Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry (2021)

Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry

With the rising number of criminal cases where innocent people are attacked and fatally wounded, self-defense and safety are of utmost importance today. Fortunately, carrying a legal firearm can work as an effective deterrent against attackers that many US citizens choose to employ.

Despite the negative comments online, .380 pistols are very viable concealed carry guns that will be able to help you in self-defense cases. If you manage to choose precisely with a good amount of ammunition, then you can easily trust the .380 Auto to be more than adequate to get the job done.

The .380 pistols are some of the smallest guns in the world, making them also known as “pocket rockets”. Not only are these pocket pistols recognized for being the best guns for IWB (inside-the-waistband) concealed carry pistols with a lot less bulk than a conventional belt holster, but they are also great choices for covert carry like inside the bra or under the arm.

Pistols Name Editor’s Comment Rating Get The Best Deal
Glock 42

1. Proven best .380 full size weapon
2. Very effective if you know where to hit your target

10/10 Currently unavailable
Ruger LCP II .380 1. Very popular pistol
2. Easily concealed and easy to draw
3. Improved trigger and safety
9.5/10 Currently unavailable
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380  1. Made from a high pedigree gun manufacturer
2. Front & Rear sights are drift adjustable
3. Solid, stainless steel inclusions
9.0/10 Currently unavailable
Kahr Arms CW380 1. One of the best compact .380 pistols for concealed carry
2. Packs a punch
3. Acceptably light recoil
9.0/10 Currently unavailable
Sig Sauer P238 Spartan II 1. Cool and stylish design
2. Durable and reliable construction
3. Features 1911 controls
8.5/10 Currently unavailable
S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ 1. One of the few .380 pistols that treat the .380 caliber correctly
2. Ease of operation
3. Comes with three white dot sights with a windage adjustable rear sight
8.5/10 Currently unavailable
Bersa Thunder 1. Priced competitively
2. Best old school .380 pistol
3. Features a double action firing system with Walther controls
8.5/10 Currently unavailable
Springfield 911 .380 Handgun 1. Affordable price
2. One of the easiest-shooting micro pistols available
3. Single-action firing system
8.0/10 Currently unavailable
Taurus 738 TCP 1. Affordable price
2. Light trigger weight
3. Either stainless or blued steel construction
7.5/10 Currently unavailable

Why Do They Matter?

There are many guns available on the market that can be used as your weapons to protect and save your life, but will something as small as the .380 caliber guns are able to help you stop an attacker in their tracks? 

Fortunately, our research has shown that the best .380 pistols have proven themselves to be worthy candidates as reliable back-up or concealed calibers if not completely for self-defense purposes. 

Featuring such a small and compact profile with a whole load of stopping power, these .380 pistols are one of the best .380 pistols on the market you can get for concealed carry. Now, let’s go into a little background story for the .380 pistols. 

Background Story

Automatic pistols were first introduced in the late 1800s, but they were bulky and heavy which means they cannot be easily concealed and brought around without alerting people about it. Understanding the needs for covert operations, John Moses Browning was first to develop a small automatic handgun in the early 1900s. 

Based on similar technology, a well-known manufacturer of world-class rifles, pistols, and shotguns – Colt Manufacturing Company was the first to introduce their .380 Automatic Colt Pistols to the world. 

Because of its small size, many have referred to the .380 pistol as the 9mm Browning and .380 Auto. When manufacturers created the 9mm version, the .380 pistols were even called the 9mm Short. 

Capabilities of the .380 Pistol

There are two types of beliefs surrounding self-defense cartridges. One says that if your bullet does not start with a “4” such as the .40 S&W and .45 ACP, then it is insufficient for self-defense. 

Another group is more inclusive and believes that you should carry whatever you can handle comfortably and confidently to stop someone from taking your life. All in all, having a gun on your hip is better than keeping them in your sock drawer while you’re out. 

The Best Things About the .380 Pistols

Obviously, the best .380 pistols are very compact, easy to conceal, and they serve as very reliable guns to protect you against a close-range attacker during self-defense situations. Designed based on their bigger automatic handgun counterpart, the .380 pistol allows the recoil spring and slide to absorb a significant amount of impact during recoil, making this small gun incredibly easy to shoot. 

The Drawbacks

Despite being easy to use and conceal, every cartridge of the .380 pocket has different disadvantages when compared to others. There is almost always another self-defense round that is more powerful than the one you’ve got. But if you do reach the most powerful rounds, you’d notice that the .380 pistols are so big and cumbersome that carrying them can be a hassle.

