If you are looking for a concealed carry weapon that really packs a punch but can be kept inside the waistband – a .380 pistol is a surefire choice. However, there is a multitude of .380 pistol choices available on the market today, so it can be extremely difficult to choose the best one for your needs.
But, no worries, we are here to help…
In this article, we will give you an in-depth review of a variety of .380 pistols that are perfect for concealed carry purposes.
Understandably, you’ll want a concealed carry weapon that you can properly hide and feels comfortable. Also, it’s a good idea to have a gun that will function quickly and effectively in an emergency situation.
So now, let’s shoot through the different options and find the perfect .380 pistol for you…
Top 7 Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry Reviews
1. Ruger – LCP® II 380 ACP 6+1
First up, we’re taking a look at this Ruger LCP II 380, which has a six plus one round capacity and is made with a polymer stock.
A crisp trigger…
If you are searching for a concealed carry .380 that has a short, crisp, and rapidly responsive trigger – this Ruger model is a good choice. Additionally, they’ve added an inner trigger safety to help ensure that the gun won’t unintentionally fire in an accidental scenario.
Ruger has also improved its sights with this particular model. This means you get better visibility and can potentially acquire your target rapidly and accurately.
Get a grip…
The Ruger LCP II has been made with a larger grip surface area, allowing you to get a solid grip on your subcompact pistol. You’ll have better control of the recoil action when firing due to better distribution of the recoil forces.
As well, there’s an easy to rack slide operation in place, making for a very fluid and fast functioning firearm. Plus, there’s a newly improved slide stop mechanism built into this design, with a last round open system in place.
Made in the USA…
It’s good to know that this polymer made concealed carry Ruger has been made in the USA, as you know it will have been made to good standards. As well, with it being a polymer design, it’s extremely lightweight at just 0.67 pounds.
Overall, this a nicely improved design of the Ruger LCP model, and you should be able to conceal and carry this pistol with comfort and ease.
Pros
- Six + one round capacity.
- Short and crisp trigger.
- Inner trigger safety.
- Improved sights.
- Large grip surface.
- Excellent recoil.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- You may prefer an all-metal design.
2. Sig Sauer – P238 Spartan II 380 ACP
Moving on, we’re looking at the Sig Sauer P238 Spartan II, which is a single-action automatic .380 ACP.
A custom finish and design…
Firstly, it’s good to mention that this is a very smart-looking custom finished coyote-tan colored Sig Sauer subcompact pistol that stands out from the average model. This particular pistol design is based on their Spartan 1911 handgun.
The grip has a very unique look as well and continues the Spartan styling with a Spartan helmet and panels etched into each of the sides.
It’s built with a stainless steel frame and uses a sturdy stainless steel slide, giving you a very solid and durable subcompact weapon. It weighs one pound, is 5.5 inches in length, and holds a good seven plus one round magazine. The main stock is made from a strong polymer material, which reduces the weight of this firearm significantly.
A 1911 inspired design…
For anyone familiar with 1911 style handguns, this could the perfect concealed carry option for you. This is because all the functionality and controls of this firearm are based on the original Colt 1911 design, but just in a miniaturized version. Familiar 1911 elements on this pistol include the very similar manual thumb safety and a single action trigger.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a unique concealed carry weapon, you’re familiar with 1911 handguns, and you like the Spartan theme – this has to be your perfect choice for one of the best .380 pistols for concealed carry.
Pros
- Unique Spartan design.
- Single-action auto.
- Steel frame and slide.
- Strong polymer stock.
- Seven + one round magazine.
- 1911 inspired design.
- Manual thumb safety.
Cons
S
3. Glock 42 .380 ACP (Made in USA)
Next up, we have this Glock 42 .380ACP, which is made in the USA. It has a six plus one round capacity and weighs in at 0.86 pounds. Therefore, this is an extremely lightweight Glock, ideal for concealment.
