Buying a new P380. Can I trust my life with it?

[bm303]

I have narrowed down my first pocket pistol to the P380 or the LCP. I am going to shoot both of them soon. I held both and the P380 seems better. However, I can't have something that is not going to shoot when I pull the trigger, or be in the shop half of the time I own the gun.

From reading these forums I would say there is zero chance I get the P380 due to the vast amount of issues with the gun. However, I have noticed that the newer ones appear to get better reviews. If I bought a brand new P380 in the next year is it going to be reliable enough to trust my life with it? If there is even 1% of doubt I am going to get the LCP due to reliability concerns. Do these new P380's have a better reputation? Are they as reliable as the other 380's in the class like the LCP? Thank you all for your help.

[cloud]

It is my edc gun.

[PYROhafe]

mine runs perfect. Had 3-5 issues within the first 100 rounds, but now i trust my fiance's life to it. Thats worth more than mine in my book, so that should tell you how much trust I have in the lil p380

[kerby9mm]

IMO there is a 1% (at least) chance of a problem with any gun made by any manufacturer. If I had as much doubt as you seem to... Well?

[bm303]

IMO there is a 1% (at least) chance of a problem with any gun made by any manufacturer. If I had as much doubt as you seem to... Well?

Well when you see someone like Hickock45 review the P380 and like it a lot and others say they haven't had 20 rounds go through theres without a problem it is hard to decide. Seeing a report on here of someone who has sent theres back 3 times and it still came back broken is definitely not a good thing. I don't see these reports with the LCP as much but the P380 is a really sweet gun that if I trusted I would carry any day over the LCP based upon feel and looks alone.

[cloud]

If you go on any gun ,car ,motorcycle forum .I bet someone has had a problem with something .Like the xd forum some people seem to have problems with the xds .I have over 900 rounds through my xds and it has been a excellent gun. I have 250 rounds through the p380 and ony had 2 problems in the first 100 rounds(and I think it one was my fault).It has been problem free in over 150 rounds.After some research I went with the p380 instead of the ruger or s&w380or colt mustang. I think you will like the kahr .and I dont think you will go wrong with the ruger either.

[Ikeo74]

I have narrowed down my first pocket pistol to the P380 or the LCP. I am going to shoot both of them soon. I held both and the P380 seems better. However, I can't have something that is not going to shoot when I pull the trigger, or be in the shop half of the time I own the gun.

From reading these forums I would say there is zero chance I get the P380 due to the vast amount of issues with the gun. However, I have noticed that the newer ones appear to get better reviews. If I bought a brand new P380 in the next year is it going to be reliable enough to trust my life with it? If there is even 1% of doubt I am going to get the LCP due to reliability concerns. Do these new P380's have a better reputation? Are they as reliable as the other 380's in the class like the LCP? Thank you all for your help.
Since you are prepared to pay over $500 for the P380, have you considered the PM9? It nearly the same price, just a little larger, wheighs just a tad more and there are no reliability issues with the gun. I would look very close at that option which gives you more fire power. Ammo is cheaper and easier to find also.

[jocko]

or the cm9 which is the best bargain.. wold be my choice over the P380 or lcp. they are both still 380's and 9mm trumps 380 any day.Just sayin

[OldLincoln]

Definitely NOT!! That is if you expect to take it out of the box, load and carry without proving it to be dependable - at least 200rds probably more. Only then, after it proves out and you feel safe with it should you bet your life on it.

[cloud]

or the cm9 which is the best bargain.. wold be my choice over the P380 or lcp. they are both still 380's and 9mm trumps 380 any day.Just sayin

I have the cm9 and the p380 on paper they are about the same size .But side by side the p380 is small. And for me the p380 just carries better in the pocket .

[JERRY]

you will know after 200 rounds whether you got a good one or not.

[PYROhafe]

you will know after 200 rounds whether you got a good one or not.

