Ruger LCP .380

[oil_spaz]

I carry an LCP most of the time. Neat little gun. You'll like it. Just practice a lot.

.380 is a good caliber. Just about as effective as anything else. Any bullet needs to hit something important to be effective in a self defense scenario. In reality it's as much a matter of luck as anything else.

 

[190E26FTW]

I think these pocket guns are for those up close and personal encounters. If you can put the gun on someone point blank and pull the trigger. The bullet may not kill them but the rapidly expanding gases will. The caliber argument will go on forever but Israeli Mossad used .22s to handle their business, so that says enough about the small calibers abilities.

 

[yaris0128]

I agree with Panzerman that the Makarov is fantasic. But as a CCW I wouldnt choose it. Owning both a Mak and CZ82 they are just too heavy. The heavy blowback operation holds it back as a CCW. I have a full sized Tokarev and thats way lighter loaded than either of those. Even with its weight Id still take it over a lot of other guns. The Ruger LCP is FANTASTIC! But for the price I wouldnt get it over the new Ruger LC9. Ive handled the LCP and I love it but the LC9 feels a lot better. I like the .380 round but I dont understand the price of it. Its tied with .45 and you dont get a lot of bullet for the money. 9mm is about $5.00 cheaper a box and its packs a better punch than a .380. So if you like to shoot your CCW at the range get a 9mm pocket pistol. Im looking into getting either the LC9 or Kel-Tec P-11. But at over a $100 price difference I doubt Ill get the Ruger.