Falling under a 9mm and about the same as a .38 Special, the .380 ACP is technically underpowered when compared with some other mainline self-defense cartridges. Despite being smaller, the .380 ACP is almost as strong as a .38 Special. Since the .380 bullet weighs 95 grains and a .38 Special bullet weighs up to 158 grains, it is expected that the .38 does not hit quite as hard as the revolver cartridge. 

The Myth

Although the .380 pistol is a smaller gun, it does not necessarily mean that it throws up softer recoils. This is what we call an “old presumptive myth”. Despite the .380 pistols’ small size, some of its varieties may also deliver very heavy recoils. 

However, don’t let this deter you as the recoil action has a lot to say about the power of your gun. Similar to kicking a ball, the harder the kick, the faster the ball accelerates forward. This means that the heavier the recoil on your .380 pistol, the larger the firing power the gun if putting up. 

The Science Behind Recoils

Just like Newton’s popular saying, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”, this also applies with recoils as they are the result of linear momentum. Other than this, the structure and material of the gun itself will also play a part in the intensity of recoils. 

Heavier, more solid .380 pistols made of metals construction such as steel and alloy can handle recoils smoothly compared to smaller guns made of polymer materials. 

Another factor to consider is the caliber or grain of the bullet. If you pair your small .380 Pocket with heavy bullets that require a lot of gunpowder, you should expect a much heavier recoil to go with it. 

How the .380 Pistol Can Save Your Life

While some may say that the .380 ACP is like the Glock 42, such that they are too small to “down” an attacker, with proper placement of the bullet, you’ll definitely be able to stop anyone in their tracks, especially if you hit critical areas like the spinal cord or head.

The .380 caliber is only slightly larger than the .22 cartridge and may not cause a full-grown adult to fall when they get hit. Regardless, immobilizing a person really depends on where you shoot (shot placement). 

A Word About the Ammo

Proper ammo selection goes a long way in helping you stop an attacker. Many experts have said that anyone can turn the .380 pistol into a small war machine by using hollow point ammunition. By getting either jacketed hollow point bullets or bullets made from frangible copper that will fragment upon impact, these rounds will dramatically injure your victim, especially if they’re only a few meters away. 

However, not all hollow points will produce a deadly impact as such ammunition can get clogged up with thick fabrics, flesh, or skin when it hits the target. Since they feature clogged tips, the bullet’s impact is further cushioned, making the hollow feature quite useless. 

However, modern technology has filled most hollow-point bullets with polymer to prevent such clogging issues to make them much more potent rounds for self-defense purposes. Regardless, you will still need to decide where to shoot the attacker to fully benefit from the .380 pistol’s ‘stopping power’. 

Is the .380 Pistol a Worthy Self Defense Weapon?

Many gun experts have said that the 9mm is one of the least reliable compact guns one can use for self-defense. This is mainly because smaller guns mean smaller bullets and smaller bullets do not produce a deadly impact on a victim. 

Factors to Consider when Shopping for the Best .380 Pistol for Concealed Carry

Here are a few criteria that you should check out while on the hunt for the best .380 pistol. 

Sight

Most .380 pistols come with gutter sights: 2 posts on the rear and one small on the front of the barrel. You need to make sure that these sights are adjustable to fit your comfort and shooting style. Some .380 pistols are also capable of being paired with lasers or night sights. This is important for cases when you’re shooting in the dark. 

Trigger Pull

You should always consider the trigger depending on who will be using the .380 pistol. Triggers that require long, heavy pull may not be ideal for those with smaller hands. This is mainly because a long trigger pull will cough out bullets and put on heavy recoils that can cause misplaced shots on a target. Such triggers are most commonly found on double action guns. 

Single action trigger guns, on the other hand, have a smooth trigger pull that is much easier to use especially since their hammers are already cocked up.

However, double action guns have triggers that are more adapted to men’s strong fingers and can be much more precise if used properly. 

Type of Ammo

Getting the right ammo can save your life. As mentioned above, the hollow points (HP) have proven to be one of the most effective ammunition with reliable stopping power. But then, these types of rounds also come with issues of their own such as not expanding due to clogging on thick clothes and skin, thus not penetrating enough to hit vital organs. 

With that in mind, many experts still recommend the ball ammo for deeper penetration and hitting crucial spots internally. Ball ammo feature rounder and fatter tips compared to the standard .380 ammo.

