.32 acp , .380 , 9x18, 9x19

[Usmc-1]

Ok Im really considering these rounds , I have a specific purpose , I plan on using a ankle holster , obviously , a glock 23 is out , Im not to big on on sub compacts by the big players because they seem blocky and bulky .

.32 acp seems like a weak round but the weapons it supports are relatively smal and light , I dont know much about the .380 round but there are so many outstanding pistols in this calibre its making me wonder , and 9's , I havent bought my cz-82 yet (but I will) and was wondering if its too big for an ankle ?

The others 9's seems to be of the bulky /boxy kind with the subs !

I have big hands and so gripping subs isnt really feasable , but I dont know much about the others !

The .380 has always intrigued me especially since the round is everywhere and Kahr and Keltec make some nice guns in that calbre , and never count out a ppk!

 

[mgmorden]

IMHO, the CZ-82 is a bit thick for what it is. The profile is fine - it's just too darned wide for an ankle holster. I know you can get some slimmer grips for it, but I'm not sure how much of a difference it'll make.

I wouldn't go down to a .32ACP. Not because I don't think it will work, but just because there are guns in .380 and above these days that are so small I don't see much advantage to using .32 ACP unless thats all you have.

Look at one of the tiny .380 pocket guns, or if you really want the 9mm Mak you might look at an actual Makarov or possibly a PA-63 or one of the other single-stack guns.

 

[Big_John1961]

Get either a Seecamp LWS 32 or LWS 380 and call it good. Both are the same size, which is to say tiny, and either would be excellent riding in an ankle holster. And I wouldn't discount the .32 ACP at all. It is just fine for BUG applications.

 

[PRM]

The gun I carry most is a Walther PP in 32 ACP. Mainly because its so easy to conceal and has been 100% reliable. I don't see 9 shots out of a .32 as being inadequate.

There are days when I carry a CZ83 in 380 just because I like the 13 shot capability. I've personally always liked the .380 as a caliber for CC.

9mm ~ Got one of those, but its a full size pistol and most of the time its size is not applicable to my needs.

I've got several revolvers ranging from 38 Special to 45LC and 44 Special. Great guns, but, again size is a consideration and they go mostly to the range, woods or farm.

Guess you have to decide what best fits your needs and that you are comfortable with.

 

[snooperman]

I have a Seecamp 32 and love the little pocket gun,,,

especially in the summer and all dressed up. I also have the Kahr P380 and carry it too, depending on my attire. I find the 9mm for a CCW a little too much in the warmer months for me. Also carry a snubby " Colt magnum carry" in the Winter months. Up-close the little 32 and 380 will do fine with the right ammo.

 

[PcolaDawg]

I've never found the need to go below .380 as a lot of the smaller .380s work well in ankle holsters and front pockets of most pants. My experience has been with the Kel Tec P3AT and Smith Bodyguard 380.

I've actually carried my Smith 642 J Frame .38 in an ankle holster, but found it's a bit large for me to do it much as it shows up too easily.

 

[OldMac]

380 and 38 are a perfect fit. They can be so small and light that you will never know it is there. The lcp is a better option than a 32 and just as small. A 638 is slightly bigger, less rounds, but harder punch and more accurate. Both are good options.

 

[joelh]

The LCP is not a gun to love to shoot, but it is accurate and very reliable. I shot a Pocket Pistol action shooting match with mine on Sat. 80 rounds, followed by 50 more at the range, not hiccups at all. I think I am up to 600 though the gun with not one issue.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I dig old guns, and you can probably tell I'm old by use of"dig"...

Anyway for most narrow ,most satisfactory auto seek Remington Model 51 .380.
A Savage 1910 style,in any one of 3 series, will surprise the hell out of you, 10 shots! .32 ACP,.380 I think couple less than 10.

I've had Walthers in .32,.380, I found the .380, harsher of crack and I blame it and 110 Corbon 357s for loss of hearing in that frequency. Of the 2 I would say .32 slightly more accurate little better expansion, because of little better velocity. Which is what you get for giving up bullet weight! Seek COLT 1903.

Sad truth, .32ACP, .380ACP, 9Makarov. will not achieve enough velocity, to expand in almost every instance. Now of the 3 .32 comes closest, how? By giving up bullet mass. not enough differences in case size. 9x19? we calls them Lugers over here.

Russians struggled like every one else, finally , Changed Bullet profile, front of bullet to almost sphereroid, must be like getting shot with a marble, any way round transfers energy better than little, pointy, feed better in my runt pistol,bullets. 4th cartridge you mentioned , is pretty good. I like G26! But might be only of the four to approach .THrash and Flash of .380, in that size pistol.

While I would agree makarov pistol is a little rougher made. I could find more advantages to that, than disadvantages, in case of premature deployment, from ankle holster, during the sprint portion, of the chase the bad guy/run from bad guy event. I would doubt it would very much effect mak at all. And will not have the necessary mourning period required for $700 PPK finish. YMMV

1 other thing,with Walther PP or Colt 03 in ,32acp, you can have very precise bullet placement.

 

[Shadow 7D]

It's about the COMPLETE platform

.32, small round, for a SMALL gun, If you want a 'DEEP' concealment gun, the Kel Tec P32 is a great option, light gun, small (smaller than most wallets) with decent capacity

.380 similar is size, but more difficult to control, with less capacity

9Mak, as large as you can go in a blowback frame before you end up with a Hi-Point.

9mm, well, it's 9mm

In the end what does all this mean,
IT'S UP TO YOU TO DECIDE
Go try some guns, and find out what you like, there are GREAT options in every one of these calibers, some will choose a P32 for it concealability and ease of use, some will get a P3AT (or clone) despite it's kick, for many of the same reasons, others will spend the money on a R9, others will choose a Kahr or PF9 to fill their bill.

 

[Gik-tal]

Try a Polish P-64 in 9X18 small frame, easy to conceal, can be carried with round in chamber. DA/SA action accurate and reliable best yet most cost under $225.00 Only thing is they are a bear to shoot, recoil is kinda bad with silver bear ammo. But then in a pinch recoil is the last think I worry about.

 

[HK Jake]

You didn't mention .38 Special, so I'd like to recommend it as a great BUG caliber.

Check this link: BUG's: .380 ACP vs. .38 Sp

 

[Mr.357Sig]

For ankle-only carry, I'd lean toward the LCP or the Kel-Tec. Both are slim and light. However, they both have equally crappy sights. The Sig P238 is heavier and more expensive, but has usable three-dot night sights.

Obviously, if you don't limit yourself to ankle carry, a .38 Spl snubby or 9mm makes a more potent BUG than any .380, IMHO.

 

[Usmc-1]

The Colt 1903 looks like a fine gun , mint cond $1000 , decent $700 , a little high for a pocket commando ! If Im gonna spend that much Im getting an Officers model 1911!

Im leaning towards the .380 or (i cant believe im saying this) .32 acp , after reviewing the balistics on 32 acp , in fact some rounds (readily available ) out match the .380 and the weapons in this clas are smaller!

 

[Coyote3855]

I carry a Kahr .380 every day. I also have the KelTec .380 and .32. The Kahr cost a lot more, but the trigger pull and accuracy are excellent.