I think you'll know before that. Most seem to clear up in about 50 or so rounds. Ide still go the 200 to be sure, but shouldnt take that long to be "sure" its gonna run. My .02 YMMV

[bm303]

Since you are prepared to pay over $500 for the P380, have you considered the PM9? It nearly the same price, just a little larger, wheighs just a tad more and there are no reliability issues with the gun. I would look very close at that option which gives you more fire power. Ammo is cheaper and easier to find also.

I plan on getting a glock 26 for IWB carry and home defense. But I need something that is super-easy to conceal, preferably in the pocket. That is why I am looking at .380's. I have a lot of people around me that are anti-gun and would freak if they knew I was carrying. That is why I am choosing pocket carry for light clothes and IWB for the winter/heavy clothing.


or the cm9 which is the best bargain.. wold be my choice over the P380 or lcp. they are both still 380's and 9mm trumps 380 any day.Just sayin
I agree totally but I need something small for the pocket that can be concealed in shorts and a tee shirt in hot weather.


you will know after 200 rounds whether you got a good one or not.
What are the odds of having a bad one? That is my biggest fear. The good ones seem to be the best 380 on the market.

[Chogers]

As far as 380s go in general I would rule it out and get a 9mm. The 9mm is flooded with pocket sized options! So many to chose from. I have the PM9 myself but if I bought another pocket sized 9mm it would be the Sig P938 all the way baby! IMO of course! :yo:

[Short Bus]

or the cm9 which is the best bargain.. wold be my choice over the P380 or lcp. they are both still 380's and 9mm trumps 380 any day.Just sayin
I agree!!!

http://youtu.be/ZEmF430-buc

I had a LCP (wife's) and a LC9, they feel cheap compared to a Kahr.

[bm303]

As far as 380s go in general I would rule it out and get a 9mm. The 9mm is flooded with pocket sized options! So many to chose from. I have the PM9 myself but if I bought another pocket sized 9mm it would be the Sig P938 all the way baby! IMO of course! :yo:
I had no idea that there were 9mm's that could be concealed in a pocket in casual clothing. Wouldn't even the CM9/PM9 be really bulky in a pocket? That would actually not be a bad idea since it could be carried IWB too. I just thought it would be uncomfortable in a pocket.

[Short Bus]

agree totally but I need something small for the pocket that can be concealed in shorts and a tee shirt in hot weather.
I carry a P9 IWB easily in shorts and a tee shirt, with a good holster a CM9 will disappear.

[zamboni]

I carry a P9 IWB easily in shorts and a tee shirt, with a good holster a CM9 will disappear.

Yep. Summer and most of winter here in FL is shorts and T shirts for me. MY CM9 in PJholster IWB works in even the most discrete situations. I bought a pocket holster when I got the gun but have never even used it.

[Bawanna]

"What are the odds of having a bad one? That is my biggest fear. The good ones seem to be the best 380 on the market. "

The rash of issues we heard about the 380's a year or longer ago seem to be dealt with for the most part. We hear far less about chronic problems.

If I was ok with a 380 (which I am not) and wanted to pocket carry (which I don't) I'd buy with confidence. Do the recommended break in and if there are issues Kahr will take care of it. It isn't really like gambling in Vegas. You buy, you win. If not back it goes till you do win.

If you have zero patience or come unraveled if there's an issue I don't know of any better choices to ease your pain.

[itsthelaw]

I have the P380 and CM9, and the P380 is a LOT smaller. I think the CM9 feels too large to carry in any shorts other than cargo shorts, but I don't like pocket carry. My P380 had some issues that came down to slide lock pin and it has been perfect since replacing the pin. I don't think I will get rid of the P380, because it really is that gun that you can always find a place to hide. That said, I carry my CM9 almost exclusively. The only time I don't is when the weather is sweltering hot. I am not a pocket carry guy and carry my P380 in a Sticky holster on my hip for easier draw and total concealment. It is also a great shooting gun for the size. Don't even hesitate and make the leap!

