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CCW Options Need help choosing

1K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  berettabone 
#1 ·
I am looking for a CCW. I've narrowed it down to three choices. 1. Sig P238 2. Kahr P380 3. S&W Bodyguard. All .380 Caliber.
I am needing assistance with experienced owners, esp. someone with knowledge of these three guns. OR if you have another favorite.

Also, I am familiar with single action semi automatic handguns, I do have one question about single action vs double action;
Generally, is the trigger pull lighter with a single action vs the double action? I know the S&W has a heavy trigger pull, why it is my third choice. Also I have heard the S&W has QC problems.


Also, I am a female, 5'3" petite.
 
#2 ·
Question#1........yes, single action trigger pull is lighter than double action. Some like the fact of lighter trigger pull, but single action firearms require either pulling the firearm and cocking it, or carrying cocked with safety on, which requires release of the safety to fire. Double action firearms may be pulled and if you carry without the safety on, will be ready to fire immediately. The longer heavier pull of a double action only firearm, is a type of safety measure, to make it harder for an accidental discharge. If you carry your DAO only firearm in a proper holster, chances of discharge are lessened to a large degree. I have handled all three firearms, and own a Bodyguard, which is my carry firearm. I think that all three choices are good, depending on what you are comfortable with. Personally, I don't like cock and lock firearms ie. P238......I sacrifice trigger pull for safety. I also like my firearm to be ready immediately, with out having to cock it, or release a safety first. I have read of problems with all three firearms, but for the most part, I don't feel that any of these problems were widespread.The Bodyguard had some problems in early production, like a lot of other firearms, but they have since resolved the issues for the most part. I have had no issues with my Bodyguard, and it has functioned fine. It is built a bit better than other "mouse" guns, and is a firearm, like the others, for 15 yds. or less. In thst capacity, it has done what I expected. All three are good choices, I just prefer the Bodyguard, out of the three.
 
#3 ·
I have a Hi-point .380 and I love her. I'm used to cocking it before shooting so that's not a problem for me. I do not care for a heavy trigger pull at all. That's all about personal preferance. Guess I'm going to have to go rent all three to settle the dispute. Can't know til you pull the trigger, right?

How accurate are you with the bodyguard? I've watched some youtube vids and it seems like it's a hard trigger pull to get used to. Even for experienced shooters. Since its hard to guess where the break is.
 
#5 ·
The firearms you mention are all for close self defense, not range guns......they were not made to run thousands of rounds through, hence, unless you want to do that, and have to purchase another one down the line, you really can't practice with them, like a full size quality firearm. I don't think anyone, unless their willing to do that, really masters a mouse gun. They have a specific function in the firearm world...anything over 12 yds., I would practice using my feet as well.
 
#6 ·
Trigger pull can be a concern. If it's a bit heavy, you will notice that when you practicing shooting.

But, don't let it be too much of a deciding factor in a firearm choice. If you find yourself having to use it in a real life situation, your adrenaline will be flowing and the last thing on your mind, will be trigger pull.

In such a situation, you will most likely not even remember pulling the trigger or how many rounds you fired. That is a typical recall experience from people who have had to shoot another in order to protect their own life.
 
#7 ·
That's a good point. And I love my Hi-Point but I cannot conceal her. I am looking for something I can carry. And it's not that I want to necessarily "practice" with this mouse gun, I just want to shoot it just a cpl times to see it in action. These options are going to be my ccw. Something to save my life. So I'm not looking for a long distance sniper gun, just something to stop offenders. But paratrooper makes an excellent point; am I going to notice the heavy trigger pull in the time of need.....Although, if it is heavy, I may not be comfortable with the gun, and I won't carry a gun that I'm not perfectly comfortable with.
 
#8 ·
I have a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .380, the QC problems I think are over, mines flawless...

All the choices you said are great pistols though, if you have the money, the Sig is fantastic! And I also commend you on getting a .380, I have 5 pistols and the one that I carry the most is the .380, too many people far underestimate the .380s usefulness and practicality.

The Bodyguard is a very economical option, however if you want to save even more money, the Ruger LCP and the Keltec P3at are good options as well... I almost wish I would have bought 2 Kel-tecs for what I bought 1 S&W BG380 for... 380s are that handy...
 
#9 ·
Looks like you've got 3 excellent 380's there. I was looking for a good 380 as a pocket pistol but ended up with a Beretta .32 alleycat & really like it. It fits the jeans pockets, no printing and coat pockets.I know the 380 is talked about being as small as you want for SD but this alleycat has got a wallop for it's size. Made a mess of some water/milk jugs filled with water. I have big hands and do not have a problem handling it or getting slide bit. It is DA/SA with tip up barrel for loading a round in the chamber, never need to rack the slide to load a round. It is a blowback action so the slide will not remain open after shooting the last round, hence you pop the barrel for safety check. Can be shot either DA or cocked/locked in SA. It is a little bit heavier and thicker than your 3 guns but I like a little weight and thickness. Some of the earlier models were having problems with cracked frames but Beretta recommends not shooting rounds with a muzzle ft/lb energy higher than 130 in this gun. I have followed that and have no issues. The newer ones and the Inex model have the new "wide slide" that is supposed to have corrected the crack problem. For now I'm sticking with the alleycat for pocket carry and ccw. Just my 2 cents worth on my alleycat. I do like the bodyguard though, almost bought one of those but got a better deal on this Beretta. May have to move up some day. Good luck on what you choose.
 
#11 ·
I own both the Sig and the Bodyguard. I can't say enough great things about the Sig. The sights are just amazing for a pocket gun. I have to say I am probably going to sell my bodyguard. The trigger is way to long and heavy for me, you have to press the mag release button just to insert a new mag, and I don't really need a laser on a gun like that. Good luck!
 
#12 ·
" You have to press the mag release button just to insert a new mag." What? You had better have someone check out your firearm, I have never had to do anything of the sort.QUOTE=TacticalPeace;282224]I own both the Sig and the Bodyguard. I can't say enough great things about the Sig. The sights are just amazing for a pocket gun. I have to say I am probably going to sell my bodyguard. The trigger is way to long and heavy for me, you have to press the mag release button just to insert a new mag, and I don't really need a laser on a gun like that. Good luck![/QUOTE]
 
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