Some people prefer going with the smaller handguns, particularly if they aren’t well-built or are built for tactical use. 380 handguns are usually rated low on ballistics and recoil, but in this article you’ll see they are becoming more and more popular because of the price to quality ratio of most 380 handguns. The best 380 handgun is the one that fits your hand, matches your criteria and satisfies your personal preferences. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve reviewed four of the most popular 380 handguns. We cover the positive aspects and drawbacks of each gun, with an overall recommendation of our top pick.
What Does a 380 Gun Cost?
The answer to this question is simple: It depends. The price of a .380 handgun varies greatly depending on the manufacturer, the model and the retailer. While some models can be as cheap as $250, others can sell for $500 or more. For example, if you choose a Walther PPK/S, you will pay about $1,000 for it. On the other hand, an inexpensive .380 handgun can cost less than $200, such as the Ruger LCP or the Kel-Tec P3AT.The 9 Best .380 Pistols
If you’re looking for the most suitable .380 pistol, here are nine to choose from:
TOP 9 Best 380 Handguns in 2022
Glock 42: Best 0verall
- Its small size does not compromise its power.
- Compact & Lightweight Great For CCW
- The grip on this gun is texturized
- Has a smooth trigger pull that makes it incredibly accurate
Seecamp LWS 380: Best Pocket Pistol
- Lightweight
- Smaller size than most other .380 pistols
- Reliable
Browning 1911-380: Best Home Defense
- Lightweight and easy to conceal
- Long barrel makes it easy to aim precisely (4.25 inches)
- Fires quickly and easily (single-action trigger)
- Good grips keep this gun in your hand
S&W EZ Shield 380: Easiest Handling
- Easy to hold and fire
- Compact and lightweight
- Rugged design for long life
Kahr Cw380
- Accuracy, reliability and competitive price
- Received more than 22 awards from various publications
- Best choice for hunters, law enforcement, and military personnele than 22 awards from various publications
BERSA THUNDER PLUS
- Gun has an ambidextrous cylinder release, making it easier for people who are left-handed to use this gun
- Pinned front sight and adjustable rear sight
- Made from steel, making it stronger than other handgunsComes Standard With Two Magazines
WALTHER PPK
- Compact frame and a 15+1 capacity, making it perfect for concealed carry
- Pinned front sight and adjustable rear sight
- Can spend less time aiming and more time hitting your mark
SIG P238
- Extremely thin and lightweight - can be comfortably carried all day
- Polymer frame with embedded stainless steel rigid chassis system
- Striker-fired for short consistent trigger pull, every time
- M&P’s patented take-down lever and sear deactivation systems allow for disassembly without pulling the trigger
RUGER ICP 2
- Gorgeous & modern design
- Reliable and accurate double-action pistol
- Rail system to mount additional accessories
- Ergonomic design with a beavertail frame and front strap checkering
#1 Best Overall: Glock 42
When it comes to finding the best .380 pistol, you’re going to want to hear what we have to say. We tested a full range of options and came up with the absolute best options on the market. Our top pick for .380 pistols is the Glock 42.
Glock 42 Specs
The Glock 42 is a small-framed pistol that allows for comfortable carrying in your pocket or purse. It’s incredibly easy to conceal, but its small size does not compromise its power. The grip on this gun is texturized, and it has a smooth trigger pull that makes it incredibly accurate even for new shooters.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Compact & Lightweight
- This gun has an adjustable rear sight that comes with white dot inserts for added accuracy.
CONS
- The slide catch lever can be hard to use if you have big hands.
GLOCK 42
SEECAMP LWS 380
#2 Seecamp LWS 380:
Best Pocket Pistol
If there’s one thing a .380 pistol is good for, it’s slipping comfortably into your pocket without weighing you down. And the Seecamp LWS actually does this better than some of our other favorite pocket pistols—the Glock 42 in particular.
