Beretta Pico .380
The Pico has many advantages over other ultra-compact .380 ACPs, most notably its size and reduced recoil. Carried with the flush floorplate magazine, the little pistol all but vanishes in a trouser pocket. “The Pico is small, and that generally translates into harsh recoil, even for .380,” author Dennis Adler explains. “Surprisingly that doesn’t happen with the gun despite its featherweight polymer chassis.” Beretta uses a tip-to-parallel, straight-line action, which requires the barrel to tilt a mere 1.4 degrees during the recoil cycle, causing the recoil to feel significantly lower than that of typical lightweight .380 ACPs, and that’s significant when you consider that the Pico weighs a mere 11.5 ounces.
Colt Mustang Pocketlite
The Pocketlite was already one of the better guns in its class, but with the addition of the LaserMax to give this .380 the added targeting advantage, it is even better.
“The Pocketlite has a very solid feel when you grip it, more so than the .380s with a polymer frame,” author Dennis Adler writes. “While this adds a little weight, that heft means the Mustang is better at recoil management.” The Colt Mustang Pocketlite is very much the same gun as it was in 1986, just built with more modern techniques and materials. And when it’s updated with the LaserMax, the gun is very much the equal of any 21st century .380 autopistol. An easy gun to handle and shoot, it is an ideal choice for concealed carry.
SCCY CPX-2 9mm
With the CPX-2, SCCY has addressed all of the issues that typically come with a small gun, such as shorter sight radius and more felt recoil. With a steel, double-stack magazine that holds 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, the grip gives the shooter enough real estate to establish a good grasp. The gun weighs about 15 ounces unloaded, so it absorbs recoil fairly well. “Yes, this is an inexpensive gun, but it does not appear to be a cheaply made gun,” writer Doug Larson observes. “And SCCY provides a lifetime warranty. That’s the life of the gun, not the owner.” A reliable and shooter-friendly pistol, the CPX-2 provides a combination that can’t be beat.
Steyr S40-A1
The S40-A1 has a size and weight profile in line with other popular defensive-carry pistols, but its sleek lines, generous triggerguard and ergonomic grip configuration make it stand out from the crowd. The steel slide has a tough Tenifer finish and is topped with Steyr’s unusual triangle/trapezoid sight system. “Although these sights are not conducive to punching cloverleaf patterns on long-range targets, they proved to be very useful for quick target acquisitions at self-defense distances,” writes author B. Gil Horman. Whether firing from a benchrest or in two-handed drills, using practice or defense-grade ammunition, the accuracy showed that this pistol is likely to out shoot the shooter.
STI Shadow 9mm
Designed with the input of Texas undercover narcotics officers, the Shadow is a redesign of the 1911 with size, width and height reduced to a minimum. But the Shadow still boasts all those features demanded by 1911 enthusiasts: extended thumb and grip safeties, a slide-stop lever, a magazine release, a single-column magazine and a single-action trigger. “Controllability was above average for a pistol of this size and weight,” says author Paul Scarlata, “and the checkered mainspring housing and stippled frontstrap provided a secure purchase for rapid follow-up shots.” For those who feel that a 1911 pistol best suits their CCW needs, and for whom weight and concealability are primary considerations, STI’s Shadow deserves strong consideration.
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Taurus Millennium G2
The new compact Millennium G2 is no exception to Taurus’ authentic commitment to quality and ingenuity. An enhanced upgrade based on the PT 111 Millennium, the G2 is a recoil-operated, polymer-framed, compact, lightweight, striker-fired, 9mm semi-automatic pistol that features a double-stack magazine with 12+1 capacity. “Without feeling uncomfortable, the pistol seems to stick to the hand and does not shift under recoil,” observes author Jorge Amselle. “The grip design has also been adjusted to allow for a higher grip, one more in line with the muzzle, which helps to reduce perceived recoil.” While the Millennium G2 is a double-action-only (DAO), striker-fired pistol, when the slide is racked the striker is pre-charged, which makes the trigger travel shorter and the trigger pull lighter.”
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Deep Cover Rugers
Sturm Ruger is one American company that has entered the pocket-pistol market full bore with dependable and innovative products built to last. For the ultimate in pocket pistol comfort and concealability, Ruger offers the outstanding LCP (Lightweight Carry Pistol), while the LC9 is a full-power, 9mm, DAO, recoil-operated, hammer-fired, fiberglass-reinforced, nylon-framed, semi-automatic pistol. There is also the SR9c, a compact, striker-fired, DAO version of the Ruger SR9, and the SR40c, an extremely compact version of the full-sized pistol. As author Jorge Amselle writes: “The industry’s habit of turning popular full-size guns into super-compact pistols has found a receptive audience among shooters who desire a familiar gun design modified for maximum concealability.”
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Kahr Companions
Founded in 1995, Kahr Arms has always been dedicated to providing top-notch pistols for self protection. Their CW9 and CW40 use a 3.6 inch barrel, matte stainless slide, and polymer frame with sights consisting of a drift adjustable bar-dot rear sight with a pinned in polymer front sight. For more concealment there is the CM9 and CM40, with the same basic features as the PM series of compact pistols. Kahr’s P series utilizes polymer frames using metal inserts embedded in the frame, while the PM45, the smallest in the series, cuts the barrel down to 3.24 inches and carries 5+1 rounds of .45 ACP. Author David Bahde concludes: “When it comes to concealed carry, Kahr has long been an industry leader.”
Kimber Defenders
For those looking for a great carry gun for everyday defense, Kimber has something that should definitely fit the bill. The company’s Solo series is a small 9mm handgun that fits in the palm of your hand and has the bite that only a 9mm can give, while its Micro Carry is well suited to those trained and familiar with the operation of the 1911-style pistol. For those who want a compact 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, Kimber offers the Ultra, a 1911 pistol that features a three-inch barrel and a short grip for ease of concealment. “Those accustomed to the 1911 will be right at home with the Ultra Carry II,” notes author Robert Sadowski. “No learning curve is required.” From ones based directly on the classic 1911 to cutting-edge new designs like the Solo Carry, these Kimbers should be perfect for making sure you stay safe every day.
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