Sidearms & Scatterguns What 9mm to trade for my 380

[THE MGD]

I have a ruger LCP 380 pocket pistol. Did some ballistic tests and it failed misrably. I had much better results with a 9mm.
So which 9mm to go to?
Purpose of weapon is Conceal carry, must be light and small, pocket pistol sized.
The trigger pull isnt a must, but the LCPs SUCKED. The recoil was also a bit "too snappy" and I could not fit my pinky on the grip extension. Im open to a 45 if recoil is still manageable in a pocket pistol size.
My main drive is small, very light, and concealable. The LCP did a great job on that but the 380 cartridge is not cutting it.
Looking at a LC9
Thoughts?

 

[turbo54]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

I've gone through a lot of different pistols looking for the one that satisfied my carry needs.

I am a a big fan of pocket carry also.

I bought a Kahr PM9, and I have been carrying it for nearly 3 years now, which is really saying something for me.

 

[deadly_punk]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

True pocket pistol? That's a bit subjective.

Fairly good overview of the current market at this link:

http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=23211

I would also check out the new kid on the block, SCCY CPX2. Haven't heard much, but it seems like a market contender as it appears to be fairly well-built, reliable, easy to shoot, and costs a little less than the Kel Tec PF9.

-Deadly Punk.

 

[THE MGD]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

Fondled a Ruger LC9 today after work, with the (peirce?) grip ext. it fit my hand GREAT. Unfortunately it was a commerical gun store (regular ones are closed sun-mon)and they keep the trigger locks on and DO NOT allow dry firing. Still looking.

 

[turbo54]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

Are you opposed to a revolver?

I do love my Kahr PM9, but I also loved my Smith 442.

In fact, as a "pocket pistol", the 442 was probably the better pistol, because its 3D shape looked more natural in the pocket than the slab-sided 2D shape of the automatic. Also, it definitely came out of the pocket faster.

I've been considering getting one of the .327 magnum J-frames. They hold 6 rounds, rather than the 5 of the 38/357. 357 is too much cartridge for an alloy-framed revolver but 38+p is fine. I'm told the 327 is a smidge more snap than a 38+p, and a lot less thump than the 357. Energy wise, the 327 is great.

Of course, no fail-to-feeds or stovepipes or magazine issues with a wheelgun.

 

[Ultraman550]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

S&W Shield 9mm
XDs 45
Walther PPS
Kahr PM9

The only one I didn't shoot was the Walther but out of the other three I liked the Shield best.

 

[THE MGD]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

Had wheel guns as a kid, I remember all sorts of issues with em' after you wore em down. (timing ,bullet seating, case jams) I still respect em though
Yeah I like the slim-line feel of a SA , so in this case of a conceal carry pocket pistol I AM opposed to revolvers, sorry.
I have yet to handle the NEW kahrs but I do remember them being slightly high on price
Looking to stay under the wifes radar, and hit budget near trade in + 100-160 max

 

[turbo54]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ultraman550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">S&W Shield 9mm
XDs 45
Walther PPS
Kahr PM9

The only one I didn't shoot was the Walther but out of the other three I liked the Shield best. </div></div>

I'm 6'2" 210 and wear a 36" waist pant. I'm not a hipster, and the Shield is *not* a pocket pistol as far as I'm concerned.

EDIT: Now that I look over your list again, the PPS and the XDs really aren't true pocket pistols AFAIC either.

To me, a pocket pistol is defined as being able to fit, in a holster, into the front pocket of a typical pair of a typical mans pants, yet provide enough "extra space" in said pocket to be able to be able to be drawn without "digging" it out.

 

[turbo54]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Had wheel guns as a kid, I remember all sorts of issues with em' after you wore em down. (timing ,bullet seating, case jams) I still respect em though
Yeah I like the slim-line feel of a SA , so in this case of a conceal carry pocket pistol I AM opposed to revolvers, sorry.
I have yet to handle the NEW kahrs but I do remember them being slightly high on price
Looking to stay under the wifes radar, and hit budget near trade in + 100-160 max </div></div>

The PM9 is the fancy-schmancy model. The CM9 is the cheaper one, and would probably fit in your budget.

IIRC, the differences are the PM has:

-a more streamlined slide with a little more machinework
-dovetailed sights front/rear as opposed to the "C" model's rear only dovetail
-polygonal rifling instead of standard
-option of the blacked out slide

 

[Jhnmdahl]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

If you liked your Ruger LCP, how about a Sig p938? it's a 9mm, built like a mini-1911, based on a Colt Mustang.