A slimline subcompact weapon…
This new Glock 42 design is engineered to be ultra slimline and incredibly durable. It’s the smallest Glock currently available on the market, making it the ideal concealed carry Glock firearm.
Whether you want to conceal your gun inside the waistband or even pocket carry, this Glock should be very easy to conceal without pressing on your clothing. It is always advisable, however, to try and wear clothing that will conceal your weapon more discreetly.
Plus, this G42 is made in the USA, so you know you’re getting a high-quality weapon.
What else does it offer?
The barrel on this Glock 43 is made with a right-hand twist of 3.25 inches. Plus, it has a length of just under six inches and a trigger pull of approximately 5.5 pounds.
Overall, Glock has put a lot of research and listened to customer feedback to design this super concealable .380 pistol. And they’ve done a very good job to ensure that the gun maintains as much precision and power for such a small weapon and remains as one of the best .380 pistols for concealed carry.
Pros
- Six + one round capacity.
- 0.86 pounds.
- Super concealable.
- Slimline design.
- USA made.
- Solid trigger pull.
- Precision shooter.
Cons
- May be difficult to grip with larger hands.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380 W/O Laser ‒ 109381
Now we’re taking a look at this Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380 pistol. This is basically a smaller and more compact version of the popular M&P with all the great features of the Bodyguard remaining in this design.
A lightweight self-defense option…
Smith & Wesson have tried and succeeded in making a very streamlined and ergonomic .380 pistol. You’ll be able to get a solid grip with this pistol, meaning you can handle the relatively small amount of recoil that it produces.
Included in this package, you will get two magazines, so you’ll always be able to have one spare when out and about.
Solid frame…
The frame on this Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380 is made with a very strong and durable polymer, which is then accompanied by a steel slide and barrel, which are corrosion resistant. So whatever the weather, you’re sure to have a fully functioning pistol when it’s really needed.
It also utilizes a two and three quarter inch barrel which adds to the full length of this pistol, which is approximately five and a half inches. Plus, it only weighs close to a mere 0.75 pounds.
Extra features…
Some extra features that give this pistol some true added value are the well-designed thumb safety, rapid second-strike capabilities stainless sights, and a take-down lever. It also incorporates new fish scale serrations on the slide to make it easier to pull back.
Overall, this is a very well-thought-out design that can be easily concealed and is made to function very intuitively. We believe it wouldn’t take too long to get really comfortable using this gun.
Pros
- Streamlined design.
- Excellent grip.
- Strong polymer frame.
- Corrosion-resistant steel.
- Includes two magazines.
- Approximately 0.75 pounds.
Cons
- It’s not an ambidextrous pistol.
5. Smith & Wesson – M&P 380 Shield EZ 2.0 No Thumb Safety
Next on our list is another Smith & Wesson M&P .380 ACP pistol named the Shield EZ 2.0. As is stated, it does not include a thumb safety. This is another variation of the popular Smith & Wesson M&P range.
A good starter pistol…
If you are new to compact pistols or guns in general, the EZ 2.0 could be a good way to start.
One of the main reasons why it suits a new shooter is because the recoil isn’t as powerful as the average pistol in this category. This is made possible as this pistol doesn’t use a stiff recoil spring like the usual guns of this type. Therefore, if you do have limited hand-strength, but want a form of concealed carry self-defense, then this is a great option.
Easy to grasp…
Another great aspect of this .380 pistol is that it has well placed deep serrations on the slide to make it super easy to pull back. You’ll be able to grip the slide with ease for racking.
Additionally, the actual grip on this pistol is extensively textured so that you really can gain a firm and solid grasp when shooting. This obviously is incredibly important if you have a surprise moment when you need to draw and defend yourself quickly. The textured grip also helps with controlling the recoil.
Feature-packed…
Other features that make this one of the best .380 pistols for concealed carry include a crisp single-action trigger, and eight plus one round magazine, and Picatinny rail that allows for mounting pistol accessories.
