In the context of everyday concealed carry, the .380 ACP pistol has a special position. Some people dismiss it as underpowered, but reality is more complicated. Though it’s not the most robust caliber available, a well-matched .380 is light, easy to draw, and surprisingly effective in the right hands. Consider it the mini SUV of the gun world—not designed for heavy loads, but ideal for what it’s intended to accomplish. Below, we list the top eight .380 pistols for concealed carry, beginning at number eight and counting up to the top.
8. Diamondback DB380
At the bottom of our list is the Diamondback DB380—a handgun for true minimalists. Coming in at less than 9 ounces, it’s very light and compact and can be easily carried about anywhere. Double-action-only design and Glock-like sights make it easy to handle, particularly for new buyers. However, experienced shooters might get frustrated with its sometimes unforgiving reliability. It is not a bad handgun, but perhaps better suited as a range tool than as a dedicated carry piece. Think of it as a backup scout: quick, but not your first choice for the big moments.
7. Glock 42
If you prefer your pistols like your watches—simple, clean, and long-lasting—the Glock 42 is the one. This skinny little .380 applies Glock’s signature reliability to a smaller, more pocket-sized frame. Its 6+1 capacity and familiar Safe Action trigger make it a favorite among those who demand no-nonsense function. It’s a favorite backup for police, and a decent primary for everyone else who likes to keep things concealed. Though the stock sights and low mag capacity may have some wishing for more, the ease of finding upgrades means it has a lot of potential to expand.
6. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Tiny and discreet, the Bodyguard 2.0 is Smith & Wesson’s sophisticated version of the small .380. It’s an improvement over its predecessor, with a truer trigger and more desirable grip. Although it’s still small enough to disappear in a pocket holster, it has surprisingly good accuracy and a 12+1 capacity. Larger gun-hand shooters may find it a little tight, and it’s not designed for attachments, but for what it is, the Bodyguard does the trick. It’s the sort of pistol you forget you’re carrying—until you need it.
5. Bersa Thunder & Firestorm .380
If you want to save your wallet but cannot afford to give up reliability, try seriously considering the Bersa Thunder and Firestorm models. These classic double-action pistols feature a sturdy metal frame and an 8+1 capacity. They have slightly more heft and kick than some of the polymer options, but their long history of dependability makes them a go-to for price-conscious carriers. The ergonomics are unexpectedly good, but that’s subjective. Nevertheless, they’ve established a track record of being solid, workhorse sidearms.
4. Sig Sauer P365-380
Sig borrowed its extremely popular P365 platform and gave it the .380 treatment, resulting in a gun that’s both contemporary and soft-shooting. The P365-380 is comfortable in the hand, provides a full 10+1 capacity, and is optics and night-sights-ready right out of the box. For those who enjoy the modularity and capabilities of a full-size gun but prefer the less recoil of .380, this fills the gap well. It’s the type of gun that offers firepower with control, perfect for extended practice or everyday carry purposes.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ
The Shield EZ line was designed with ease of use in mind, and the .380 follows suit. It’s particularly accommodating for those with less hand strength or arthritis, due to its smooth-to-rack slide and controlled recoil. The 8+1 capacity and optional safety features make it versatile enough for various levels of comfort. Though not flashy or overly customizable, what it does provide is a smooth, easy-to-shoot experience that builds confidence, particularly for new shooters or for those coming back into the sport after a hiatus.
2. Sig Sauer P238
Coming in second is the stunningly designed Sig Sauer P238. Based on the legendary 1911, the P238 boasts an all-metal construction, single-action trigger that’s among the best in its class, and sights better than the majority of its contemporaries. It handles recoil better than you’d expect and shoots with a level of precision more common in larger calibers. The trade-off? It’s not cheap, and the manual safety can take some practice to operate quickly. But for those who appreciate fine mechanics and are willing to train with it, the P238 feels like a scaled-down version of a battle-tested classic.
1. Ruger LCP Max
In first place is the Ruger LCP Max, a pocket-sized powerhouse that packs a punch above its size. A development of Ruger’s previous LCP offerings, the Max cranks up the capacity to 10+1 and includes a tritium front sight—all without increasing weight to more than 10 ounces. It’s specifically designed for deep concealment and does particularly well in ankle holsters or small-of-the-back carry.
Recoil is snappy owing to its small size, and it functions best with brass or self-defense ammunition over steel-case loads. But for most, the sacrifices are well worth it. It’s reliable, inexpensive, and concealed, which checks all the right boxes for a concealed carry pistol.
When selecting a .380 for concealed carry, it isn’t necessarily about numbers on paper. The best pistol is one you’re comfortable carrying, training with, and drawing when it counts. While larger calibers might offer more raw power, the .380 brings with it softer recoil and greater portability—two factors that matter more than they get credit for. Like any tool in your defensive toolbox, the right .380 isn’t just about firepower—it’s about fit, familiarity, and readiness when seconds matter most.