Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Lisa Parsons-Wraith Bevy Of New .380s Are Perfect For Pocket And Purse C arrying a concealed firearm is a lesson in compromise. Women have to strike the perfect balance between form and function. They want maximum firepower and minimum weight. Everyone is willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for safety, but, in the end, a firearm only provides protection if you’re willing to make a commitment to carry it — especially on the body. For most women, that rules out a large-frame gun in a powerful caliber, like the .45. Women do successfully carry this type of firearm, but many more find it much more comfortable to carry a lightweight pocket pistol, like the .380. The .380 seems to be the caliber for 2009, with several major manufacturers introducing new models this year. Here’s a look at a few recently introduced .380s that are giving women excellent concealed-carry options. The .380 ACP Micro Desert Eagle pistol from Magnum Research is their smallest pistol to date. The .380 ACP Micro Desert Eagle pistol (left) from Magnum Research and the Kahr KP3833 are ideal for concealed carry. The 6-shot, double-action-only pistol has an overall length of 4.52" and a height of 3.71". Weighing less than 14 oz., the width of the micro is just .9". A nickel Teflon finish, gas-assisted blowback system and hammer-forged barrels round out this little pistol. Kahr Arms, a personal favorite for reliable and affordable pistols, has also entered into the .380 market with their Kahr KP3833 pistol. This DAO pistol is super lightweight, weighing just under 10 oz. The polymer-frame KP3833 sports a matte stainless steel slide, and is .75" wide. Overall length on the 6+1 capacity gun is 4.9" and height is 3.9". Features include a lockbreech, Browning-type recoil lug and a passive-striker block. Each KP3833 ships with two 6-round stainless steel magazines. A version with tritium night sights is also available. More .380s From Walther, SIG W alther added to its .380 offerings with the Pistol Kompakt PK380, based on their popular P22 pistol. The PK380 is available in four versions: the PK380 First Edition Model, twotone model, standard black model and the black PK380 set with laser. The First Edition model is a limited run of 2,000 guns and will sport a “First Edition” marking on the left side of the slide. First Editions have a matte black finish, and will ship with a nylon holster and two magazines. Common features on all four models include an 8+1 magazine capacity, a polymer grip and a steel frame, slide and barrel. The PK380 is the largest and heaviest of the new .380 bunch with an overall length of 6.5", a width of 1.2" and a weight of 19.4 oz. Standard features include a Picatinny-style accessory rail for optional lights and lasers, external hammer, ambidextrous magazine release and an ambidextrous manual safety. SIG fans will be happy to learn that SIG SAUER has also jumped on the subcompact .380 bandwagon. Their offering is the 6-round capacity SIG P238 built on an anodized alloy beavertailstyle frame with fluted aluminum grips. Overall length is 5.5", height is 3.96" and weight is 15.2 oz. The stainless steel slide features slide serrations, and the contrast or SIGLITE Night Sights are removable and adjustable for windage. Available in Nitron or The SIG SAUER P238, designed for concealment, has an aluminum frame and stainless steel slide. natural stainless finishes, the P238 ships in a lockable hard case with one magazine. Most of these .380s were introduced at the SHOT Show and have begun shipping. Accessories for these little guns should be readily available by summer, and holsters should be easy to find. Mitch Rosen is already making pocket and belt-slide holsters, while DeSantis has leather IWB holsters. 20 MAY 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com