Ordering a P380, questions...

[BroncoAZ]

Unfortunately I can't quite pocket carry my PM9 as I'd planned, so now I'm looking at ordering a P380 to replace my LCP. Looking at what is available I need to decide on the $529 KP3833 (matte stainless with standard sights), $616 KP3833N (stainless with night sights) or the $559 KP3834 (black diamond finish with standard sights).

For strictly pocket holster carry is the blackened finish better or worse than the matte stainless? Does the roughness of the finish catch pocket lint more?

As for the night sights, I like the idea of 3 dot over the standard bar dot sights, but anything is better than the crappy channel sights on the LCP. If I go with the black slide I'll have to get night sights later.

Thanks!

[Bawanna]

You can only asks peoples personal opinions on a deal like this so heres mine.

First off I dont pocket carry so that might take away some from my credibility.
Second I never owned a 380 (see above)
If you don't like the bar dot factory sights then the night sights are a good choice for you. I'd go the stainless w/nightsights myself although I do believe that night sights are overrated on pocket guns.
As you state anything is an improvement over no sights at all.
I like stainless cause scratches can be polished out, anything you want to do to the gun can be done without worry of a refinish on the DLC coating.
I get along fine with the factory sights myself but we each have our own preferences.
Many here prefer the black finish so its ultimately gonna be your call.

[Pender1]

I love my matte stainless P380. I've got the bar dot sights and there's absolutely no comparison with the LCP's sorry excuse for sights. I don't really see the point in spending the extra for the night sights on a .380. It's a very short range gun and even with the bar dots I can hit the target at 25yards which is way out there for a .380. I can't speak to the DLC's durability, I got matte stainless because I know I can clean off any mark that does get on it. That's just my 2 cents on it though.

[BroncoAZ]

I don't think the night sights are a requirement, but I do like that the 3 dot sights match what I'm used to shooting on my Glocks and my PM9.

[Pender1]

to each his own with the sights, I like a 3 dot, but I've just kinda gotten used to the bar dot on my Kahrs

[Indigo]

I have a pair of p45's in black and a p9 with stainless slide. The black coating does scratch if you have anything metal next to it like keys or even a cell phone so keep that in mind. Also, the stainless slide on my p9 is way more difficult to grip and rack (slippery) after a couple mags at the range the black does provide better feel when it comes to that part of it. I just sent the p9 in to have the stainless slide replaced in black for this very reason. Point being if it was loose in your pocket and accidentally got wet from your clothing or even a sweaty hand in the summer it may be more difficult to use. So basically black may definitely scratch more but in a critical situation function over form is best. Just my 2 cents. One of my 45's was scratched badly just by being next to a loose magazine in my own pocket for about 3 minutes so even though it looks good new make sure you take care of the finish.

[bayoutrigger]

Which holster did you try for PM9 pocket carry that didn't work out? I ask because the Kahr custom holster has worked great for me with PM9 & PM40.

[BroncoAZ]

Indigo,

Good point about the slickness of the matte stainless slide, but that may be favorable in a pocket gun. My thoughts on a SD pocket gun are that it rides chambered so it is ready to go out of the pocket, and the smoother it comes out the better. I am guilty of putting pocket change in the same pocket, so metal on metal contact is likely. How much does Kahr charge to swap out the slides? The cost difference on initial purchase is $40. I do have the black finish on my PM9.

Bayoutrigger,

I was using a local made pocket holster, it was more the extra bulk and weight of the entire package flopping around in dress slacks. My weekend attire was fine with the PM9.

[BroncoAZ]

I ordered the standard model from Bud's. If I want the night sights I'll add them later, for now I wanted to keep the initial cost down.

[Indigo]

Indigo,

Good point about the slickness of the matte stainless slide, but that may be favorable in a pocket gun. My thoughts on a SD pocket gun are that it rides chambered so it is ready to go out of the pocket, and the smoother it comes out the better. I am guilty of putting pocket change in the same pocket, so metal on metal contact is likely. How much does Kahr charge to swap out the slides? The cost difference on initial purchase is $40. I do have the black finish on my PM9.

Bayoutrigger,

I was using a local made pocket holster, it was more the extra bulk and weight of the entire package flopping around in dress slacks. My weekend attire was fine with the PM9.
Bronco I was quoted 301 for parts and repair but only 170 was charged to my card so I have no idea. I'll probably bounce 6 checks later because of it. You have a valid point about withdrawing and wanted smoothness I guess it just depends on the conditions that particular time.

[GAngusMac]

P380, black, with CT, riding in a Superfly. In this combination the "P" is for perfect.

[BroncoAZ]

I ordered the standard model from Bud's. If I want the night sights I'll add them later, for now I wanted to keep the initial cost down.

Buds sent a shipping notification today, hopefully I'll have a P380 in hand by the weekend.

[camper]

I added night sights to both the P380 and PM9. Sure like them with the NS.

[BroncoAZ]

My P380 arrived and I was able to do the transfer on Friday. I fondled it and gave it a through cleaning, I'll try to get to the range Sunday. I didn't want my PM9 to be jealous, so it got a cleaning as well.

Looking at the factory bar dot sights I would prefer a 3 dot arrangement. The bar almost non existent because of how short the sights are. They may be fine for pocket gun range, or I may change them later.

[taseal]

I agree witht the sights. Ill be going to. A more familiar 3 dot style as well. It would make it a more accurate pistol for me

[bsharp]

I love my matte stainless P380. I've got the bar dot sights and there's absolutely no comparison with the LCP's sorry excuse for sights. I don't really see the point in spending the extra for the night sights on a .380. It's a very short range gun and even with the bar dots I can hit the target at 25yards which is way out there for a .380. I can't speak to the DLC's durability, I got matte stainless because I know I can clean off any mark that does get on it. That's just my 2 cents on it though.

ditto