[jocko]

"What are the odds of having a bad one? That is my biggest fear. The good ones seem to be the best 380 on the market. "

The rash of issues we heard about the 380's a year or longer ago seem to be dealt with for the most part. We hear far less about chronic problems.

If I was ok with a 380 (which I am not) and wanted to pocket carry (which I don't) I'd buy with confidence. Do the recommended break in and if there are issues Kahr will take care of it. It isn't really like gambling in Vegas. You buy, you win. If not back it goes till you do win.

If you have zero patience or come unraveled if there's an issue I don't know of any better choices to ease your pain.

it came from u, very well said. U 1911 guys always seem to have the right soouthing words. I just admire u assholes:D

[kahrinca]

IMO there is a 1% (at least) chance of a problem with any gun made by any manufacturer. If I had as much doubt as you seem to... Well?

I am in accord.

[hardscrabble]

I'll jump in and comment on carrying a pistol in a front pocket.

I'm always at least 5 years behind whatever the cutting edge of anything happens to be at the time. Same/same when it comes to figuring out how to carry a concealed pistol. I used kydex OWB holsters for years, partly because they didn't "grab" a pistol like leather sometimes will, but mostly because I distrusted what I considered to "newfangled" inside waistband holsters.

When I got good and fed up with OWB holsters that were hard to conceal and a pain to take on/off, I decided I was going to carry in my front pocket, and I bought a CM9 to carry there. My problem wasn't that the pistol wouldn't conceal (it did, in a Nemesis holster), or wouldn't come out fast (it did...at least as well as an OWB, because it was RIGHT THERE). My little problem was that it wasn't comfortable to sit down with that pistol in my pocket. My big problem was I use my pockets for all kinds of other stuff and I didn't want to start finding a new home for keys, folding knife, cell phone, and all the other crap I always have there. In short, it didn't work for me.

That forced me to try the "state of the art" IWB holsters. I settled on Comp-Tac Minotaurs, but I am sure the Crossbreeds and others work just as well. Now I mostly carry an HK P2000 .40 and it's hard to see it even under a t-shirt. My P9 positively disappears. They are on and off in a snap and they are very, very comfortable.

IMO, there's no need to pocket carry, when there are such good options that don't cause so darn many compromises.

[jocko]

only thing in that one pocket of miine is my PMJ9 in a desantis. I have no problems carrying everythging elase where I want. and I ama talking jeans, not cargo stuff.

Works for me, maybe not four u or others but it is with me 24/7 and I never have to dress to carry....

[Bawanna]

"I never have to dress to carry.... "

This must be rather alarming even to your local Indianan's who know you?

Surprised this isn't on utube, but maybe it is and I missed it.

[Tinman507]

Jocko? Is that you?
http://www.sail-oncarpets.com/gay_boy_gun_fighter.bmp

[AlbinLee]

BM303,

I just bought a brand new P380 with the black DLC finish. I was very hesitant at first because the 380 is generally known for being finicky. I have been carrying a CW9 for the past year, and have found that I am tired of IWB. Pocket carry would be most ideal, and more comfortable when seated/driving for me (instead of constantly adjusting holster angle and position). I spent alot of time doing research, clearly this little pistol is not cheap. There seemed to be issues with the first couple design iterations, but at this point, it seems like Kahr has nearly perfected it. They updated the recoil spring specs, and a few other minor changes, and I felt confident enough to make the dive.

I was pretty nervous to break it in, which I just did last weekend. Well, I am pleased to say that there were absolutely no malfunctions of any kind, through 325 rounds. I was blown away. I trust my life with the P380 one hundred percent, and it is my new EDC. I shot 100 rounds WWB, 200 rounds of Remington UMC, and 25 Hornady Zombie Max. I carry the Hornady Critical Defense Rounds.

