[Drummer11]

I am going to get a 380 for a bug and for something thats easier to carry when im dressed up. I was thinking about getting the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 or the Ruger lcp.

Looking for thoughts, pros and cons on these guns and other suggestions if anyone has any.

Thanks

 

[JMS39339]

Drummer,

The way I have to dress for work normally keeps me from anything other than pocket carry and I generally carry my LCP in a leather pocket holster. It carries well, is well made and has been totally reliable. I don't even know it's there. I looked at the Bodyguard .380 and it just did not have a good feel to me personally and I can't say anything about how it shoots. Another .380 that I have acquired recently is the Taurus TCP. It has also proven to be a reliable gun. Colt also makes some nice .380's if you can come across one at a price you like.

I'm not sure what your budget is but if you want one of the finest pocket guns money can buy, you might check out the Rohrbaugh 9mm. It's the smallest 9mm made. Here's a link to one of the dealers on the forum who sells them.

http://www.msgunowners.com/t11075-rohrbaughs-anyone-r9-s-for-sale

Most of the cons you hear are that the .380 is not an adequate round for self defense but I don't personally share that view. Sometimes circumstance dictates things and we have to adapt the best we can and I'd rather have a .380 in my pocket than no gun at all. You may also consider a revolver such as the Ruger LCR. :2c:

Here are some other good topics on the forum you might like:

http://www.msgunowners.com/t5417-my-new-mousegun
http://www.msgunowners.com/t5900-me-n-my-j-frame

Good Luck!!!!

 

[sidroski]

To carry in your pocket, I would highly recommend a Desantis Nemis holster. It will keep lent out of your pistol and when you pull your pistol, the holster will come off. I like my LCP for a backup.

 

[shoeshooter]

I carry a SIG, and just repurchased a Taurus I previously carried.
The SIG is beautiful and shoots great, but the Taurus is lighter, therefore prints less in the front pocket of my khakis. For carry, I prefer the Taurus. I've never had any problems with it. I've shot a couple of the Rugers and think the Taurus has a better trigger.

I highly recommend the DeSantis "Super Fly" holster despite it's stupid name. Pretty cheap, durable, works great. Same as the "Nemesis", but with the flap, which makes it virtually undetectable.

 

[DEADEYE 1]

I like Ruger guns and don,t have any problems with them. But I will share with you that I own a Sig 380 and a Colt Government 380 that I inherited from my Dad. I really like them both but I favor the Sig slightly. 1. It is accurate. 2. It handles and feels good. 3. It is single and double action. If I were going to buy a new one I would also check out the Kel-Tecs. I also own a Charter Arms Undercover that is accurate and packs well. You have many choices to choose from and should enjoy either a 380 or small 38.

 

[Guest]

I've carried a Sig p230 for a bunch of years. It is heavy and almost impossible to carry all day in a pocket. I'm getting a Bodyguard. Feel better than the Ruger to me. The laser is just another do-dad that I won't use but itis there. Gun Tests did arecent comparrison and those two were the cream of the current crop.

 

[BeauBeaux]

OP don't know what part of the state you're in.

If close to the NE.

I have the Taurus 738TCP in stock [$258.94 OTD].

Not in my neck of the woods you can use that price to see what kind of deal you're getting.

 

[Caleb C]

I like the Kel Tec P3AT with a pocket clip loaded with Hornady critical defense.

 

[TomBomb]

SIG 238...... Period.

 

[Guest]

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-carry-guns/118934-comparison-charts-kimber-solo-vs.html

VEry good thread with some of the best charts I've seen pitting most available pocket pistols against the Kimber Solo.

Tom,
As much as I like my SA autos I cringe at the thought of carrying one cocked and locked in a pocket. I carry one in a holster every day, but in a pocket I want a DOA with a safety and even then I might want some type of holster/pocket protector arangement.

 

[shoeshooter]

As much as I like my SA autos I cringe at the thought of carrying one cocked and locked in a pocket. I carry one in a holster every day, but in a pocket I want a DOA with a safety and even then I might want some type of holster/pocket protector arangement.

I forgot about that aspect. I, too, prefer DAO on a carry pistol. Not just for the safety of it, but one less thing to deal with in a high stress situation. I haven't had a problem with the SIG, always holstered.

As many here know, I'm a big time Smith fan...in fact the 380's are the only non-S&W handguns I own. That said, I have passed on their Bodyguard...for now. I'll probably try one in a year or so. THey have a history of releasing new products with "bugs" that get worked out later, dating all the way back to the Model 39 in the '50's. From what I read these have been the same. Did run a magazine through one last week. Felt & shot well. Owner was very happy with it. Still...my Daddy always said to never buy a car in its' first year of production.

 

[chuckusaret]

I prefer the LCP carried in a Don Hume hip pocket wallet holster

 

[cwink]

Don't over look the little Bersa 380.

 

[p moore]

Yea, a little bigger, and a little heavier. With a 3.5" barrel, this one is a great shooter.

 

[TomBomb]

Shooter, I understand...it's a concern...we've beaten it to death in other threads.... I think it might be worth the risk to have single action accuracy, however....

When I tuck, I carry with one in the chamber and hammer down... if in a belt holster, I carry C&L..... This is because, even though the SIG 238 is essentially a 1911 design, with a hard safety, it does NOT have the grip safety like a 1911.

The 380 may have marginal "stopping" power, but at point blank it would surely have nutcracking power!! :lol:

 

[Guest]

Tom,
During the warmer months, you know from March till December, I wear shorts and t-shirt a lot. The Sig rides well in my super tuck holster so that is how I carry it most time. On quick runs to the store I have dropped it in my pocket. I have friends who pocket carry daily and add more firepower depending on the situation. That is the reasoning behind the 380 for me.

If I'm wearing jeans or khakis my other supertuck goes on and I fill it with a Commander. I borrowed a Tugua IWB for my S&W M&P40 and that worked okay as well. With most khaki shorts having multiple pockets it should be easy to shift my knife to a different pocket and keep the bodyguard in my front right pocket. Most of my pocket junk will easily fit into the "cell phone" pocket that is pretty much standard today. That again will leave the gun pocket empty.

As far as firepower I have been considering the Kimber Solo but haven't seen an example yet. It is shorter than the Bodyguard but a little thicker and 5 ozs. heavier. That might make a good "golf attire" IWB weapon.