?

A good holster that covers the trigger guard. I hear the LCP 2 has a light trigger. No thanks. The original LCP is heavy, but not awful.

TomNJVA · December 5, 2019, 07:42 PM

I have the LCP II and like it a lot. The trigger is an SA with a long but light pull, so it definitely needs to stay in the fabric holster it comes with or equivalent until ready to fire. That pretty much holds true for any gun you plan to carry in your pocket.

jar · December 5, 2019, 07:49 PM

Consider the Beretta Pico as well.

unclenunzie · December 5, 2019, 08:10 PM

The Bersa is compact, but not a micro pocket pistol like the LCP or LCP II. I have all three. The Bersa can serve in a pocket but is more of a small belt gun. It is almost identical in size to a Makarov, but lighter since the Bersa has an aluminum frame. Be aware the Bersa has a mag safety as well as an internal lock in the frame.

They are all good, but if you want something really small and thin go for a micro like the LCP / II, or similar. To give you an idea by weight, my Bersa Thunder with 9 rounds of gold dots weighs 23.7 ounces without a holster. This is only 3 ounces lighter than my Glock 26 with 11 rounds of 9mm gold dots. By contrast, the LCP II fully loaded weighs 13 ounces.

The lightest pistol I have is a keltec P32, good little gun. 8 rounds of 32 acp, just under 10 ounces.

HighValleyRanch · December 5, 2019, 08:13 PM

The Seecamp .380 is the smallest you can find.

jcj54 · December 5, 2019, 08:16 PM

A true pocket pistol. DAO and very small. I am never without mine.

Doyle · December 5, 2019, 08:19 PM

2nd gen LCP. Much better trigger than the 1st gen and much better looking and better ergonomics than the LCP II.

unclenunzie · December 5, 2019, 08:32 PM

I love my Seecamp pistols (32 and 25s), indeed the tiniest. Though I can't imagine how the Seecamp in 380 wouldn't hurt the hand. Straight blowback which I forgot to mention the Bersa is also. The Seecamps are works of art and not in the same class as the very functional but plastic framed little guys.

Carl the Floor Walker · December 5, 2019, 08:52 PM

Pico fan boy. Have two of them. Also love my Kahr CW380.The Pico is a Beautiful gun with great build quality. Stainless steel receiver, sub-chassis, recoil spring. Modular design, very easy to work on, clean, change grips. Great sights, easy to change out to night sights. Double strike capability. Very low recoil and mild shooting. Beautiful stainless steel mags with metal follower. Look like custom 1911's. Extremely reliable. Built to handle the hottest loads available. Rugged, capable of a lot of rounds down range. Gun has proven itself in all the above.

Sequins · December 5, 2019, 09:45 PM

I like the P3-AT and the LCP. I don't like the LCP II though. The seecamp and sig p238 would be the next two I'd look at.

I think the P3-AT and the LCP really are the sweet spot though. P238 is bigger and heavier but more shootable. Seecamp has no sights but even smaller.

603Country · December 5, 2019, 09:55 PM

Sequins, why do you prefer the LCP to the LCP II?

I really liked the P238, but just didn’t like the idea of having two options - carry with a live round under the hammer or carrying cocked and locked. I could be Ok with the live round under the hammer, since I think there’s a hammer block, but then I’d have to thumb back that little hammer in a stressful situation if I had to use it. Sweaty thumb and small hammer spur....

rodfac · December 5, 2019, 10:06 PM

My wife and DIL have had good luck with S&W's Bodyguard380. Mine has been as near to 100% reliable as I can remember. FMJ's, JHP's, and a variety of my reloads have functioned well. Literally, I can't remember it having any problems.

I like the sights, but have added a bright yellow fingernail paint to the front sight making it easier to pick up in dim light and entirely useable at sub-10 yd distances.

The laser is useless as it's too far out of reach for any practical purpose except in trigger manipulation training. In that mode, it's a real benefit.

The gun fits all of our hands in my family, is easy to carry, flat in the pocket and has enough weight to handle all .380 ammunition and still shoot well.

HTH's Rod

osbornk · December 5, 2019, 10:21 PM

I used a Taurus TCP for 5 years until I bought a Taurus Spectrum last summer. The Spectrum has been flawless and weighs only 10 ounces. I bought it only because Rural King had them for $119.99 and they currently have it on sale for $129.99. Because of its size and weight, it disappears in your pocket.

Forte S+W · December 5, 2019, 10:37 PM

Back in the Summertime I was looking for a good lightweight .380 Pocket Pistol and after much research, I ultimately chose the Ruger LCP.