Although my thumb/pointer finger web was left a little sore, this pistol is very controllable to fire. The trigger is identical to my CW9, so it felt very familiar. In order to assure that the pistol had the best chance to run from the start, I disassembled it and cleaned the factory grease using Isopropyl alcohol, so that it was completely dry. Then, I lubed it up with Ballistol, generously on the rails and barrel, but avoiding the firing pin area.

The week before my day at the range, I racked the slide about 500 times, to smooth out the contact surfaces and break it in. Then, it was up to the P380 and myself to test it. The only malfunction occurred as a result of operator error: the slide failed to lock back a couple times on the last round. After adjusting my grip and focusing on keeping my right thumb from resting on the slide lock, there was no issue. I also was sure to make a solid platform by having a firm grip.

So I felt like there was a small gamble, being that micro 380's can be picky about ammo and technique. Also, there is such a small tolerance for error in a semi-auto action so short, that the pistol design has a huge obstacle to overcome. I am an engineering student in my final year of study, so I love to analyze mechanical stuff. I personally think the Kahr design is genius, and many of their patents lend themselves to the P380 function. The P380 is like the culmination of their design expertise, the best and most difficult to perfect semi-auto they have produced. All of the progress they have made from the K9, to polymer P9, and then ranging to more compact designs like the PM9, they have maximized the potential of their design with the P380, IMO. And now that they have worked the kinks out, I think there is no question in my mind that this is the best polymer, semi-auto, micro 380 on the market.

As a side note, there is an interesting point I would like to make about the P380. Both the P380 and CW9 user manual states that, in order to properly chamber the first round, you must lock the slide back, insert mag, then drop the slide. In my experience with the CW9, I was able to slingshot the first round without issue (even during the initial break in). I found that with the P380, this is not the case. The P380 is very unique, with the action being so short. In order to chamber the first round of a magazine, you must rack the slide one time, causing the striker to preset, then lock the slide back, insert mag, and chamber round. If you do not preset the striker first, the round will not chamber. Let me give you an example: If you rack the slide, safely dry fire, then lock the slide back, you will notice the firing pin protruding from the breech face. If you try to insert the loaded mag, and drop the slide, the round will not chamber! It will hang up on the protruding firing pin. This does not happen with the CW9, and the reason it occurs with the P380 is because the action is so short, that the striker is not engaged by the trigger system (in the frame) soon enough, as the slide travels forward, to pull the firing pin from the breech face. So the edge of the round will catch that protruding firing pin, and prevent the first round from continuing into battery.

The moral of this extremely long winded story is this: In order to chamber the first round in the P380, you must do the following:
1. Rack the slide to preset the striker, allowing it to return completely closed
2. Do not dry fire
3. Lock the slide back
4. Insert a loaded magazine
5. Drop the slide, allowing the first round to chamber

As long as you remember this minor nuance of the P380, along with the fact that you must keep your thumb from riding the slide release while firing, you should have no problems.

-Albin

[MW surveyor]

Tinman - Can't get that out of my eyes!

[Paxmo]

380 is fine but 9 is better. :19:

[Bawanna]

And 45 is the answer.

[JFootin]

Albin, that is an excellent post. It needs to be read by every new P380 owner. :yo:

[jocko]

albinlee: wanna sell thatfine gun???/ Just sayin

beats a 45 any day. more powerful for sureand the bullet gets there TODAY and not tomorrow. Just sayin

[gasem]

The p380 is accurate, has good sights, light recoil, and will shoot any of the loads with highest muzzle energy without damage. The lcp has crappy sights and will not tolerate full bore loads. I have a TCP a p3at and a p380. Presently the p380 is in MA. The TCP is totally unreliable after being back to Taurus twice. The p3at is 100℅ and presently resides in my pocket. I expect the p380 to be repaired to spec and then I will replace the p3at with that gun and underwood 90gr jhp or buffalo bore 95gr fmjfn. I have a pm9 that is 100℅ and a SIG p290 but both are slightly too big and mostly too heavy for true pocket carry. They work great IWB but I prefer pocket carry. I can shoot a ragged hole at 20 ft with the p380 so I don't feel under-armed with the heavy loads.

