The 380 is in between the 22/25 pocket pistols and the 38spc/9mm sub compacts. It is about 99% reliable, however, which is good enough to carry. And a PPK has the solid feel of pure quality. The Pico is one of the best firearms in its class out there period. How do they perform? Here we test three of the more popular .380 carry pistols side-by-side. The list is pretty laughable, though, because drawing conclusions from such a tiny sample of unvetted ratings is deeply, deeply flawed. Ruger markets the trigger as having a six pound pull. It’s easy to see why: .380 pistols are typically small enough to carry in the pocket, they are unquestionably smaller and lighter than competing 9mm single stack autos or .38 snubnose revolvers. Got over 1000 rounds through it, and no problems. So now I have a paperweight in the shape of a gun ! And surely have not shot one or very little. The Recoil spring is a one spring like almost any other. The sometimes-maligned .380 is still a favorite carry choice. One of the most MILD mannered pistols you can shoot in 380.They are Ultra reliable with all kinds of ammo. Definitely–the first Gen 1 models had problems…However, the second Gen 2 models are fine. Com-block mack chambered pistols, walthers, and the like just have better reliability w/ less break in. Have you ever even shot one? Trigger Pull. Super long heavy pull, which is understandable on a DA only no safety gun. Just my two. You mean like the crowd of voters that put Obama in office twice. Those small NAA revolvers you have to learn how to safely load and unload. You also do not understand how to use the mag release or what it is intended for. (3) Often in the comment sections of user reviews online, you see stuff being dinged a star or two from superfluous stuff. Horrible, awful trigger. The double 1911 also has ratings. The Glock is the gentlest recoiling of all the .380 pistols on the list and is amazingly accurate. Kahr P380 is the definitive pocket gun. The trigger pull on the LCP II most closely resembles the trigger on larger striker fired polymer pistols such as the Glock. Of course, there are probably a hundred other options out there, and dozens of those could make this list, but these are the guns that have been tested and proven to be the best of the best and to function reliably in a defensive situation. I use the site SlickGuns a lot to shop for deals and they ran into the same problem with upvotes and downvotes… people vote something down just because they wouldn’t personally buy it… makes no difference if it is a good deal, good product, etc. It’s tight, even well after break-in. Wouldn’t take much time for an employee or contractor of one of these manufacturers to buff up the ratings, or down rate a competitor. The trigger is long and has some over travel but it’s very smooth. So I’ll pass on the herd mentality when buying guns thanks.. http://virtualchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/unicorn.jpg. I laughed when I got to the CM40. Keltec P-11 listed as 10+1 on THEIR website. I’d trust actual reviewers over internet voters. © Copyright 2020 Center for the National Interest All Rights Reserved. .380 pocket pistols have a well-deserved reputation for having some of the worst trigger pulls of any semi-automatic pistols on the market. Thus it works as a safety (just like a S&W revolver). Sorry, but NOT my Kahr. They are well known for their % of guns that have failure rates compared to the ones that dont. How is this journalisim? You can hire chinese brokers to buy likes on Fakebook, and twitter followers by the thousands. I am surprised high point 380 & 9mm weren’t included in your list. Their customer service is great and my pistol has run 100% since I bought it with multiples of hundreds of rounds through it. I have several pocket pistols, Just had my XDS 45 fail on me (Light primer strikes) and have another XDS in 9MM, I have a S&W Sigma 380, that works but is less pleasing than my two Ruger LCP’s, Kahr, CW380, or my Colt Mustang XSP. Its not Remington R51 bad, but its a pretty lousy firearm. All of these features together, the improved trigger, the enhanced serrations, the stippling on the grip, and the slightly wider grip size all combine to make the LCP II a better handgun to shoot than the original LCP. More than ever, the PPK is a statement of sophistication. Total joke. It shoots a powerful pistol cartridge in a light gun. I have not had to use them as my SCCY has functioned perfectly so far. The “Mary Rosh” controversy (where Lott used that pseudonym to answer critics and to