Will I be making a mistake?

Hunter2011 · May 14, 2013, 12:56 AM

I still have up to a year to decide what I really want, as my license only expires next year, and therefore I may change my mind regularly. But please bear with all my questions.

Will I make a mistake if I trade in my 13-shot 380 auto for a 7-shot single stack 9mmP? The cartridge is a good step up in power, but 7 shots is much less than 13...
What is your opinion on the matter?

Ex · May 14, 2013, 12:59 AM

Off hand, my first response would be how well do you shoot? I you hit what you shoot at, 9mm is indeed a step up.

leadcounsel · May 14, 2013, 12:59 AM

Huh? What license? What's the purpose of the gun? Range? Home defense? Carry? Or?

Why not just buy a second pistol and save yourself the mental pain...?

twofifty · May 14, 2013, 01:02 AM

Whaa? I could own two handguns?
;

Hunter2011 · May 14, 2013, 01:02 AM

I'm in South Africa. Only one handgun allowed for self defence. License expires every 5 years. So a second gun is out.

I can hit what I aim at, at realistic SD distances quite easily.

murf · May 14, 2013, 01:10 AM

get a second magazine.

murf

Hunter2011 · May 14, 2013, 01:40 AM

So you are saying it is better to get the 9mmP even if the shotcount is lower?
I have 3 magazines with my 380 auto. 39 shots ready. But I have this gun more than 10 years now. I do want something new. The G26 is always in my mind. If only it was not 30mm wide then it would have been no contest. But I do want something I can put in my pocket once in a while.

CPLofMARINES · May 14, 2013, 04:03 AM

Hunter2011, I feel 9mm is a much better choice over .380
You mentioned the G26 being a size issue?? I primarily
Carry a G26 and find it not a problem, holster selection
Is important though, ie. Galco concealed carry/combat
Master, etc. If width is your concern, try Kimber Solo
Carry or a Kahr, if those are an option down there.
Good luck to you and good shooting!

SEMPER Fi

xxjumbojimboxx · May 14, 2013, 04:33 AM

I would say go for a higher cap 9, Like a ruger sr9c, or a springfeild xd sub.

bannockburn · May 14, 2013, 05:49 AM

For myself I would go with a single stack 9mm. over a double column .380 and carry 2 spare mags. A Kahr PM9 would give you 6+1 (7+1 with an extended mag), capacity while giving you a gun that really is pocket sized.

Hunter2011 · May 14, 2013, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPLofMARINES

Hunter2011, I feel 9mm is a much better choice over .380
You mentioned the G26 being a size issue?? I primarily
Carry a G26 and find it not a problem, holster selection
Is important though, ie. Galco concealed carry/combat
Master, etc. If width is your concern, try Kimber Solo
Carry or a Kahr, if those are an option down there.
Good luck to you and good shooting!

SEMPER Fi

Everybody knocks the 380 auto lol. Well I feel the difference is only the power of a .22 short, which aint that much.
I think the G26 would work great in the winter with an ankle holster. In the summer I however do want to carry it in the pocket. That ''might'' be a problem with the wide G26.

There are so many oppinions. Like the LC9 is just as accurate as a G26, then others will say it's accuracy is crap. I wish I could shoot with the LC9 and the G26 just to make my mind up

Orion8472 · May 14, 2013, 09:54 AM

Hunter, . . . . the 9mm . . . IS . . . a better choice over the 380acp. If you think it's not much more so, just keep your 380 with the 13 rounds. You'll be fine.

Snowdog · May 14, 2013, 12:24 PM

Though the 9x19 is superior to the 9x17 in terms of ballistics, it does not mean the 9x17 is inadequate.

If I could only have one handgun and the choices had to be in those two cartridges, I'd do everything I could to find a double stack 9x19 that held 13+ rounds.

Otherwise, I'd be content with the 9x17. The .380acp has sufficient power to puncture the skull, even from the front where it is the hardest. It also has ample ability to sever the spine from a COM shot.
The 9x17 is very much a lethal round, it's just the 9x19 is just more so.

Teachu2 · May 14, 2013, 03:22 PM

If you can get a S&W Shield over there, it is a great choice. I own one, and a G26, and had a LC9.

