BinhThuyUSN
Member
Looking for help in deciding best caliber for a CCW. Thinking about 380 but during a recent phone question, a gentleman suggested a 9mm. Thanks in advance for your ideas.
Handgun for CCW
- Thread starter BinhThuyUSN
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There's an adage out there which says, any caliber for self-defense as long as it starts with a "4" (.40, .44. .45).
Seriously, though, you should choose a caliber you can control and carry comfortably.
There are a lot of .380's and 9mm's out there so you have a lot of research to do. Also, don't forget about the .38 Special and .357 Magnum in revolvers.
Do you plan to pocket carry, or holster carry. This makes a difference in what you can carry.
For me, I carry a S&W Model 65. with a 3" barrel, and .357 Magnum or .38 +P ammunition. I also carry .44 Special, and .45 ACP revolvers.
There are a bazllion "experts" out there who probably don't know squat about anything.
Get to a gun shop, pick brains, and go shooting at a range where you can rent a gun. Shoot several calibers, and see what fits you best. The worst thing you can do, is go on someone elses recommendation, and then regret your choice.
Good luck.
Seriously, though, you should choose a caliber you can control and carry comfortably.
There are a lot of .380's and 9mm's out there so you have a lot of research to do. Also, don't forget about the .38 Special and .357 Magnum in revolvers.
Do you plan to pocket carry, or holster carry. This makes a difference in what you can carry.
For me, I carry a S&W Model 65. with a 3" barrel, and .357 Magnum or .38 +P ammunition. I also carry .44 Special, and .45 ACP revolvers.
There are a bazllion "experts" out there who probably don't know squat about anything.
Get to a gun shop, pick brains, and go shooting at a range where you can rent a gun. Shoot several calibers, and see what fits you best. The worst thing you can do, is go on someone elses recommendation, and then regret your choice.
Good luck.
wlewisiii
Member
Have you considered .38 special revolvers at all? I consider it better than either of those with the FBI load (http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108) and a S&W Model 642 is as pocketable and shootable as anything.
1stmarine
Member
Oh boy, you are going to get almost any single caliber in the book.
380s are good but 9mm can carry a much heavier punch.
So if you are thinking into something like a small foot print, pocket
the 380 might be perfect but there are some 9mm that are actually
nice. But where the 9mm really shows the difference is in the longer
barrels, high pressure rounds. Now do you need that in a defensive
situation? maybe not, but it is a decisive round with a corbon JHP +P.
Now you are talking 500ft/lb that is something you cannot and do not want
form a little pocket pistol.
The most important thing before you decide is to decide what you feel
comfortable carrying depending on your job or social life and what
are you good at shooting and feels good to you?
That is how you are more effective.
In the summer I carry a small pocket or compact pistol I can put in my pants.
In the winter I carry a semi compact or full size glock with any of the following ammo: 9mm Corbon JHP +P, G 40 Cal Golden Saber or my favorite the 357 SIG with Corbon or double tap HP loads.
I would say the 9mm and .357 is all about speed so try to keep those to full length but you don't really have to.
Then for compacts I would say 40cal and even 45ACP.
I don't see anything wrong with the 380 but personally I also do not see a huge advantage in foot print to avoid the 9mm.
380s are good but 9mm can carry a much heavier punch.
So if you are thinking into something like a small foot print, pocket
the 380 might be perfect but there are some 9mm that are actually
nice. But where the 9mm really shows the difference is in the longer
barrels, high pressure rounds. Now do you need that in a defensive
situation? maybe not, but it is a decisive round with a corbon JHP +P.
Now you are talking 500ft/lb that is something you cannot and do not want
form a little pocket pistol.
The most important thing before you decide is to decide what you feel
comfortable carrying depending on your job or social life and what
are you good at shooting and feels good to you?
That is how you are more effective.
In the summer I carry a small pocket or compact pistol I can put in my pants.
In the winter I carry a semi compact or full size glock with any of the following ammo: 9mm Corbon JHP +P, G 40 Cal Golden Saber or my favorite the 357 SIG with Corbon or double tap HP loads.
I would say the 9mm and .357 is all about speed so try to keep those to full length but you don't really have to.
Then for compacts I would say 40cal and even 45ACP.
I don't see anything wrong with the 380 but personally I also do not see a huge advantage in foot print to avoid the 9mm.
orionengnr
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The best advice I ever heard was "carry the largest/most effective caliber that you can shoot well".
