Looking for a concealable handgun for my spouse. I'm considering one of the three:

Walther PPK/S (she likes the look and that it has an external safety)
Kahr P380
Ruger LCP

However I was wondering if there was an option in a .40 S&W that is just as small as the .380 models? The reason I ask is because I have a Glock 23 and it would be great to be able to shoot the same rounds. Most of the 9mm/.40S&W subcompacts I've come across are all bigger than the .380s.

Any recommendations or feedback is much appreciated.

Don't know of any in .40 that are that small. Keltec used to make a .40 S&W that was smaller than your Glock but bigger than the LCP. Diamondback has also started offering a 9mm that is barely larger than a .380, might be worth watching to see if they offer a .40 down the road.

I noticed you didn't mention the Sig 238. Might be worth looking into. Has an external safety (1911 type paddle), similar the Walther and only slightly thicker than the Ruger. I love mine and will probably end up having to purchase a second one since I am having problems getting mine back from the missus...

S &W makes a double stack 40 that is easy to carry. I think they are around 350.00.

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man that loves guns Big Little X NAVY 375 Dan 357 M 41 M 44 M Long guns 22 223 243 25.06 270 30.06 Black powder 45 cal 50 cal hand and longe guns. I load all that I shoot

Yes, there are, but I wouldn't get one. I especially wouldn't get one for someone who isn't a fairly experienced shooter with pretty high recoil tolerance. I'm assuming your wife falls into the latter category, since she hasn't already told you what to get her.
Little bitty guns are hard to shoot well, even moreso if they're chambered in something like .40 S&W. I know you're looking for ammo commonality, but a gun that's uncomfortable to shoot and perhaps even intimidating is not one she'll enjoy. The difference in "stopping power" (whatever that is) between the .40 and 9x19 is non-existent in the real world.

The PPK/S is actually quite large for a .380; it's the same size as (or even bigger than) some modern 9x19 guns, like the Kahr PM9, Ruger LC9, KelTec PF9, etc. The PPK/S's long DA trigger pull is typically 10+lb and gritty. The DA/SA transition can be difficult for many shooters. Since it's a blowback, the recoil can actually be a bit harsher than the 9mms, which are all locked breech. They are typically thinner than the PPK/S, which is critical for concealment.

There are many better choices, but if she looks at everything else and still wants a PPK/S, then that's what you should get her.

I like the LCP personally. I carry one on a daily basis. It is a locked breach design so recoil is manageable. They are quite accurate for a compact pistol. They are very easily concealed, and they are not expensive. And regardless of what people might say, a .380 is plenty of gun to bring a man down.

It isn't one of the three listed in the original post but my wife dislikes all the small .380 pistols. She's toting this Smith & Wesson Model 642, loaded with Winchester Western .38 Special +P 158 grain lead semi wadcutter hollow points.


The only semi-auto pistols she really likes are 1911s and Hi-Powers.

My wife has both the Walther PPK and a Ruger SP101 .357 revolver. Both have the Crimson Trace laser grips. She prefers the Ruger. Nothing to remember or manupulate, just aim and pull the trigger.

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NRA Life Member

Nothing wrong with the LCP (little cute pistol), but the Kahr would be my choice. More money but much more gun.

You might want to look at the Bersa/Firestorm Thunder 380, it is a 7+1, or the Thunder Plus, it is a 15+1. They also have 9's the are very close to same size

Wife had a S&W bodyguard .380 and got rid of it. It was nice for carrying but shooting it with the very long and hard trigger pull sucked. She stuck with her Glock 27 .40. Plenty of power, not too big and easy to shoot. She got it incidently after shucking her S&W 642 airweight. She absolutely hated shooting it due to recoil. SD rounds (Corbon) through it kicked damn near like a .357, she enjoyed shooting my G29 10MM better which is partially why she chose the Glock in .40. Find something she is comfortable shooting so she can get some practice through it that way you don't end up like me buying a bunch of different guns. Go to a range, borrow a friends etc, carryig a gun is one thing getting good range time or shooting it well is a different subject all together.

As mentioned before, the problem with most .380s is they are blowback design and therefore have heavier recoil. Not so with the LCP, it is locked breach, just like most larger semi-autos, including my Kahr p40 that I sometimes carry when it is cold enough for a jacket or heavy shirt. This is a problem that most women don't have if carrying in their purse. Also, my LCP has a trigger pull of about 5lbs. Not bad at all for a DAO pistol.

Glock 27 if she can handle it. Otherwise the Glock 26...

