The .380 ACP caliber has been both lauded and maligned in the concealed carry community at one time or another. On one hand, many users wish for greater stopping power in higher-caliber pistols, such as 9mm or .45 ACP. Others, however, seek less recoil and manageability in compact, easily-concealed firearms. The following article covers the top five .380 ACP pistols separating themselves from others by specific features and/or performance.
Rock Island Armory Baby Rock No. 51912
The Rock Island Armory Baby Rock No. 51912 is a miniaturized 1911, highly regarded for benchrest accuracy and comfort in firing. This pistol, with a grip safety and excellent sights, is as serviceable as it is easy to use. “The Baby Rock is far and away the most pleasant pistol in this roundup to shoot from a bench,” testers said of the superior design and functionality.
Ruger LCP-C Custom No. 3740
The Ruger LCP-C Custom No. 3740 gets a grade of A- for its enhanced trigger action and better sights compared to earlier models. It has had a couple of versions, and with each one, it improved the gun a little and made it more user-friendly. The Custom model itself has garnered quite a lot of praise for the changes, which make this an excellent choice for concealed carry.
Kimber Micro Carry Advocate Brown
But the Kimber Micro Carry Advocate Brown will have one of the best advantages during low-light use with its tritium-insert sights. The build is also virtually the same as that of the classic 1911: very solid, yet ergonomically suction-like. The trigger is about heavier; it will take some time to get used to it. But overall, the Kimber is still a very respectable gun when one considers reliability and accuracy.
Glock G42 380 Auto Subcompact Slimline
The Glock G42 380 Auto Subcompact Slimline offers the most excellent compromise of portability with concealability. Adding a laser sight, such as the Viridian Green Laser R5-G42 Reactor, makes the shooter much more accurate. Given the size and enhancement in the accuracy of this model, it is quite apt for concealed carry.
CZ Model 83 380 Auto
Although this model has been discontinued, it still gives the best impression to the enthusiasts. The heavy all-steel frame adds some extra weight that contributes to stability and durability. Testers reported that it “fed, fired, and ejected perfectly,” which further brings out its reliability and sturdy build quality. Although it is discontinued, the CZ Model 83 is a piece that many collectors and concealed carry users still insist on.
Recoil and Ammunition Related Issues
One of the central discussions regarding .380 ACP pistols is lower recoil, which has huge implications for shooter control and speed in getting multiple rounds on target accurately. For most, the reduced recoil of the .380 ACP easily translates into quicker follow-up shots and better overall control, vital in self-defense. Of course, a .380 can also be made more effective by using top-shelf high-quality self-defense ammunition as well. It’s in the ability of the shooter to get quick hits on target that the .380 ACP still proves to be a decent choice for self-defense.
Although the .380 ACP won’t compete with others in raw stopping power, its ease of use and lower recoil make it an attractive choice for many concealed carry users. Each of the listed pistols brings along unique features that answer a lot of different needs, thus fitting any concealed carrier’s taste.