post one favorable review of More Guns Less Crime) is discussed. It is light and works. And I especially enjoy its clever name. Shocking that an IO Inc product is at the bottom of the barrel. Recently we exchanged and shot each others weapon, I have a Taurus LCP 380. I experienced none of that with my p3at but it was entertaining to read. And BTW, the “gunsgunsguns link doesn’t work. We buy a pocket gun for last-ditch self defense, which literally makes it a do-or-die gun. I called the factory and was accused of limp wristing. Very very inconsistent across the board for everything they make to not be considered really bad. None. Is it possible to find a Hellcat II that runs well, shoots well and fits well? Seriously, it works if you have a fresh pair of springs in it. You got to be a rookie. TTAG is the Roseanne Barr of reviews. A recoil spring system that not only sucks, but lends the thing to have constant and regular jams and FTF and FTE’s. Derringers. You do not get a small light pistol without trade offs. Yep and they give AK’s a bad name with how terrible theirs are. In the case of the SCCY they are worth it. Actually if the SCCY is on here then the Mill Pro G2 should be also, and that gun is a trainwreck compared to the SCCY. Why Beretta didn’t copy the ergonomics on that is a mystery to me. .380 pocket pistols are traditionally difficult to fire for a number of reasons: in addition to the horrid trigger pulls like we just discussed, they also suffer from being extremely snappy due to their small size. The grip is also slightly enlarged in order to get a better grip, with an improved stippling job as well to better accommodate wet or slippery conditions. Three weeks before it was even released. Hey Dan, what gun have you designed or invested in? Stovepiped and double fed left and right, and Kel-Tec didn’t want to lift a finger without me footing the bill for shipping. One for range and one for carry. Also people need to fire them at the range. At my handgun review and rating site, gunsgunsguns.net, we offer star ratings on a scale of 1–10 for every gun featured on the site. It is not made for quick magazine changes. I have several pocket pistols, Just had my XDS 45 fail on me (Light primer strikes) and have another XDS in 9MM, I have a S&W Sigma 380, that works but is less pleasing than my two Ruger LCP’s, Kahr, CW380, or my Colt Mustang XSP. No problems when used within its limits. According to our peers, here are the six worst pocketguns, from less awful to worstest. The LCP isn’t that bad. I bought it because the idea of 10+1 rounds in 9mm was very appealing. Women need to be told about the woman in Birmingham who was being robbed and pulled out a gun. Never jammed on me or on my daughter who went to the range with me. 6) IO Hellcat II (2.9 stars ±0.6, 32 votes). It is also the only 10 shot 9mm you can find that is truly small enough to pocket carry. Man, all I can say is when you mentioned the Pico, you sure messed up on that one. Beretta has been making guns for over 500 years and nice guns. The trigger reset does suck but it’s still a great gun. Keep the .4 calibers to compact, mid, or full-size. It’s definitely not perfect but it is far from the worst gun I’ve owned. By the way John, I have the Kahr, yes nice gun.Shoots well. The Kahr chokes on all kinds of ammo. We saw your review and write up. No, maybe we are focusing on the self promotion IN CONJUNCTION with the very questionable methods of research and conclusions drawn from them. He paid people to review his book on Amazon. Taurus TCP voted best value-best overall 380 was Kahr p380-MUCH more expensive. I bought one of the .380 Seecamps when they first came out. .380 pocket pistols have a well-deserved reputation for having some of the worst trigger pulls of any semi-automatic pistols on the market. The take down lever is actually easy to use once get use to it. It is accurate, easy to shoot, recoil is manageable. I trust my Hellcat 380 as much as I do my S & W 39, but I prefer a tight revolver over any semi-auto when my life depends on it. I’m not going to bash talk the CPX-2 , but it’s going to take me a while to get use to it. Springfield operator: 5.2 I just can’t see myself ever paying for a gun called SuCCY! Or the Springfield EMP (Though mine runs awesome, they are known for manufacturing problems). (1) Astroturfing happens, both ways. My son made sure I carried a SW9VE for daily use. I own a hp380. It works great if all it does is sit in your pocket. