Great for beginners, women, and shooters with smaller hands or frames, a .380 pistol is a great option for both self-defense and home defense alike.
A .380 pistol tends to be compact and easy to handle for those with smaller hands. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind when you are shopping for one.
Let’s give those things a closer look.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for .380 Pistols
- OUR TOP PICK: Ruger LCP II 380 ACP
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard
- BEST .380 ACP PISTOL: Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield
Comparison of the Best .380 Pistols
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What to Watch For When Buying a .380 Pistol
It is important to understand both the benefits and the drawbacks before buying any firearm and that remains true when shopping for a .380 pistol. Having a well-rounded source of knowledge on .380 pistols will help ensure that you make the right decision for your needs.
Carry Style and Location
The small overall size of a .380 pistol is advantageous for certain styles and locations of carry. A .380 pistol is easy to conceal in a coat pocket, handbag, purse, and other locations where larger framed pistols just wouldn’t fit or be comfortable to carry. This can be especially useful in regions with cold winters when bulky coats can make traditional holsters difficult to access.
The opposite is also true. When hot weather rolls around and calls for lighter articles of clothing, it can be a challenge to conceal a larger pistol. A .380 pistol can shine in this scenario.
Light as a Feather
When compared to larger handguns such as .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 9mm, a fully loaded .380 pistol is significantly lighter. It is very possible to have a fully loaded .380 pistol weigh in at under a pound. Not only does that make carrying one more comfortable, but it also makes them much more user-friendly for those with limited arm strength and range of motion. While this may not matter to some concealed carriers, it can be the main difference between a usable and unusable weapon for some.
Photo credit: thetrace.org
Stop Right There
One of the most important drawbacks to consider when it comes to a .380 pistol is stopping power. One of the results of a smaller and more lightweight design is a reduction in the stopping power that can be achieved. A .380 pistol will generally produce around 160 to 200-foot pounds of energy at a muzzle while a compact 9mm pistol produces about 280 to 320-foot pounds of muzzle energy.
FMJ or Hollow Point
Many .380 pistol shooters prefer to use full metal jacket bullets due to their superior penetration compared to hollow points. However, hollow points tend to leave deeper wound channels. This choice often comes down to specific situations and personal preferences. The most important thing is to choose ammo you can be accurate with.
Review of the Best .380 Pistols
Below is a list of the best .380 pistols that you can find on the market. While reading through this list, try to comapre the options presented against your ideal image of the handgun you've been dreaming of; with this frame of mind, you should be able to identify the pistol that will be a winning choice.
Let’s begin by taking a look at the first .380 pistol on our list -- the “best overall”:
Best Overall:
Ruger LCP II .380 ACP
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were in search of a .380 pistol that was considered perfect in every way. That’s how one user described this pistol when she bought it. She also said that it was snug as a glove when it fit inside her pocket holster and was easy to draw and re-holster. A lot of new users say that the measurables were optimal for maximum concealability and loading it was not a challenge at all. Also, the shooting was powerful and accurate, leaving tight shooting groups on targets ranging from 15 to 25 yards.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Rugers are known for being excellent pistols, and they are proven to be super reliable and accurate most of the time. This pistol is made with the highest quality materials to ensure that you can use it for a really long time. Yes, longevity will be a plus in a pistol. It will save you a good deal of money and you won’t have to deal with any issues in the process. It will last as long as you clean and maintain it on a regular basis. This pistol comes with seven rounds, enough to give you the chance to fend off one or more attackers in the process.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great concealed carry pistol for both men and women. It’s got the right measurables to be a really great concealed carry pistol. Holster it, put it in a glove box or console, and put it in a place where you know it will be the moment you need it. With its durability and reliable shooting, you cannot go wrong with a pistol like this.
Bottom Line
The Ruger LCP II .380 ACP makes a strong, convincing case as to why it belongs on the top of our list. You best believe that it’s a great .380 pistol that exceeds all kinds of standards. If you want durability, accuracy, and reliability all rolled into one nice little package, then this could easily be the pistol you’ll want on hand.