The Ruger LCP 10th Anniversary Edition to be precise. It's basically a hybrid between the basic LCP and the LCP Custom. It's essentially an LCP Custom with the smaller sights of the Gen 2 LCP, a Stainless Steel slide, and front/rear slide serrations like the LCP II.

Why did I choose it over the LCP II? Because the LCP has been around longer, had all the kinks worked out, it's lighter, thinner, and based on what I've read, the LCP II's trigger really isn't any better than that of the LCP Custom. Plus, some folks have had a bit of trouble with the LCP II which seems to have been worked out by now, but was still to recent for comfort at the time. Lastly, the Stainless Steel slide was attractive considering its my Summer Carry gun.

I still carry the LCP, but as a BUG now that the weather is cold and I can easily carry a larger, double-stack .40cal pistol.

It isn't comfortable to shoot, but it hits where I aim it at self-defense distances and has been 100% reliable so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable, lightweight .380 Pocket Pistol.

223 shooter · December 5, 2019, 11:04 PM

Got a great deal on a LCP II last July and could not be more pleased - pistol has been 100% reliable , accurate and has a decent trigger. Lightweight and easily fits in the pocket. And I like the slide staying locked back after the last shot which the original LCP did not have.

CDR_Glock · December 6, 2019, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 603Country

I am looking for a carry 380. This would be a pocket pistol. I looked at a Sig P238 and liked the size, but not that I’d have to thumb the hammer back prior to use. I’ll have a look at the Ruger LCP II and the Bersa Thunder. I like that the Bersa has a safety and decocker, is DA/SA, and has a good trigger, all of which I am used to, having a Beretta PX4 Type F full-size. But, I read that the Bersa isn’t small. The Ruger is small and DA only, but how is the trigger?

What do you folks have that you like, or don’t like. And did I miss something on the P238?

When I used to carry a Sig Sauer P 238 380 ACP I used a wallet holster.

I carried it condition 1. Cocked and locked. I shot it out to 25 yards, easily. Even with controlled pairs.

I used Buffalo Bore Plus P ammunition, though I read there is no Standard for that level. I have given it to my brother in law.

I also had a Glock 43. For some reason it took me a lot of work to get out to 25 yards with it. It was just a bit too small.

I acquired a Sig Sauer P938 9 mm Nightmare. It’s a bit bigger but the trigger is not great. I don’t carry it.

I did acquire a Interarms Walther PPK/S which j love. But, it is so big by modern standards.

I moved up to carrying larger calibers for Concealed carry.

For the woods I’ll just settle for this

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Sgt127 · December 6, 2019, 01:11 AM

I’m very impressed with the Remington RM380.

It replaced a 642 as my back up gun.

Bill DeShivs · December 6, 2019, 01:23 AM

The Keltec P3AT is smaller, thinner and lighter than the LCP.
The LCP is a copy of the Keltec.

stinkeypete · December 6, 2019, 02:33 AM

Long ago I sold my Bersa Thunder so I had to buy another. Outstanding price for a pistol I liked a lot better than my ppk. That one I just sold. Better fit and finish, worse trigger and I didn't shoot it near as well as the Bersa that cost less than half as much. It's not a pocket pistol though.

USNRet93 · December 6, 2019, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 603Country

I am looking for a carry 380. This would be a pocket pistol. I looked at a Sig P238 and liked the size, but not that I’d have to thumb the hammer back prior to use. I’ll have a look at the Ruger LCP II and the Bersa Thunder. I like that the Bersa has a safety and decocker, is DA/SA, and has a good trigger, all of which I am used to, having a Beretta PX4 Type F full-size. But, I read that the Bersa isn’t small. The Ruger is small and DA only, but how is the trigger?

What do you folks have that you like, or don’t like. And did I miss something on the P238?

Glock 42...not the smallest but a good 'goldilocks' size..Had a LCP and altho really small, also really disliked how it felt in my hand plus a quite snappy wee gun.
Glock small enough to pocket..I do all the time with a 'ClipDraw'..plus very reliable, accurate.

Josh Smith · December 6, 2019, 08:24 AM

Hello,

I liked my little LCP. Not the II, just the original. I got rid of it because it had no soul, and I don't do anything that I can't carry my big 1911 to.

Were I to get another .380, it would be another LCP.

Regards,
Josh

Rapidrob · December 6, 2019, 09:36 AM

2ND P3AT Kel-Tec. It started it all and everyone copied it. I've been carrying mine since they first came out. Always works and is very accurate.

Armybrat · December 6, 2019, 10:48 AM

LCP Gen 2 or the Kahr CT380 are my choice. The RM380 is up there too, as is the KTP3AT.