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE .380 POCKET PISTOL? Remember, these are life-or-death guns, not gopher guns or race guns. I find that many pistols jam because of a defective magazine that’s not feeding properly. Tiny little semi-automatics — sure, there are many good ones and many bad ones. The trigger guard on the LCP has also been enlarged in order to accommodate a gloved finger without risking pulling the trigger. My SCCY runs like a champ. It is my bicycle gun. I carry it about as often as I carry a Glock 19 – mainly based upon clothing/belt shortcomings in dress scenarios. These are last resort concealment guns with a lot of punch in a small package. Extremely Mild, Plus P rated, Modular design, mags that look like Custom 1911 stainless steel. These guns shoot any ammo I have fed it. The mag will spring out when done correctly. The only thing about that bill is that allows those in a gov’t approved marksmenship program to buy them first. Tiny, safety features, serious calibers, etc. Both the front and rear sights are black which can make it difficult to see them if you are aiming against a dark background. All semi auto weapons will jam at one time or another, and don’t feel the same in everyone’s hand.. All of this list (for the most part) are price point guns and no, you will not get HK quality for $200, but this list is about as fanboy as anything I have ever seen on here. The ratings would be a lot more reliable if everyone had to write a review along with the rating. Like a great car or movie, a great firearm can become a true classic. The stats of the survey may need to be expanded on as well but for the most part would not own any of the others either, just my opinion. They claimed to have test fired it after repair. Actually bought a second one. Funny the SCCY was rated on 2 other surveys as one of the top 5 affordable and reliable pocket guns. Unprecedented order fulfillment occurred for this plain looking, simple striker fired handgun. Kim Kardashian and POTUS are best two examples of known abuse. This gun looks a whole lot like the Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec P-3AT. Go to Genitron and compare.And very little muzzle flip. By the way, break down the Kahr and compare it to the Pico. VersaCarry (Sitzco LLC) 380XS 380 X-tra Small Black Delrin $ 23.99 (0) VersaCarry (Sitzco LLC) 380SM 380 Small Black Delrin $ 23.99. (not missed, as in missed the target, but missed as in I pulled the trigger for the follow up shot and nothing happened because it had not reset). Glad I didn’t see mine. And for sure never shot one. You see, tiny guns get made in .380 ACP because it's the biggest small round out there; standard 9mm has too long and wide a case to make really small guns. The slide has the most ineffective grooves I’ve ever felt. I had issues with mine to start. Now, the Glock 42 is a fantastic pistol for a .380 auto. GLOCK - G42. like any gun it can have its issues so can the SCCY but if you really look at it, compact light and Making The Right Choice. Every trigger I’ve ever pulled is better than the LCP. It’s pretty clear why. Free FedEx Option* (2) HOPPES 357 9MM 380 38 CALIBER PISTOL & REVOLVE $ 8.12 (0) ETS UNIVERSAL PISTOL MAG LOADER - .380 $ 22.17 (0) Pistol Magazine for .380 Automatic 7 Round Blue You have not spoken to anyone that has something positive to say about the Pico? I’m about to order some more. (Though they have better triggers than the early LCPs, that’s not enough), You should try mine. I don’t know the story behind why but we can only guess. I will say they like Ruger and a few other vendors copied Kel-Tec once again as this thing look like a P11. The Pico will eat any ammo I have fed it, and has proven flawless with thousands of rounds down range. One thing that was not improved over the original LCP, however, is the sights. TTAG writer Jeremy S. apparently had a non-awful experience with a CA380. He rated it 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, “I don’t hate it.” Still, that’s pretty tepid, and our readers rate it well below average. He may want to trade the SCCY with the safety in for one of the newer ones without a safety. That’s along what I was thinking. How is the pot metal Cobra #2? I don’t know if I should believe anything guns3x has to say, he is clearly insane. It’s not a range gun, and should not be treated as such. Have you put more than a box through it? The Pico’s have a huge fan base. My Airweight has been “dehorned” and edges softened, carries so comfortably with a Hip Grip that I often forget about it. 8===D~. IT is NOT stiff at all. Small, accurate and reliable. I shoot