When it comes to concealed carry and personal protection, the .380 ACP continues to hold a strong place among shooters. Its combination of manageable recoil, compact size, and sufficient stopping power makes it a reliable option for everyday carry. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or an experienced marksman, this cartridge delivers a solid balance of performance and concealability. According to range testing, everyday carry, and owner reviews, here’s a countdown of the top .380 ACP pistols to look into for self-defense this year.
10. CZ 83 .380 ACP
A genuine classic replica, the CZ 83 has developed a faithful following despite being discontinued. Famous for its rock-solid construction and reliability, it’s one of those pistols that gets handed down and not auctioned off. They can be spotted at gun shows and in used lots, but the cost for an example replica in good condition has been increasing. For shooters who like all-steel builds and traditional design, this old-school gem still has much to offer.
9. Glock G28 .380 Auto
The G28 provides all you’d want in a Glock: basic operation, reliable performance, and no-frills design. With its soft recoil and double-stack magazine, it’s a snap to shoot accurately, and accuracy is more than sufficient for defensive ranges. Although it is more expensive than some of the competition, the track record speaks for itself in making it a safe bet for Glock enthusiasts seeking a compact .380.
8. Ruger LCP Max 75th Anniversary Stainless
Lightweight, thin, and easy to carry, the LCP Max is a pocket pistol designed for close-range protection. It performs best in situations where speed and subtlety are most important. Although it’s not good for longer-range accuracy, it does extremely well in self-defense ranges. Experienced shooters will find it holds tighter groups than you’d expect from a pistol this small.
7. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
The Bodyguard 2.0 provides the larger pistol feel in a compact package. Adding a manual safety will be attractive to those who prefer a little extra security in carry mode. The trigger pull is smooth, and the overall ergonomics make it easy to handle. It’s a solid choice for concealed carriers who desire a compact gun that feels substantial in the hand.
6. Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 380 Shield EZ M2.0
An updated take on the best-selling EZ model, the new version boasts added accuracy and defensive readiness. The smooth-racking slide is perfect for shooters who find regular slides difficult to rack, and its feel is still one of the slickest in its category. A minor cycling problem encountered during testing appeared more a function of shooter technique than the gun itself.
5. Ruger LCP-C Custom
The LCP-C Custom enhances the well-established LCP platform with enhanced sights and improved trigger feel. Compact enough to be carried in a pocket but tough enough for daily carry, it’s a handy little gun. Its accuracy is surprising for its compact size, which makes it just as good for self-defense as it is for small-pest control around the homestead.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ
The original Shield EZ remains one of the most easily-shootable .380s available. Its low recoil and easy-to-hold grip make it a good fit for home defense or carry for anyone more concerned with control than raw firepower. As much as it lags behind larger calibers in terms of punch, its shootability and predictable reliability make it a top pick.
3. Bersa Thunder 380 Combat Plus
Bersa’s Thunder 380 Combat Plus provides a great combination of capabilities: smooth double-action trigger, capacious magazine capacity, and robust accuracy. It’s reliable, easy to handle, and provides great value for money. The only actual downside is that it only includes one magazine, but that can be easily rectified.
2. EAA Girsan MC 14T
The MC 14T also has a tip-up barrel that makes loading and unloading much simpler for individuals with limited hand strength. It’s reliable, accurate, and made to be user-friendly for most shooters. Alone, this feature makes it an excellent option for anyone who has trouble racking a slide.
1. Glock 42 .380 ACP
The Glock 42 heads the list for its unparalleled reliability and performance in the subcompact .380 class. It’s a pleasure to shoot; beautifully constructed, and recent updates enable it to function with hotter self-defense loads without a problem. For anyone looking for a reliable carry handgun that conceals well under light clothing, the Glock 42 can’t be beat.
.380 ACP vs. Other Calibers
The .380 ACP is well placed between the diminutive .22 and .32 calibers and the heavier 9mm. It offers more stopping power than a .22 and improved penetration over a .32, which makes it a good choice for close-quarters protection. Though it won’t keep up with a 9mm in terms of ballistic performance, its reduced recoil and smaller-platform availability make it great for those looking for comfort, control, and concealment.
When selecting a .380 ACP for self-defense, concerns such as recoil control, fit, and the choice of ammunition are just as important as price or brand. The reduced recoil makes it novice-friendly and more easily handled by shooters with diminished grip strength. When any defensive firearm is paired with high-quality hollow-point ammunition, peak performance will be achieved while minimizing the possibility of overpenetration. In the end, the ideal .380 is the one you can shoot well, carry easily, and depend on to fire every time you need it. The firearms mentioned below are the most reliable and capable ones currently available for concealed carry in 2025.