Can you really justify a .380 over 9mm pocket pistol

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From what I can tell, 9mm ammo is much much less expensive than .380 acp. So for a pocket pistol, can one really justify a 380 - say when comparing a PF9 vs P3AT for example?
 
Yes, because the size and weight of a P3AT (or LCP in my case) make it a true carry-it-anywhere-while-wearing-anything front pocket pistol without fear of printing. I know there are those who will claim the same for the PF9 or PM9 but in my experience the difference in size is significant.
 
.380 costing way more than 9mm wasn't always the case. My first centerfire pistol was a .380 (Bersa model 383, PPK clone), and ammo wasn't really more expensive than 9mm at that time. The pistol was also way cheaper than compact 9mm's at the time, probably half the price.

9mm's higher pressure really requires a locked breech (unless you go with a ridiculously heavy slide), so compact 9mm's are going to be more expensive than the blowback .380's. On the other hand, the locked-breech 9mm's are probably more reliable, though I did have good experience with my Bersa. I eventually replaced it with an S&W 3913LS.
 
First rule of a gun fight -- Have A Gun!

The little .380 is a lot better than the little .32 which was better than the .25 that filled the roll when the smallest 9mm is just a little too big.
 
Before purchasing a pocket 380 I looked real hard at the pocket 9mm's that were available. There was a noticeable difference in size while in my pocket. I was already looking at a fairly heavy Sig P238 so the weight was only a little more. There was also a concern if I could handle the hotter bullet with that small a 9mm.

I opted for the 380 as I felt the little bit smaller size was important.

The P238 is a lot of fun to shoot, I'm glad I got it.

I may get the 9mm later but I probably will not pocket carry it.
 
380s are not as hot as 9mm. I'm not saying pocket guns are pleasant to shoot, because they are not. But if there is less recoil with a 380, then you can justify using it. With less recoil, you are likely to have better shot placement. It is shot placement, not caliber, that stops threats. Therfore, you can easily justify a 380 over a 9mm in a pocket pistol.
 
For me, pocket carry is all about size, the smaller the better (in both weight and physical size). I notice every extra ounce of weight, every extra 1/10th of an inch in width and length when I'm carrying a pocket gun in loose fitting summer shorts. I even consider my 13 oz J frame unacceptable as a pocket gun, and same with a PF9 I've tried. (maybe I have small pockets?) So yes, I can completely justify a 9 oz pocket .380 as a better choice than a PF9. If it's not under 10 oz (empty), it's off my pocket carry list. I know guys who seem convinced that they can comfortably carry just about anything they can wedge in to their pocket. I'm not one of those guys. If I'm carrying IWB, then I bring the 9's out of the safe, or better yet, my DAO J-frame.


As far as ammo cost? I shoot my LCP just often enough to maintain a feel for it. I use very little .380 ammo. It's not my range gun, so ammo cost is not a factor. A P3AT and LCP are those guns that fall into the category of : carry a lot, shoot a little.


And by the way, during those hot summer months, it's not about which one I can shoot better (my LCP or PPS for instance). I shoot the 9's or J Frame better. Its about which gun I will have with me. That's all that matters when I'm in shorts n' T shirt, or just shorts.
 
But at the end of the day, after all is said and done, a 380 is still just a 380. Speaking just for me, the ballistics diff to a 9mm or 38 spl is too great to be ignored........ And there are plenty of good options for small and light 9mm and 38 spls. .....IMNSHO......
 
The size and easy controllability of the Sig 238 got me. I freely admit that it is no substitute for a real service pistol, but it's a great substitute for nothing at all.
 
But at the end of the day, after all is said and done, a 380 is still just a 380. Speaking just for me, the ballistics diff to a 9mm or 38 spl is too great to be ignored........ And there are plenty of good options for small and light 9mm and 38 spls.
Click to expand...


And lots of people have been killed by the .380, 32 and 25 long before you were born probably.

Some people seem to think that getting shot by a 380 or under is actually good for you.

There is no pocket 9mm or 38 that is as small and flat as the new breed of 380's - some are close but not as small.

The 380 works in sports shorts and a business suit - even in the coat pocket.
 
I can't bring myself to carry anything smaller than a glock 26.. A good compromise of size and firepower for me.
 
My usual "small carry" is a .32 ACP FEG...

I "justify" it because it has been 100% reliable for the several years I have owned it, it is very accurate if I need that, and the barrel is longer than my old Keltec .32 so I get the most our of the .32 ACP and a longer sight radius.

Also , I really like the gun.

(I also carry sometimes carry a very old Spanish .25...)

If you like it and can shoot it well, and it works, what's the problem?

mark
 
I had a PF9 for the purpose of summertime pocket carry. While the gun was fine, I didn't feel it was quite as concealable as a smaller .380 might be. So I sold the PF9 and picked up a P3AT. Have been very pleased with it in its CCW role ever since.
 
From what I can tell, 9mm ammo is much much less expensive than .380 acp. So for a pocket pistol, can one really justify a 380 - say when comparing a PF9 vs P3AT for example?
Click to expand...

Yes because ever 9mm "pocket pistol" I have seen is signficantly larger then their 380 counterparts.

PF9 is signficantly larger then the p3at and did not ride well in my pockets depending on the clothing.

The p3at always did. Better to have gun then have more firepower sitting in the safe.
 
Can you really justify a .380 over 9mm pocket pistol
Click to expand...

Of course. Sometimes size and/or weight are the most important characteristic needed and a .380 can be much, much smaller than any 9mm. Your needs dictate the choice sometimes, not caliber bias.
 
I have an LCP and a KT P11. The LCP disappears in any pocket I drop it in. The KT (while bigger than some compact 9mm) prints way too much in a pocket. In the summer I use the LCP. In the fall/winter I use the KT or a XD 40SC. Its a matter of what works when I carry - and I'd rather carry all the time.
 
It looks like we have consensus here. Yes, you can justify it. Size and weight are important. The LCP fills a gap in those situations where you must choose between nothing or a 380. They are also cheap.
 
I always find it laughable when some folks insinuate or outright portray the .380 to be a weak round. It has and will continue to put people in their graves. Being in South Florida, the .380 is a decent round as we don't wear layers and layers of clothers.
 
yes and no

I can if I have to go DEEP conceal where only an LCP will work.

On the other hand I got rid of my Guardian 380 and acquired a PM9. Similar size, more fire power.

So I guess the answer is yes, I can justify a 380 if I can't carry a 9 or a 38
 
Absolutely. While it wouldn't be my preferred option...if that was all that was feasible due to clothing requirements...I'd be fine with a good .380 pistol the same as I'd be fine with a .38 Special snub nosed 5 shooter. As the man said: "It beats prayin' and throwin' rocks."
 
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