.380acp vs. 38 Spec.

Per the OP -> a 3" barrel .38 Special is going to be far superior to any .380. Put something like the FBI +P load in the .38 Special and there is no comparison.

Just use the data listed at Buffalo Bore as a basis of comparison:

.380 Auto +P Ammo - 100 gr. Hardcast F.N. (1150fps/ M.E. 294 ft. lbs.)

.38 Special +P Ammo - 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P. --G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.)

Plus the .38 Special really expands well. The .380 doesn't really.

I carry a 4" S&W Model 64 as a result. YMMV.

William

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I carry a 4" 64 as well.

After much research, I've settled on two loads:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38 Special 158gr LSWCHP.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 38 Special Ammo.htm

Glockman17366: your post says says it just the way that I feel also. All you need to add is a compact 9mm when you want something bigger than the other two guns.

Between the two, I'll opt for the .38 spc - but that is mostly because I shoot a J-frame better than I shoot the really small .380s (or a small 9 like the Rohrbaugh). And I shoot a J-frame enough better that I don't mind the trade off for being down a round or two.

Ballistic comparison? I think the .38 spc is also superior, but that's a judgment call, and I won't argue with someone who opts for the .380.

But it really does come down to what you shoot better and will carry. And whenever possible, I carry something bigger (both in caliber and platform, for stability).

Jim D.

I have had both .380 and .38 spl (1k .380 and 30k .38) and the .380 is no where near the .38.
I concur, the PF-9 (tactiKEL) is your answer. Light, reliable, more capacity. If .380 is you choice, think: Kel-Tec PAT-3 (8 oz of dynamite)!!

I won't find fault in anyone's choices, because it's their evaluation, their situation, their choice. These conversations are thought-provoking and highly interesting to me, but I really have to wonder how many GG's really pay the price b/c of "not enough gun" or "not enough ammo." (NOTE: I do consider .22 and .25 would be pushing one's luck!!)

I'm not counting LEOs, and I'm not counting gang warfare, I'm talking about a GG who is accosted by BG(s). I have no stats handy, but believe Kleck and others have shown that most armed SD/HD incidents are resolved w/o shooting--the BG flees or surrenders at the sight of the GG's gun, or once the shooting starts.

All of the above leads me to conclude: carry what you like & enjoy, b/c you'll probably practice more & become more skillful with something you like. I'd say your .380 vs. .38SPL is a function of flatness & capacity vs. simplicity of use & heavier, more capable bullets. If I believed I would have to actually shoot it out decisively with 4-5 BGs, I'd select the .380 (of your two choices) & make it large capacity. In my situation, I don't expect to face that many; if I do, not all are armed & the unarmed ones will haul out once the shooting starts. So, my personal choice is .38SPL with heavy lead bullets to maximize penetration & bone structure damage if the bullet hits bone.

Doubtless, many disagree with me, but I view it this way. . .if you live a lifestyle where you know you NEED a handgun on you, I think you need to find a way to carry the most powerful, hi-cap auto you can. For those of us who live lifestyles in which gunfights will most likely never occur at all, the best gun is one we'll have with us & that we can use skillfully. Guys who carry 60+ rounds of ammo have my admiration for their focus & dedication. . . .but I have to ask why they're not carrying a semi- or full-auto rifle in their car?

Triggernosis wrote: "I know this subject has been beat to death a million times over the years...."

You got that right!!

Glockman17366: your post says says it just the way that I feel also. All you need to add is a compact 9mm when you want something bigger than the other two guns.

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That's a Glock 19 most the time. The .38 snubby goes when I'm popping out for gas or another quick stop. The BUG goes with me 90% of the time (as a BUG, not as a primary)