The Accurate Reloading Forums
380 Auto Carry Pistol
13 June 2025, 17:09
Uncle Grinch380 Auto Carry Pistol
I picked up a very small and inexpensive pocket pistol the other day. A friend had a Kel-Tec P3AT in 380 Auto that he wanted to sell for $200. I didn’t really need it as my EDC is a S&W CSX. Not familiar with this Keltec, but it is very small. Ordered a box of Underwood 100 grain flat nose defense rounds.
Got a pocket holster with it which makes it very easy to keep it on me.
Shoot Safe,
Mike
NRA Endowment Member
14 June 2025, 05:31
p dog shooterWell if it works.
It will be fine.
Thoroughly test with your carry ammo.
19 June 2025, 06:18
Bill/OregonI'm messing with the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 in .380. Like the feel and it is easier to conceal than the 43X or Bulldog. But I need to wring it out at the range.
The guys with the tiny KelTec P-32s seem pretty pleased with them.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
19 June 2025, 16:41
Uncle GrinchBill,
I tried a S&W Bodyguard 380 the other day and really like the feel of it. The only advantage the Keltec has is the flat compact size making it a true pocket pistol.
I am tempted, however, to pick up the Bodyguard 380.
Shoot Safe,
Mike
NRA Endowment Member
At least 5 folks in the club bought Bodyguards in the last few month. 4 of them complained about them shooting left.
20 June 2025, 01:53
Uncle GrinchJust in case the 380 fails, I picked this up the same day. S&W M&P40 Compact 2.0.
Shoot Safe,
Mike
NRA Endowment Member
05 July 2025, 21:34
AtkinsonYou can buy compacts today in 9MM Luger as small as 380s or close and have the advantage of the more potent cartridge, just food for thought.
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
23 July 2025, 22:42
450 FullerRuger makes a comparable .380 to Keltec.
I have carried a 1960s original Walther PPK.
As Ray mentioned, there are small 9mms like the Kahr PM 9. They are accurate and reliable-easy to carry
for an agent or investigator.
What is small and light weight: will be carried.
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24 July 2025, 15:34
p dog shooterI have owned and carried several 380 pistols.
The smallest handgun I carry now days is a Glock 23.
Carry is more of a mind game then a handgun size.
If there is the will there is a way.
Except in the very most anti guns states carry is fairly routine for a lot of people.
24 July 2025, 22:24
BrittmanI still like my SS Walther PPK in .380. To me it's a nice, flat handgun that is at least NOT prone to rust, esp. in our humid climate here.
(It has NO problems w/ cavernous HP's either.)
An old, but still good design, in my opinion.
Wes
30 July 2025, 04:50
gsganzerI carry a P3AT in a front pocket holster. Or a Sig P230 in an IWB or a Sig P365X in a pocket holster or IWB.
The P3AT gets carried the most though.