All handgun calibers are marginal in power...some much more than others.
Each of us makes his/her own choice in this regard, and hopes that we will never be put to the test.
All handgun calibers are marginal in power...some much more than others.
Each of us makes his/her own choice in this regard, and hopes that we will never be put to the test.
1stmarine
Member
Very nice words. That is many times disregarded that is why I suggested shoot what it feels good and get good at it. Do not spend lots of money in exotic calibers and instead invest that in weekly IDPA type of shooting.
Only your brain and the training is the most effective part of the pistol.
Only your brain and the training is the most effective part of the pistol.
armoredman
Member
Go to the rental range, pick a couple that fit your hand well, try them out. Find buddies with concealable pistols you'd like to try. Remember a lot of 9mm autos are out there in almost the same size as the .380 autos. Have fun, good luck, and get training!
Ridgerunner665
Member
At least...a 9mm...at the very least.
There is no good reason not carry at least a 9mm, sub-compact 9mm's are nearly as small as 380's.
And anyone (male or female) that cannot control the recoil of a 9mm...well, they need more range time.
There is no good reason not carry at least a 9mm, sub-compact 9mm's are nearly as small as 380's.
And anyone (male or female) that cannot control the recoil of a 9mm...well, they need more range time.
wlewisiii
Member
Sigh ... you're sure looking for a rude surprise as you get older.
The word for today is Arthritis. The word for tomorrow is Pain. After that comes the limp wristed 9mm that FTE's or stove-pipes on you. Better hope that first shot was a golden BB...
The word for today is Arthritis. The word for tomorrow is Pain. After that comes the limp wristed 9mm that FTE's or stove-pipes on you. Better hope that first shot was a golden BB...
doc2rn
Member
Carry the biggest gun you can shoot well with. For me its a full size revolver S&W mod 10 3" to be exact. Next is the FNP-9 but I havent found good leather for it yet so it is doing night stand duty until the Milt Sparks arrives. Get good leather and you will be fine.
Lawdawg45
Member
Let's add a level of refinement to your search. What capacity to you wish/need to carry? A wheel gun will limit you to 5 or 6 shots (unless you have the $$ for the 8 shot S&W), and a semi auto can give you 15+ rounds. If you choose a wheel gun I'd recommend the versatility of a .357, and if you go with a semi auto, you'll then need to decide between a pocket gun (6 or 7 rounds) or a holster carry (11+).
LD
LD
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I am trying to go from my 45 and J frame Smiths to a Ruger LC9. I ran several hundred rounds before I would even carry it. This winter I will probably go back to my 45. The Ruger, for me will pocket carry. The 45 with a couple of extra mags is comfort.
BinhThuyUSN
Member
In reply to own post
Over the past couple of months, I have had the opportunity to handle several handguns to use as a CCW. Walther PPK, Sig Sauer, Bersa Firestorm/Thunder and CZ 82/83. They all felt really good on my hand. The Sig and Bersa were the lightest of the four. I liked the idea of having a "Bond" handgun. The CZ's are similar in weight to the PPK. Of the CZ's, I am leaning toward the CZ82 which shoots the 9x18 Makarov. The reason I am interested in the CZ82 is the rifling. The rifling in the 82 is polygonal (This replaces the traditional lands and grooves rifling design with a rounded, smooth polygonal pattern which has a more "hills and valleys" appearance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ_82), which I find intriguing. At the Gunshop where I found both an 82 and 83, the owner has an 82, like to shoot it and in his opinion is a "very" accurate. My dilemma is finding a NIB CZ82 or maybe a NIB CZ83 chambered in 9x18 Makarov. Oh well, this will be a fun search to find my gun of choice. Hey thanks for letting me ramble a bit.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Over the past couple of months, I have had the opportunity to handle several handguns to use as a CCW. Walther PPK, Sig Sauer, Bersa Firestorm/Thunder and CZ 82/83. They all felt really good on my hand. The Sig and Bersa were the lightest of the four. I liked the idea of having a "Bond" handgun. The CZ's are similar in weight to the PPK. Of the CZ's, I am leaning toward the CZ82 which shoots the 9x18 Makarov. The reason I am interested in the CZ82 is the rifling. The rifling in the 82 is polygonal (This replaces the traditional lands and grooves rifling design with a rounded, smooth polygonal pattern which has a more "hills and valleys" appearance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ_82), which I find intriguing. At the Gunshop where I found both an 82 and 83, the owner has an 82, like to shoot it and in his opinion is a "very" accurate. My dilemma is finding a NIB CZ82 or maybe a NIB CZ83 chambered in 9x18 Makarov. Oh well, this will be a fun search to find my gun of choice. Hey thanks for letting me ramble a bit.