[bm303]

BM303,

I just bought a brand new P380 with the black DLC finish. I was very hesitant at first because the 380 is generally known for being finicky. I have been carrying a CW9 for the past year, and have found that I am tired of IWB. Pocket carry would be most ideal, and more comfortable when seated/driving for me (instead of constantly adjusting holster angle and position). I spent alot of time doing research, clearly this little pistol is not cheap. There seemed to be issues with the first couple design iterations, but at this point, it seems like Kahr has nearly perfected it. They updated the recoil spring specs, and a few other minor changes, and I felt confident enough to make the dive.

I was pretty nervous to break it in, which I just did last weekend. Well, I am pleased to say that there were absolutely no malfunctions of any kind, through 325 rounds. I was blown away. I trust my life with the P380 one hundred percent, and it is my new EDC. I shot 100 rounds WWB, 200 rounds of Remington UMC, and 25 Hornady Zombie Max. I carry the Hornady Critical Defense Rounds.

Although my thumb/pointer finger web was left a little sore, this pistol is very controllable to fire. The trigger is identical to my CW9, so it felt very familiar. In order to assure that the pistol had the best chance to run from the start, I disassembled it and cleaned the factory grease using Isopropyl alcohol, so that it was completely dry. Then, I lubed it up with Ballistol, generously on the rails and barrel, but avoiding the firing pin area.

The week before my day at the range, I racked the slide about 500 times, to smooth out the contact surfaces and break it in. Then, it was up to the P380 and myself to test it. The only malfunction occurred as a result of operator error: the slide failed to lock back a couple times on the last round. After adjusting my grip and focusing on keeping my right thumb from resting on the slide lock, there was no issue. I also was sure to make a solid platform by having a firm grip.

So I felt like there was a small gamble, being that micro 380's can be picky about ammo and technique. Also, there is such a small tolerance for error in a semi-auto action so short, that the pistol design has a huge obstacle to overcome. I am an engineering student in my final year of study, so I love to analyze mechanical stuff. I personally think the Kahr design is genius, and many of their patents lend themselves to the P380 function. The P380 is like the culmination of their design expertise, the best and most difficult to perfect semi-auto they have produced. All of the progress they have made from the K9, to polymer P9, and then ranging to more compact designs like the PM9, they have maximized the potential of their design with the P380, IMO. And now that they have worked the kinks out, I think there is no question in my mind that this is the best polymer, semi-auto, micro 380 on the market.

As a side note, there is an interesting point I would like to make about the P380. Both the P380 and CW9 user manual states that, in order to properly chamber the first round, you must lock the slide back, insert mag, then drop the slide. In my experience with the CW9, I was able to slingshot the first round without issue (even during the initial break in). I found that with the P380, this is not the case. The P380 is very unique, with the action being so short. In order to chamber the first round of a magazine, you must rack the slide one time, causing the striker to preset, then lock the slide back, insert mag, and chamber round. If you do not preset the striker first, the round will not chamber. Let me give you an example: If you rack the slide, safely dry fire, then lock the slide back, you will notice the firing pin protruding from the breech face. If you try to insert the loaded mag, and drop the slide, the round will not chamber! It will hang up on the protruding firing pin. This does not happen with the CW9, and the reason it occurs with the P380 is because the action is so short, that the striker is not engaged by the trigger system (in the frame) soon enough, as the slide travels forward, to pull the firing pin from the breech face. So the edge of the round will catch that protruding firing pin, and prevent the first round from continuing into battery.

The moral of this extremely long winded story is this: In order to chamber the first round in the P380, you must do the following:
1. Rack the slide to preset the striker, allowing it to return completely closed
2. Do not dry fire
3. Lock the slide back
4. Insert a loaded magazine
5. Drop the slide, allowing the first round to chamber

As long as you remember this minor nuance of the P380, along with the fact that you must keep your thumb from riding the slide release while firing, you should have no problems.