OhioGuy · December 6, 2019, 10:57 AM

I'll be selling a Beretta Pico soon. Too small for me to use effectively and I've found a J Frame revolver to be a better option. I don't pocket carry.

Thinnest .380 out there, I think.

December 5, 2019, 06:37 PM	#1
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Small, light, thin 380 for pocket carry I am looking for a carry 380. This would be a pocket pistol. I looked at a Sig P238 and liked the size, but not that I’d have to thumb the hammer back prior to use. I’ll have a look at the Ruger LCP II and the Bersa Thunder. I like that the Bersa has a safety and decocker, is DA/SA, and has a good trigger, all of which I am used to, having a Beretta PX4 Type F full-size. But, I read that the Bersa isn’t small. The Ruger is small and DA only, but how is the trigger? What do you folks have that you like, or don’t like. And did I miss something on the P238?

December 5, 2019, 06:41 PM	#2
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,011	LCP I like my first gen. LCP just fine. In a pocket holster of course. I took me some time ten years back to get comfortable with my G19. So what made the difference? A good holster that covers the trigger guard. I hear the LCP 2 has a light trigger. No thanks. The original LCP is heavy, but not awful. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

December 5, 2019, 07:42 PM	#3
TomNJVA Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2014 Location: Floyd, VA Posts: 241	I have the LCP II and like it a lot. The trigger is an SA with a long but light pull, so it definitely needs to stay in the fabric holster it comes with or equivalent until ready to fire. That pretty much holds true for any gun you plan to carry in your pocket. __________________ In NJ, the bad guys are armed and the households are alarmed. In VA, the households are armed and the bad guys are alarmed.

December 5, 2019, 07:49 PM	#4
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Location: Deep South Texas Posts: 1,667	Consider the Beretta Pico as well. __________________ To be vintage it's gotta be older than me!

December 5, 2019, 08:10 PM	#5
unclenunzie Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2016 Location: Texas. Posts: 140	The Bersa is compact, but not a micro pocket pistol like the LCP or LCP II. I have all three. The Bersa can serve in a pocket but is more of a small belt gun. It is almost identical in size to a Makarov, but lighter since the Bersa has an aluminum frame. Be aware the Bersa has a mag safety as well as an internal lock in the frame. They are all good, but if you want something really small and thin go for a micro like the LCP / II, or similar. To give you an idea by weight, my Bersa Thunder with 9 rounds of gold dots weighs 23.7 ounces without a holster. This is only 3 ounces lighter than my Glock 26 with 11 rounds of 9mm gold dots. By contrast, the LCP II fully loaded weighs 13 ounces. The lightest pistol I have is a keltec P32, good little gun. 8 rounds of 32 acp, just under 10 ounces. __________________ I reject your reality and substitute my own! this space for rent

December 5, 2019, 08:13 PM	#6
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,065	The Seecamp .380 is the smallest you can find. __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

December 5, 2019, 08:16 PM	#7
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 218	S&W Bodyguard .380 A true pocket pistol. DAO and very small. I am never without mine.

December 5, 2019, 08:19 PM	#8
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	2nd gen LCP. Much better trigger than the 1st gen and much better looking and better ergonomics than the LCP II.

December 5, 2019, 08:32 PM	#9
unclenunzie Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2016 Location: Texas. Posts: 140	I love my Seecamp pistols (32 and 25s), indeed the tiniest. Though I can't imagine how the Seecamp in 380 wouldn't hurt the hand. Straight blowback which I forgot to mention the Bersa is also. The Seecamps are works of art and not in the same class as the very functional but plastic framed little guys. __________________ I reject your reality and substitute my own! this space for rent

December 5, 2019, 08:52 PM	#10
Carl the Floor Walker member Join Date: June 3, 2017 Location: South Posts: 1,422	Pico fan boy. Have two of them. Also love my Kahr CW380.The Pico is a Beautiful gun with great build quality. Stainless steel receiver, sub-chassis, recoil spring. Modular design, very easy to work on, clean, change grips. Great sights, easy to change out to night sights. Double strike capability. Very low recoil and mild shooting. Beautiful stainless steel mags with metal follower. Look like custom 1911's. Extremely reliable. Built to handle the hottest loads available. Rugged, capable of a lot of rounds down range. Gun has proven itself in all the above. Last edited by Carl the Floor Walker; December 6, 2019 at 01:18 AM.

December 5, 2019, 09:45 PM	#11
Sequins Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2014 Posts: 394	I like the P3-AT and the LCP. I don't like the LCP II though. The seecamp and sig p238 would be the next two I'd look at. I think the P3-AT and the LCP really are the sweet spot though. P238 is bigger and heavier but more shootable. Seecamp has no sights but even smaller.