Seecamp LWS 380 Specs:
* Weight: 10.8 ounces (empty)
* Length: 5 inches
* Barrel length: 2.80 inches
* Height: 3.25 inches
* Width: 0.90 inches
* Magazine capacity: 6+1 (standard) or 7+1 (extended)
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Lightweight
- Smaller size than most other .380 pistols
- Reliable
CONS
- Not easy to shoot at first, due to its small size
- Expensive
#3 Browning 1911-380:
Best for Home Defense
The Browning 1911-380 is particularly good for home defense and concealed carry of a weapon (CCW). It’s a 1911-style semi-automatic pistol, which is popular with many gun enthusiasts and collectors. It’s also a small caliber pistol, so it’s ideal for concealed carry in many states.
Browning 1911-380 Specs
The Browning 1911-380 has an overall length of 7 1/4 inches and a height of 5 inches. The weight unloaded is 20 ounces and 27 ounces loaded. It has a barrel length of 3 3/4 inches, with a sight radius of 5 1/2 inches. The sights are low profile, which help those with limited shoulder rotation easily use the sights without bumping into their body or clothing.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to conceal
- Long barrel makes it easy to aim
- Good grips keep this gun in your hand
CONS
- Shoulder holster required
- Aiming requires sight adjustment
BROWNING 1911-380
S&W EZ SHIELD 380
#4 S&W EZ Shield 380: Easiest Handling
The S&W EZ Shield 380 is the easiest-handling pistol on the market, and it’s ideal for anyone who needs to feel safe at home or on the go.
While most pistols require you to load each bullet individually, this model has a clip that fits 8 bullets. That means it’s ready to go at all times! The EZ Shield has a safety feature that prevents accidental firing, but it can also fire quickly if you need it to.
S&W EZ Shield 380 Specs
With its easy-to-grip polymer frame, the EZ Shield is one of the best pistols for new shooters. It’s got a soft, textured grip that will give you a secure hold, even if your palms are sweaty. The S&W EZ Shield 380 has an ambidextrous manual safety and mag release that are both easy to reach and use.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Easy to hold and fire
- Compact and lightweight
- Rugged design for long life
CONS
- Can be difficult to accessorize
#5 Kahr Cw380
The Kahr CW380 is a great choice for a .380 pistol, with a lot of the same excellent qualities of the counterpart. It has an intuitive slide catch and magazine release that are easy to use even without looking at them. The gun is very slim, making it convenient to carry in a holster or simply tuck into your coat pocket. It can definitely handle the wear and tear of daily use.
In terms of accuracy, it’s not as consistent as some other guns, but this isn’t uncommon among smaller pistols. Still, in our testing, we found it possible to hit targets consistently out beyond twenty yards with practice (especially using the sights).
The trigger pull is fairly long for a double action only pistol, but it’s smooth throughout and there’s no stacking or grit. All things considered, we’d recommend this gun for concealed carry or home defense if you’re looking for something lightweight and easy-to-handle that won’t break the bank.
Kahr cw380 Specs
It’s a compact firearm with a 2.58-inch barrel and a 7+1 round capacity. The Kahr CW380 has a polymer frame and a steel slide, along with a textured grip that offers shooters a more comfortable hold. The trigger is smooth, and the gun feels good in your, hand making it ideal for concealed carry.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Smooth Trigger Pull.
- Easy to Rack Slide
- Great for Concealed Carry
- Feels Good in Your Hand.
CONS
- Poor Finish Quality
- Expensive
KAHR CW380
Bersa Thunder Plus
#6 Bersa Thunder Plus
Bersa thunder plus is a great choice if you’re looking for a gun to carry with you. This gun is very small, so you can easily carry it with you. It has a lot of power and is very accurate, so it’s very good at protecting yourself. It has a lot of safety features like the slide being made out of steel, which makes it impossible to break the gun by dropping it. The safety is also very good at preventing accidents and keeping your finger off the trigger.
The gun has a nice grip that makes it easy to hold and aim. You can use both your middle and index fingers to pull the trigger instead of just one finger. The trigger pull is light, which makes it easy to shoot fast because there’s no force required on your finger.