The_Armed_Therapist · May 14, 2013, 08:30 PM

I'm wondering what 13-round magazine .380acp pistol you carry in your pocket. Surely the Glock 26 wouldn't be must bigger, if at all, right?

danez71 · May 14, 2013, 09:29 PM

The Bersa Thunder Plus holds 15 and really isn't any bigger than a regular Bersa... according to http://www.bersa.com/

soonerfan85 · May 14, 2013, 10:33 PM

I'll throw this out there for you to consider. I bought a very lightly used Smith & Wesson M&P in 40S&W for $350 then bought extra S&W barrels in 9mm and 357sig ($70 each). So for $500 I can shoot all 3 calibers in the same Platform. I believe the same thing can be done with the M&P compact model if you prefer a carry size pistol, but you would want to do some research to confirm that. Good luck.

shooter60 · May 14, 2013, 11:41 PM

I have a M&P 9c and that I would not trade carry it all the time and sppnerfan I am going to check into that barrel changes for my full size 40

Hunter2011 · May 15, 2013, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teachu2

If you can get a S&W Shield over there, it is a great choice. I own one, and a G26, and had a LC9.

So The Shield and G26 is the better option over the LC9 for you?
May I ask you, since you own both, how much more difficult is the G26 to carry than the Shield because of the 30mm thickness? Does the fact that the G26 is so thick make it print more than the shield, or does the shorter grip of the G26 make up for the thickness?

Hunter2011 · May 15, 2013, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Armed_Therapist

I'm wondering what 13-round magazine .380acp pistol you carry in your pocket. Surely the Glock 26 wouldn't be must bigger, if at all, right?

I can carry my current pistol in my pocket of some of my clothes, but is is still too big for comfort. That is why I am in the market for something smaller, like a single stack 9mmP.
I did look at the Ruger LCP and to carry it would be a dream. But I am concerned that I might not be able to shoot it accurately because of the small size. If it was as accurate as a G26 while being so compact I would have bought it without even thinking about it. I want a super concealable accurate handgun, but I supose I will have to compromise.
I just wonder if the 30mm thickness of the G26 wont be too much for me. Sizewise it is smaller than what I've got. I have a Vektor CP1. I know it is not a good gun and no rangegun at all, but in this 10 years plus I've owned it, it has been 100% reliable with no FTF or FTE. So actually I am very happy with it. I just want something smaller and more accurate. I do believe the 380 auto is powerfull enough if shot placement is fine. How can it bounce of a skull? I don't think so.

Hunter2011 · May 15, 2013, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danez71

The Bersa Thunder Plus holds 15 and really isn't any bigger than a regular Bersa... according to http://www.bersa.com/

According to their site it is 34mm thick. That is more than the allready too thick, for me, 30mm of a G26. Any 380 auto bigger than a G26 will not be worth it to me. Then I will rather get the G26 with more powerfull ammo.
But thanks for the suggestion. It still is a better option than what I currently own.

DeepSouth · May 15, 2013, 12:40 AM

If I understand you right you can only have 1 handgun at a time, and would have it for 5 years? Personally there's no question, I would change every 5 years. Variety is the spice of life. To the point of the original question, I'm generally a bigger is better guy. I have more 45 acp pistols than I do all the others combined. I'll pretty much always take bigger bullets and less rounds, but that's just me.

mgmorden · May 15, 2013, 11:19 AM

If you can have only one gun in the whole world, then the gun that for me does a lil bit of everything would be a Glock 19 or another 9mm of similar size. Small enough to conceal (though not pocket carry), big enough to shoot well at the range, and plenty of capacity.

Naturally trying to cover all your bases with a single gun is going to leave you make some sacrifices in some areas, but I think overall that size of gun will suit you well.

Gtscotty · May 15, 2013, 11:53 AM

Hunter,

Maybe I missed it, but is there a law or requirement that keeps you from having a 9mm with more than seven rounds? If you got the G26, would you be able to use normal 10 rd mags, or even 15 and 17 round G19/G17 mags?

I have an LCP, and like it, but if I could only have one pistol it would not be an LCP... or a .380 for that matter. Sure a .380 can work, but odds are a 9mm with good defensive ammunition will work better, and there is a plethora of excellent 9mm pistols out there in all form factors. I think given your situation, I would go with a Gen3 G26. It is a relatively small, very carryable 9mm double stack with an almost unassailable reputation for reliability. Not only is the G26 very shootable in it's compact 10 rd form, but if you want to/ if it's legal, you can always stock up on G19 and G17 mags, and have the capacity of a full sized combat pistol.

ku4hx · May 15, 2013, 12:09 PM

"There, but for the grace of God go I". Every day I am so thankful I live in a state where I can buy what I want, any time I want and as many of them as I want. I guess it's people like me companies make the big safes for.