December 5, 2019, 09:55 PM	#12
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Sequins, why do you prefer the LCP to the LCP II? I really liked the P238, but just didn’t like the idea of having two options - carry with a live round under the hammer or carrying cocked and locked. I could be Ok with the live round under the hammer, since I think there’s a hammer block, but then I’d have to thumb back that little hammer in a stressful situation if I had to use it. Sweaty thumb and small hammer spur....

December 5, 2019, 10:06 PM	#13
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	My wife and DIL have had good luck with S&W's Bodyguard380. Mine has been as near to 100% reliable as I can remember. FMJ's, JHP's, and a variety of my reloads have functioned well. Literally, I can't remember it having any problems. I like the sights, but have added a bright yellow fingernail paint to the front sight making it easier to pick up in dim light and entirely useable at sub-10 yd distances. The laser is useless as it's too far out of reach for any practical purpose except in trigger manipulation training. In that mode, it's a real benefit. The gun fits all of our hands in my family, is easy to carry, flat in the pocket and has enough weight to handle all .380 ammunition and still shoot well. HTH's Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

December 5, 2019, 10:21 PM	#14
osbornk Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Mountains of Appalachia Posts: 1,598	I used a Taurus TCP for 5 years until I bought a Taurus Spectrum last summer. The Spectrum has been flawless and weighs only 10 ounces. I bought it only because Rural King had them for $119.99 and they currently have it on sale for $129.99. Because of its size and weight, it disappears in your pocket.

December 5, 2019, 10:37 PM	#15
Forte S+W Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2019 Posts: 819	Back in the Summertime I was looking for a good lightweight .380 Pocket Pistol and after much research, I ultimately chose the Ruger LCP. The Ruger LCP 10th Anniversary Edition to be precise. It's basically a hybrid between the basic LCP and the LCP Custom. It's essentially an LCP Custom with the smaller sights of the Gen 2 LCP, a Stainless Steel slide, and front/rear slide serrations like the LCP II. Why did I choose it over the LCP II? Because the LCP has been around longer, had all the kinks worked out, it's lighter, thinner, and based on what I've read, the LCP II's trigger really isn't any better than that of the LCP Custom. Plus, some folks have had a bit of trouble with the LCP II which seems to have been worked out by now, but was still to recent for comfort at the time. Lastly, the Stainless Steel slide was attractive considering its my Summer Carry gun. I still carry the LCP, but as a BUG now that the weather is cold and I can easily carry a larger, double-stack .40cal pistol. It isn't comfortable to shoot, but it hits where I aim it at self-defense distances and has been 100% reliable so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable, lightweight .380 Pocket Pistol. __________________ Conspiracy theorists are the greatest political spin-doctors of all time. Only they can make the absolute worst political blunders sound like spectacular feats of ingenuity. Last edited by Forte S+W; December 5, 2019 at 10:43 PM.

December 5, 2019, 11:04 PM	#16
223 shooter Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Posts: 557	Got a great deal on a LCP II last July and could not be more pleased - pistol has been 100% reliable , accurate and has a decent trigger. Lightweight and easily fits in the pocket. And I like the slide staying locked back after the last shot which the original LCP did not have.

December 6, 2019, 01:11 AM	#18
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	I’m very impressed with the Remington RM380. It replaced a 642 as my back up gun.

December 6, 2019, 01:23 AM	#19
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,979	The Keltec P3AT is smaller, thinner and lighter than the LCP. The LCP is a copy of the Keltec. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

December 6, 2019, 02:33 AM	#20
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,291	Long ago I sold my Bersa Thunder so I had to buy another. Outstanding price for a pistol I liked a lot better than my ppk. That one I just sold. Better fit and finish, worse trigger and I didn't shoot it near as well as the Bersa that cost less than half as much. It's not a pocket pistol though.

December 6, 2019, 08:24 AM	#22
Josh Smith member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 740	Hello, I liked my little LCP. Not the II, just the original. I got rid of it because it had no soul, and I don't do anything that I can't carry my big 1911 to. Were I to get another .380, it would be another LCP. Regards, Josh

December 6, 2019, 09:36 AM	#23
Rapidrob Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 49	2ND P3AT Kel-Tec. It started it all and everyone copied it. I've been carrying mine since they first came out. Always works and is very accurate. __________________ President NM MILSURPS Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club

December 6, 2019, 10:48 AM	#24
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	LCP Gen 2 or the Kahr CT380 are my choice. The RM380 is up there too, as is the KTP3AT.

December 6, 2019, 10:57 AM	#25
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	I'll be selling a Beretta Pico soon. Too small for me to use effectively and I've found a J Frame revolver to be a better option. I don't pocket carry. Thinnest .380 out there, I think.

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