Full metal jackets (FMJ) bullets have flat tops that are still good at penetrating most obstacles in their way. However, both the ball ammo and FMJ have one drawback in common, which is that both rounds are able to pass through a body on close range shots. This makes such bullets very dangerous, especially when used in public. 

The Best .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry

Now that we have covered enough basic information and several factors to take into consideration while out shopping for the best .380 pistol, here are some of the best .380 pocket pistols that you can get for concealed carry purposes.

1. Glock 42

The Glock 42 preceded the Glock 43 and is the largest pistol on our list here today. However, despite its larger size, the Glock 42 is still a very compact, very light gun chambered in .380 ACP that you can fit into your jacket pocket. Not only that, but it also comes with a single stack magazine that lets you hold up to six rounds. 

The Glock 42 are ideal backup .380 pistols for law enforcers thanks to its ease of use and similar trigger functions to their bigger Glock brothers. This .380 pistol was designed for easy and quick drawing, ensuring no issues when you pull this up from your holster and potentially save your life..

As mentioned earlier, this is the largest .380 pocket pistol reviewed, but size needs to be put into perspective. The polymer Glock 42 (G42) is still the smallest pistol the manufacturer has ever released with 5.84 inches in length, 4.13 inches high, and 0.94 inches wide. With a 3.24 inches long right hand twist barrel, this .380 pocket pistol only weighs 14 ounces unloaded and 17.29 ounces fully loaded with a 6+1 round single-stack magazine. 

Other than that, the Glock 42 also comes with high profile sights to make it easy for gun owners to aim. All in all, despite the slightly larger size, the Glock42 is still one of the best .380 pistols for concealed carry. 

The drawback of this .380  pistol is that it only carries 6 round bullets. Though this is the standard number of bullets for such .380 pistols, we expected a gun of larger size like the Glock 42 to also have a higher number of bullets that it can carry. 

Additionally, this .380 pistol does not feature manual safeties, only a blade that needs to be depressed and pulled back for you to release the trigger. Regardless, the Glock 42 still functions like a 9mm and can be really deadly if you know exactly where to hit your target. With a Glock 42 in your holster, you can rest assured knowing that you are armed with a reliable gun without enough firepower to stop an attacker in its tracks

Pros

  • Proven best .380 full size weapon
  • Functions like a 9mm
  • Very effective if you know where to hit your target
  • Reliable
  • Easy to draw and fire
  • High profile sights for easy aiming

Cons

  • No manual safety features
  • Magazine capacity only 6 rounds
  • Larger than other pocket pistols

2. Ruger LCP II .380

Next on our list is the newest version of the Ruger LCP II pistols with plenty of improvements. This is great since the first Ruger LCP came with a lot of downsides, particularly its long and tensed trigger pull. Not only that, but the pistol’s slide that was supposed to open automatically once the last round is shot did not do its job properly. 

Knowing that Ruger’s new LCP II is efficiently different such that it now offers a smooth trigger pull that includes an easy-to-rack slide release to let you know that you’ve run out of ammo. In addition to that, the Ruger LCP.380 is now also equipped with a Glock-style safety blade right at the front of the trigger that needs to be depressed to release a shot. This improved slide stop mechanism also has the last round hold-open feature. 

Other than that, the Ruger LCP II .380 pistol is also laser ready that will fit a Crimson trace laser perfectly for those who prefer to equip their pistol with accessories to improve efficiency and accuracy in low light environments. 

The Ruger LCP .380 is undeniably one of the best .380 pistols for concealed carry with its 5.17 inches length, making this polymer frame handgun a best seller among civilians practicing concealed carry and a favorite back-up weapon by law enforcers. Featuring a plain muzzle, this .380 pistol has a .275 barrel length and is 3.71 inches tall and 0.75 inches wide. Furthermore, the .380 pistol weighs only at 10.6 ounces with a fixed sight and low profile design to ensure it does not snag on any holster. 

The Ruger LCP 2 .380 also achieves ease of access thanks to its smoothed edge finish, making it an ideal choice as a pocket-holster carry gun. In terms of reliability, this .380 pistol has user-friendly features that consist of a magazine release and slide release plus an easy pull trigger with integrated safety features. And although it does not come with a laser sight, it does have the ability to take one in the future. 

One disadvantage to this pistol though, is that it carries a magazine of only 6 ammunition, meaning you may need to carry an extra magazine if you need to use it for self-defense or as backup pistols. Also, the recoil on the pistol causes the trigger finger to get pinched in between the bottom of the trigger and the trigger guard, making shooting quite unpleasant. 