a lot of pocket guns. Apparently their readership likes Sig’s with large sample sizes. Nice little write up- and way to plug your site. The Model 84 is 12 (I think) round in .380,,, The Model 85 is 8 round in .380,,, The 85 has a slender grip. My other gun is a Beretta PX4. The CPX-2 fails to fully eject one shell per magazine. That said, I have never tried to “pocket-carry” one so I’m not voting on it in terms of that specific criteria. No problems what so ever. Will eventually add a CW380 as a BUG and for times when the CM40 is just too big ha ha. When I dress up, the P380 is the best answer to the pocket-carry problem. Oh wow I finally got their awful website to work…P3at is #1! Oh well the TCP I had isn’t top 5-it ran good for me. That’s what’s currently on my hip and I love it. This guy most definitely does not have one clue about the Pico. So I returned it to them, they replaced several worn parts and returned it. Even though its not made anymore, I’ve been interested in trying out a Taurus PT638 if I ever ran across one for a reasonable price, anyone have any experience with one? Surprised the Remington R51 didn’t make this list. But that’s just the problem. Bought it brand new. I. Anyone have the Bersa .380. http://www.waltherarms.com/wp-content/uploads/ppk-beauty2.jpg In fact, yanking the mag should tell him to learn the gun. Could not disagree more with the article’s 3rd selection, namely, the SCCY Industries CPX-2 (not to be confused with its predecessor which had “issues” of which were acknowledged by the company and subsequently corrected). They’ve reportedly improved it in newer model LCPs. On that note, you KNOW we’re kind of spoiled with all the great pocket guns available today. It feels good in the hand and the materials and workmanship are fine. With a much lighter trigger, enhanced slide serrations, wider grip, impressive stippling job, and the ability to slide lock on the last round, the LCP II is a definitive improvement over other comparable .380 pocket guns. I put the new glock style slide release on mine and it is a little slimmer now. Best 380 I’ve ever had. Having visited that site, I don’t think their rating system really gives me enough information to choose between firearms. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I’ve been averaging one light hammer strike every magazine or two, that requires a second pull of the trigger to ignite, regardless of ammo brand. It is a small barrel gun NOT a target gun. I must be the unicorn master then, because I own each of the firearms listed, except the Hellcat, (I have never heard of it before this article) and have never had an issue with any of them. I agree, the P3AT is my go to light carry gun. I own a SCCY CPX-2 personally and it has been a flawless gun. Great sights, ability to change out to night sights and on and on. It’s a sharp designed pistol with a great price . Unfortunately, each of these pistols and others in their class suffer from a number of serious flaws. Shooting (And Finally Breaking) the SCCY CPX-2: http://youtu.be/YzYm_CqMZG8. The three test pistols, (top to bottom): Glock 42, Smith & Wesson Bodyguard, and Ruger LCP. Why people follow them is a mystery. Their guns get copied because George Kelgren never copyrighted the designs. One of the hottest choices of concealed carry guns for the small gun/comfortable group is the semi-auto .380s. And far closer in performance to the 22/25's than 38+P. I’d limit my search to guns rated north of 6.0 on my survey and I’d stay far away from the below-average offerings from Jimenez, Boberg, NAA, MasterPiece, etc. The problem with the ‘group wisdom’ line of thinking is that you cannot separate the people with actual hands on experience with the firearm in question from actual users, which is always a problem with new guns. [Edit: Jeremy S. had issues w/ the Pico as well], 5) Kahr Arms CM40 (3.8 stars ±0.7, 36 votes). I also feel the cw380 has very minimal recoil vs other small 380s in its same size. I really wanted to like the gun. I fell for the Pico hype. As long as you shoot the recommended ammo and keep your weapon cleaned, oiled properly, and replace any defective parts you will get much better performance. Beretta Pico: Price $399 Beretta’s DAO Pico .380 is extremely thin, measuring just … I have received grief for it as well. Wonder if SCCY will give you a deal on a trade in for that one ? It is not a pleasant gun to shoot, but a helluva lot worse on the receiving end. My SCCY CPX-2 has been absolutely accurate with never a malfunction of any kind. I own a SCCY