Things to consider....
While I originally wanted a true "pocket rocket", such as P3AT or LCP, I decided against them for several reasons. First off, their chambers both do not fully surround the base of the cartridge, and shooting a hot Corbon, Mag-Safe, Buffalo-Bore or Extreme Shock +P will prompt a cartridge bursting, and subsequently blow the action apart on these small pieces. Hence, warnings by both manufacturers to shoot only standard pressure rounds. While I don't mind the smaller .380 round as a better concealed or deep carry, by God, my pistol better be able to shoot the +P or +P+ rounds in self defense, or I'm wasting my time, and should go back to my 9mm, however impractical it may be for deep carry. Also, consider the fact that you're touching off a small controlled explosion, upwards of 20, 000 psi in your hands, and the subsequent recoil force that WILL challenge that two-fingered grip for all it's worth, not to mention making accurate rapid -fire follow-up shots and double-taps extremely challenging, regardless of how you may not want to believe it. Don't get me wrong....these guns are popular, have a market, and a following that loves 'em, and more power to them. But the issues above never seem to get mentioned and addressed in entirety, and they need to be to inform the not so saavy shooters out there. Like I said, I prefer their size...definitely! By I will make a compromise in weight, size and design features to be SAFE, EFFECTIVE and ACCURATE under pressure. While I would love a Sig, Kahr or Colt pony, I can't afford them. I ended up with a Bersa 380CC, and while it's not for everyone, it covers all the bases for me. It will eat any brand ammo up to and including +p+, all day long, recoil is minimal and very controllable with a three finger grip, and added weight of a metal frame (aluminum), and followup shots are very consistantly accurate, thanks to the stiffness and weight of the metal frame coupled with a 4+ # single action trigger which brings the barrel back to point of aim quickly. It is slightly larger, twice the weight of the "mouseguns", but I still manage to conceal quite well, and am grateful for the strength/weight factor and smoothness of shooting. And as shooting is very enjoyable, I spend a LOT more time practicing, and keeping up with controlled, rapid accurate firing habits. It IS a compromise, one I'm more than willing to make. If I ever have to draw on a BG, I am confident that I AM going to stop him with the hottest round available, wherever I point the barrel, and do it multiple times accurately and quickly, despite struggling with the sudden adrenalin dump that the situation provokes. And that is something I can't guarantee if I had a smaller gun. You can only go so small, before you start to sacrifice critical factors. If the above issues don't bother you, and you have have a mousegun such as P3at or LCP, Guardian, Seecamp etc.....great! Despite their limitations, they are still fine pieces for those who love 'em. If you are an amateur in the gun arena, try them all out if possible, from the smallest on up, and make your own informed decision, but keep in mind the issues I have mentioned above, and choose what is best for YOU. Again, you're holding, trying to control AND direct up to 20,000 psi in force, and do it safely and accurately in a very small package.........Common Sense and logic MUST prevail !! Thanks for letting me babble folks. Angus
