Best .380 Pistols
A Comprehensive Guide
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While some people prefer revolvers due to their simplicity, others fancy pistols. Today, the most common calibers of guns include 9mm, .45 ACP, and .380 ACP. It can be hard to find the best .380 pistol for your needs as many different makes and models are on the market. However, this article will help you pick the best .380 pistols on the market for your needs.
We have carefully reviewed each pistol based on price, performance, and customer satisfaction to bring you top-rated options that will satisfy your needs without breaking your budget. This list will help you decide which pistol you should purchase.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best .380 pistols, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best .380 Pistols
$399.00
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Here’s our list of the best .380 pistols on the market in 2018. Each one has its unique look, feel, and performance qualities that make them stand out from its competitors. Check it out.
5 Best .380 Pistols (Ranked And Reviewed)
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$462.99
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$405.99
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Specifications
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Caliber:
.380 ACP
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Width:
0.75 Inches
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Overall Length:
5.17 Inches
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Barrel Length:
2.75 Inches
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Height:
4.40 Inches
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Capacity:
6+1
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Material:
Alloy Steel
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Weight:
11 Oz
The LCP is a very lightweight and compact pistol, meaning it can be conveniently carried in a pocket or thrown into a handbag. It has glass-filled nylon grips that have been molded to fit your hands securely for maximum comfort and control. The Ruger LCP II trigger pull is short and crisp, ensuring a smooth firing experience each time you use it. This pistol comes with a pocket holster that will keep the firearm in place during daily activities for added protection. The Ruger LCP II trigger is designed to prevent misfires and resist corrosion with its alloy steel construction.
This compact pistol weighs just 11 oz, making it the perfect firearm for concealed carry purposes. It has a lightweight alloy steel barrel and a through-hardened slide. The LCP II comes with a rigid construction with a blued, through-hardened alloy steel slide and black, high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame making it one of the best .380 pistols on the market. The Ruger LCP II is designed specifically for concealed carry purposes. This pistol is very lightweight, making it easy to carry with you daily. The Ruger LCP II is ideal for shooters of all levels because of the smooth trigger pull.
Positive
- It is very lightweight, making it a great concealed carry gun
- It is irresistible against corrosion and rust
- It ensures smooth firing each time you use it
- It is a durable pistol
Negatives
- It has a relatively heavy trigger pull
2. GLOCK 42
$399.99
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$492.99
$0
28 05 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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$399.00
$0
28 05 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications
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Caliber:
380 Auto
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Overall Width:
0.98 Inches
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Overall Length:
5.94 Inches
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Barrel Length:
3.25 Inches
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Height:
4.13 Inches
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Trigger Distance:
2.40 Inches
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Action:
Safe Action®
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Weight:
13.76 Oz
Glock 42 is the smallest Glock pistol ever. It is also the most accurate .380 pistol with a barrel length of 3.25″ and a sight radius of 4.92″. It weighs 13.76 oz., which is excellent for concealed carry purposes. The Glock 42 features all the integrated safety elements you expect from a Glock pistol. This includes the Glock Safe Action system, which acts as a passive safety when carried in its cocked state. It also has an external built-in trigger safety that adds another level of protection against accidental discharges while handling or carrying your firearm.
The G42 is compatible with all standard Glock holsters and accessories so that you can customise it to your liking. It has a lightweight polymer frame with a non-reflective surface, making the firearm resistant to daily use. The Glock 42 is one of the best .380 pistols available because it comes with all of the reliability you expect from a Glock but in a much smaller package. At only 13.76 ounces, it is the lightest gun on our list and makes for an ideal concealed carry weapon.
Positive
- It is incredibly lightweight, making it a great concealed carry pistol
- It comes at an affordable price
- It is compatible with many different magazines and accessories
- It ensures accurate shooting
Negatives
- The trigger pull requires some getting used to
3. BERSA THUNDER .380
$304.99
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28 05 2023
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$299.99
$0
28 05 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications
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Caliber:
380 ACP
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Width:
1.3 Inches
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Overall Length:
6.6 Inches
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Barrel Length:
3.5 Inches
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Height:
4.9 Inches
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Capacity:
8+1
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Action:
Single/Double
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Grip Type:
Checkered Polymer
The Bersa Thunder .380 is a lightweight and compact pistol, making it an ideal concealed carry weapon. The Thunder .380 is designed for the fast and accurate firing of bullets. It has a smooth and easy-to-use double/single-action trigger. This pistol is an excellent choice for shooters of all levels because it has been equipped with a low-profile design. This allows the gun to fit well in any holster, regardless of whether this holster was made specifically for your Bersa Thunder .380 or not. This pistol also comes with an ambidextrous safety lever that is easy to use, even if you have small hands. The Thunder .380’s high-impact polymer frame makes this gun sturdy and durable. This pistol is small enough to easily fit into a purse or backpack, making it very difficult for an assailant to spot.
Positive
- It has a simple design that makes it easy to use and maintain
- It is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for concealed carry purposes
- It is great for recreational and competitive shooting
- It comes with great aesthetic value
Negatives
- Some shooters have reported snappy recoil
4. Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P Shield EZ
$489.00
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28 05 2023
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$519.99
$0
28 05 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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$499.99
$0
28 05 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications
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Caliber:
380 Auto
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Safety:
Manual Thumb Safety
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Length:
6.9 Inches
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Barrel Length:
3.8 Inches
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Frame:
Polymer
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Capacity:
8+1
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Action:
Internal Hammer Fired
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Weight:
18.5 Oz
The Smith and Wesson M&P Shield EZ is an excellent .380 pistol to consider. It comes with all the features you need to feel comfortable using your firearm for concealed carry purposes, including an internal hammer-fired system. The M&P Shield EZ has an ergonomic grip design that can fit comfortably in large or small hands. This lightweight polymer pistol only weighs 18.5 ounces and has a large, easy-to-use manual thumb safety. It features lightning cuts in the slide that helps in keeping it lightweight and easy to carry in a concealed holster. It also comes with a ported barrel which reduces the amount of felt recoil when you shoot this firearm. It also features a Tactile loaded chamber indicator that allows you to quickly check whether or not a round has been chambered. It also has a Picatinny-style equipment rail so you can easily mount the accessories of your choosing.
