For daily concealed carry, the .380 ACP has made its own niche. Others deride it as “too weak,” but that’s not exactly accurate. It may not pack the same wallop as larger bullets, but the .380 brings something equally as beneficial: it’s tiny, lightweight, and effortless to pack without being in the way.
Think of it as a small SUV—not designed for heavy loads, but perfectly placed to perform its intended task. The following are eight of the top .380 pistols for concealed carry, beginning at number eight and moving up to the number one choice.
8. Diamondback DB380
The Diamondback DB380 is for those who prefer things as light and trim as possible. Weighing less than 9 ounces, it’s one of the smallest pistols on the list. It employs a double-action-only mechanism and Glock-style sights, so it’s easy to learn for beginners. That being said, experienced shooters may see its reliability as hit-or-miss. It’s a good backup piece, but maybe not the first choice for carry.
7. Glock 42
If simplicity and reliability are what you want, the Glock 42 delivers. This thin .380 is essentially Glock reliability in pocket form. With its 6+1 capacity and Safe Action trigger, it’s relied on by many as a backup or primary carry piece. Some will find the subpar capacity and simple sights unimpressive, but customization is readily available.
6. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Small, discreet, and updated from the original version, the Bodyguard 2.0 comes with a smoother trigger, a better grip, and an impressive 12+1 capacity. It disappears easily into a pocket holster yet offers better accuracy than you’d expect from such a small pistol. People with bigger hands may find it cramped, but for everyday carry, it’s hard to argue with its balance of size and performance.
5. Bersa Thunder & Firestorm .380
For those on a budget but who still want reliability, the Bersa Thunder and Firestorm models are tried-and-true options. These metal-framed, double-action pistols hold 8+1 rounds and have been used for decades. They break down into the hand comfortably, a bit heavier than polymers, but that’s part of what makes them so reliable. Affordable, tough, and easy to handle—these pistols simply get the job done.
4. Sig Sauer P365-380
Sig Sauer’s P365 became one of the most sought-after carry guns, and the .380 brings all that engineering into a less-recoiling package. Its 10+1 capacity, optics-ready slide, and factory-installed night sights make it cutting-edge and adaptable. If you enjoy the concept of a full-service carry gun but like less recoil, this one has all the right boxes to check.
3. Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ
The Shield EZ line was made to be easy and comfortable to shoot, and the .380 model delivers on that goal. It has a smooth slide to rack, low recoil, and is ideal for shooters with minimal hand strength. It holds 8+1 rounds and includes optional safety elements, providing reassurance and is particularly shooter-friendly for novices or those returning to shooting after a hiatus.
2. Sig Sauer P238
The P238 is a premium option, modeled after the legendary 1911 but scaled down to .380 size. It’s beautifully built with an all-metal frame, crisp single-action trigger, and some of the best sights in its class. Recoil is mild, accuracy is excellent, and the overall feel is top-notch. The only downsides are the price tag and the need to train with its manual safety. For shooters who value craftsmanship, it’s hard to beat.
1. Ruger LCP Max
Taking the top position is the Ruger LCP Max, a small pistol with amazing specs. It improves on the success of previous LCP models by increasing capacity to 10+1 and incorporating a tritium front sight—all for a weight of just over 10 ounces. It’s designed for deep concealment, performing particularly well in ankle or pocket carry. It’s a trade-off of crisp recoil and a preference for high-quality ammo, but for most, its reliability, compactness, and affordability make it the best overall .380 for carry.
Selecting a .380 pistol is not about pursuing the largest numbers. It’s about the one that will feel comfortable in your hand, which you will train with regularly, and which you will be confident will get the job done when it counts. Although larger calibers do possess more stopping power, the .380 excels in compactness, reduced recoil, and ease of carry. Ultimately, the ideal pistol is the one you will actually carry—and carry with confidence.