Overall, the Ruger LCP II is still a great choice for concealability, handling, and reliability. On top of that, this compact .380 pistol can also fit many holsters to keep you and your family safe. 

Pros

  • Very popular pistol for concealed carry
  • Easy to use and speed of use
  • Improved trigger and safety
  • Easily concealed and easy to draw
  • Popular with Law Enforcement as a back-up weapon

Cons

  • Magazine only fits 6 rounds
  • Comes with recommendations to purchase a spare magazine 

3. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 

Noticing the boost in sales for the Ruger LCP II, Smith & Wesson decided to invest in a great deal of effort to produce a great matchup of pocket pistol in the form of their Bodyguard 380. 

Despite being the smallest handgun in the S&W M&P line-up, the M&P Bodyguard 380 is still considered a full size M&P (military & police) weapon that was compacted and re-chambered to fit the .380 rounds. So, although it is in a smaller package now, the Bodyguard 380 still retains its lethal capacity to be a total man stopper. 

The S&W Bodyguard 380 weighs only 12.3 ounces and a total barrel length of 2.75 inches with an overall length of 5.25 inches. The .380 pistol features a stainless steel slide with black anodized finishing to blend in with the gun’s designs. Both the stainless barrel and slide also have a beautiful matte finish. On top of that, the carry gun also features a slide stop lever and drift-adjustable stainless steel sights for practicing with both short and long distances. 

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 usually comes along with two 6-round magazines with one feature a flat level base while the second one has a finger extension to support your pinky finger. This allows gun owners to have a firmer grip on the gun. 

For those in need, the S&W .380 pistol also comes in a laser version that is equipped with a Crimson Trace laser, making it a very useful addition for shooters who want a pistol with a laser attachment from the get-go.

One downside to this handgun is that the safety locks are not easy to disengage, so you may need to spend some time practicing playing around with the locks before taking it out with you. Another thing you need to note is that the pistol is hammer fired and not semi automatic, meaning the pistol will need a long trigger pull before the hammer strikes the primer. 

Overall, this .380 caliber handgun has been ranked to be one of the most reliable .380 pocket pistols out there. Small stature with a powerful performance.

Pros

  • Made from a high pedigree gun manufacturer
  • Solid, stainless steel inclusions
  • Front & Rear sights are drift adjustable
  • Different style magazines available

Cons

  • A lot of safety locks that are not easy to disengage
  • 9.6 lbs trigger pull that is considered heavy for compact guns
  • Not a semi automatic
  • May be expensive for some

4. Kahr Arms CW380

The CW380 is one of the best .380 pistols for concealed carry with very good reasons. This .380 pistol measures less than 5 inches long and has a 2.58-inch barrel length that only weighs slightly over 10 ounces for easy concealability. Furthermore, the polymer-framed pistol also offers a very comfortable grip. Similar to all other pistols from the same manufacturer, the CW380 has a striker-fired action with a trigger pull that is less than 5.5 lbs. 

The Kahr CW380 is like a smaller version of the Glock 42 and 32 with almost half the weight but these are some equally effective pocket rockets. This definitely makes it easy to conceal a Kahr Arms CW380. Besides, this concealed carry pistol not only looks great and sophisticated with its black and grey combination design, but the .380 pistol also feels solid on anyone’s grip and to allow them to secure the pistol steadily.

On top of that, the double-action handgun has a smooth trigger pull that controls recoil action for easier handling. The low recoil also means that you get to make continuous shots faster and without much kickbacks. The pistol also has drift-adjustable rear sights, which let you see the low-profile front sight easily. 

One major concern for the Kahr CW 380 is that the gun can sometimes be picky with the bullets, so it will be unfortunate if you found some ammo that won’t cycle well with this pistol. Other than that, the pistol’s slide is also not the easiest to rack. While this should not be an issue for most shooters, if you’re one who needs a very easy slide racking function, then this may not be the best .380 pistol for you. 

Other than that, the weakest aspect of the CW380 is the small sights. Fortunately, you can find plenty of aftermarket options available for you to upgrade for better comfort and accuracy. 

However, as long as you get bullets perfect for it and avoid brands it doesn’t like, you’ll be happy to find that the Kahr P380 gun is one of the best .380 pistols you can get for concealed carry purposes. 

