p-rices is appreciated to.

I regularly carry a KelTec PF9. It's in your price range if you shop around (I think I paid $289 for mine). It's small and light enough for ankle and pocket carry, which is what I use mine for. Doesn't really work in the pocket of most jeans, though, so if you wear jeans a lot, look at the KelTec P3AT.

$300 / carry all the time
that leaves - a .380 caliber - ruger lcp or keltec 3AT

and i read somewhere that some cartridge manufacturers are working on a better cartridge/bullet/ballistics

I'd suggest carrying 6 1" rocks to throw at the bad guys.

Just kidding.

I've been happy with Kahr arms products. Their P9's are pretty small, thin and lightweight.

Zhur

Originally Posted by zhurdan

I've been happy with Kahr arms products. Their P9's are pretty small, thin and lightweight.

Nice guns, but well outside his $300 price range.

I'd say stay away from .32 ACP. No need to carry it, most guns that shoot it either also shoot .380 ACP, or a pistol of similar size shooting .380 can be found.

Of course I'd rather have a 9mm, but I have no problem carrying a .380, even as a primary. I would suggest shooting any 9mm "pocket" gun you may think about buying, as recoil might be an issue.

FWIW I carry a Bersa .380, and also have a Springfield XD9 that will be carried eventually.

Originally Posted by Joeywhat

I would suggest shooting any 9mm "pocket" gun you may think about buying, as recoil might be an issue.

Good advice, but I find my PF9 much more comfortable to shoot than my P3AT.

Bersa Thunder maybe? Just at $300, and I hear they're good. I'm thinking of picking one up myself.

Originally Posted by teknoid

Bersa Thunder maybe? Just at $300, and I hear they're good. I'm thinking of picking one up myself.

Even less up here...I can get an all nickel model for $289, new bi-tone for $250-ish.

Bersa Thunder is an okay pistol, but on the big and heavy side for a modern .380.