May 14, 2013, 12:56 AM	#1
Hunter2011 Member Join Date: October 15, 2011 Posts: 93	Will I be making a mistake? I still have up to a year to decide what I really want, as my license only expires next year, and therefore I may change my mind regularly. But please bear with all my questions. Will I make a mistake if I trade in my 13-shot 380 auto for a 7-shot single stack 9mmP? The cartridge is a good step up in power, but 7 shots is much less than 13... What is your opinion on the matter?

May 14, 2013, 12:59 AM	#2
Ex Member Join Date: January 15, 2011 Location: AZ Posts: 197	Off hand, my first response would be how well do you shoot? I you hit what you shoot at, 9mm is indeed a step up. __________________ "All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to stand by and do nothing." Attributed to Edmund Burke, though it's source cannot be proven.

May 14, 2013, 12:59 AM	#3
leadcounsel Member Join Date: June 5, 2006 Location: Army, moving often! Posts: 4,287	Huh? What license? What's the purpose of the gun? Range? Home defense? Carry? Or? Why not just buy a second pistol and save yourself the mental pain...? __________________ 2A: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." US Army Veteran: OIF (2008, 2009, 2010) and OND (2011). NRA Lifetime Member.

May 14, 2013, 04:33 AM	#9
xxjumbojimboxx Member Join Date: October 24, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 204	I would say go for a higher cap 9, Like a ruger sr9c, or a springfeild xd sub. __________________ Boom boom boom boom. Bang bang bang bang.

May 14, 2013, 05:49 AM	#10
bannockburn Member Join Date: April 24, 2007 Posts: 4,977	For myself I would go with a single stack 9mm. over a double column .380 and carry 2 spare mags. A Kahr PM9 would give you 6+1 (7+1 with an extended mag), capacity while giving you a gun that really is pocket sized. __________________ "An elegant weapon for a more civilized age."-Obi Wan Kenobi

May 14, 2013, 01:02 AM	#4
twofifty Member Join Date: April 21, 2007 Posts: 1,006	Whaa? I could own two handguns? ;

May 14, 2013, 01:10 AM	#6
murf Member Join Date: November 16, 2010 Location: arizona Posts: 1,240	get a second magazine. murf

May 14, 2013, 01:40 AM	#7
Hunter2011 Member Join Date: October 15, 2011 Posts: 93	So you are saying it is better to get the 9mmP even if the shotcount is lower? I have 3 magazines with my 380 auto. 39 shots ready. But I have this gun more than 10 years now. I do want something new. The G26 is always in my mind. If only it was not 30mm wide then it would have been no contest. But I do want something I can put in my pocket once in a while.

May 14, 2013, 04:03 AM	#8
CPLofMARINES Member Join Date: March 31, 2006 Location: Shelby Twp., Mi Posts: 156	Hunter2011, I feel 9mm is a much better choice over .380 You mentioned the G26 being a size issue?? I primarily Carry a G26 and find it not a problem, holster selection Is important though, ie. Galco concealed carry/combat Master, etc. If width is your concern, try Kimber Solo Carry or a Kahr, if those are an option down there. Good luck to you and good shooting! SEMPER Fi

May 14, 2013, 09:54 AM	#12
Orion8472 Member Join Date: May 8, 2008 Posts: 1,517	Hunter, . . . . the 9mm . . . IS . . . a better choice over the 380acp. If you think it's not much more so, just keep your 380 with the 13 rounds. You'll be fine.

May 14, 2013, 12:24 PM	#13
Snowdog Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Hendersonville, WNC Posts: 3,555	Though the 9x19 is superior to the 9x17 in terms of ballistics, it does not mean the 9x17 is inadequate. If I could only have one handgun and the choices had to be in those two cartridges, I'd do everything I could to find a double stack 9x19 that held 13+ rounds. Otherwise, I'd be content with the 9x17. The .380acp has sufficient power to puncture the skull, even from the front where it is the hardest. It also has ample ability to sever the spine from a COM shot. The 9x17 is very much a lethal round, it's just the 9x19 is just more so. __________________ The Second Amendment is not about hunting, it is the teeth of the Constitution and a bane to tyranny. Preserving your rights is infinitely easier than regaining them once annulled.