Pros

  • One of the best compact .380 pistols for concealed carry
  • Packs a punch
  • Acceptably light recoil
  • Smooth trigger action

Cons

  • Ammo sensitive
  • Racking function may not be every shooter’s cup of tea
  • May feel the need to replace the sights

5. Sig Sauer P238 Spartan II

The Sig Sauer P238 is a very handsome-looking pocket pistol that can totally stop someone from attacking you in spite of its small bearing. This pistol is more like the popular 1911 handgun and you will be glad to know that among the best .380 pistols for concealed carry, this one features a complete metal construction – which is a rare find. This goes to show Sig Sauer’s commitment to high quality build. 

The Spartan II also offers you with a custom finish in coyote-tan and engraved with the famous King Leonidas “MOLON LABE” saying that means “Come and take them”. If you’re looking for a unique, best .380 pocket pistol design, then the Sig P238 Spartan II may just be the best one for you.

With a stainless steel slide and aluminum alloy frame, this .380 pistol only weighs 15.2 ounces. However, do take note that the solid construction of the gun also means that you may have to deal with those extra recoils. 

The Sig P238 is a single-action pistol with an exposed hammer that may require a bit of cocking to let you release its trigger with just a small squeeze. 

In terms of safety, the .380 pistol has an easy-to-handle slide lock that won’t hinder your draw or scratch your skin even if you plan to carry this gun on IWB the whole day. With an overall length of 5.5 inches and a barrel length of 2.7 inches long, this pistol may just be a bit heavy on your side waist.

However, the p238 safety lever is also not ideal as it is mounted really far back, making it rather tough to control with the joint or pad of the thumb. This means you may need to break your firing grip to control it. 

Other than that, the Sig P238 also comes with a SIGLITE night side that gives you an added advantage for shooting in the dark. Included in the purchase price is also a 1 x 7 magazine. 

While this can be one of the most solid, durable, and dependable .380 pocket rockets out there, the Sig Sauer P238 may be a little bit difficult to assemble and reassemble. And if you somehow forgot to put back the ejector properly during reassembly, you may just ruin the gun once you fire it. 

In terms of aesthetics, Sig Sauer allows gun enthusiasts a huge range of trim level choices. This means you get to choose from the basic blackout version all the way to their Rose Gold variant, whichever you love best. 

Overall, the P238 combines all 1911 standard controls such as a manual-thumb safety and single-action trigger into one small, compact package that delivers what it promises: high quality, durability, and robustness for everyday concealed carrying. It is undeniable that the P238 is among the best .380 concealed carry pistols on the market. 

Pros

  • Cool and stylish design
  • High quality
  • Durable and reliable construction
  • Features 1911 controls

Cons

  • Difficult assembly and disassembly
  • May be heavy for all-ay IWB carry
  • May be expensive for some

6. S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ

The M&P 380 Shield EX is a relatively newcomer and is also one of the few .380 pistols that treat the .380 caliber correctly, making it a great choice due to the ease of operation. 

Many choose to make their small guns in .380 ACP because it is the biggest small round out there. The standard 9mm ammunition is too long and wide to fit really small guns. Not only that, but the barrel length also means that you don’t get the best of accuracy and the dimensions and weight make the pistol less pleasant to shoot. 

This best .380 pistol from S&W comes with three white dot sights with a windage adjustable rear sight and even an underframe Picatinny rail to let you mount light or laser sights. Other than that, it even has a visual/tactile loaded chamber indicator. 

Realizing this issue, S&W has created the .380 EZ which is the best in solving this problem, by making the .380 round in the same size as the standard M&P Shield pistol. With a barrel length of 3.675 inches long, shooters get a little more accuracy and better performance from the ammunition. Not only that, but the 380 Shield EZ also has a magazine capacity of 8 rounds to let you carry a couple more bullets with you. 

The Smith & Wesson 380 Shield EZ also features a slide that is easier to rack, making it a vastly softer-shooting pistol compared to the rest. Overall, the Shield EZ pocket rockets are easy to carry, easy to shoot, and easy to aim, making them the best .380 pistols for concealed carry.

7. Bersa Thunder / Thunder Plus .380 Gun / Firestorm .380

Best James Bond CCW Clone

The Bersa Thunder .380 is a Walther PK380 / Walther PP/K clone. Although it isn’t an exact copy, it is so close that we might as well not split hairs. Not only that, but the reliable and accurate .380 pistol also happens to be priced competitively, making it one of the most popular .380 pistols on the market. 

The Bersa Thunder .380 is the best old school .380 pistol on the list with a metal frame and slide. Other than that, the pistol also features a double action firing system with Walther controls (slide-mounted decocking safety) that lets you decock the hammer for a double-action first shot. Other than that, this pocket gun also comes with an 8 plus 1 magazine capacity with an extended magazine of 7+1 with a flush fit. 

