They are one of the hottest items in the gun industry today. As more states pass laws allowing the concealed carry of pistols, millions have sought out this firearm. Lightweight and easily concealed, this pistol is still powerful enough to stop a determined attacker.
We are, of course, talking about the pocket .380 pistol. Lambasted in the past as a “Saturday Night Special,” this inexpensive, yet easily concealed, shooter is perfect for the law-abiding gun owner who wants a convenient concealed carry pistol.
Its small size makes wardrobe selection easy. Many people find the double-action, polymer-framed models are so light and slim, they can slip them into a pocket sans holster.
Often considered an underpowered cartridge, the .380 ACP-caliber round is definitely lacking the knock-down power found in a larger cartridge such as the .45 ACP or .40 S&W.
With proper shot placement, however, it is still possible to stop an attacker with one shot of .380. Knowing shot placement is so important with a caliber of this size, it is difficult to consider a pocket-sized .380 pistol with a short barrel and equally short sight radius as anything except a point-blank distance firearm.
That is not to say you cannot employ one at a distance, only that they are much more difficult to shoot accurately at long ranges—particularly given the heavy double-action trigger on most .380s.
Here we evaluate the most popular of these, laying out the facts on each. Whether you are looking for an ultralight polymer-framed pistol or a more traditional but still easily pocketable Bersa or Walther, you are sure to find a .380 that suits you.
Walther PPK and PPK/S
Easily recognizable as one of the preferred pistols of James Bond, the Walther PPK and its slightly larger cousin, the PPK/S, are easily concealed pocket .380s. The smooth, rounded slide and frame make it easy to slip either into a pocket or draw it quickly without snagging.
When the U.S. Gun Control Act of 1968 went live, Walther created the slightly heavier PPK/S. The PPK/S is based on the design of the PPK, but modified to comply with the “sporting” requirements of GCA-68.
To continue importing the pistol, Walther paired the frame of the PP pistol with the PPK slide and barrel, creating a pistol weighing 1.5 ounces more and carrying one more round of ammunition.
Later, in 1978, Walther licensed production of the original PPK in the U.S. to Smith & Wesson, which added a slightly longer grip tang to protect the shooter’s hand from slide bite.
Bersa Thunder
The Bersa Thunder is another original pocket .380. Though it has an all-metal frame, the Bersa Thunder weighs in at just more than one pound. It has a number of features normally found only on larger handguns such as a loaded chamber indicator and slide lock. The slightly larger grip also allows an extra round, giving it a capacity of 7+1, compared to the 6+1 found in most pocket .380s.
Taurus 738 TCP
The Taurus 738 TCP was the Brazilian gun manufacturer’s entry into the pocket .380 market and remains popular with shooters today. With a slim, single-stack grip and lightweight polymer frame, the 738 is comparable to the Kel-Tec P-3AT and Ruger LCP. Unlike the P-3AT and LCP, the 738 has a last-round, hold-open feature so the slide locks back on an empty magazine. Taurus also added another feature normally only found on larger pistols: a loaded chamber indicator just above the extractor.
Kel-Tec P-3AT
Several years ago, Kel-Tec set the standard for ultra-light, polymer-framed pocket pistols with its P-32 pistol. Later, Kel-Tec engineers created the P-3AT, which is the same size as the P-32 but chambered in the significantly more powerful .380 ACP. It was a runaway success, so much so that retailers still have difficulty keeping it in stock.
Ruger LCP
Ruger took Kel-Tec’s P-3AT “keep it simple” design a step further by adding a slide-lock lever.
While the slide does not lock back after the last shot, the slide-lock lever makes administrative tasks, such as clearing a jam or showing clear for a range officer easier.
Affectionately called the “Elsie Pea” by aficionados, the Ruger LCP quickly gained a devoted following.
Sig P238 and Colt Mustang
The original Colt Mustang was a small .380 pocket pistol manufactured from 1986-1997. Ironically, just as Colt ceased production, concealed carry pistols began to rise in popularity.
In 2009, Sig Sauer started producing its Colt Mustang-inspired design, branding it the P238. Essentially, a small 1911-platform pistol, the Sig P238 and Colt Mustang are single-action guns with frame-mounted safeties.
They are designed to be carried “cocked and locked” with the hammer back and safety engaged, although many people believe the design is impractical for pocket carry. With a good-fitting pocket holster, however, you can safely carry one of those pistols without concern.
On most pocket .380s the sights, or lack thereof, leave much to be desired. When Sig began the design process for the P238, one of the first things they added was a decent set of combat sights. You can even find models available with Tritium night sights, which help immensely in low-light situations.
Kahr P380
The Kahr P380 is essentially a slightly smaller version of its much loved 9mm PM9. Another double-action pocket .380, the Kahr P380 features a wider trigger, which helps smooth out the double-action pull.
Small .380 caliber pocket pistols are not known for being forgiving to shoot or easily controllable, yet Kahr put aggressive texturing on the grip to give you better control of even the hottest +P loads.
Like the Sig, the Kahr P380 is available with Tritium night sights that are highly recommended.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 is one of the newest .380 pocket pistols to hit the market. First shown at the 2010 SHOT show, both it, and its companion .38 Special revolver, feature integral laser-aiming systems.
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard has all the controls found on a full-size semiautomatic, including a safety, slide lock, release and generously large take-down lever.