Have a Merry Christmas.
BinhThuyUSN
Member
In reply to own post
Over the past couple of months, I have had the opportunity to handle several handguns to use as a CCW. Walther PPK, Sig Sauer, Bersa Firestorm/Thunder and CZ 82/83. They all felt really good on my hand. The Sig and Bersa were the lightest of the four. I liked the idea of having a "Bond" handgun. The CZ's are similar in weight to the PPK. Of the CZ's, I am leaning toward the CZ82 which shoots the 9x18 Makarov. The reason I am interested in the CZ82 is the rifling. The rifling in the 82 is polygonal (This replaces the traditional lands and grooves rifling design with a rounded, smooth polygonal pattern which has a more "hills and valleys" appearance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ_82), which I find intriguing. At the Gunshop where I found both an 82 and 83, the owner has an 82, like to shoot it and in his opinion is a "very" accurate. My dilemma is finding a NIB CZ82 or maybe a NIB CZ83 chambered in 9x18 Makarov. Oh well, this will be a fun search to find my gun of choice. Hey thanks for letting me ramble a bit.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Over the past couple of months, I have had the opportunity to handle several handguns to use as a CCW. Walther PPK, Sig Sauer, Bersa Firestorm/Thunder and CZ 82/83. They all felt really good on my hand. The Sig and Bersa were the lightest of the four. I liked the idea of having a "Bond" handgun. The CZ's are similar in weight to the PPK. Of the CZ's, I am leaning toward the CZ82 which shoots the 9x18 Makarov. The reason I am interested in the CZ82 is the rifling. The rifling in the 82 is polygonal (This replaces the traditional lands and grooves rifling design with a rounded, smooth polygonal pattern which has a more "hills and valleys" appearance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ_82), which I find intriguing. At the Gunshop where I found both an 82 and 83, the owner has an 82, like to shoot it and in his opinion is a "very" accurate. My dilemma is finding a NIB CZ82 or maybe a NIB CZ83 chambered in 9x18 Makarov. Oh well, this will be a fun search to find my gun of choice. Hey thanks for letting me ramble a bit.
Have a Merry Christmas.
some handgun calibers pack more punch than others.......and thus theyll have more "stopping power"
but no one in their right mind is just going to stand there and take a handfull of .380 to the chest and shrug it off......
i know what your thinking..."but what if the guy is 400lbs and on cocaine, meth, and heroine.....all at the same time!!!!"
well, honestly.....when was the last time you heard of anyone being mugged by a 400 fueled up junkie?......now im sure it has happened.......but not with the prevalence people want you to believe....
you should go with a caliber thats easy to carry, easy to shoot, and easily avaliable......and practice with it often.
but no one in their right mind is just going to stand there and take a handfull of .380 to the chest and shrug it off......
i know what your thinking..."but what if the guy is 400lbs and on cocaine, meth, and heroine.....all at the same time!!!!"
well, honestly.....when was the last time you heard of anyone being mugged by a 400 fueled up junkie?......now im sure it has happened.......but not with the prevalence people want you to believe....
you should go with a caliber thats easy to carry, easy to shoot, and easily avaliable......and practice with it often.
Loosedhorse
member
Advantages of 9: I'm not sure that anyone disputes that 9mm is more effective than .380. 9mm is often cheaper to practice with. 9mm can be had in guns as small as those for .380. Many more choices in SD ammo for 9.
Disadvantages: the smallest 9mm guns will be much more expensive than small .380 guns, and have noticeably more recoil. If that degrades your ability to hit your target, that's a huge disadvantage.
If you like that size, look at the Walther PPS in 9mm. But be prepared for sticker shock.
In the end, buy what you like if you will practice more because of that. But make sure you don't like the Walther PPS before buying the PPK.
Disadvantages: the smallest 9mm guns will be much more expensive than small .380 guns, and have noticeably more recoil. If that degrades your ability to hit your target, that's a huge disadvantage.