However, you may need to take some time to get used to the pocket pistol’s double-action trigger system as well as the slide-mounted safety. Like the Berettas and old Smith and Wesson semi automatic, you need to carry the pistol in double-action mode with the trigger safety on or off. You can’t have these pocket rockets cocked-and-locked. 

In terms of dimensions, the thunder .380 pistol fits between micro guns such as the Glock 42, Sig P238, and the 380 Shield EZ discussed above with a 3.5 inches barrel length and overall dimensions of 6.6 inches long by 4.9 inches tall and 1.3 inches wide. However, the weight varies by model. But since given its metal frame, it comes in at around 20 ounces. However, the heft works to tame recoil, making it great for a small gun. 

8. Springfield 911 .380 Handgun

Next is a handgun from Springfield Armory, the Springfield 911 is much like the Sig P238, in that it is a Colt Mustang clone 1911 micro pistol in a .380 without the grip safety feature. However, the Springfield 911 micro pistols have certain advantages over the P238 and Kimber Micro. 

Frankly speaking, the Springfield 911 pocket gun is just as good as the others but at a fraction of the price. The .380 pistol has an excellent build quality with a 6+1 magazine capacity. Overall, the Springfield 911 is one of the easiest-shooting micro pistols available, if you want to get a single-action firing system, then you definitely should consider this one. 

9. Taurus 738 TCP

The last entry on our list is the Taurus 738 TCP, which is the best .380 pistols that will solve most of your compact carry needs, especially if you’re on a tight budget. The three main selling points of this .380 pistol is its affordable price, excellent slide lock and superb trigger. 

Guns like the .380 pistols are usually weighed down by heavy triggers, fortunately, this is not the case as the TCP trigger weighs a fraction over 4 lbs. Although the trigger pull is quite long, it is still incredibly smooth to deliver consistent results. 

The total weight for the Taurus 738 TCP pocket rocket is just a mere 10.20 ounces and it can hold the usual carrying capacity of 6+1 rounds. In terms of aesthetic, this .380 ACP handgun comes in either stainless or blued steel. Overall, this is a fantastic concealed carry gun that has jaw-dropping features that you can trust to save your life at an outstanding price point.

Conclusion

Since 2007, the .380 pistols have seen a boom in popularity and have sold more than 850,000 units in 2014. This goes to show that the .380 pistols are some of the most dependable and reliable concealed carry firearms that American citizens can use for self-defense purposes. 

Although the .380 pistols are the pocket rockets of today’s weaponry, they can definitely be trusted with your life as it can save your life. While there are bigger caliber guns that can outperform the .380 pistols in several aspects, the best .380 pistols are the perfect choice for concealment and protection. 

Hopefully, today’s article and the reviews for the top .380 pistol models have provided you with enough information to make an informed decision when purchasing a .380 pistol based on their effectiveness and functionality. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can you neutralize your attacker with a .380 pistol?

There are few ways to neutralize your attacker with a .380 pistol as these pocket rockets can disable the nervous system, cause their blood pressure to drop, and put multiple rounds in a target. 

The central nervous system is a very crucial part of the body where the brain sends signals for the body to move. Once you disable any part of it, you could render the person totally immobilized as the brain is no longer able to control their movements. 

A person’s blood pressure will drop when there is not enough blood supply to the brain, which will eventually lead to loss of consciousness. Since the heart is the main organ that pumps blood around your body, damaging a person’s heart can easily incapacitate an attacker. 

If you have a reliable and accurate .380 pistol and are handy enough with your gun to fire off multiple shots simultaneously without missing the target spot, there is a very high chance that you can get the attacker immobilized as well. 

Yet, with technological advancement, small guns like these pocket rockets are no longer a girls’ best friend to scare off attackers, it is a weapon to save your life under dangerous circumstances. Modern handgun manufacturers have made huge improvements on their .380 pistols to deliver a stopping power equal to that of a 9mm with better expanding bullets. In essence, the best .380 pistol is now on par with the 9mm when it comes to precision, accuracy, and killing potential. 

Q: What is the best .380 ACP ammo?

Some of the best .380 ACP ammo include Speer Gold dot 90 Grain JHP, Winchester PDX-1 Defender 96 Grain JHP, Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain FTX, and Winchester Silver Tip 85 Grain JHP. Getting quality ammo is critical for your pocket guns as it makes a difference in shooting experience. So, make sure you try out a few different ammo types and get the one that seems to cycle best and group the tightest. 

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