The .380 ACP caliber has always been very controversial for concealed carry. The caliber is said by critics to have less stopping power compared to larger calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP, but the proponents emphasize the lesser recoil and ease of use, particularly in compact and subcompact firearms. In this article, we will go over the top five .380 ACP pistols that surpass others in performance, reliability, and suitability for concealed carry.
The Ruger LCP-C Custom is well-received, with opinions touting its trigger action and sights from significantly earlier models in the series. For the remainder of this review, these make it shot to the top with testers and give it a targeted position for optimum portability. Among the list of very many Ruger LCP series, the Custom model is a step above many others. It is unequaled for its accuracy. This one is user-friendly and rock-solid for personal protection with value to trust.
The CZ Model 83 was dropped from production in 2012. Even though this firearm is around 30 years old, it still sports a huge enthusiast base who carry one virtually every day. The all-steel frame on this pistol gives it a substantial weight, which most definitely helps to control recoil. This CZ Model 83 is showing its age some but is still overbuilt and problem-free. It churned through several rounds of ammo and functioned properly every single time.
Probably staying ahead in this crowd is the Glock G42. C&C gets a lift with a set-up of the Viridian Green Laser R5-G42 Reactor on the G42. It gives all this accuracy a long way by turning on automatically when drawn from its holster, so it always gives you that upper hand in any quick-draw situation. From there, size and weight simply push this model right to the very top of your concealed carry list.
The Kimber Micro Carry Advocate Brown is into tritium-insert sights, with which a full share of the advantage in low-light conditions is bestowed on it. It was patterned in design after the traditional 1911, just sturdy, ergonomic, and big. The trigger pull is a tad heavier and requires a bit more practice to be proficient. Even at that, the Kimber Micro Carry is arguably the best choice for a .380 ACP pistol that is reliable and accurate.
The Baby Rock is an actual miniature 1911 with grip safety and great sights for its size. It’s received praise for its benchrest accuracy and comfort in firing, making it almost without question the most pleasant of the four guns above to shoot. Heavy-duty build and reliability make the Baby Rock one of the top choices among seekers of an effective .380 ACP pistol in a compact format.
One of the major advantages of the .380 ACP is its lower recoil, which will make a big difference for the shooter when it comes to control and speed in sending multiple rounds downrange accurately. This should be serviceable enough to make sure many can finish with quicker follow-up shots and better overall control in defensive situations. High-quality self-defense ammunition choices can allow a .380 ACP pistol to be more effective and remain reliable in personal protection.
The inconvenience of stopping power in the larger calibers with reasonable ease of use and less recoil makes the .380 ACP very competitive for concealment carry. All the pistols in this chapter are unique and bring special features that show a solution to those looking for a reliable and manageable firearm for personal defense.