Best for the Money:
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A good number of new buyers were quite happy with this pistol for a few good reasons. Aside from it being really affordable, new users were able to shoot well over 100 rounds and reported no malfunctions or jamming. One user said that he uses it for concealed carry purposes, but he was also able to use it for target shooting at the range. He said that it was quite accurate up to about 25 yards with the shooting groups being nice and tight the farther the shots went.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Smith & Wesson have long been one of the names that gun owners have trusted the most, and there’s a good reason why that is. They make firearms that are among the most reliable pistols in the world. This .380 is no exception to the rule. You are almost guaranteed jam-free and malfunction-free shooting each time you put this to good use. Since it’s known as the bodyguard, it will stay at your side when you need it most. With the laser sight intact, you can make sure that every shot you take goes exactly where you need it to go. On top of that, it’s the right size to fit in most IWB holsters so you get the best concealability possible.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be one of the best possible options for those who are looking for a reliable and accurate .380 pistol on a budget. Yes, it’s at a price that is affordable by most. But it functions as if it should be twice the price. In short, you are getting a whole lot more than what you’re going to pay for. That is exactly what you’ll want in a pistol that is best for the money.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard will live up to its name in so many ways. It will stay at your side and can be confidently put to good use if you find yourself in danger. With the help of the laser sight, each shot will be accurate and tight. So, if you want a pistol that won’t leave you hanging and will shoot perfectly, this .380 pistol will be right up your alley.
Best .380 ACP Pistol:
Smith & Wesson M&P .380 Shield
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users say that this pistol exceeded a lot of expectations. It delivered a great deal of accurate, reliable shooting and left consistently tight shooting groups on targets between 15 to 25 yards. One user said that he loved how accurate it was and was confident that it would do just as well if he had to use it on an attacker that dared to break into his house. Overall, the quality and functionality were quite impressive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, we are looking at a Smith and Wesson pistol that is proven to be reliable, all while giving you the benefit of accurate and precise shooting. While it will be a great pistol for concealed carry and self-defense, it certainly proves itself useful as a casual target shooting gun. But it would be great to keep it sharp and in-tune so you are ready for action if and when someone breaks into your home or decides to threaten you while you are out and about. This will deliver smooth, reliable shooting with one pull of a trigger, a lot faster than a double-action pistol at that. If time isn’t your friend and you are defending your own life against a threat, this might be the go-to option for you.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great pistol for those who want fast shooting while making sure that every shot is fired with accuracy and precision. Not only that, it’s small enough to be concealed just about anywhere. Concealed carry is stealthy and no one will know that you are carrying until you draw your pistol when needed. If you want to be truly prepared, it takes a pistol like this to make sure that you are ready for action.
Bottom Line
Yes, it’s a Smith and Wesson so it’s expected to be reliable. But what you probably didn’t expect is that it would get a shot off faster than any other pistol on the market. If you want a .380 pistol that will deliver favorable results and keeps you one step ahead of any assailant that dares to mess with you, this Smith and Wesson M&P 380 Shield might just be the pistol you’ll want to carry in your holster.
4. Sig Sauer P238
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were really impressed with this pistol overall. They said that it was perfect for those looking to conceal carry, and it's worth noting that a good number of them were newbies. One user said that the pistol was light in weight and the lack of recoil gave him better control, thus resulting in better accuracy and precision in each of his shots. Overall, there was not a single complaint about its functions or quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is part of a long line of SIG Sauer pistols that have been dependent upon many concealed carry users. Indeed, they are among the most reliable varieties of pistols on the market. And make no mistake, it’s pretty reliable with every pull of the trigger. You won’t experience any jamming at all (nor will it malfunction). It’s the kind of pistol that will be perfect for home defense and defending yourself in any given survival situation when you are out and about. The Spartanii is perfect for stealthy concealability, so no one will ever know if you are carrying or not until you are able to draw the pistol itself.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be a great pistol for those starting out with concealed carry. If you are a newbie in search of a pistol that will give you less recoil and more control right out of the box, then you might find this pistol to be really intriguing. Yes, you’ll get accuracy and reliability as well as under-the-radar concealability. That means less bulging and no undue attention because you just so happen to be carrying a pistol.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a pistol that will be excellent for beginner concealed carry users and will live up to the standards of being one of the best .380 pistols in the business, then the SIG Sauer P238 380 ACP might just be what the doctor ordered. Once you pull the trigger, your shots will be tight, accurate, and will certainly deliver a knockdown blow.