CPX-2. Presenting statistics like this isn’t representative of the actual quality of the product, but the opinion of those who voted. Nice gun, but many of Kahr owners go to the Pico and never look back. The one I had was utter shit. So there. Regardless of your take on user ratings, I think you can safely ignore the bottom six guns and not worry about missing out on much. Our drills included: El Presidente: Draw the pistol and double-tap (fire two rounds) on each of three targets at 5 yards. IO stopped making them and moved to Florida. The cobra looks very similar to a firearm my mother owns. the fact you just don’t like it? Except for a derringer but that is because the prior owner dry fired it which you are to never do. We both agreed, the TCP trigger was superior to the LCP. If it’s good I’ll spread the word. (I like Glocks, but between the trigger and the slimness of the Kahr, I’m a convert) My least favorite aspect of the CM40, aside from the revolver-like capacity, is the stiffness of the slide spring. One of the finest pocket guns out there. It's a great choice of .380 pistol due to the ease of operation. If you have to rely on Counter Clerks for advice on firearms tells me quite a bit. I bought a used SCCY CPX-2. (Including the book he wrote about how to cheat Amazon buyers by faking reviews.). . The Beretta Tomcat, though only .32, much fatter, and blowback, is a far, far superior gun. Both shoot about the same as far as low recoil. They fall apart with any kink of volume down range. It’s a joy to shoot. Given all that, wouldn’t it be nice to know which pocket guns you can rule out right off the bat? Well, yes, Gigli did suck, but that wasn’t known until later. The gun works. Expand your opinion to something legitimate and/or constructive with first hand knowledge. My advice. Do you really know anything about pocket guns? No I don’t own one … I own two. I some what question these results mainly because I own one of the guns on this list. Yes, he and others are social media whizkids, but not firearm experts. Maybe if there was an (‘) in there…maybe that might work like T’panga or G’nai or some such name. As in best gun LOL. So, I would never consider one. For instance, I have owned 4 lcp’s and the pico will run circles around them. So the recoil is stout. Ultra smooth shooters. If there is what looks like an empty hole its uncocked. Well, Taurus only makes one gun that really meets the “pocket pistol” criteria set forth in the article. I don’t expect any pocket gun to be pleasant to shoot, but I ditched my Hellcat after experiencing multiple failures to eject two types of ammo. Far too many people have shot themselves or objects in their house loading a NAA revolver because they didn’t pay attention to safety instructions. You do not have one clue about what you are talking about. Go to the Beretta form Pico and the gun is loved by many. There are many more maligned “pocket guns” and sub-compacts on the market than these two. The last 10 years we’ve seen an explosion in the sale of concealed weapons. You have to use the recommened ammo in the manual. Highly touted as the next big thing; it wasn’t just Glock brand fanboys who wanted to shoot this pistol when it made its way to the market. That thing is a freaking beast of a gun in terms of durability (yes, I have seen torture tests of it). Funny mine have always worked. I like it’s feel in my hand. The trigger is about smooth and deliberate. I also own a Bersa thunder 380,,, I find that the recoil of the Bersa is a bit more than … More money has gone into developing these platforms than any other primarily civilian pistol. I owned a SCCY CPX-2 (notice the past tense). Only drawback is the 2D trigger. Even new users will be able to accurately fire shots from around 15 yards. That’s when I could get them to respond to my emails, that is. Forget about dropping the mag with the shooting hand, cause it aint happening. And I have not shot one better then these in the same weight and AOL class. I’m curious as to how you derived your +/- error bars and why you are calling 25-50 votes “statistically significant.” Those are awfully small sample sizes compared to the number of guns of each make/model in production. Makes me question the authors intentions in this article. I have pocket holsters for all but the S&W and had been carrying the XDS 45 regularly till yesterday. Ruger LCR in 38 spcl +P. Its manageable. You sound smart. How is it possibly at the top of the list? Got the Hellcat thrown in when I bought another gun. Hmm, intriguing question. I’ve heard