One problem that other ultra-slim .380 pistols have is difficulty in field stripping due to the close fit of the take-down pin. With the large take-down lever on the Bodyguard, field stripping is very fast and extremely easy.
| Pocket .380 Pistols | Weight | Capacity | Barrel Length |
Overall Length |
Width | Height | Action | Frame |
| Walther PPK/S | 22.4 ounces | 7+1 | 3.35″ | 6.1″ | 0.98″ | 4.3″ | DA/SA | Steel |
| Walther PPK | 20.8 ounces | 6+1 | 3.35″ | 6.1″ | 0.98″ | 3.8″ | DA/SA | Steel |
| Bersa Thunder .380 | 23 ounces | 7+1 | 3.5″ | 6.6″ | 1.4″ | 4.75″ | DA/SA | Aluminum |
| Sig P238 | 15.2 ounces | 6+1 | 2.7″ | 5.5″ | 1.1″ | 3.9″ | SA | Aluminum |
| Kahr P380 | 9.9 ounces | 6+1 | 2.5″ | 4.9″ | 0.75″ | 3.9″ | DAO | Polymer |
| Kel-Tec P3AT | 8.3 ounces | 6+1 | 2.75″ | 5.2″ | 0.77″ | 3.5″ | DAO | Polymer |
| Ruger LCP | 9.4 ounces | 6+1 | 2.75″ | 5.16″ | 0.82″ | 3.6″ | DA0 | Polymer |
| Smith & Wesson Bodyguard | 11.85 ounces | 6+1 | 2.75″ | 5.25″ | 0.75″ | 4.1″ | DAO | Polymer |
| Taurus 738 TCP | 10.2 ounces | 6+1 | 3.3″ | 5.25″ | 0.75″ | 4.1″ | DAO | Polymer |
Many people dismiss the pocket .380 pistol as inaccurate and underpowered. While I will not contest that it is, indeed, less accurate and powerful than a full-sized service pistol in a caliber that begins with .4, it bears repeating that the pistol you have is always better than one left at home.
The new line of pocket-sized .380 automatic pistols being produced are reliable and easily concealed no matter what your wardrobe. If the thought of lugging around a couple pounds of full-sized or even compact defensive pistol is off-putting, consider downsizing.
You can get an easy-to-conceal pistol for less than $300 and have the peace of mind of being armed everywhere the law allows.
For more information on pocket .380 pistols, see our review where we evaluate other popular .380 caliber pocket pistols.
Do you carry or have you tried a .380 pocket pistol? Which is your choice, and why? Tell us about it in the comment section.
I bought my wife a Ruger LCP w/Crimson Trace Laser. For her birthday . The day I gave it to her, she presented me with a S & W Bodyguard that she had bought the very same day because she thought I would like it and it was cute. Go figure, great minds think alike . Anyway they are both great guns but I like my Smith
I looked for a pocket pistol. I saw the LCP by Riger. The letters said “Little Compact Pistol”. I like Ruger. I bought the Ruger LCP 380 for under $300. I recoment it very highly, it’s a baby Glock. That’s what an easy decision is suppose to be.
My favorite other CC weapon is a Glock 23, I have 2 of them. I also have an old .25 Berreta as a shoe gun. When I do something, go somewhere in or out of combat I believe in being prepared with the stuff that doesn’t stop me from working I stop the bad guys from working. lol.
I bought my wife a Bersa Thunder 380 Limited Edition. I can say it is a nice accurate pistol for concealed carry. It has a smooth and light trigger pull from DA. We have run a couple of hundred rounds through it from various manufactures and never had one problem. The price is right for less then $300. I also added Crimson Trace laser grips. When she isn’t hogging it 😉 I like to carry it more than my Sig 239 .40S&W (I am a big Sig fan). Everyone that has seen it and asked if they could try it at the range say they are impressed for what it is. I would like to try the Walther PPK, and the Sig 232 for comparison.
What about the CZ Model 83? Is it not considered a pocket pistol? I have one as my EDC, and I can’t say enough good things about it. With a 13 round mag, I feel reasonably confident that it will do what I need it to do. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and it just keeps banging. With the double action feature, I can carry it with a round in the chamber and the hammer down and be ready to rock in a half a heartbeat. Granted, it’s bigger than an LCP, but it doesn’t beat your hand to pieces when you shoot it, and it’s not THAT much bigger.
I own the Thunder and the CC version, screw that little cc – ammo issues with it hanging up – changing to a better grade ammo and hoping to fix that. the thunder had one jam in the first mag I ran thru it (which i was warned about)- after that and a very small adjustment to the sight – perfect from there on in – I have run tons of rounds thru it and still perfect. I wouldn’t go anywhere without it and worth every penny I paid for it.
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I am looking for a good pistol for protection. What are you thoughts on the Ruger LCP 380?
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i have a bersa 380,i dont carry ball ammo in it eather.not sure what one get shot with, in jan-2010,i just got a22 mag N AMER, ARMS>5th round in my left hand hay that stop all thing going on at that time,it hurt
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What about the sigma sw380?
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I have a Glock 17 but I seek a small .38 as in your article. But where and how to get one? On G Beck’s radio show they say go to “Cheaper than dirt” but nowhere is it told how to actually buy a gun for less than $300 as in your article. Most good quality guns are $400 or more. My used Glock was $480, more than $500 out the door. Please advise. craig Wilson Los Angeles.
EDIT: We’ve got a good selection here with a few within your price range.
Actually the Bersa Thunder 380 was the follow-on to the Bersa Series 95 (also in 380). It was hard to tell the 2 apart, but the parts like magazines were not interchangeable. The Series 95 was a near copy of the Walther PPK, and could even use some of the same holsters.
I loved my Series 95 until I dropped it in the salt water. It was never the same after that. I keep hoping to trade it in a some foolish “gun buy back” for 75 or 100 bucks, cause it isn’t worth spit otherwise.
I have an LCP that I have added the Crimson Trace laser, put on a magazine extension and night sighters and this is an awesome pocket gun.
I love my new DiamondBack DB380. Very glock-like, but so dang tiny!
Shoots very well, good, clean sights.
I have the keltec and will NEVER be without it. I can hit MOH targets at 50m easily. I love it.