Best .380 Pistol for Concealed Carry:
Glock 42 .380 ACP
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers say that this pistol was solid in weight and had little recoil right out of the box, thus making it easier to control and shoot accurately. They were able to holster it in their IWB holster of choice and the concealability did not disappoint. One user said once he places it inside his holster, he is prepared to use it in any given survival situation. It feels like he isn’t carrying anything at all.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Glocks are another name that many pistol owners will mention in a conversation regarding reliability. They can throw around as many names as they like, but it’s not a real conversation without talking about Glock. Ever wonder why they are relied on by military and law enforcement members in almost 50 countries? Because they almost never fail. Only in extremely rare occurrences will they malfunction. Plus, you get a healthy number of additional characteristics as well as a decent trigger pull weight and superior firing power. It packs a punch and it will certainly be a must-have for any .380 pistol owner looking to use it for self-defense.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent pistol for those that want superior reliability, and you will certainly get it with this pistol. You’re getting superior accuracy, excellent firing power, and a pistol that will stand up to attackers who are stupid enough to take you on. If you want a true concealed carry pistol that will handle the high-stress situations like a champ, this should pop up on your radar in a big way.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for one of the best concealed carry .380 pistols on the market, the Glock 42 could be that pistol just for you. Yes, it’s reliable and accurate. It exudes all the characteristics and features that a concealed carry pistol should have. If you love what it can do and what it can accomplish, then the choice is probably a no-brainer. Why settle for less when you can get a good deal of firing power and reliability in the process?
Most Reliable .380 Pocket Pistol:
Kimber Micro Carry
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users loved this pistol for several good reasons. Of course, it was quite reliable and they managed to fire 100 rounds without a single jam or malfunction. Furthermore, they were able to fit this in most pocket holsters, thus giving way to excellent concealability. Other than that, the shooting ability was quite accurate and shooting groups were pretty tight between 10 to 25 yards. One user even noticed the groups getting slightly tighter when hitting farther targets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is proven to hang with the big boys. We’re talking about the Glocks, the SIG Sauers, and even the Smith & Wessons. Indeed, it proves itself to be really reliable. It’s also small enough to fit in most pockets. So you get the potent combination of excellent reliability and unmatchable concealability. If that’s what you are looking for in a pistol, then you might have found a solution in the Kimber 1911 Micro SS.
Who Will Use This Most
This will definitely be a great pistol for those looking for a good amount of concealability while being able to fire it with ease and at a time when your life is on the line. Reliability is extremely important and will make the difference between living another day or not. Whether you are a newbie user or have concealed carry a pistol for years, this might be a great primary or even secondary sidearm for you.
Bottom Line
The Kimber Mfg. 1911 Micro SS may be small in size, but it’s certainly no joke when it comes to how well it can perform. This puppy can shoot straight and accurate while being able to deliver malfunction-free shooting better than any pocket pistol out there. If you want something that is small but delivers one heck of a punch, this pistol can rise up to the challenge.
Best .380 Pistol Full Size:
Bersa Thunder .380 Plus
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a healthy number of users were quite happy with the overall use of this pistol. For one, the shooting ability was pretty good and allowed for accurate, precise shooting up to a good 30 yards. One user was surprised to see that a shot can hit so far and with effective accuracy. On top of that, they were happy with the lightness in weight even when fully loaded. One user said it didn’t feel heavy but it provided less recoil than any heavy pistol that he’s handled in the past.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes to .380s, the full size is slightly larger than the others in measurement. So it’s not really double the size as you would see with most pistols. But for a full-sized pistol, it will definitely get the job done in terms of providing reliable, accurate shooting in self-defense and even a target shooting situation. If you want a pistol that will hit your targets with accuracy and a bit of “oomph”, this pistol might be just your cup of coffee.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be a great pistol for those who prefer something bigger in size, but concealable for under the radar carrying. You can be stealthy and still be able to carry a pistol like this with little or no bulging at all. Just find a really good IWB holster and you’ll be in business. This is lightweight, easy to fire, and will be ready and able to get you out of a life and death situation with you surviving it.
Bottom Line
The Bersa Thunder Plus 380 ACP Pistol might not look like any average full-sized pistol. But it can definitely serve its purpose by delivering excellent, effective accuracy better than almost any full-sized pistol on the market (regardless of caliber). Other than that, it’s one of the most durable .380 pistols you’ll ever own. If you want something that is built to last and ready to rise to the challenge in a concealed carry situation, this could be exactly what you are looking for.
