Discreet defense is achieved with concealable semi-automatic handguns that are lightweight, small-enough-to-fit-in-your pocket and reliable. An unprecedented amount of women and first-time gun owners are buying at this time, and the micro compact has become very popular with this group. The key benchmark on such guns is typically a height less than 4-inches and a weight less than 15-ounces, roughly the same profile as a large mobile device like an iPhone. On the downside, these palm-sized pistols are low in capacity, are often chambered in lower powered cartridges.
Micro compact pistols are considered the perfect guns for IWB (Inside-the-waistband) and they are also perfect for covert carry like inside the bra or under the arm.
SIG Sauer P238
Sig Sauer has introduced their micro-compact SIG Sauer P238 pistol which has an overall length of just 5.8-inches and a 17.8-ounce weight. Less than 4.3-inches high, it still offers a 10+1 readily expandable capacity.
The SIG Sauer P238 is a compact.380 ACP caliber, single-action pistol announced by SIG Sauer at the 2009 SHOT Show. It is modelled after the M1911, similar to the Colt Mustang. Grip panels are fluted polymer making this an all-metal frame firearm in competition with plastic-framed pistols in the same class like the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec P-3AT
In a different take on instinctive shooting, the company also offers the P365 SAS which ditches traditional front and rear sights for an FT Bullseye sight set into the slide top, producing a svelte snag-free draw.
Glock 42
With an ultra-compact profile and 6 rounds of .380 ACP, the micro-GLOCK includes multiple integrated safeties with the GLOCK Safe Action and a smooth trigger pull for fast and accurate follow up shots.
Ruger LCP
With a height of just 3.6-inches, the Ruger LCP offers 6+1 rounds of .380ACP and weighs just 9.6-ounces in its standard model.
A much improved version is the Ruger LCP II which has a lighter trigger pull and other improvements setting the standard for how these small pistols should feel and perform.
Smith and Wesson M&P Shield
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Glock 42 Ruger LCP II .380 S&W Bodyguard 380 Kahr CW 380 Sig Sauer P238