I'd think twice before carrying a slide-biting, underpowered, awful-triggered, stiff-slided, heavy-as-a-boat-anchor antique as a SD gun. Even James Bond has upgraded.
If you like that size, look at the Walther PPS in 9mm. But be prepared for sticker shock.
In the end, buy what you like if you will practice more because of that. But make sure you don't like the Walther PPS before buying the PPK.
Lawdawg45
Member
Can you give us a little more information on your need? Is this going to be a pocket gun? What is your budget? Is this a daily carry? Do you need a high capacity CCW?
LD
Armored farmer
Member
Lawdawg is right, there are too many variables, you need to decide on at least 1 or 2 of the factors first....caliber?; auto or revolver?; steel or polymer? etc. You gotta start somewhere. Once you have some sort of direction, things will begin to fall into place.
Don't sweat it too much, you can always trade it for something else.
Don't sweat it too much, you can always trade it for something else.
jad0110
Member
Yep, find a gun/platform that best fills your needs best, based on your chosen carry method, first. Caliber and capacity tradeoff considerations come later IMO.
Have you decided on a carry method? That can help narrow it down.
Sounds to me though like the CZ-82 may be just your thing.
Have you decided on a carry method? That can help narrow it down.
Sounds to me though like the CZ-82 may be just your thing.
Firemedic56
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As A big man, I'm going to share something I've learned... while people can debate the veracity of the .380 as a personal defense round. (I wouldn't necessarily carry it) .380 and other small rounds can be found a lot in very small packages, great to conceal...Horrible for a person with large hands to shoot.
Anyone can be taught to shoot damn near any kind of round. Find the weapon that fits your hand and fits your concealment needs, then pick a caliber you prefer from that selection.
I always suggest Glock, your mileage may vary.
Anyone can be taught to shoot damn near any kind of round. Find the weapon that fits your hand and fits your concealment needs, then pick a caliber you prefer from that selection.
I always suggest Glock, your mileage may vary.
Lawdawg45
Member
I'll agree with Firemedic, and as a man with bear paws I'll share my own experience. If you're looking for a pocket gun, the Ruger LCP was a good pocket gun but hard to grasp with big hands, even with the pinky extension. The LC9 is the right gun for me, and the more powerful 9mm round is a plus. A good multi-tasker is the .38 J Frame, with the ability to take a dozen different style and size of grips, coupled with the variation in cheap ammo.
LD
LD
David E
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A .380 has its place; as a backup gun. The small ones are difficult to shoot well at distance. The larger .380's are easier to shoot if arthritis is an issue, but for most other folks, you can find a 9mm the same size.
If you're going to pocket carry, that cuts down on your options, but you can go 9mm or .38
If you're going to holster carry, you really open up the options.
You may want/need more than one gun for your CCW needs.
But we need additional info to give more specific input.
If you're going to pocket carry, that cuts down on your options, but you can go 9mm or .38
If you're going to holster carry, you really open up the options.
You may want/need more than one gun for your CCW needs.
But we need additional info to give more specific input.
Don't let them BS you. The .380 is pretty powerful cartridge. I own Russian Makarov in this caliber. It's utterly reliable with all kinds of ammo and magazine reloads hold 9 cartridges (one can't chamber 1 and put magazine with 9 rounds into the gun because magazine will not lock in place). I would stay away from tiny pocket guns in larger calibers as those are unshootable.
Tcruse
Member
If you look at "entry level" small 9mm guns compared to "entry level" 380 guns, there may a small premimum for 9mm. However, you will spend much more for ammo than the cost of the gun. 9mm range ammo is about $.20, 380 range ammo is about $.26 with fewer brands to choose from. You need to choose something that you will actually go to a range often, that usually entails having a gun that you like to shoot. I would recommend a Glock 26. It is heavy enough to be accurate and not beat your wrist/hand up. It is also small enough to carry without undue effort. It is has an extreamly good record of being reliable.
Loosedhorse
member
My personal experience is that the larger .380s (Beretta 85/6/7, etc.), because they are of blow-back design, recoil more that mid-size 9mm pistols with locked breech. I've been told that the Walther/Umarex PK380 (locked breech .380) is very soft-kicking, but perhaps not very durable.
Hard to argue, except that it "feels" nothing like the PPK, which the OP likes. I think the PPS approximates the PPK better than the G26...but at substantially more cost.
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