Best .380 Pistol for Women:
Kahr Arms CW380
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of women were really happy with this pistol for a few good reasons. The trigger pull wasn’t too heavy on their finger and it allowed for quick and accurate shooting. One user said that she also enjoyed firing this at the range and seeing how accurate it could be up to a distance of 20 yards. She added that there wasn’t a whole lot of recoil, thus giving her a good deal of control over the pistol so she could shoot it straight and land each shot on target.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is at the right size for a woman to conceal it in just about any way possible. If you own a holster or need a pistol that could fit inside a purse, then you might consider this one of your best options. The trigger is easy and light enough to pull, so shooting won’t be a struggle if you end up in a dangerous situation, and this pistol will deliver quick shooting with one pull of a trigger. Yes, it can do a good amount of damage, no matter how far out your target is.
Who Will Use This Most
This pistol is built for the woman that wants to defend herself by any means necessary. Yes, they might be more likely to face attacks than men. But they will certainly have an option at their disposal where an attacker will think twice before messing with them. If you are a woman (or if you are a man looking for a pistol for your wife, daughter, or that important woman in your life) this could be an excellent option to consider.
Bottom Line
The Kahr Arms CW 380 is no ordinary concealed carry pistol for women. It can and will deliver accurate, reliable shooting with one pull of a trigger. And you can get a shot off slightly faster than even some ACP pistols. If you truly want one of the best self-defense pistols in the .380 caliber, this just might be it.
Best .380 Pistol for Self-Defense:
Springfield Armory 911
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many new users wasted no time talking about how fast this bad boy could shoot. With one pull of the trigger (which was light and smooth), they were able to hit their targets with precise accuracy with targets situated from 10 to 20 yards out. One user said that he was able to put this to the test during a run and gun session at the range. He concluded that he had excellent control over the pistol and would be able to keep it steady in a real self-defense situation if and when the time came.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is made from highly durable steel, thus making it super durable and able to handle shot after shot without any failure or jamming. Best of all, it can cool off a lot quicker after an extended shooting session. If you want a pistol that will cool off rather quickly even after consistently firing off shot after shot, this pistol will be right up your alley.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be an excellent pistol for those looking to keep this nearby with their holsters or keep it at home for home defense only. No matter how you use it, this will give you reliable and accurate shooting as a result. You will be prepared for a dangerous situation with superior firing power and quick shooting. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle fluctuations in heat and won’t easily warp or damage over time. If longevity is what you look for in a pistol (along with reliability and excellent firing power) this might be what you need.
Bottom Line
The Springfield Armory 911 .380 ACP pistol proves itself in being one of the leading .380 pistols for self-defense purposes. You’ll want something that will work to your advantage if and when danger is nearby and posing as a dangerous threat. For a pistol that is unrivaled in firing power and reliability, you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to give this a closer look.
Best Ruger .380 Pistol:
Ruger LCP 2.75" .380
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pistol was a hit with most users. The reason being was a lot of new users had average and even small hands, making this pistol a lot easier for them to use. On top of the easy handling ability, users were able to quickly get shots off and hit their targets with effective accuracy up to 20 yards. Overall, they had no issue with the loading or the overall trigger pull weight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Ruger pistol is at the right size for maximum concealed carry. Now, all it takes is finding a holster that will fit it like a glove. This pistol is definitely made for self-defense purposes and will deliver a good deal of damage if and when an assailant decides to threaten your life. But rest assured, you will be prepared to fend them off with a good shot or two from this pistol. If you want excellent concealability, unrivaled firing power, and reliability then this Ruger LCP pistol could just be a clear choice.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a nice newbie-friendly pistol for those who intend to use one for self-defense and have never done so in the past. It’s a pistol that will benefit both men and women alike. It’s at the right size for stealthy concealed carry and is powerful enough to knock down an attacker from a good distance. Super easy to conceal, easy to fire off, and tough like a tank, this pistol is anything but useless in a self-defense situation.
Bottom Line
If you want a .380 pistol that is proven to be one of the best in a self-defense situation all while providing excellent concealability, the Ruger LCP 380 will certainly be one of the better choices. Once you have this in your hand and take a few test shots, you’ll know for a fact that it can stand a good chance of saving your life in a survival situation.
