Diamond Back DB380 or Ruger LCP

[300 Sendero]

I'm currently looking for a small 380 like the DB380 or the LCP, but I'm torn as to which one to get. I really like the looks and feel of the DB380 however searching around here as well as other websites there seems to be a lot of reliabilty complaints with it. I've seen some talk about higher serial number ranges being better, but has anybody that bought a new one here recently had any problems. Should I go ahead and give the DB380 a try or should I get the LCP. I don't have any complaints about the LCP other than the sights. Thanks for the help guys.

[Fire1141]

Don't know about the db, but I trust my LCP with my life, which is why I still have it. If you don't like the sights, get a ct laser. I did that for my wife as she will carry the LCP. Good solid gun

[texjames]

I have the LCP and its a great gun.I have Glock 33 i carry sometimes as well and soon as i get my holster a Kimber Ultra Carry II.
But the LCP is so small its really easy to conceal.Maybe you could get the new Coyote Special Ruger came out with after Perrys encounter...

[300 Sendero]

I will probably end up going with the LCP, but I'm gonna have to pass on the coyote special. I've got a Kimber CDP, but i'm wanting something for those days when I'm kicked back in my shorts and crocs. The 1911 is just a littler harder to conceal.

[joe817]

Hi 300 Sendero, welcome to the forum! Glad to have you with us! There's a wealth of information here right at your fingertips and a great bunch of guys & gals to get to know.

The Diamond Back is a newcomer, as is the manufacturer in the realm of firearms. And as such one must expect their fair share of manufacturing problems. IMO it's to soon to buy that gun, due to the incidences of problem that seem to plague it.

That said, the Ruger LCP had its share of problems too when it first came out. There's a LONNNGGGG thread about the recall they had year before last. I think that problem has been solved.

There's a plethora of small .380 guns out there to choose from. If I were shopping for a gun like you describe, I'd consider the many choices available. Here's a pretty good list of .380 from which to choose:

http://www.best9mm.com/380acp.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There's also the Sig P238 that's really nice.

Good luck on your choice!

[Salty1]

The DB although it looks great and has a good feel to it has some issues. They are quick to repair them but that does not take away that it has some reliability issues. The LCP is reliable but not something to practice too much with, too much snap and they tend to bite some. I put 3 rounds through an LCP and put it down and will never shoot one again. The DB was fine to shoot and has real sights which is a plus I guess. IMO the best small 380 on the market is the Sig P238, although it is much more expensive, but definatly a higher quality. Many people like the LCP's for pocket carry and for that it works well, just make sure it goes bang every once in a while and put it back in the pocket and get some fun gun to play with at the range.

[300 Sendero]

Guys, I'm glad to be here and I appreciate all of the help and sugestions. I stopped by the local dealer on the way home from work this afternoon and I'm kinda leaning toward a Kahr P380 instead. Although it's a bit more expensive I love the look and feel of this little gun.

[Embalmo]

Of all the "preferences" that one has when purchasing a handgun, reliability should be first and foremost and the LCP will go bang every time and will eat ANY type of ammo.

[Napier]

Consider broadening your choices to the Kel-Tec P3-AT (the lightest) and the Taurus TCP (the most accurate). IMO the LCP is less accurate than the other two.

[RPB]

If not limited to LCP or DB380 ...
If used to a 1911 ... get the Sig P238
Sig P238 with Advantage Tactical Sights ... make a triangle
(NOTE, 5 colors are easy to change, I use Orange rear/Yellow front for my triangle... seems to work on all backgrounds/lighting conditions.)


(Sights are $89.95)
I put them on all my guns that I own that I can
http://www.advantagetactical.com/store.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Yes, I own a DB380, AMT backup .380, North American Arms Guardian .380, Taurus .380, Seecamp, and some others ... I don't have an LCP, but may buy an LCP Texas Edition, but only because it's a Texas Edition and Ruger is in Arizona ...

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=tTHb-hmlg2s[/youtube]

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=jNa0LlsG2aE[/youtube]

[G26ster]

I shot a LCP this morning, as I am considering something VERY light for a replacement pocket gun. The LCP is 12 oz. loaded. The DB380 has had a rash of recent trigger issues, but I like the feel of the gun. Very Glock-like, but I have not shot it. I noted (with my trifocals) that the sights on the LCP were useless to me, and I was only able to keep all 50 shots at 10' and 20' within a 10" circle. Not to bad for not being able to see the sights, but I'm not sure that's good enough. The trouble is, the sights are not replaceable.

RPB- I like the Sig P238, but I have a few issues with it. One is weight. The P238 loaded is 19 oz. That's only 1 oz. lighter loaded than than my PM9, which is too heavy in my pocket (I'm a small guy), and only a few oz. lighter than my Glock 26. The other is the fact that the trigger will "fire" with the safety on, if the hammer is slightly cocked. Perhaps not enough to discharge the weapon, but it bothers me.

In any case, I may go for the LCP, unless I am assured that the trigger issues with the DB380 have been resolved.

[RPB]

I totally understand the weight thing ... That's why my Stainless NAA Guardian stays in the bathroom instead of getting carried, even though it has CT Laser and 10 round mag.

That's why my Seecamp stays at home sometimes, even though it is tiny.

I SURE DO WISH the Microtech Archangel MCP 9mm was already out (I think I heard June 2010?)
Mag release like a PPS
Weighs less than any .380 made at 7.1 ounces empty and it's a 9mm. Won;t be a "fun" gun to shoot, but size and weight matter sometimes.