Bersa Thunder Plus Specs
* Caliber: .380
* Capacity: 7 + 1
* Action: DA/SA
* Barrel Length: 3.5″
* Overall Length: 6.6″
* Front Sight: Fixed
* Frame: Steel
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Lightweight - 19oz
- Ambidextrous magazine release
- Comfortable grip
CONS
- Long trigger pull (2 lbs)
WALTHER PPK
#7 Walther PPK
The Walther PPK is a classic German pistol, originally designed by Walther in 1929. It is well known for being James Bond’s gun of choice, and has a rich history of espionage and intrigue. The new Walther PPK, introduced in the past decade, offers most of the same features and all of the same quality that made its predecessor so famous.
Walther PPK Specs
* caliber: .380 acp
* capacity: 6 or 7 (depending on model)
* barrel length: 3.27 inches
* weight: 18 ounces (with empty magazine)
Pros and Cons
PROS
- extremely comfortable choice for everyday carry.
- This is a smaller gun
- doesn't feel bulky in your hand
CONS
- The magazine capacity is small
#8 Sig P238
The Sig P238 is a single-action pistol with a great deal of attention placed on precision, including quality materials and exacting tolerances, resulting in a small pistol that is extremely accurate. You won’t find any plastic on this pistol — the frame is made from an investment cast aluminum alloy, then finished in Nitron.
Sig pP238 Specs
The Sig Sauer P238 is a semi-automatic handgun designed for concealed carry and built by Sig Sauer. It is a single-action weapon that uses a locked breech recoil system and has an effective range of 50 yards. The pistol has a steel slide that is hard-coat anodized, and the grip frame is made from black-anodized aluminum.
Sights on the gun are night sights, but these can be changed to different options made by Sig. The P238 comes with two 6-round magazines, each equipped with a finger extension base plate.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- This gun is easy to conceal
- easier to aim at the target accurately
- Low recoil
CONS
- it can be difficult to hold
SIG P238
#9 Ruger lCP 2
The Ruger lCP 2 is a compact pistol that makes carrying easy and comfortable.
Ruger lCP 2 Specs
* Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
* Weight: 10.6 ounces
* Caliber: .380 Auto
* Frame: High-performance, glass-filled nylon
* Slide: Through-hardened steel alloy
* Trigger Pull: 5.5 to 7.5 pounds (estimated)
Pros and Cons
PROS
- awesome grip texture
- easy slide racking
- great sights
CONS
- sights are tough to adjust on your own
- longer trigger pull
RUGER lCP 2
Is a .380 Fit Enough for Concealed Carry Gun?
You’ve probably heard it all before: “A 9mm is the best concealed carry weapon. Why would you even consider anything smaller?” And, you know what? They’re right. A 9mm can be an excellent choice for a concealed carry gun. But, just because a 9mm is great, doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options that you might want to consider.
For example, some people might enjoy having a handgun on them at all times that doesn’t get in the way or is uncomfortable while going about day-to-day life. For those people, a .380 handgun might be the perfect choice! But, if you’re looking for something with more power and a bigger bang, then maybe going with one of these guns isn’t for you.
Is a 380 or a 9mm Better?
When it comes to handguns, the question of whether a .380 or a 9mm is better tends to come up over and over again. This is because both rounds are popular choices for self-defense, and they have the same diameter. What exactly differentiates the two, then?
The 9mm round is longer, which means that when you’re firing it, you’ll need more practice to get your aim right. The .380 ACP round is cheaper and easier to handle. It’s also easier to conceal than a 9mm—the smaller size makes it an ideal choice for people who want a handgun that’s easy to carry and unobtrusive.
However, that doesn’t mean that the .380 ACP is necessarily “better” than the 9mm when it comes to self-defense. In some cases, the 9mm is actually more powerful overall—though this depends on factors like bullet weight and load type.
What Is A Suitable 380 Pistolsfor Concealed Carry and Protection?