Finally, we should mention the adjustable rear sight that allows you to adjust for elevation and windage. The complete sight set-up is a three-dot one.
Pros
- Perfect starter pistol.
- Little recoil.
- Excellent grip.
- Good sights.
- Easy to rack.
- Single-action trigger.
Cons
- No thumb safety.
6. Kahr Arms CW380 6+1 .380 ACP 2.5″
Here we have the Kahr Arms six plus one .380 ACP 2.5-inch pistol, which has been designed to have a firm grip and conceals very well.
A duo-tone finish…
This .380 pistol comes with a strong and durable black polymer frame. It also has a matte stainless steel slide. So with the combination of the two components, you get a very nice looking duo-tone concealed carry weapon.
In terms of round capacity, you get six rounds in the magazine and a plus one in the chamber. The barrel length is a compact 2.5 inches which makes concealment incredibly simple, however you choose to carry this weapon.
Unfortunately, there is no manual safety on this model. Plus, it doesn’t have a magazine disconnect.
Perfectly on target…
But, it is a semi-automatic pistol, and it also has adjustable sights for windage and elevation. The rear sight is a drift adjustable white-bar dot system made for combat. The front sight is pinned in polymer style set-up. Additionally, this particular model has a 1:16 ratio right-hand twist. This type of twist follows the traditional design, which gives you accuracy and allows for less recoil.
Overall, this is a very compact and user-friendly .380 ACP pistol, that will serve you well. Because you can easily conceal this small weapon and get a very strong grip due to the textured elements on this pistol – it’s a good deal, easily making it one of the Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry around.
Pros
- Firm grip.
- Duo-tone finish.
- Tough polymer frame.
- Stainless steel slide.
- Adjustable sights.
- Easy to conceal.
Cons
- No manual safety.
- Magazine does not disconnect.
7. FS Taurus 738 TCP .380 ACP
Lastly, we are taking a look at this FS Taurus 738 .380 ACP pistol. It comes as a slick, modern-looking black design. Plus, this is a semi-automatic pistol that is double-action-only.
Stay on target…
The sights on .380 pistol are both fixed, but they are made for excellent close-range targeting. If you find yourself in a split moment where you need to draw, aim, and acquire a target – these sights should help you achieve this.
The barrel length is a very reasonable 2.84 inches, which is a good size for easy concealment. Also, you can carry six-plus rounds at one time with this pistol, giving you just enough ammunition to deal with probably most surprising and threatening situations you could face.
One of the lightest Taurus pistols ever made…
At 0.6375 pounds or 10.2 ounces, we’re looking at one of the lightest Taurus weapons ever made. Not only is this the lightest Taurus, but it is also one of the lightest concealed carry pistols we’ve looked at on our review list.
With this gun being so lightweight, you will be able to conceal this very easily, yet you will be less likely to feel the weight of it throughout your working day. This makes it perfect for professionals that are required to carry a concealed .380 at all times.
Durable and lightweight…
This gun comes with a very strong black polymer frame that will last the test of time. It’s also extremely lightweight because of the use of this specialized material.
It also comes with just one magazine, and we would advise that you possibly purchase a spare. And, unfortunately, there is no carry case with this model.
Pros
- Semi-automatic.
- Good fixed targets.
- Very easy to conceal.
- Incredibly lightweight.
- Strong polymer design.
- Great close-range targeter.
Cons
- No carry case.
Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry Buying Guide
So we’ve looked at several exceptionally good-looking .380 ACP pistols. They should all serve their general-purpose well-concealed carry and self-defense.
Now, we’d like to help you make a better-informed choice about which .380 pistol will suit your needs best. There isn’t much difference between all of them; however, we think some of you will prefer a particular style and grip when choosing your pistol.
Additionally, each gun may be better suited to being holstered or carried in a particular way.
So let’s run through some different options…
1. Best .380 Pocket Pistol
It’s very advisable to have a safety when carrying a gun in your pocket for obvious reasons. Also, it’s a good idea to use a pocket holster rather than just freely carrying your pistol in your pocket.
