Well since we bought an LC380 for my wife I thought I'd add some input here. When we went gun shopping for her I had ideas about what I wanted here to have, thinking it would be her carry gun, like a Kahr 9, an M&P Shield, or maybe one of the compact Springfields. But ultimately I let it be her decision, and she chose the LC380. Now, after she has practiced with it, she doesn't care for it too much, saying that its a bit snappy in the hand and hard to be consistently accurate with it. She now prefers my XD9 and shoots quite well with it, and she says she feels more confident with the larger gun, but she doesn't want to go up to a .40 or .45. I've shot her LC380 a few times and had no problems other than not liking the long trigger pull, which I think could actually make it awkward to pull off a quick 3 tap in a defense situation.
The LC is a DAO gun, isn't it? Only thing worse, for me, is a DA/SA, that takes me three shots to find the target. My wife's favorite--not great for concealed carry--is a full size 1911 in 9mm. With a 9mm and a 2 1/2 pound 1911, it's almost like dry-firing, except for the noise! I carry a Springfield XDM45 4.5", and my wife does not like it one bit. She's still pondering a carry pistol, but she took the CHL test with the 9mm 1911.
"We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history." - Ayn Rand
I agree with sarg1c, except I like the DAO simplicity of my 642-1. No hammer to catch in clothing, "stuff" in the glove box, etc. Plus a LOT less to think about in that very highly stressed moment when you simply must present your defensive argument. I didn't care for the splinter grip that came on it so i substituted this SILJC Fingergrove which gives me much better control.
I know it only comes in 9mm & .40, I have one in 9mm. What I am saying is that it would make sense to make a shield in .380.
It would be a better gun to shoot than the tiny Ruger LCP, and LC380 (I shot an LC9 n chose the Shield) it would be like a modern Walther PPK.. Smaller, lighter and reliable,, cheaper..
It's too big of a pistol for a .380. Especially modern .380s, which are miniscule. Small for a 9mm isn't the same as small for a .380. Smith ain't gonna make one any time soon.
Concealed carry is for protection, open carry is for attention.
Ok guys we went to the range Saturday and rented some .380 pistols to help my friend decide what to get. We tried the Bersa Thunder, S&W Bodyguard, and Walther pk380. She also fired my M&P Shield9mm, Springfield xd9(4"), and my Xd9 sc(3"). The gun she was most comfortable with at the end was the S&W Bodyguard 380.
The shield is impossible to find and the Sprinfields she shot well but couldn't get comfortable without that dang thumb safety (sorry glock) but this bumps you out.,
So the Bodyguard seems like a good gun, felt nice and built well, the sights are small but usable, and although the trigger pull was long it was smooth and predictable. She had no performance issues either. She got it for $400 and is happy with the purchase.. She also got a range membership and is now considering a chl! Thanks everyone for your help..
I'm sure it's a nice little gun, but I kinda hate to see a brand new shooter start off with a laser sight. I like them for a lot of reasons on a little pistol, but everyone needs to learn how to use the iron sights, and a new shooter always takes the quickest, easiest path to accuracy. If it can be turned off, try to get her to practice without it, so she goes to iron sights by default, and if the laser actually works in an SD situation, so much the better. The laser is great for practicing trigger control with dry-fire practice.
Still, it is a pistol that might save her life, someday, and I commend her for making the decision to defend herself.:up:
I'm sure it's a nice little gun, but I kinda hate to see a brand new shooter start off with a laser sight. I like them for a lot of reasons on a little pistol, but everyone needs to learn how to use the iron sights, and a new shooter always takes the quickest, easiest path to accuracy. If it can be turned off, try to get her to practice without it, so she goes to iron sights by default, and if the laser actually works in an SD situation, so much the better. The laser is great for practicing trigger control with dry-fire practice.
Still, it is a pistol that might save her life, someday, and I commend her for making the decision to defend herself.:up:
I too was concerned that she would pick this gun simply because it had a laser, so I encouraged her to practice without it.. She shot very well using the BGs sights. Overall she got the gun that fit in her hand the best and she was the most confident with that one.. Since I had no experience with these guns I kept most of my opinions to myself and let her choose her self. I'm glad I was at least able to point her in the right direction.
I think you did great in helping out in the selection.
You may want to go a bit further with training and encouragement about keeping that gun handy "whenever" she may need it
My Wife carries a 380 S&W Bodyguard and loves it, great purse or pocket carry. I don't care for the long throw trigger, but once your used to it, it's a vary accurate piece.
"A patriot is mocked, scorned and hated; yet when his cause succeeds, all men will join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
I agree with sarg1c, except I like the DAO simplicity of my 642-1. No hammer to catch in clothing, "stuff" in the glove box, etc. Plus a LOT less to think about in that very highly stressed moment when you simply must present your defensive argument. I didn't care for the splinter grip that came on it so i substituted this SILJC Fingergrove which gives me much better control.
Mine came with the Rubber finger grip grips but speed loaders would not work with them so I swoped for the wood grips, but since have gone back to the Rubber ones.
I also believe that bigger is better, ( The bigger the hole(s), the quicker they bleed out ), but considering her stature, and the choices mentioned, I would consider the Walther PPK or PPKS. I have a PPKS and it is a bit heavier than the other choices. This translates to less felt recoil. It is a proven concept, with an excellent track record. Mine is loaded with 102 grain Remington Golden Sabres. Not a bad choice for serious social work. As with any choice, your best money spent will be for ammunition to practice with..........Robin
I don't often talk to people that voted for Obama, but when I do I order large fries!
Life member of the American Legion, the VFW, the NRA and the Masonic Lodge, retired LEO
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WE
It's too big of a pistol for a .380. Especially modern .380s, which are miniscule. Small for a 9mm isn't the same as small for a .380. Smith ain't gonna make one any time soon.
The shield is impossible to find and the Sprinfields she shot well but couldn't get comfortable without that dang thumb safety (sorry glock) but this bumps you out.,
So the Bodyguard seems like a good gun, felt nice and built well, the sights are small but usable, and although the trigger pull was long it was smooth and predictable. She had no performance issues either. She got it for $400 and is happy with the purchase.. She also got a range membership and is now considering a chl! Thanks everyone for your help..
Still, it is a pistol that might save her life, someday, and I commend her for making the decision to defend herself.:up:
I too was concerned that she would pick this gun simply because it had a laser, so I encouraged her to practice without it.. She shot very well using the BGs sights. Overall she got the gun that fit in her hand the best and she was the most confident with that one.. Since I had no experience with these guns I kept most of my opinions to myself and let her choose her self. I'm glad I was at least able to point her in the right direction.
You may want to go a bit further with training and encouragement about keeping that gun handy "whenever" she may need it
Tom
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D
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
Mine came with the Rubber finger grip grips but speed loaders would not work with them so I swoped for the wood grips, but since have gone back to the Rubber ones.
"Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
She will also plug away with her .357 - but finds .38 spcl to be her load of choice, the .357 kicks too much.
Life member of the American Legion, the VFW, the NRA and the Masonic Lodge, retired LEO