The suitable 380 pistols are the ones that make you feel safe, and that you can use in a variety of situations. If you’re looking for a pistol that you can carry with you or keep in your pocket, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a pistol for concealed carry and pocketed protection:
* What kind of caliber do you want?
* What size magazine do you want?
* How easy is it to get the gun out of your clothes?
* Does it have a safety on it?
Modern 380 Categories
Modern 380 pistols are small, light, and easy to shoot. They’re the right choice if you’re not comfortable with a larger caliber handgun or a more complicated firearm. If you have small hands and might not be able to grip a traditional pistol properly, the modern 380 is an excellent option for you.
We believe that every responsible person should own a firearm for self-defense, but that doesn’t mean everyone should buy the same gun. You need to choose one that fits your needs, abilities, and budget so you can practice using it comfortably and effectively. Modern 380s are usually less expensive than their larger caliber counterparts, and they may be easier for beginners or people who are recoil sensitive to use—considering these factors makes the modern 380 an appealing option!
Best 380 Pistol Under $200
The Ruger LCP is the best 380 pistol on the market, period. It’s small, light-weight, and reliable. I couldn’t recommend this gun more highly to anyone looking for a 380 pistol to conceal carry.
Best Women’s 380 Guns
Here are some of the best 380 Guns for women:
Diamondback DB380
This gun is small and light, but it can still pack a punch. It weighs just over 10 ounces when loaded with 6 rounds, so it’s comfortable to carry in your pocket or purse. It has a double-action-only trigger, and it won’t fire unless the trigger is pulled all the way back—so you don’t have to worry about accidental discharges when you’re pulling it out of your pocket or your bag. The grip is made of rubber, which makes it easy to hold on to if your hands get sweaty. Plus, it comes in black or pink, so you can choose whichever color matches your style.
Kel Tec P3AT
This gun is also small enough to fit easily into a pocket or purse, but it’s heavier than the Diamondback—so if you want something that feels more solid in your hand, the P3AT might be right for you. It weighs just under 12 ounces when loaded with 7 rounds and measures less than 5 inches long (including the barrel). This gun also has a double-action-only trigger with a safety that prevents accidental discharges while still allowing smooth operation when firing intentionally.
The Worst 380 Pistols
Here are the top five worst 380 pistols:
* WALTHER PK380: This gun is notorious for being unreliable and has a tendency to jam frequently.
* KEL-TEC P-3AT: The slide on this gun is known for flying off.
* TAURUS PT 738 TCP: This pistol is known for a weak recoil spring that can cause the gun to jam while firing.
* BERETTA PICO: This pistol has a very long trigger pull and is not very accurate even at close range.
* FEG PA-63: The magazine release on this pistol is prone to breaking, causing it to fall out of the gun.
Perfect 380 Gun for Small Hands
The Glock 42 is, in my humble opinion, the right 380 gun for small hands. It comes with a number of features that make it perfect for people with small hands. It comes with a grip that is slimmer than most other handguns. This makes it very easy to hold and shoot. The trigger is also thinner than most other guns on the market today. This makes it easier to pull back and shoot with small hands.
Best 380 Pistol Full Size
The best 380 pistol full size is the Sig p238. When you think of a full-size pistol, you might picture a gun that’s bulky and heavy. This is not what you get with the Sig p238. I was worried that such a small gun wouldn’t pack much power, but I was pleasantly surprised. The recoil is low and the accuracy of this little gun is on par with many of my larger pistols. If you’re in the market for a small handgun, I highly recommend this one!
High Capacity 380 Pistols
High Capacity 380 Pistols are made from high quality materials to ensure you get maximum performance from them. You will be able to carry these pistols anywhere without worrying about whether or not they will work properly. The design is also very comfortable so you will not feel any discomfort when using them for long periods of time.
Final Words
I hope I have helped you to make the choice of the best 380 handgun for defense. If you want to find out more about handguns, please visit another of our articles.