The gap between even a compact 1911 and a .380 pocket pistol is pretty wide. They are both automatic handguns, but quite different.

If you aren’t planning to carry, there’s really no reason to pick a pocket pistol sized handgun over something else that is larger and more pleasant to effectively shoot. If you do want to carry (and are able to navigate how to make that happen in CA) a pocket sized .380 is a good option because the size and weight making it easier to consistently carry trumps shooting ergonomics in this situation. Sidenote: While I refer to all of these sub sub compacts as pocket pistols I want to mention I don’t actually advocate pocket carry. It’s stupid, even with those soft pocket holsters. Just get an IWB holster which will be nice and tiny matching the handgun in the ease of carrying.

Putting those pocket pistols out of the running assuming it won’t be carried, the options are still open. At the point you get into the caliber and different operating system arguments. I think 9mm is tried and true. A striker SAO styled pistol is a pretty inoffensive choice. Glocks are popular, but if you aren’t interested in the aftermarket upgrades I think these days there are better out of the box options like CZ P-10s and even the M&P series are better than a stock out of box Glock IMO.

But some people like 1911s or DA/SA guns. That’s your choice. I think for 1911s, Rock Island Armory is still considered the go to 1911 when you don’t want to spend huge money but honestly my information on 1911s lags a bit, they aren’t really my focus. For a DA/SA I’ll again show my Czech bias for the CZ-75 series.

You’re in CA? I’d start by finding out what you can legally have. Generally people are happiest with modern models like the Glock 19 or Sig P365 (or XL). Caniks are also good. Smaller is good for concealed carry, otherwise larger is easier to handle.

The big question is, what exactly is your threat model? What exactly do you anticipate needing to defend your self or home against?

Opinions are going to vary a lot

Now, I shoot 1911 a ton. It’s my favorite handgun, period. My main carry gun is a 45, though not a 1911. But I can’t say it’s an ideal choice for a first time owner. Don’t get me wrong, it’s the kind of gun that you can enjoy the rest of your life, at all skill levels. So if you’re only getting one and don’t care about the early stages of learning, it’s a solid choice.

But it is a removed to learn on. They’re just so heavy and they kick middle hard. It’s an awkward gun for a newb, imo. Once you get used to it, it’s great though. Not sure where your experience level is, you might have already shot enough to be used to something like that.

Me, if I was picking a starter gun, there’s actually a new one out there. The Ruger RXM. It’s a glock clone, 9mm. It’s affordable, but doesn’t sacrifice anything to do it. The damn things shoot like a custom setup right out of the box. The trigger is just so smooth, with a fast return. That makes is a dream on the range. It’s got this modular design that’s going to allow you to customize easily (once there’s time for the market to build for it). It’s set up for optics out of the box, it’s compatible with a lot of glock parts. And it is just a pleasure to shoot.

No bullshit, I’m considering selling my beloved ruger p90 so I can get one. I’ve got thousands of rounds through the p90 just the last few years, and I’ve had the thing since the late 90s. That’s how impressed I was with the RXM. The p90 is like an extension of my body at this point, and I still shot better with the RXM.

Now, if you’re looking for something more concealable, the lc380 is definitely a solid piece. 380 is generally considered the bare minimum defense round, and it is easy as hell to shoot. However, I’d also take a look at the Ruger security in 380 if that’s where you want to go round wise. They shoot fairly similar, in my limited experience (borrowed only, so no long term usage), and the security is a new model that has some nice features. Worth comparing in person to see which one fits you better.

Getting a carry license in CA is a matter of money and connections, so don’t count on it.

A 1911 is a solid choice, the LC380 is a concealed carry gun and not great to shoot for fun. You want a full-size handgun, not a compact.

I would look into what you can rent at a range and see what works for you. You won’t be able to make a confident choice in handgun without trying them out. You could go with a Glock 17 and find out it doesn’t suit you as well as a G19, or you like the crisp trigger on a 1911 more than the mushier stock Glock trigger. I would try a different gun on separate trips so the fatigue of shooting doesn’t skew the perception, then once you narrow it down see if you can shoot them back to back and decide from there.(A lot of ranges will only let you rent one gun at a time.)

Getting a CCW in CA varies wildly by location. If you happen to live in a rural county, it may be relatively easy. In a more populous area it could be difficult to impossible. You should inquire with your local Sheriff’s office.

As for the pistol itself, both your choices are available in CA. Since it sounds like you have experience with them both, I won’t suggest other pistols. Comes down to what you like. Never hurts to visit a range that lets you try a variety.

Neither.

Get an xdm in 9mm. Size depending on your hand size

mini-14 is a nice little featureless carbine for CA. Fun to shoot and very capable if you’re open to rifles.