8 Rnds 9mm vs 13 Rnds .380

Which would you prefer

  • 8 rounds of 9mm

    Votes: 81 74.3%

  • 13 rounds of .380 ACP

    Votes: 28 25.7%
  • Total voters
    109
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LibertySympathizer

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I'm evaluating two pistols I really like nearly identical in every way except caliber and capacity. Both feel really good to me and my wife (the more important critic).

I personally would tend to lean towards the capacity, but in my area, almost every training instructor injects their bias and feel you aren't worthy to take their class if you don't use the calibers of their choice.
 
I vote this way (9mm) knowing that shot placement means more than just about anything else, but am also always biased toward a heavier caliber. Truthfully, whatever you (and, as importantly, the spouse) can shoot to point of aim every time and follow up with quickly is the right answer for y'all.
 
I shoot 9mm in some competitions that use steel "poppers" as targets. Poppers are approx. 1/4" thick steal, maybe 3' tall and hinged at the bottom.

When very light 9mm loads hit about 2/3 of the way to the top or higher, it falls backwards. It's 'calibrated to fall with the force of a very light load 9mm.

I have seen 'numerous' times, that a "factory" 380 rd would not knock a popper down.

Maybe this really means nothing, but it convinced me that 380 is a marginal SD rd..
 
Which do you shoot better

I own one of those 13 .380ACP pistols, a BERETTA 84. I has proven to be one of the most reliable guns I have shot and is very easy to control with large sights and a good trigger.

I have used it as a car gun in the past.

That said, I usually prefer a 9m.m., but only hits count and if you shoot well with the .380 and are comfortable with it, then go with it.

The BERETTA'S grip proved to large for my wife and she ended up with my SIG 225 which is a 9m.m. The feel of the grip is very important as is the shooter having confidence in the gun and how they shoot it.

If a shooting instructor says shoot 9m.m. or else, they are A JERK. Hitting with a .380ACP will produce much better results than missing or getting a peripheral hit with a 9m.m., .40 S&W, .45ACP or .500 Smith and Wesson.

Also, as I get older, I have found that the lower recoil of the .380ACP can improve the control of a larger .380 like the BERETTA. That means you are more likely to hit center mass and end the threat.

Try both at the range and go with the one that works for you and your wife, the trainer will not be with you on the occasion you actually need to use a gun in self defense. It will be up to you or your wife.

Also, consider using a premium .380ACP load. The HYDRO SHOK bullet has done very well in this caliber. The new DPX load from COR BON may be even better as it penetrate deeply and still expands.

Jim

Jim
 
one small thing to consider if you want to shoot alot to stay proficient with the firearm is the budget. 380 ammo was pretty pricey the last time i looked at it. But I would agree with everyone else first and foremost importance would be controllability and accuracy. Bill
 
I would suggest a .380 not as a primary weapon, only as a backup unless you are a very tiny person with weak hands. Otherwise 9mm would be the way to go.
 
It can be a tough choice, as some of the .380 caliber guns are so good, so well made and reliable, that they are hard to ignore. I agree that it can boil down to which do you shoot best, as well as asking;

which has better sights or naturally points better,
which one is more concealable,
is one more accurate,
is weigh a consideration?

This is a problematic choice for many people. If both of your choices are quality guns that you shoot well, then pick the one you like best and don't look back.
 
I carry a .380 from time to time, and have no worries about it doing its job. It all comes down to what you shoot well, and what you are comfortable with.

The larger 380s, especially if they are of lock up design, are VERY manageable to shoot, and can make a quick follow up shot much easier.

The smaller 9s can be a little snappy, and difficult to control for a followup shot. The biggest benefit to the 9s would be ammo price, but that is only if you do not reload.
My wife has both 9mm and 380 CC pistols, and loves them both. If you cant make up your mind, get both.
 