Is a .380 a Good Daily Carry?
Short answer: yes. In fact, the .380 is perhaps one of the best calibers that you can find for the purpose of concealed carry and home defense. One of the main reasons for this is the measurables.
A .380 pistol is at the right size to fit in most IWB and OWB holsters that fit compact or subcompact pistols. Also, it’s small in size to a point where concealability will likely be greater compared to different sized pistols (i.e. full-sized). They seriously don’t call it the “pocket rocket” for nothing.
Why Did These .380 Pistols Make Our List?
While there are many .380 pistols out on the market, we chose only the best in terms of quality and performance (and other relevant characteristics). We didn’t choose these at random. We recommend that you follow a similar formula to this for the purpose of choosing a pistol of your own. Here are a few reasons these .380 pistols we’re about to review made the list:
Affordable for Most Budgets
Whether you have a certain amount of money you want to spend or have plenty of it to buy any pistol, you can find a pistol that is affordable for you. While the price tag might be something that a budget shopper will pay attention to, they should also find a pistol that offers exceptional quality and performance (and fits their budget range). The last thing they want is to spend money on something that is cheap and disappointing.
Ruger LCP II .380 ACP
Excellent for Concealability
One of the key purposes of a concealed carry holster is to make sure that the pistol that they are carrying is out of plain sight and not bulging out of its holster. We were careful in this regard when choosing .380 pistols for this list. If you are looking for a pistol that provides maximum concealability, a .380 pistol might be exactly what you are looking for.
High in Reliability
Reliability is key when it comes to finding a pistol for concealed carry purposes. You want it to work when you need it the most. This means you want a pistol that won’t jam or malfunction in any situation. Other than that, it should be a great pistol that will come in handy anytime and anywhere you find yourself in a life-threatening situation. Self-defense should be a last resort. But when needed, a .380 pistol will deliver accurate and reliable knockdown power, no matter what.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
It’s important that you consider a few additional aspects that will factor into your buying decision. You should make a well-informed decision rather than choose a pistol at complete random. Here are a few things that you may want to mull over before buying a pistol:
Are You Starting Out or Looking for an Upgrade?
A .380 pistol is one of the handfuls of calibers that would be perfect for both newbie users or those who have practiced concealed carry in the past. If you are new to concealed carry, you may want to find one where you are able to quickly get a shot off. So, pay attention to pistols that have a light trigger pull (along with other attributes like easy loading).
What Size Holster Do You Need?
At some point, you may need a holster that will support a .380 pistol. Most of the holsters that are designed to fit compact and subcompact holsters will probably be your best bet when you need one for the .380 pistol you choose.
Yes, even a full-sized .380 will fit in compact holsters designed for concealed carry.
Can I Use it For Anything Other Than Self-Defense?
You can find a pistol that will mostly be used for self-defense purposes (like the .380). And yes, some of them can be used for other purposes like target shooting or even competitive shooting.
You don’t have to utilize a pistol for these applications, but you have the option of doing so with any pistol regardless of caliber. Some pistols will excel better than others in one certain application. In this case, a .380 is more aimed towards self-defense.
Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield
Conclusion
The best .380 pistol could be any one of the ten listed above. As long as it proves itself worthy of fulfilling your personal needs and preferences, then it’s a pistol that you can certainly invest your hard-earned money in. Find one that will be accurate, reliable, and above all concealable. For survival situations, a .380 is not to be underestimated.
People Also Ask
The following is a list of frequently asked questions that new buyers have asked. It’s important that you use these answers as a guide so you are able to get more information about .380 pistols and how they will work to your advantage.
Can a .380 Kill You?
Yes, it can kill you if a bullet hits you from various distances. These rounds were made to be lethal if the target was hit in the head, chest or any area where vital organs are most affected. Thus, it’s perhaps one of the most popular reasons why a .380 is preferred in a concealed carry situation.
Is .380 Better Than a 9mm?
In some aspects they are. While they are roughly the same size, they are better in terms of getting a good deal when it comes to bullets. Most .380 rounds are a bit cheaper in price than their 9mm counterparts.
How Far Will a .380 Bullet Travel?
Depending on the conditions, a .380 bullet has the ability to travel up to 955 fps while shooting at a target that is situated from 50 yards away. This may change depending on the weight of the bullets that you are using.