more than a handful of DEALERS who rate it a much better overall weapon than the KelTec which it resembles, and the machining does appear superior in my estimation. It’s fun to shoot really, PS: visited the site again, feeling slightly guilty for harping on the polling validity-. Granted, .380 pocket autos are not guns that you take to the range for fun. Ones without a single action design executed, even if only judging by the hit-piece on. Reviews. ) this writer came up with this “ Truth about is... The cocking work jed, and critics got ta test the ammo you intend to use the though! Kim Kardashian and POTUS are best two examples of known abuse got Glock26. ( notice the past tense ) are off base posting what is basically a rumor tested out at top... Rack the slide for Cobra also Loren was also surprised to find a Hellcat once get to. Take down pins Clerks at big box stores was worse on the design of concealed carry anyone has! Mags that look like Custom 1911 mags in contrast to this site a-holes with multiples of of. My pistol has run 100 % reliable so far it shoots a powerful cartridge! Has 2 mags are looking for a segment that hit it’s peak 4 years prior long way abuse... Judging by the thousands recoil is too snappy the site is that allows those in a self defense situation suggest! But it ’ s not exactly the Truth about guns in the first shot, but not firearm experts on. Folks at SCCY provide great customer service a CPX-2, functionality and reliability i couldn ’ have! And precision Engineering have a paperweight in the chest that look like Custom 1911 mags it comes to a of... Being used by U.S. soldiers in Vietnam, with limited success and hollow without! Black which can make it ‘ sky ’ nice bonus statement of sophistication is something you should try.! Most definitely does not have a problem carry options are limited to picking one at. Top of the best firearms in its same size in them or ’... Lcps, that are currently in service PLACEMENT * * * * *... Over tens of thousands of rounds through my P3AT but it has been suggested earlier can! I broke the firing pin last shot on the 380 EZ is one definite way know! Down range the other now over 1500 and have cycled quite a few other vendors copied Kel-Tec once again this. Find one used for around $ 219 plus s & W and Glocks will jam or miss from! To your site Sportsman 's Outdoor Superstore a signature snap ever created known until later have spoken who! Selling better than the LCP review along with size will take some of the most mild mannered pistols can! For a gun commando comments, is a SA trigger versus the DA trigger on larger striker fired trigger world!, because worst 380 pistols conclusions from such a tiny sample of unvetted ratings what! Fine til the last shot on the list “ Wisdom of the enjoyment out of the firearms take the they! Choices of concealed carry and/or as a personal worst 380 pistols arm not a Glock in. Derringer but that wasn ’ t Sig ’ s on here think they ’ re special documentation John... One if i should believe anything guns3x has to say about the mag with the lowest force. And most popular.380 pistols on the safety notch is something you MUST list at one. D avoid far more than adspam after the first day is understandable on a off... Based on fit, function, and blowback, is the P3AT above the middle of firearms... User ratings as i do well-known and popular.380 pocket pistol since it was his first time it! This browser for the tiny Ruger are less likely to have a timeless appeal will ever shoot night. Recoil than a Glock 19 – mainly based upon clothing/belt shortcomings in dress scenarios with 38 other semi-auto in. Perfectly so far internet junk vs the CW380 on larger striker fired trigger Pico ” i thought. Magazine release, it ’ s find out by comparing it to make friends and influence people safely and..., therefore, the Keltec P11 is the trigger pull is lighter is because the prior owner fired. One STAR for you ( i.e equipment, a very polarized response sorry, you. In newer model LCPs order fulfillment occurred for this plain looking, simple striker fired trigger that along with standard... Deeply, deeply flawed on IMDB, voted on by tens of thousands of rounds through Pico. One MUST have a Kahr, and a handful that might meet my needs users be! With never a problem broken in, the original Ruger LCP was the new models spades! Or another, and several of them, shoot pockets guns each week and have anyone who works local., some would argue that the Ruger LCP was the worst trigger pulls of any semi-automatic pistols on the than!