Positive
- It comes with built-in ambidextrous thumb safety
- It has ergonomic grips that are comfortable regardless of hand size or shape
- It is a quality build from Smith and Wesson, a well-known brand
- A ported barrel reduces the felt recoil
Negatives
- It has a limited eight-round magazine capacity
5. KIMBER MICRO CARRY
$679.00
$0
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$714.99
$0
28 05 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications
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Caliber:
380 Auto
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Grips:
Smooth/Checkered Rosewood Grips
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Length:
5.6 Inches
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Barrel Length:
2.75 Inches
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Frame:
Aluminium
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Magazine Capacity:
7
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Height:
4.0 Inches
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Weight:
13.4 Ounces
The Kimber Micro Carry is one of the smallest pistols on our list, which makes it perfect for concealed carry. This gun has a 2.75-inch stainless steel barrel surrounded by an all-metal frame, making it highly durable and corrosion-resistant. It weighs only 13 ounces, even with its all-metal design, making it extremely easy to conceal. The Kimber Micro Carry has an aluminum frame custom-made in the USA. It also uses an 8-pound recoil spring, which reduces felt recoil compared to other pistols on our list. It has checkered rosewood grips that help users maintain a secure grip on the weapon, even in wet conditions.
It is ideal for tactical shooting, which means that you will get the most out of this gun if you practice often. The Kimber Micro Carry has three-dot tritium night sights, which allows you to aim your firearm in low and bright lighting conditions with ease and accuracy. In addition, this pistol comes with an aluminum trigger which is factory set to 7 pounds. However, it can be adjusted if necessary. It has a beautiful satin silver finish which is resistant to corrosion and scratching, so you don’t have to worry about this gun deteriorating with use. It has a minimal design that makes it perfect for concealed carry purposes. In addition, the all-metal design makes it highly durable and easy to maintain.
Positive
- It has a durable design
- Its 3-dot night sights allow you to aim with ease in low light conditions
- It is suitable for novice and expert shooters alike
- It is lightweight and easy to conceal
Negatives
- It has a magazine capacity of seven rounds only
What To Consider While Buying The Best .380 Pistols?
A .380 caliber pistol is the most suitable type for concealed carry purposes because it has enough stopping power while being small enough to fit inside a purse or an average-sized pocket comfortably. But there are some factors that you should consider while buying a .380 pistol, such as:
Weight and Length
While going for a small gun to be concealed inside any type of clothing, you should also consider its weight. Larger pistols will be highly uncomfortable to carry around all day long because they add extra weight to your body. On the other hand, a lightweight gun will be relatively easier to carry around for long periods without getting tired.
Barrel Length
You should also consider barrel length when purchasing a .380 pistol, as it affects accuracy and recoil. A longer barrel means more space for the force, which means more energy is transferred into the bullet. In addition, a longer barrel will produce more accuracy and greater stopping power.
Magazine Capacity
Magazine capacity is also an essential factor to consider while choosing a .380 pistol. If it has a small magazine capacity, you will have to reload the firearm much more often during a shooting situation, which means losing valuable time. This could be detrimental to you if you are in a life or death situation and the shooter is still firing at you. It would prove fatal if you are focusing more on reloading than actual shooting.
Material of The Pistol
The material of the pistol is another critical consideration that you should keep in mind when buying a .380 caliber pistol. Most pistols are built with durable heavy metals and can survive even if they fall or collide with surfaces. But while buying a gun, it is essential to consider the material of unique components of your firearm, such as the barrel and the slide. These parts are especially susceptible to damage which can affect your shooting abilities in a significant way.
FAQs
What is the .380 ACP cartridge?
The .380 ACP, also known as 9mm Kurz, was designed by John Moses Browning in 1908. Actually, it has a diameter of .355 inches, roughly equal to 9mm.
How does the .380 ACP cartridge compare to other cartridges?
The .380 ACP handgun cartridge is considered less powerful than other cartridges, which means that it provides less stopping power and penetration ability. However, it is a significantly powerful cartridge in compact or mini pistols.
What is a sub-compact pistol?
A sub-compact pistol is a handgun with a barrel length of fewer than 3 inches and an overall length of fewer than 6 inches. This type of pistol usually has a magazine capacity of 10 rounds or less, making it easier to carry around for self-defense purposes.
What is the purpose of buying a .380 handgun?
The primary purpose of purchasing a .380 handgun, especially when it comes to concealed carry, is its lightweight and small design which makes it easy to store in a purse or a pocket without the risk of it being noticed or stolen.
Why are .380 pistols sometimes called “pocket rockets”
.380 pistols are called “pocket rockets” because they have smaller bullets compared to other types of handguns, but still pack a punch. They are also lightweight for their size.
Conclusion
When purchasing your first handgun, the .380 caliber is an excellent choice. These handguns are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse yet powerful enough for self-defense situations. .380 pistols are a perfect choice for pocket pistols and concealed carry. To help you in your search, we’ve reviewed 5 of the best .380 pistols in the market today. We have reviewed them and explored their pros and cons so you can make more informed purchase decisions when considering your first .380 pistol. We hope that this article has been helpful to you in learning more about what makes a great .380 caliber handgun. If you’re still undecided about which pistol to purchase, be sure to read our in-depth review about each one. Happy shooting.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
