.38 Special vs. .380 ACP?
- Thread starter StrikeFire83
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elsullo
Member
And the second shot?
Everybody worries about the one-shot-stop. What about PLACEMENT of the SECOND shot? What about controllability? Which is easier to get back on target, the .380 or the .38+P (BOOM!)?
I had a buddy who could pop SIX .22s on target before I could fire two 9mms!
Sure, the .38+P delivers more energy, but the .380 surely is better at shot placement, especially with a mid-mini sized gun like a Walther PPK or Bersa Thunder .380 CC!
I compromised: I like a snubby J-frame..............in .32 Magnum! More energy than a .380; more placement controllability than an ordinary snubby. I post this only to confuse the issue....................elsullo
Everybody worries about the one-shot-stop. What about PLACEMENT of the SECOND shot? What about controllability? Which is easier to get back on target, the .380 or the .38+P (BOOM!)?
I had a buddy who could pop SIX .22s on target before I could fire two 9mms!
Sure, the .38+P delivers more energy, but the .380 surely is better at shot placement, especially with a mid-mini sized gun like a Walther PPK or Bersa Thunder .380 CC!
I compromised: I like a snubby J-frame..............in .32 Magnum! More energy than a .380; more placement controllability than an ordinary snubby. I post this only to confuse the issue....................elsullo
MCgunner
Member
Hell, what's all the argument about, anyway? I have a snubby .38, a .380, and mostly carry a subcompact 9x19 with +P115 JHPs in my pocket. Ballistically, it's better than either of the other ones at 1263 fps from the gun, it's quite accurate, and carries 13 rounds. Besides, I've fired enough through the gun that it shoots where I look. The 9 fits in a pocket flatter than the .38, but neither is hard to tote. The 9 weighs 14 ounces unloaded and the revolver weighs 17 ounces.
I rarely carry my .380, but I do often swap for my .38, especially when I'm going fishing which I do a lot. It's a stainless gun and salt water is kind of corrosive. I try not to let the gun get wet, but stainless is still better in a salt water environment. The only thing I don't like about .380 is the possibility of not enough penetration. That BB load someone didn't understand with the 100 grain flat nose at over 1000 fps, that helps insure it will penetrate. That's what that particular load is all about. I think it makes sense if you're going to tote a .380; however, a 9 or .38 with the better +Ps make more sense.
I rarely carry my .380, but I do often swap for my .38, especially when I'm going fishing which I do a lot. It's a stainless gun and salt water is kind of corrosive. I try not to let the gun get wet, but stainless is still better in a salt water environment. The only thing I don't like about .380 is the possibility of not enough penetration. That BB load someone didn't understand with the 100 grain flat nose at over 1000 fps, that helps insure it will penetrate. That's what that particular load is all about. I think it makes sense if you're going to tote a .380; however, a 9 or .38 with the better +Ps make more sense.
wjh2657
Member
As you can see by my signature below, I like short barreled guns. it has a lot to do with my 65 year old eyes! I love both my Glock 23 and my BERSA Thunder 380 but I carry the J-frame Smiths EDC. It has nothing to do with ballistics. It is all due to reliability. Even on the best of days my Glock or BERSA will FTF or FTE. Yes it is usually due to a poor grip on my part. But I don't believe my form is going to be real perfect with a madman shooting at me or rushing me with a knife. With a S&W 64X, I know it is going to go bang and do it five times in succession. There is also the KISS principle in action, relatively hard trigger pull and no safeties mean not shooting myself in leg! (I carry pocket holster) in a NO-S--T situation I just believe I am a whole lot better off with the little wheel guns. Just an old boy's opinion!
Drgong
Member
What is the most effective...
Whatever you hit better with!
Whatever you hit better with!
38.spl or 380 acp
Well this is my list, I have a walther PPS 40 S&W, a KT PF9, 4 P3AT, Glock G27, XD40, XD9, Hi point CC 9mm, Chec. 40, P32, Jennings 22LR, Ect..... the one I carry becouse of size is the KT P3AT, so it might be 62 Percent stoper so you ring a secund time now you complet the other 62 per. 120per. ha your dead
double taps are great never forget that.
Well this is my list, I have a walther PPS 40 S&W, a KT PF9, 4 P3AT, Glock G27, XD40, XD9, Hi point CC 9mm, Chec. 40, P32, Jennings 22LR, Ect..... the one I carry becouse of size is the KT P3AT, so it might be 62 Percent stoper so you ring a secund time now you complet the other 62 per. 120per. ha your dead
double taps are great never forget that.- Status
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