May 14, 2013, 03:22 PM	#14
Teachu2 Member Join Date: January 17, 2012 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 1,032	If you can get a S&W Shield over there, it is a great choice. I own one, and a G26, and had a LC9.

May 14, 2013, 08:30 PM	#15
The_Armed_Therapist Member Join Date: October 30, 2006 Location: Obsession, Guntopia, USA Posts: 902	I'm wondering what 13-round magazine .380acp pistol you carry in your pocket. Surely the Glock 26 wouldn't be must bigger, if at all, right?

May 14, 2013, 09:29 PM	#16
danez71 Member Join Date: August 17, 2009 Posts: 1,097	The Bersa Thunder Plus holds 15 and really isn't any bigger than a regular Bersa... according to http://www.bersa.com/

May 14, 2013, 10:33 PM	#17
soonerfan85 Member Join Date: July 5, 2012 Location: Arkansas' Original BOOMtown Posts: 175	I'll throw this out there for you to consider. I bought a very lightly used Smith & Wesson M&P in 40S&W for $350 then bought extra S&W barrels in 9mm and 357sig ($70 each). So for $500 I can shoot all 3 calibers in the same Platform. I believe the same thing can be done with the M&P compact model if you prefer a carry size pistol, but you would want to do some research to confirm that. Good luck. __________________ Free College. Go to http://www.eldoradopromise.com/about/history.aspx to see how.

May 14, 2013, 11:41 PM	#18
shooter60 Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 16	I have a M&P 9c and that I would not trade carry it all the time and sppnerfan I am going to check into that barrel changes for my full size 40

May 15, 2013, 12:40 AM	#22
DeepSouth Member Join Date: January 14, 2009 Location: Heart of Dixie Posts: 1,769	If I understand you right you can only have 1 handgun at a time, and would have it for 5 years? Personally there's no question, I would change every 5 years. Variety is the spice of life. To the point of the original question, I'm generally a bigger is better guy. I have more 45 acp pistols than I do all the others combined. I'll pretty much always take bigger bullets and less rounds, but that's just me. __________________ Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes! Nehemiah 4:14 The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, it is that they know so much that isn't so

May 15, 2013, 11:19 AM	#23
mgmorden Member Join Date: May 22, 2009 Location: Charleston, South Carolina Posts: 3,171	If you can have only one gun in the whole world, then the gun that for me does a lil bit of everything would be a Glock 19 or another 9mm of similar size. Small enough to conceal (though not pocket carry), big enough to shoot well at the range, and plenty of capacity. Naturally trying to cover all your bases with a single gun is going to leave you make some sacrifices in some areas, but I think overall that size of gun will suit you well. __________________ "What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving." - Adrian Rogers

May 15, 2013, 11:53 AM	#24
Gtscotty Member Join Date: July 2, 2007 Location: The great state of Georgia Posts: 537	Hunter, Maybe I missed it, but is there a law or requirement that keeps you from having a 9mm with more than seven rounds? If you got the G26, would you be able to use normal 10 rd mags, or even 15 and 17 round G19/G17 mags? I have an LCP, and like it, but if I could only have one pistol it would not be an LCP... or a .380 for that matter. Sure a .380 can work, but odds are a 9mm with good defensive ammunition will work better, and there is a plethora of excellent 9mm pistols out there in all form factors. I think given your situation, I would go with a Gen3 G26. It is a relatively small, very carryable 9mm double stack with an almost unassailable reputation for reliability. Not only is the G26 very shootable in it's compact 10 rd form, but if you want to/ if it's legal, you can always stock up on G19 and G17 mags, and have the capacity of a full sized combat pistol. __________________ NRA Life Member I saw the Grim Reaper, and I kicked him in the stones, and spit in his eye and told him I ain't going yet! ~Cotton Hill

May 15, 2013, 12:09 PM	#25
ku4hx Member Join Date: November 8, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,197	"There, but for the grace of God go I". Every day I am so thankful I live in a state where I can buy what I want, any time I want and as many of them as I want. I guess it's people like me companies make the big safes for. __________________ “Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22