CC holster advice for Walther PD380.

[John Galt]

I’m buying a Walther model PD380 in 380ACP caliber for concealed carry. I need to get a Concealed carry holster and I’m researching my options and the fly in the ointment is I’m a lefty.

This PD380 gun is a bit of a unicorn, (SA/DA trigger, single stack with a 9 round capacity, my state limit is 10 rounds per magazine, no slide release and hammer decocking requires applying the safety which blocks the hammer from striking the firing pin) but it fits my hand like a glove. I’m already a huge fan of the ambidextrous paddle style magazine release since I have that on my Walther PPQ M1 9mm.

Lots of YouTube review videos on the PD380 out there. Some like it, others show not so much love for it. Everyone makes their own choices.

Gun in the picture is the store stock, not the one I’m getting. Other side of the gun says “made in Germany” and magazines are only stamped “made in Germany”. I like German made things. I think Arkansas is just where the company is located, not the manufacturing site for this model.

I passed on a S&W Bodyguard 2.0 because i could not get a comfortable grip and the reviews all said it was “recoil snappy” and I don’t need that. Never shot this one but unloaded PD380 weighs slightly over 20oz v around 12oz for the bodyguard 2.0.

To get the CC permit, I’ll need to take classes and pass a CC shooting test that includes drawing from the holster and demonstrating proper reholstering .

Any holster companies I should check out?

 

[Passport1]

I have a Walther PPK .380. It will fit into a leather holster like this but my gun is smaller than yours. I don't CC it mostly because .380 is a weak round and expensive compared to a 9mm or .38 special and the pistol is quirky. Don't know why M made Bond carry one. I am left handed also.

Gunspart
BTW, how are things in Galt's Gulch?

Failed Architecture

 

[ATex7239]

What are you looking for and where/how are you going to carry it? Might help folks point you in the right direction.

 

[burbguy82]

most iwb kydex will be largely the same. they can be right or left.

we the people.....kydex is vey good quality

 

[John Galt]

What are you looking for and where/how are you going to carry it? Might help folks point you in the right direction.

Good question. My right handed son, who has a CC permit and carries a LCP MAX, recommends IWB in the front on my left side to start out. He and I are “built” the same so that is a good type to start with.

Realistically, I may never or very infrequently carry except when I’m out fishing or hiking in a dicey place. My real reason for getting a CC permit is so that I am no longer regulated to only having my pistols in the trunk of my car and only then if I’m traveling to a shooting range or gun shop for service. The holster is required to pass the CC shooting test.

In my state, even stopping off to run into a store for a cup of coffee on the way to the range is not allowed. They made an exception so I can stop for gas, if i stay in the car, how nice of them! With a CC permit I can stop off at places and even go to a restaurant or over to my son’s house with my pistols. Without the CC permit all I can legally do without committing a felony is travel from my house to the range and then back home, no stops or unusual deviations from the direct route are allowed. The CC permit opens up where I can go.

 

[ATex7239]

Good question. My right handed son, who has a CC permit and carries a LCP MAX, recommends IWB in the front on my left side to start out. He and I are “built” the same so that is a good type to start with.

Realistically, I may never or very infrequently carry except when I’m out fishing or hiking in a dicey place. My real reason for getting a CC permit is so that I am no longer regulated to only having my pistols in the trunk of my car and only then if I’m traveling to a shooting range or gun shop for service. The holster is required to pass the CC shooting test.

In my state, even stopping off to run into a store for a cup of coffee on the way to the range is not allowed. They made an exception so I can stop for gas, if i stay in the car, how nice of them! With a CC permit I can stop off at places and even go to a restaurant or over to my son’s house with my pistols. Without the CC permit all I can legally do without committing a felony is travel from my house to the range and then back home, no stops or unusual deviations from the direct route are allowed. The CC permit opens up where I can go.

First: Good on you for taking control of your personal protection by choosing to on body carry and ensuring you are abiding by the state and local laws.

Second: For IWB I like “plastic” holsters. Most of my plastic holsters are from Blade Tech. I believe they have left-handed options but I’m not sure. That said, I’ve used leather IWB before (have a few Don Hume’s I really like.) Plastic is usually lighter and thinner, which is helpful with IWB and first time carry. No matter how light weight and thin of a gun and holster you get, the first time you carry inside your pants it’s going feel like a brick and you’re going think everyone can see it.