-Albin

Great post Albin. I really appreciate it.

The good news is that I won't be purchasing my gun for about 12 months from now. I will be getting my CCW around December of next year so I will be purchasing around then.

It is good to know the P380 is getting better and I assume in a years time it will be even better than it is currently.

I did watch Hickock45's video on the P380 and he said he cleaned it with alcohol and Ballistol and that he had zero problems himself. This is definitely something I will do if I purchase this gun.

Thanks again Albi.

[chut]

I'm about ready to buy a p380 with an RA serial number for $450 delivered. Does Kahr issue general recalls for known defects, or just wait until you gripe to update/upgrade your weapon? Should I look for a later S/N?

[Wlfman13]

Albin, that is an excellent post. It needs to be read by every new P380 owner. :yo:

AGREED. As a new owner of a P380, I had not yet discovered the cause of the "hanging round", but I am much more educated, now.

Thank You, Albin! :)

[jocko]

I'm about ready to buy a p380 with an RA serial number for $450 delivered. Does Kahr issue general recalls for known defects, or just wait until you gripe to update/upgrade your weapon? Should I look for a later S/N?

number is the early models.and they did give issues. Most did not, Kahr does not issue recalls unless it is definitely a saftey thing, like drop safe issues etc. I know some might say whell if the gun doesn't go bang, that is a safety issue. Yes and NO.

My RA went back and today is very reliable. I would suggest u look for the later serial umber versions, tey do seem to be 99% trouble free. Not saying kahr will not make ur RA version right but I guess I would say erroron the side of caution to..

Guns are not lkike autos. NO MAKERS of guns have to issue a recall due to an unsafe gun, although could get involved real easy in a legal liability thing if they donj't so most do. Ruger recalled 50K of the lcp due to drop safety issues, with no harm to any owners, but it was a safety issue,.

Kahr will make any new gun right if u get a lemon, just u have to endure some lost time over it. So again I say look for the later serial numbers and I think the P380 is already into the RC numbers which is the newest models even.

[TominCA]

I have an older one which gave me fits - It has finally settled down. The new one I have is much better. One thing I discovered was they like "Botique" ammo with a lot of power. If anyone is still having issues get some Buffalo Bore (either +p or std) or Grizzily. I have also found that they like the 80 grain Barnes bullet or the old "Extreme Shock" ammo. I used to have good luck with Cor-Bon but about a year ago they did a bullet change in a lot I bought and the rough edge of the hollow points would hang up on the feed ramp. Rather than sandpaer each bullet I switched brands. This probalel may be fixed by now.

Try some Buffalo Bore or Grizzily and you may find your finnicky P380 turns into a 100% functioning pistol.

[xdjosh1980]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/06/he3yneje.jpgI actually have a like new one I am getting ready to sell. 200 flawless rounds thru it. Two tone with NS....comes with Sticky Holster, 2 mags, and 2 mags with if Critical Defense Ammo, and original factory plastic box and paperwork. I purchased new a few months back.

Email me if interested at joshellison@verizon.net


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[muggsy]

I have the cm9 and the p380 on paper they are about the same size .But side by side the p380 is small. And for me the p380 just carries better in the pocket .

Which is more important to you? How well it fits in your pocket, or how well it stops the BG? Take Jocko's advice get the CM9.

[jocko]

I do like my P380, been back onece but after thanI went a100 rounds perfect which it has never does. That being said, In my heart I just do not trust the gun like I do my PM9 which has proven itslef to me. SDure that little bastard is small. No 380 would sell for jack sh!t if it was the same size as the cm or pm9. I think that is one of it great selling points, other than IMO when u get a good P380, there is no 380 out there that comapres to it in ergo's, looks, sights, accuracy and quality. It is smaller than the cm9 but so is the round to, Its probalby gonna print damn near as much as a cm9 would to, but I have saide this many times, NO ONE IS LOOKING.

