It is no secret that the 9mm is the most common handgun cartridge for self-defense in the world. However, those who may be more recoil-sensitive, or need a firearm with a smaller footprint, have long turned to the .380 ACP. The .380 still provides decent ballistic performance and has a good assortment of ammo available.
Quality .380 ACP pistols are accurate and reliable. They often fall into two different size ranges, micro or compact. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and each has its place in the gun safe.
Micro .380s
A lot of the .380 handguns fall into a category referred to as micro pistols. These provide minimal size and weight for everyday carry. They are great to toss in the pocket and forget about. Unfortunately, they feature limited capacity, sight radius, hand fit, and exhibit a bit more recoil.
SIG P238
At first glance, the SIG Sauer P238 resembles a miniature 1911 pistol. Although the mechanics are a bit different, the manual of arms is the same. This makes the P238 a great backup carry option for those whose main firearm is a 1911, 2011, or other single-action pistol.
The small .380 features a manual thumb safety (either single-side or ambidextrous) that is positive in operation. This is a nice added security measure for pocket carry. The pistol has a 2.7-inch barrel and accepts either 6- or 7-round magazines depending on whether you prefer a flush fit or an extended baseplate. The Legion model offers the most features and enhancements, including an aluminum trigger, X-Ray night sights, and custom G10 grips.
Similar to the classic Colt Mustang of the past, the P238 is incredibly easy to carry all day long. Kimber offers a similar option in its Micro 380 line for those who prefer a more rounded silhouette.
Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a no-frills carry gun with the simplicity and reliability of the popular full-size duty pistols. The striker-fired design incorporates a bladed trigger safety that prevents the trigger from being depressed without intentionally being pulled. Further, the Safe Action system means the striker is not fully cocked until you pull the trigger.
With a 2.8-inch barrel and 6-round magazines, the G42 is on par with other common micro .380 options. The minimal parts and intuitive construction make for easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. No matter your mechanical prowess, you will be able to get this puzzle back together.
Additionally, Glock pistols have a ton of aftermarket support. You can upgrade or replace any part on the pistol for a custom look and feel.
Ruger LCP Max
Ruger took its popular LCP carry pistol to the next level with the LCP Max. With a slightly expanded grip frame to accommodate a staggered-stack magazine, the LCP Max offers an impressive 10-round magazine capacity. 12-round extended magazines are also available and add little to the overall footprint.
The hammer-fired pistol utilizes Ruger’s safe and reliable Secure Action fire-control system, which combines a protected internal hammer with a bladed trigger safety. The trigger has a short, smooth pull with a clean break and positive reset resembling a single-action pistol.
Ruger states that the barrel cam geometry delays unlocking, slows the slide, and ultimately reduces felt recoil compared to other .380 Auto pistols. Notably, the pistol ships with a front tritium night sight and serrated blacked-out rear U-notch. This setup provides a sight picture that’s quick to pick up and works well for defensive shooting.
Seecamp LWS 380
Seecamp’s LWS 380 is the smallest pistol on this list. With a mere 2.1-inch barrel, the gun easily fits within the palm of your hand and still manages to pack 6 rounds in the magazine.
The LWS 380 operates on a simple delayed-blowback action. Its stainless-steel frame and double-action-only trigger make it a durable and safe choice for personal defense. However, at just .91 inches wide at its thickest and just under 11.5 ounces with an unloaded magazine, it absolutely disappears on your person while carrying.
Given its small size, the pistol takes some getting used to as you learn to manipulate it proficiently. The heel magazine release makes for a different manual of arms while reloading, although it works well once you get it down. The G10 grips provide a good hold, even with sweaty hands.
Mid-Size .380s
Compact enough for carry, and large enough for fun at the range, these mid-size .380s offer a good balance for most tasks. They have a higher capacity and are easier to handle than their micro counterparts. Additionally, the longer barrel length and sight radius help improve ballistics and accuracy potential.
Girsan MC-14T
The Girsan MC-14T is an affordable clone of a popular discontinued Beretta design. The MC-14T features a unique 3.8-inch, tip-up barrel for loading the chamber without having to rack the slide. The method works great for those with disabilities or limited hand strength.
The double-action/single-action pistol features a frame-mounted manual safety. The aluminum frame is designed with a Picatinny rail for attaching accessories. The pistol holds 13 rounds in the magazine and is available in plenty of different finish options from standard black to polished gold.
Browning Black Label
1911 fans will be naturally drawn to the Browning Black Label. The design is available in full-size and compact models, with and without a rail, with plenty of different finish options. The “Medallion” models feature an attractive two-tone finish with checkered rosewood grips.
The pistols utilize single-stack 8-round magazines. The single-action pistol is carried cocked and locked. The Black Label even features all the common upgrades found on modern 1911s. However, the .380 is much smaller than a standard Colt .45, which makes everyday carry a breeze.
I prefer the compact models with a 3.62-inch barrel and shortened slide because they conceal a little easier. You’re not sacrificing much in the way of accuracy and terminal ballistics.
S&W Shield EZ
Smith and Wesson designed the Shield EZ series specifically for shooters who have issues with hand strength. The pistol is based around the “EZ Rack” slide, which reduces the force required to retract the slide for loading/unloading and clearing malfunctions. Additionally, the pistol utilizes specially designed magazines that are easier to load. They feature pull tabs to reduce spring pressure and hold 8 rounds.
Along with a manual safety option, the Shield EZ incorporates a grip safety for added security. This pairs well with the internal hammer-fired design, allowing for a crisp trigger press that makes for good accuracy.
Intended for self-defense, the Shield EZ has an accessory rail for mounting a light or laser. Performance Center models incorporate ported barrels for recoil reduction and attractive slide cuts.
Beretta 80X Cheetah
The Beretta 80X Cheetah breathes new life into a classic design. In typical Beretta fashion, the double-action/single-action pistol features the iconic open-top slide design for improved reliability. Additionally, forward and rear slide serrations enhance gripping surface for malfunction clearance and slide manipulation.
The pistol incorporates a frame-mounted safety that is ambidextrous. The frontstrap and backstrap have checkering to increase traction and recoil control. Further, the new Cheetah has an added rail for mounting accessories.
Do you ever rely on a .380 for self-defense? What are your favorite .380 ACP pistols? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comment section.
