What does everyone like for a nice, compact .380 that doesn't break the bank, but is of good quality and reliable? Primary usage would be to tuck in a day pack of waist band for personal protection in rural settings (my dad is approaching 60, spends time by himself in Eastern Oregon pursuing his photography hobby, and doesn't want to take any chances). Obviously, carrying his full size .38 will not work all that well...

I think the Sig Sauer P232 is probably a great gun, as is the Glock G28. Thoughts?

 

Glock for sure.

 

S&W J-frame revolver

 

The Ruger LCP™ - Lightweight Compact Pistol

This little Ruger is pretty nice. They originally had some failure to feed issues due to the machining of the chamber, but that has been addressed and the pieces that had "issues" have been factory repaired on Ruger's dime.

Of course you can always go with the PPK, Bond, James Bond.

Wilson

 

He ended up buying a compact Beretta .22 just like his dad had. I think it's for more nostalgic purposes, and he said he was going to pickup a 9mm shortly. Anybody have any thoughts on Kahr?

 

SIG and Beretta .380s have been the best in my experience. AFAIK, you can't buy a Glock in .380 in the US. Avoid PPKs - they are prone to fail BIG TIME. Also, they are exceptionally picky about ammo.

 

My father carries one as a backup to his Kimber...great gun and very easy to conceal.

 

sig or seecamp

 

I'm late to the party, but I'll add anyways.
I LOVE my Glock 33. Lots of high rnergy rounds, and interchangeable to a 9 or .40 just by a barrel anf mag change; in a very small package. GLOCK
I'm just not a fan of 380 at all, but thats personal preference.

 

I agree - when you can get a 9mm or .40 cal Glock as small or smaller than a .380, there's no point. If you use that logic, then a tip-up barrel .22LR Beretta is a great carry gun (well, it is if that's ALL you have I guess).

For me, the smallest I'll carry is a Glock 19. Ideally, it'll be a 1911 type or a Glock 21.