Today was a good day for me to test out my theory. I went into my daily Panera bread for coffee with the group and got there a half hour early, anyways two guys and a gal were at a table next tome andI noticed one had a G17 on his belt and his badge. both officers were Indiand State detectives and very very young lookings to. But their guns was in full few to. I set down within 3 feet of them with my PM9 in my left pocket of my jeans. It prints, or at least to me if ur eyeballs are glued there ur gonna think he has sumpin big in his pocket. It is in a desantis. For 30 minutes the detective and I split views at each other. I had my Harley gear on so that might have even drawed more attention. My point here is that he ever noticed my pocket of if he did paid zero attention to what it mght be even. I was legal so I felt no problems. People just arent looking, so get this print sh!t out of ur mind and carry what u feel good with. The P380 prints, not like my PM9 but it prints. Live with it, no one cares. If a BG was gonna come in and shoot up the place, thoise two cops might have been his first targets,. Just sayin

[cloud]

Which is more important to you? How well it fits in your pocket, or how well it stops the BG? Take Jocko's advice get the CM9.

I have a cm9 .I use to carry a star 45pd and I have the xds.For me I would rather carry the p380 in my front pocket.I don't care about printing I just like the way the 380 fits in my pocket.I agree with Jocko the cm9 is probably the better bargain and the 9mm trumps the 380.I was just talking what I think is right for me.

[josp]

I shot an action shoot the other night with the P380 from an ankle holster and reloading from the other ankle. 8 targets, 16 shots, averaging 23 seconds (with movement). My time, according to the range master, was on par with the others there shooting much bigger size and caliber guns. Now I'm a nut and practice a LOT with what I want to carry. That being said, when at work, the P380 is backup to the P45 covert which I shoot just as well.
Oh, and I never pay Panera prices for coffee, but then I'm a bit more old school than Jocko.......just sayin :p

[gm412]

I carry a pm9 in my front pocket a lot. I feel like it prints but no one has every noticed. So I think Jocko is right. No one even looks. I also have a p380 but it is not on my license so I do not carry it. The 380 never has performed well enough to carry. I feel much safer with a pm9. It does not print much more than my 380.

[el_presidente]

The only reason I carry a .380 LCP is when I can't carry anything else. Now that I have a CM9 (just got it today and played dress up to see if I can conceal it in everything but my fiancé's skivvies), the LCP is mostly retired.

If the thought of printing is really rolling around in your head, just remember: However much time you spend in public trying to figure out what's in other people's pockets (I'm guessing not that much), they spend a lot less.

[jdavis]

Living in Florida, my usual attire is shorts with a T-shirt or polo shirt. Having tried various carry methods, I find that nothing works as well as pocket carry for me..
Any concerns about the stopping power of the .380 were over when I was taught the three prong defense technique---fire 2 to the face (usually sufficient to stop the attack) ,fire 2 to the groin (for insurance) , fire 2 to the chest, if that doesn't stop the assailant throw the gun at the attacker and run like a scalded dog.

[spikedog]

I love my P380. it gets carried more than any others because of the size and reliability. I bought mine used, so already broken in, and it has been 100% since I have had her.

[socialwork911]

yes, I did some issues at first...since it came back shot 300 white box flat nose and no problems....love this gun..and I did want to...just ordered a kydex holster from multi-holster for it

[gasem]

I like mine because it's small, light, accurate and it can shoot heavy loads. I carry either Buffalo Bore 95gn fmjfn or mostly Underwood 90g bonded jhp because they are cheap enough to practice with regularly and reliable. In a 2.5" barrel either load gives about 240ft-lb energy and the Underwood JHP gives .48" expansion and 11 inches penetration when tested in calibrated ballistic gel. That performance is not unlike many standard 9mm loads out of a short barrel.