 

[Karsten]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

I have both the LC9 and a Shield in .40 S&W. Both are the same size and about the same weight. Trigger is about the same or both. Finish on the LC9 slide wears rather fast but that is cosmetic.

LC9 mags come with Pinky Tangs 7 rounds, Shield in .40 comes with a 6 and extended 7 round mag ( I believe in 9MM it is 7 and 8 round extended)

LC9 has the annoying Load Chamber Flag, Shield has a cut in the top of the barrel/slide to check loaded stats.

LC9 has some upgrades available to clean up the trigger /Hammer, SS guide rod, springs and replace the LCI Flag from Galloway.

I haven't found any upgrade parts for the Shield.

You might also check into a CZ Rami available in both 9MM and .40. Double stacked alloy frame...Do Not Buy a Rami P as the frames have issues. If you do find a Rami P CZ will (so I have been told) replace the frame or possible the entire pistol with an Alloy Frame....Rami is a DA/SA pistol and comes with 0ne short mag extended mag with grip extension.

Karsten

 

[W54/XM-388]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

The LC9 is pretty good
But what I would really recommend is the Ruger LCR in .357
Try to see if you can find one and check out the grip and trigger
(Specifically the .357 one as it is different than the .38 special one).
You could run .357, .38 Special or .38 special +P in it, have 5 shots in a really small easy to carry package.

 

[athhud]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

One day when I have some cash burning a hole in my pocket, I'll retire the LCP and pick up a 938. I'd already own one if I could ever convince myself that I don't have to keep every single gun I've ever bought until I die.....

 

[Joebill]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jhnmdahl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you liked your Ruger LCP, how about a Sig p938? it's a 9mm, built like a mini-1911, based on a Colt Mustang.

</div></div>
Had the 380 version and really liked it this would be where I start

 

[THE MGD]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

**UPDATE : so ive narrowed it down to a smith and wesson shield and a ruger LC9
Both are sold out in my home town, however the shield has a 50 person wait list, and the LC9 has no list.
Which is better? Is the sheild worth the wait?

 

[Rhenerie]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

My wife just picked up a Sig P938 last saturday. So far awesome little pistol. Its more of a universal pistol for her though not just a carry. She has tiny hands.

We like it because it has real service pistol sights, plus their tritium. trigger is pretty decent and easily cleaned up. pricy though. but its perfect for her.

 

[rdinak]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

I dont care for .380's period. Poor feeding, poor ballistics and nothing to gain over a 9mm. If you must have an auto look at the KAhr's. I had a couple MK9's that were great. However after many years, many more guns..just give me a J frame smith for close quarters combat and light weight concealability.

After that Glock 19, a quality belt and holster....

YMMV

 

[athhud]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Simo Hayha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont care for .380's period. Poor feeding, poor ballistics and nothing to gain over a 9mm. If you must have an auto look at the KAhr's. I had a couple MK9's that were great. However after many years, many more guns..just give me a J frame smith for close quarters combat and light weight concealability.

After that Glock 19, a quality belt and holster....

YMMV</div></div>


Ok? Did you see the first post?

 

[THE MGD]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

**FINAL UPDATE
I bought the s&w shield in 9mm
Thanks for all the replies

 

[deadly_punk]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

Pictures and range report now?

 

[longguntoter]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a ruger LCP 380 pocket pistol. Did some ballistic tests and it failed misrably. I had much better results with a 9mm.
So which 9mm to go to?
Purpose of weapon is Conceal carry, must be light and small, pocket pistol sized.
The trigger pull isnt a must, but the LCPs SUCKED. The recoil was also a bit "too snappy" and I could not fit my pinky on the grip extension. Im open to a 45 if recoil is still manageable in a pocket pistol size.
My main drive is small, very light, and concealable. The LCP did a great job on that but the 380 cartridge is not cutting it.
Looking at a LC9
Thoughts?

</div></div>A guy I work with has an LC9 and likes it quite a bit.

 

[THE MGD]

Re: What 9mm to trade for my 380

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly_punk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pictures and range report now?

</div></div>

Ive got my paid deer lease hunters out this week but ill get on that when their buck fever cools off. After all they paid