I like it.

csgamecocks has a 42 as his back up service gun and his daily summer carry as well. He is also a licensed gun smith and talked me into it.

If anyone asks me if I'd recommend any Glock model, the answer is always yes. But, there are other makes that I personally would look at before a Glock.

Yup

I would add kahr (not the cw series those suck) pm 9 or 40 and the walther ccp as my personal preference

The LCP works great, is reasonably accurate, and ridiculously small. Only gripe I have is I've had to replace the recoil rod and spring twice, about 1000rds/set. Which, considering the size and everything, isn't bad. Super compacts tend to have high wear items and I've shot this gun more than it was intended to be shot.

I've had larger 380's like the Bersa and a Walther PPK and a Beretta 84 and while they were wonderful pistols, they were too big considering the current available handguns for the cartridge. If it's on my belt, it's gonna be bigger than 380 auto.

In the compact 9's, I carry a Walther PPS. I've had a Shield, XDS, Nano, and whatever that Taurus was from when slim 9's first started showing up around the time of the pps. I've wanted a Kahr since they showed up, but haven't bought one yet. If a deal falls in my lap I'll be buying. Kimber Solo is a fine gun, feels great in the hand and is very well made but extremely picky on ammo choice, so it lives in the safe...

I've had Glocks. Many in fact, but I just don't like em. They shoot well, they work all the time, there's tons of aftermarket/accessory support for them, really have nothing bad to say except I don't like em. If a 42 or 43 was offered to me at $300 or less, it would be following me home.

Quick question...I mirror the same about the Glocks...to me it's like holding an adult Lego...I dunno, its me but on the Walther...the wife and I recently got our conceal carry. Haven't bought what I would call a pistol that really fits that. I was seriously looking at the PPK. I liked that because the clip offers a little more grip. Any issues with the PPS?

And at 300.00...yeah...I could carry around a Lego.

Ruger over the M&P for accuracy unless you get a M&P Performance model

Kimber Micro for .380 or Micro 9 for 9mm

PPK is an outdated underpowered handgun. If you want 380, look at the ultra compacts. The PPK can't compete with modern firearms. If you want a frame size with a little more purchase in your hand, look at the single stack subcompact 9mm's.

The PPS, I've had zero issues. Had one in 40 and one in 9mm. Both eat anything I feed em, are very accurate and fit my hands well. They come with different backstraps to adjust grip size and angle to your liking. Sold the 40, as I'm not a fan of the caliber.

The 9mm, I actually own two as one popped up for 300 bucks a few years ago. Some people don't like the magazine release, I love it. The trigger is a bit Glock-like but it's light and crisp. Walther has some of the best triggers on striker-fired pistols out there. My biggest complaint is the cost of replacement/extra magazines. $50/ea and I believe the handgun comes with a flush mount 6rd, and a slight extension 7rd with the full length extension 8rd sold separately. I carry it in a Desantis speed scabbard holster on the belt and it holds high and tight.

Never shot the Kimber variant (except for my Kimber Solo) but I do like my Sig 238 and 938.

Prefer metal (steel) or stainless over a polymer frame.

Also consider the Colt .380 Mustang available with stainless or polymer frame.

If your budget is $300 or less, there are limited options.

You can never go wrong with a Sig Sauer

Semi-auto pistol. Good pricing when on sale too.

I never owned or shot a Glock...

I agree w/ DMV : "Adult LEGOS"

That being said...they cost too much new

And I never buy used handguns...

Where as long guns , I WILL buy used.

I like Rugers and certain Taurus' also...

Both make decent wheel pistols.