With all that being said, we like the very compact and lightweight…
RUGER – LCP® II 380 ACP 6+1
The key aspect for this being a good pocket concealed carry pistol is that it has an in-built trigger safety. Therefore, you are obviously much less likely to accidentally let off a round while the gun is in your pocket.
Plus, it’s lightweight and probably a comfortable choice to carry very easily in your pocket. Therefore we believe it is probably the most reliable pocket .380 pistol on our list.
However, if you’re looking for a more bulky and weighty .380, check out our…
2. Best Full Size .380 Pistol
Some people just prefer a little more weight and size, even for concealed carry. This could be because you’re used to a larger pistol, and you may want a better grip. Also, you could want to have more of an awareness that you are carrying a handgun – with it having more weight and bulk.
Our Best Full Size .380 Pistol has to be the…
SIG SAUER – P238 SPARTAN II 380 ACP
This gun is a sized-down version of a 1911 style pistol. So if you are used to shooting 1911 type guns, this gun suit you well. It has a seven-plus one round capacity, giving you a high capacity .380 pistol. Plus, we just love its unique Spartan inspired design, and it comes from the reputable Sig Sauer brand, which has now been adopted widely by the US military.
You may be new to pistols in general, or .380 handguns. If this is the case, then check out our…
3. Best .380 Starter Pistol
Everyone has to start somewhere, and we added the perfect compact starter pistol to our list of .380 guns.
We believe the…
SMITH & WESSON – M&P 380 SHIELD EZ 2.0 NO THUMB SAFETY
…is a perfect compact-sized concealed and carry starter pistol. This is due to its crisp trigger action and mainly because it has very little recoil to deal with. With less recoil than the average concealed carry weapon, it should be more manageable for a beginner or someone with limited hand strength.
Additionally, it’s very easy to rack and has good sights to help you aim quickly and effectively in a split moment.
4. Best Value for the Money .380 Pistol
All of these guns have been designed for quick and easy action for a good value. Yet, we really like the…
SMITH & WESSON M&P BODYGUARD .380 W/O LASER ‒ 109381
This gun has some fantastic all-round features that make it a solid choice that you can usually purchase at a reasonable price range.
And finally…
5. Our Overall Favorite .380 Concealed Carry Pistol
We went for a wildcard choice on this occasion and chose the…
Kahr Arms CW380 6+1 .380 ACP 2.5″
It has a well thought out duo-tone design with adjustable sights and a good firm grip. It’s extremely easy to conceal and has excellent accuracy due to its classic 1:16 ratio right-hand twist.
How to carry your .380 pistol?
There are a great number of holstering choices on the market today. Plus, some holsters can be concealed better than others.
Classic choices, though include…
- Inside the waistband holsters.
- Pocket holsters.
- Ankle holsters.
- Outside the waistband holsters.
- Shoulder holsters.
The Best Carrying Options
So, you’ve chosen on the perfect .380 pistol, the next task is deciding on how you’re going to carry it. Again, we’ve written quite a few articles on this site covering this topic, so please do a search or take a look at the Best Concealed Carry Holsters, the Best Ankle Holster, the Best Small of Back Holster, the Best Fanny Pack Holster, and the Best Concealed Carry Purses currently available.
Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry Conclusion
First of all, we’d like to thank you for reading through all of our carefully chosen .380 pistols. We have tried to give you a well-balanced selection where there should be a concealed carry option available for most people’s needs.
It’s important to choose a concealed carry .380 pistol that you really feel comfortable with. Plus, one where you can be confident in knowing you can use it in an emergency situation – without stumbling or hesitation. Therefore it’s incredibly important to practice with your pistol and learn it’s functioning to a point where it’s almost instinctive.
So whether it’s for self-defense in the home or to carry around for protection – we wish you the best in picking the perfect .380 pistol for your needs.Categories Gun ReviewsPost navigation