M

Lots of guns come to mind but I would suggest one that fits her hand and that she can fire well. For that reason, I would eliminate the PPKs. I understand standardizing ammo but recoil out of a 40 compact might steer her away from training.

I like the M&P Shield and 9c and there is a reason I own 4 Kahrs.
MK9 or a K9 would be good choices too. Haven't shot the LC9 so I can't comment.

Do not and I repeat do not just go and buy your wife a pistol!
Take her to a gun shop and let her handle some of the guns there, pick out something that feels good in her hand and that she can manipulate, it would be good if there is a range that rents guns and then let her shoot some of the ones that she looked at. Most of the cute little guns have way too much recoil for some women. My wife shoots a 9mm much better than .45 acp, and that is what she keeps by her side of the bed, since that it is an XD9 it is a bit too big to carry. When she gets ready for a carry gun we will then go and buy what she wants, within reason.

Hi Rifleman, the only problem having a non shooter select a defensive firearm at a gun shop is that they will gravitate to a small light weight pistol. They have no idea that a 12oz pistol will have considerable recoil where after the first shot say they won't want any gun. I suggest that a knowledgeable shooter recommend the optimal pistol for the person based on the new shooter's experience shooting a few different pistols. I have an 11oz S&W 337 P+ .38 Special that will paralyze my hand after the first shot using +P where it can take a minute for me to be able to get off a second shot. I only carry standard pressure .38 ammo in that gun. My .45 ACP are stainless steel and are heavy enough where even +P isn't an issue.

Regards,
Richard

You are right little cute handguns have a stout recoil, that is why I said, that if it is possible to let her shoot some pistols to see what she can handle. I was at the range on Monday and some shooters were practicing on our cc practice range and there was a young woman there that had a S&W shield that she had been shooting, I picked it up but didn't shoot it the young lady couldn't have weiched over 100lbs. With your guidance let your wife pick out her own pistol.

You should let her shoot several different pistols and then she can decide on which will work best for her. My wife can shoot a 1911 very well but doesn't like the size and weight. She prefers an XD40sc or K40.

Take a look at a kahr 40 they are nice.

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man that loves guns Big Little X NAVY 375 Dan 357 M 41 M 44 M Long guns 22 223 243 25.06 270 30.06 Black powder 45 cal 50 cal hand and longe guns. I load all that I shoot

The LCP would be my choice due to the locked breach. One consideration is how much interest and time is she willing to devote to learning the weapon. Subjects such as recognizing and clearing different types of malfunctions need to be addressed and taught. If she has little interest in learning but does want a tool for self defense, a two inch barrel revolver in .38 special should be considered. Simplicity of use and reliability will allow a basic student to concentrate on hitting the target. While regular practice is the ideal for a self defense firearm, it's amazing how much time can by between practice sessions, especially for a non-shooter. The reason for two inch is it's very hard to snatch out of the hand. For reasons stated I'd look at a steel frame for shootability.

Glock makes the 27 that is called a baby Glock in S&W 40, but you can convert it to a 9mm or a 357 Sig for a few hundred bucks by buying a conversion barrel and I think you have to buy the 9mm clip also. It is the same as the G26 in 9mm otherwise. My sister shoots a 629 44 mag and loves it by the way. WHY? she goes to the range with my brother in law and me and shoots as much as she can. Women can sometimes shoot the big hand guns better than men.

You should let her pick out her own sidearm for CCW.

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Nevada, The last free place in this country.

As much as I like my 1911s I sold one to buy this little gem:

A Colt 1903, in .32 cal, it may not have a lot of punch but it also doesn't have a lot of recoil to recover from and it's a lot lighter and VERY concealable.

You can pick up one that has been refinished for about $400....look on Gunbroker and at local gun shows...they are out there.

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"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." - Patrick Henry

THAT is one nice gun! GOOD FIND

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man that loves guns Big Little X NAVY 375 Dan 357 M 41 M 44 M Long guns 22 223 243 25.06 270 30.06 Black powder 45 cal 50 cal hand and longe guns. I load all that I shoot

I've not had a woman not like my LC9. Compact, easy to shoot, shoots well, conceals well and is extremely reliable. I take friends to the range occasionally, and of the four females I've taken, two have purchased an LC9 after shooting it. Of course I also let them shoot my P229, 357sig, to be fair. Only one liked that better and she scares me!

When the LC9 first came out I won one in a raffle. After dry firing it, and seeing how long the trigger pull was I couldn't sell it fast enough....the trigger pull was unbelievably long for a pocket pistol.


I'll bet that if you took 6 popular pocket pistols out, none of your lady friends would choose the LC9....there are just too many better small pistols out there.

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"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." - Patrick Henry