I had a similar discussion with my self, I rarely (now) carry a SIG P232 .380 7+1. Sometimes pocket holster carry a P238 .380 7+1. Used to always carry if my dress would allow a CZ 75D PCR 14+1 9mm. Now I usually carry a SIG RCS 1911 7+1 .45ACP, I feel capacity is over rated and power/penetration is discounted, but it's what consumers want. I want a pistol that has a high probability to neutralize a threat with 1 or 2 well placed shots.I switch between the CZ and the SIG RCS, but I would rather carry a single stack pistol. For me a .380 for a SD/CCW is a last resort... well my Beretta 950 .25ACP is the last resort.
 
why would you use a smaller caliber as a backup?? it makes no sense to me.. if you feel a .380 is inadequate to being with, why would you carry one as a backup to a 9mm?? i.e. if you couldn't get it done with a 9mm, you most likely will not get it done with a .380..

a compact 9mm would make more sense as a backup to a 9mm..

IMO, a .380 will work just fine.. i'd rather have 14 rounds of .380..
 
"The smaller 9s can be a little snappy, and difficult to control for a followup shot. The biggest benefit to the 9s would be ammo price, but that is only if you do not reload."

To me the blowback operation is usually more snappy; therefore, in my experience the 380 is the snappy one.

Still, the capacity is really a non-issue - look at a revolvers capacity. I'd pick the pistol that I shot best and my back-up would be a spare magazine.

YMMV,

LW
 
I voted the .380 for three reasons...
1. You might have to use a few more rounds than the 9mm but you will have them plus a bunch extra.
2. If you have more than two BGs you'll need the extra capacity of the .380.
3. You should be able to place your shots better with more speed with the .380.

Bobo
 
Ya know, I may be a decent shot at the range shooting strong side off-hand, weak-hand, one-hand, barricade, point-shoot...etc but I know that real-life situations are worlds different. I'm ok with just 200-something ft lb in a CC weapon if I get to have 5 more rounds than my next option.

We're talking about a five round difference. Five rounds is what many people carry in their snubs. I consider it insurance because I know it is very very different than the range. If it were 8 rounds of 9mm -vs- 8 rounds of .380 ACP, it would be a no-brainer.

BTW, with regard to the instructors...are they going to cover your back when it hits the fan???
 
I'd personally take the 9mm because the hottest 9mm loads definitely pack more punch (and come with a better track record) than .380. That, and the above observation that ammo is cheaper over the long haul.

That much said though, I also have a couple of .380s, and I don't feel self conscious carting them around either. I guess I'd say buy the gun you like most, and get to know it well. JMHO.
 
If we were choosing between say a CZ-83 .380 and anything made by Kahr Arms, I would choose the CZ each and every time.

That said, the Glock 26 is a pinnacle firearm to which all others must be judged.
 
That said, the Glock 26 is a pinnacle firearm to
which all others must be judged.
opinions
I'd take the CZ over a glock anytime.
 
It only matters at distance to me, I have 100 grain 9mm, and 102 grain 380's, so being they make the same hole size, and are almost the same power coming out of a pocket gun with 3inch or less barrell. The only difference to me was if I were using say 147 grain 9mm through a wall or having the need for more accuracy. I think the expansion is better with the powerball type ammo. And being able to drop 3 or 4 rounds on the first bad guy and still have 10 left is definatlly a plus at close range. All situations are different, but for indoors like my house which is maybe 2700 sq ft, the longest shot is wall to wall, so maybe 40-50 ft. I am not worried about missing at someware in that range, maybe cover, but if it's a clear shot either would work, although I would go for my 45, if I was closer and could get to it.
The thing to remember is that any gun is better than no gun, and my lcp stays with me 24/7, a 13 round gun is to big to walk around with all day and night. I may as well take my small single stack 40 if that was the case.
 
Actually, you should have an either button.

I carry my P7PSP with 9mm and a browning BDA or Beretta 84F with 380 matching your criteria. I am accurate with either, just sometimes the gun is easier to conceal with the clothing I am wearing that day. Flexibility is the key.
 
I voted 9mm because that is what I shoot out of your two choices. It is much more affordable for me too. But, I am no expert so I ask what are the calibers your local training instructors are saying? What are their reasons for the calibers they choose? Sometimes instructors have real world experience to validate their choices and maybe sometimes they are "just jerks".
That is one fine looking pistol jbkebert.
 
I voted 9mm but I also have a 380. If it's something you want to put in your pocket then the 380. I sometimes us this gun when I don't feel like putting on my carry belt and holster. The 380 with a holster fits well in the front pocket. I know this was really not help. So buy both! :)
 
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