[Deep13]

Hmmm. Pocket size.

I'll have to go with the Walther PPK simply because it has enough weight to make .380 recoil manageable. I found the .380 Beretta Cheetah to be a bit harsh because of its blow-back operation and that is pretty big for a .380. So, I would be really reluctant to use a polymer, three-finger .380.

I guess my second choice would be the Beretta Tomcat in .32.

[Palladin8]

I am trying to understand this heavy recoil in .380 theory. I have shot several different .380s and haven't found one yet that I consider heavy recoiling. I know recoil is subjective and effects everyone differently but come on. I put 50 rounds through my little LCP the other day and found it to be a little jumpy and hard to hold onto at first but it didn't have a heavy recoil to it. My .480 Ruger on the other hand now that has some recoil. My S&W model 60 had some recoil to it that was stiff due to the narrow grip but not the worst I have handled by any means.

[Deep13]

good for you

[Winchester '97]

I prefer a makarov myself. why? it was 125 dollars. the fact that it shot golf ball sized groups confirmed it will be a keeper. fits my hand, accurate, a little large for pocket size, but absolutely reliable. the soviets didnt keep guns that were unsatisfactory for 40 years. i would trust my life to it.

[Kaybe]

I agree with Winchester 97, The makarov and the PA-63 are great guns and I love them both. I have shot the P3at, but don't like the trigger. Really small and fits pocket easy, but the trigger stops me from getting it. The 9x18 is big enough. At close range, shot placement is going to be the deciding factor in my opinion. 9x18,.380, 32acp and so on. Shot placement is the key.
Winchester 97, welcome to the forum

[ke4sky]

Quote:       Originally Posted by blueice

ke4sky, excellent post!!

Thx. Glad you liked it. Been fooling with these for only 30 years or so. I'm a dinosaur who carries a Colt D-frame most of the time. Fooled with an LCP the other day. While DA trigger pull is OK, emphasize that in the event of a misfire it requires two hands to cycle the slide and tap-rack-bang. OK if you are ingrained on the 1911, but someone reflexively trained to double stroke the trigger as on a revolver will have trouble with this.