380 Pocket Gun - which of these 3?

[Cheapshooter]

I have both and LCP, and a KAHR CM9, the lower cost version of the PM9.I really don't noticed a lot of diference in recoil. Maybe slightly less with the Ruger. I was shooting both just last week. Hornady Zombie Max in the Elsie (don't laugh, they were a couple bucks cheaper than Critical Defense), and some 9MM NATO in the KHAR.

 

[Cheapshooter]

If you noticed, the KAHR PM9 doesn't have a safety either.

 

[Darker Loaf]

Re Cheapshooter

HEH, well, dur. I know a PM 9 doesn't have a safety, but I was assuming that wasn't an option, since it's in 9mm. Also, I'm assuming his buddy wants a .380 because of the low weight to carry and thinness for concealment. Even a PM9/CW9 is 50% heavier than an LCP or a Kahr P380.

On LCP vs. CW9/PM9, I guess I just answered my own question. If both you and I experience the perceived recoil from a PM9/CW9 as less, that's sort of understandable since it has about 50% more energy AND 50% more mass (or more since that's just the unloaded weight and the loaded mags of a PM9 probably probably weight more than a LCP or Smith BG). But it still weird.

What's your take?

 

[Cheapshooter]

If added weight to reduce recoil, plus having good concealability are what the OP is looking for, the new Ruger LC380 could also be a good choice. Milder 380 caliber, but in the LC9 size.

 

[bonefamily]

If added weight to reduce recoil, plus having good concealability are what the OP is looking for, the new Ruger LC380 could also be a good choice. Milder 380 caliber, but in the LC9 size.

How does the size of the LC380 compare to the Bersa Thunder 380? Could be a close comparison. However, the BT380 is a direct blow-back and I believe the LC380 is a locked breech? That could result in a different felt recoil.

 

[Darker Loaf]

The Bersa is the thickest of the bunch of pistols we are describing. The thinnest one is 1" (the Concealed Carry one: http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-concealed-carry.html). The rest are 1.3 inches, which is about the thickness of a 1911 or a full-sized handgun. They are also pretty heavy, but so is my Kahr K9 or even a Springfield XDs.

To me, the thickness of a CC handgun makes a big difference, since I'm trying to conceal mine inside the waistband. It may not make such a large difference to you.

But for me the added weight and thickness of the Bersa line puts it more in the 9mm Kahr-line, Walther PPS (also 9mm), Springfield XDs, or Ruger LC9 camp rather than the .380 close-to-10 oz camp.

 

[mrcharlie3531]

I have a ruger lcp and love it. Yes, I want another one. I purchased my lcp in pre-owned condition. I had a minor issue with the magazine latch. Ruger fixed it for free. Excellent customer service with quick turn around time. Never had a malfunction with it.

 

[SteveBonning]

I'll add my $0.02 on the Bodyguard. After all my research I went with it. Better sights, reputation for reliability, fits my hand well, conceals easily, manageable recoil; the laser I just consider a bonus since all of these small pocket pistols are for 'up close and personal' encounters for the most part. I also like the safety--don't use it; so I train with it just like my Glock 36, using the long trigger pull as a safety. I've never regretted the Bodyguard 380 purchase.

 

[thomas361965]

380 pocket pistol

I recently bought a S&W Bodygaurd for my wife and it was very accurate out of the box. I went on YouTube to see how to disassemble and reassemble. The directions in the book were not good but it was simple on YouTube. It seems to be a good shooting gun so for.

 

[biohazurd]

Of those 3 i would say the lcp. Better fit and finish then the kt and unless you really prefer lasers i would say is better selection. I have shot all 3 on various occations.