I like appendix carry, but I’m a medium athletic build so it is not difficult for me to manage/draw. If you have a little more marbling around the midsection the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on your body are going be easier to manage and draw from.

Just my two cents. Hope it helps.

 

[ATex7239]

First: Good on you for taking control of your personal protection by choosing to on body carry and ensuring you are abiding by the state and local laws.

Second: For IWB I like “plastic” holsters. Most of my plastic holsters are from Blade Tech. I believe they have left-handed options but I’m not sure. That said, I’ve used leather IWB before (have a few Don Hume’s I really like.) Plastic is usually lighter and thinner, which is helpful with IWB and first time carry. No matter how light weight and thin of a gun and holster you get, the first time you carry inside your pants it’s going feel like a brick and you’re going think everyone can see it.

I like appendix carry, but I’m a medium athletic build so it is not difficult for me to manage/draw. If you have a little more marbling around the midsection the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on your body are going be easier to manage and draw from.

Just my two cents. Hope it helps.

Oh, and I forgot to add make sure you get a good thick gun belt. IMO I like leather belts because they look less like a gun belt and it’s easier to add new holes in them if you need to change sizing. Your belt is just as important as the holster in your carry set up. A cheapo WM belt will not serve you well.

 

[John Galt]

most iwb kydex will be largely the same. they can be right or left.

we the people.....kydex is vey good quality

Thanks for the lead, I checked their (we the people - kydex) web site and it doesn’t show IWB holsters for my pistol model. I sent them a text and they replied back that they do not make a IWB holster for my model but it is being considered.

I see that Walther’s web site offerers some holster manufacturers links for PD380’s through their web page, but not a wide selection.

 

[burbguy82]

Thanks for the lead, I checked their (we the people - kydex) web site and it doesn’t show IWB holsters for my pistol model. I sent them a text and they replied back that they do not make a IWB holster for my model but it is being considered.

I see that Walther’s web site offerers some holster manufacturers links for PD380’s through their web page, but not a wide selection.

Well, it was worth a shot. I reckon OEM recommendation will be the way to go on this one. I would say go to a gun show, sometimes they have dudes who make holsters on site, in my state, but perhaps not yours.

 

[Paco Pena]

Mexican carry. ( Insert Paco joke here). Actually prefer a Yaqui slide at 4 o'clock or high ride pancake.


Paco

 

[ensoniqman]

As a CCW, I can confirm that a FOBUS brand paddle holster is quite comfortable for my Walther.
Even while in a car seat with seat belt.
They are also reasonable on price.

 

[ripcord]

I've tried a box full of different holsters over the years and this is what I've settled on for compact autos. I put it at the 1 o'clock position, BTW.

https://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_5&products_id=35

They don't list a version for the PD380 but I found a link to a similar holster on the Walther sure.

https://www.craftholsters.com/suede-iwb-open-top-holster-with-steel-clip#description

 

[John Galt]

I've tried a box full of different holsters over the years and this is what I've settled on for compact autos. I put it at the 1 o'clock position, BTW.

https://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_5&products_id=35

They don't list a version for the PD380 but I found a link to a similar holster on the Walther sure.

https://www.craftholsters.com/suede-iwb-open-top-holster-with-steel-clip#description

Thanks for the link to craftsholsters. They show the Walther PD380 as a model choice!

I saw a holster designed for IWB specifically canted for cross draw. As a lefty the holster would be on my right side above the pocket with the grip facing towards my left hand. I had never considered that but it seems like a comfortable way to carry especially when seated in a car.

Anyone here carry IWB but in the cross draw position?

 

[ripcord]

Thanks for the link to craftsholsters. They show the Walther PD380 as a model choice!

I saw a holster designed for IWB specifically canted for cross draw. As a lefty the holster would be on my right side above the pocket with the grip facing towards my left hand. I had never considered that but it seems like a comfortable way to carry especially when seated in a car.

Any here carry IWB but in the cross draw position?

Not me, but it might be good for access while driving it sitting.

 

[burbguy82]

As I said before, no. I think it could be done without a holster, but I would advise against it. To much digging in the pantline.