I recently applied and received my concealed carry permit. I've hunted with long guns my entire life, but have very little experience with handguns. At this point I'm looking at compact semi auto 38's manufactured by Ruger and KAHR. I also understand it will take considerable practice to become proficient in the use of any handgun. Any help, suggestions or recommendations will be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Please don't call it a "concealed carry permit"

I open carry!

And good luck!

Ditto....

No such thing in Indiana. Its a license to carry a handgun.

Buy a handgun that bests fits your hand so you might wanna try handling many types of handguns to
get the one that best fits you...

Kahr makes a very nice handgun... I own a Kahr E9 (no longer made) and love it... Have never had a problem with it and shot many types of 9mm with no feeding problems...

My advice though, if you do buy a Kahr, go ahead and buy the 40 cal since it is the same price as the 9mm... Seen two Kahr's at the Cabelas store in Noblesville and both were the same model just different caliber and both were the same price...

Good luck and lets us know what you purchase...

I would look for a handgun that you feel you can conceal not only during the months when you wear a jacket, but during the Summer months as well. A pistol won't do you a whole lot of good if it's sitting @ home when you need it.

BTW, there are a lot of articles claiming the demise of the .40 S&W. Is it true? I have no idea, but if you google "is the .40 dead" you will see a lot of articles on the subject. FWIW, when Ruger brought out their new American pistol they chambered it in 9mm and 45acp only....No .40 S&W.

Since you want a .380, Ruger LCP's are hard to beat for price, function and ease of carry. Dont worry so much about accuracy as these .380 Autos are meant to be used up close and personal. They are basically point and shoot type weapons. FYI, if you dont get one that is easy to carry the gun ends up being at home more than in your pocket. h.h.

Look at the Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight. It's a .38 that's easy to conceal if you want to.

And look at holsters as to how you want to carry. I am lookin for a paddle holster now use to use an inside the pants holster and carry in the small of my back but that is no longer comfortable to me

The Ruger LC9S is a nice 9 mm. It's very accurate and light weight and is dependable. You can even add a laser to it to help you aim without looking though the sights. Or not.

Shooting a pistol is not that hard to do. It takes a little practice but it's not hard to do.

If you want to conceal your weapon and still be comfortable think about your wardrobe. A big shirt helps to conceal the weapon and holster even if you wear it Outside the waist belt. OWB.

I like that 642, 5 for sure and no ftf or fte's.....ever.

I carry a Glock 36 because I hit what I aim at.

Thanks guys for your input. I ended up choosing the Ruger LCP.380. In addition also purchased an ankle holster along with one that fits inside the waistband. Thanks again.

Good choice!

Congrats!
That should serve your purpose well.
And ya can't go wrong with the Rugers!

Every person I know (which is a lot) who have bought one has not regretting doing so. You will like carrying this gun.

I put in a heavier recoil spring and a Hogue rubber grip. It fits my hand better and the spring tamed down the muzzle jump. Helped a lot in accuracy. h.h.