After three months of carrying a 337 PD as a pocket carried bug, I decided to evaluate some semi-auto options. I would prefer a G43, but that doesn’t work for my pants in lower 48. That got me looking at .380, and I have been evaluating the LCP Custom, Kahr CW380 and the G42. These are bug not primary pistols.
1) Kahr CW380. I got this because of the favorable review on TFB and JodyH’s experience. I figured it would be pretty good, if it ran, and my experience is Kahr pistols are hit and miss in the reliability department. In terms of reliability, I have fired 200 rounds of various ammo so far, without a single issue, except using the slide stop to drop the round on round one of certain JHP loads (works fine sling-shotting the slide). I have tested PMC and Lawman ball, HST JHP, and Underwood loaded with the 90 grain XTP.
While I was pleasantly surprised by the reliability so far, there were a few things I didn’t anticipate. I have to be careful not to get slide bite with a high grip, and I am sporting some slices at the base of my right thumb to remind me of this. Also, the sights are quite small compared to what comes on a PM9, and I didn’t realize when I ordered it, that it did not use the PM9 sights.
2) Glock 42. I traded in an early 42 for a recent manufacture one, and so far I am thrilled. The trigger is much improved, and I believe it incorporates various improvements by Glock over the past few years. I am still waiting for Amazon to bring my Ameriglo sights for it, although I recently installed a Talon grip. It is just wonderful to shoot in terms of recoil impulse, and I would highly recommend this pistol for recoil sensitive shooters. I was only half jokingly asking Gabe whether I could shoot his school test in a class with the 42 out of a JM Kydex pocket holster, with my hand starting in my pocket.
3) LCP Custom. I really like this pistol. Sights are far better than the Kahr, it has been completely reliable, and I can get my hand up high without getting slide bite. I have a Blue Force Gear and JM pocket holster for it.
While I use a variety of ball for practice, I have been carrying the HST or XTP loads in the various pistols. Have been meaning to try the Lehigh penetrator loads, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
While my thinking is still evolving, the 42 is my pick for shootability where my pocket size allows, and the LCP Custom is my pick for smallest possible size. I shoot these enough better than the 337, that I lean toward these semi-autos, without even taking into consideration ease of reloading.