The first group are very small, DAO (Double Action Only), carry 6+1 rounds, and look very similar: Kel-Tec P3-AT, Ruger LCP, Taurus 738 TCP, Kahr P380, S&W Bodyguard, Micro desert Eagle, and the North American Arms Guardian.
- The upsides of the group: This group of guns are very concealable and easy to carry. Slips easily into a pocket. (Pocket holsters are more comfortable than inside the waistband).
- The downsides: DAO needs some practice to get a handle on the triggger pull. Smaller slide and poor size makes shooting at longer distances impractable. Magazines with an extended grip are need to avoid the dreaded pinky hang.
- The differences: The Bersa Thunder can carry 7+1 rounds. The upsides: The longer barrels will result in a higher muzzle velocity. The larger size will also have less recoil. You also will be able to fire the gun at longer distances due to better sights and the longer barrel. Following up shots have a light trigger pull
- The downsides: The larger size makes them not quite as convenient to carry, or more difficult to carry in the summer when you are wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
The last gun is the Sig P238. It is small in size, but slightly larger than the DAO guns. It is based on the Colt Mustang (1986-1997) and is a SAO (Single Action Only), which is similar to the M1911 45 cal pistols. It has an aluminum frame and a stainless steel slide.
- The upsides: Compact, well made. Lighter trigger pull. You don't have to carry it cocked-and-locked, because (with practice) you can pull the hammer back while drawing.
- The downsides: Safety is convenient for only right-handed shooters. Safeties can be something that get in the way if copious amounts of adrenaline are flowing through you. This can be mitigated through lots of practice.
There are other .380 guns on the market. I've excluded models that are so larger they should be 9mm, such as the Walther PK380. I've also excluded models made by a company with a low reputation, such as Hi-Point or Jimenez.
Overall impressions:
- Kel-Tec - seems to be a bit more flimsy that the Ruger LCP or Kahr (all are polymer). There are reports of the slide "biting" when firing
- Ruger LCP - I think this is the best overall of the DAO pistols. It's small, at the lower end of the price range, made in the US, and you can tell its a more quality finish than the Kel-tec. Recoil is manageable: I could shoot it one handed without any concerns. They have a small curved extension at the end of the magazine which helps handling. The lack of sights makes firing at longer distances slow or inaccurate. I could hit the person target at 50 feet, but it was slower firing. I haven't gotten "bitten" by the slide either. Note: Earlier Rugers were subject to a recall because it could go off if dropped. this has since been fixed.
- Micro Desert Eagle - feels solid and looks nice, but the weight difference over the Ruger is quite noticeable. It may get uncomfortable carrying around in shorts and a t-shirt all day during the summer. It claims to have a gas assisted blowback which would reduce recoil
- S&W Bodyguard - Have integrated laser... and a safety. Safety's aren't needed on DA guns and could get in the way of firing quickly under pressure.
- NAA Guardian - definitely based on the design of the Seecamp 380s. Nice well made gun, but is heavier and more costly. Perhaps the "prettiest" of the group.
- Diamondback 380 - This is the new gun on the market from a new company out of Florida. It looks at feels like a tiny Glock. I'm not a new adopter
- Walther PPK - It's status as "James Bond's gun" is a continuing selling point. Introduced in 1931, it is manufactured in the US by Smith & Wesson.
- Bersa Thunder - Essentially a copy of the PPK. The "Made in Argentina" nature of the gun is a big drawback for me.
- Sig P232 - This is largely similar in design to the PPK, but it lacks the safety. It is a bit lighter, but without feeling any "cheaper". This would be my recommended "winter carry" but the size can be an obstacle to carrying it on a regular basis in the summer. It is much more accurate than the LCP at longer distances.
| Manufacturer & Model | Length | Barrell | Width | Height | Weight | Trigger | Muzzle Velocity | Capacity | Cost |
| Kel-Tec P3AT | 5.2" | 2.75" | 0.77" | 3.5" | 8.3 oz | 819 fps | 6+1 | $250 | |
| Ruger LCP | 5.16" | 2.75" | 0.82" | 3.6" | 9.4 oz | 8 lbs | 811 fps | 6+1 | $300 |
| Taurus 738 TCP | 5.25" | 2.84" | 10.2 oz | 802 fps | 6+1 | $250 | |||
| Kahr P380 | 4.9" | 2.5" | 0.75" | 3.9" | 10 oz | 9 lbs | 811 fps | 6+1 | $525 |
| S&W Bodyguard | 5.25" | 2.75" | 11.9 oz | 6+1 | $400 | ||||
| Micro Desert Eagle | 4.5" | 2.22" | 0.9" | 3.7" | 14 oz | 785 fps | 6+1 | $450 | |
| NAA Guardian | 4.75" | 2.5" | 0.93" | 3.53" | 18.7 oz | 10 lbs | 6+1 | $400 | |
| Diamondback 380 | 5.25" | 2.79" | 0.76" | 3.76" | 10.1 oz | 4.5 lbs | 6+1 | ||
| Sig P232 | 6.6" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 4.7" | 17.6 oz | 10/4.5 lbs | 893 fps | 7+1 | $570 |
| Bersa Thunder CC | 6" | 3.2" | 1" | 4.5" | 16.4 oz | 7+1 | $280 | ||
| Walther PPK | 6.1" | 3.35" | 1" | 4.3" | 22.4 oz | 7+1 | $520 | ||
| Sig P238 | 5.5" | 2.7" | 1.1" | 3.9" | 15.2 oz | 7 lbs | 798 fps | 6+1 | $550 |
Price is a competitive dealer price for a no-frills version.
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