Pocket 380 comparison
Comparing three popular pocket guns. I resoundingly disagree with the ranking. I will not and do not recommend carrying a 1911 style gun in a pocket. And the bodyguard, aside from reported reliability issues, does come with a laser. And that laser must be activated. I’d go with the Ruger. Even better, the Kel-Tec since it will save you a few bucks.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Uncle, I made those same comparisons a year ago and am carrying a P238 in a Galco leather pocket holster. I would like to hear why you think this is a bad idea. My normal carry is a 5″ 1911 in a SuperTuck, so I’ve been considering a MiniTuck for the little Sig.
Thanks.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:33 am
I much prefer the S&W Bodyguard over the Ruger LCP. I can keep the S&W in my hands after firing. I’ve strongly considered picking up a P238.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:42 am
Excerpt from the article itself –
The idea is that the Sig P238 is a better gun overall, the Sig was more reliable and accurate in testing that the LCP.
Also, why not carry a 1911 style gun in the pocket? If you’re using a pocket holster it’s not really any different than carrying a 1911 IWB.
September 15th, 2011 at 11:03 am
But she’s talking about pocket guns. It may be a better shooter but who buys pocket guns because they are good shooters?
My pockets move more than my belt and it’s awkward to stick my hand in a pocket and draw. Definitely don’t want to have to draw and fuck with the safety in my already slow pocket draw since odds are it will be pointed at my body longer.
September 15th, 2011 at 11:05 am
Or you could get a 9×19 gun that’s slightly larger, and the ammo will be cheaper and you’ll have more defensive options, and get a little more power and bullet mass behind you.
September 15th, 2011 at 11:46 am
I have a Colt Government Model .380, which I carry in a belly-bag (with a real quiet zipper!). I carry it condition One, cocked and locked, and it has never dropped the safety while in there. It DID drop the safety a few times in an Uncle Mike’s belt-slide cheapo holster, so I quit doing that.
BTW, a competent gunsmith can put more snap in that safety (or loosen it, if you’re that confident).
September 15th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Yeah, pocket draw does suck pretty bad. Good pants pockets like on the Woolrich pants I’m fond of help a lot, but to be perfectly frank I’ve all but abandoned pocket carry.
September 15th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Also, the laser for the Kel-Tec has a much easier activation, especially if you have small hands. I have had to stretch or adjust my grip to reach the button on the Bodyguard to turn on the laser, every time I have picked one up. Then I have to readjust so I have a secure grip on the weapon. On the CT LaserGuard for the Kel-Tec, it comes on automatically when you have a secure grip on the weapon – no fumbling for a button or switch as you’re trying to take it out of your pocket.
September 15th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
I carry a SW Bodyguard daily. It has approximately 600 rounds through it and not a single problem that was not MY fault.
I chose it because it works in my hands the best, I have a hard time holding onto the LCP.
Its nice because it has real, adjustable/changeable sights, and it has the laser. Admittedly, I never use the laser, aside for dry fire practice, and if I had the option to pay less for a BG380 with out the laser module, I’d have chosen that model – unfortunately they don’t produce it that way for the consumer market.
September 15th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
I have owned most of the pocket .380 pistols out there and have shot the rest of them. My girlfriend love the Sig and made the necessary adaptations to carry it, I don’t like carrying cocked and locked without a magazine safety. While the Kahr is very good, I have ended up with the Taurus. It is the most accurate and softest shooting one I’ve found.
September 15th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
I live in California and can’t be trusted with any of them. Be afraid!
September 15th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
I have a P238, and also don’t feel comfortable carrying it in my pocket. Not that I’m unfamiliar with the 1911 style (my go-to carry is a 5″ 1911), but like Uncle said, my pockets and their contents move around too much.
That’s why I’m having Mr. Brommeland make a one-off mini Max-Con V. 🙂