Is Less More?

[jbrown50]

Of the 380 handguns guns that I've shot only the new Glock 42, Browning BDA and the Sig P232 and P238 match the accuracy of my Kahr PM9 and CM9. The accuracy isn't an issue for me.

The reasons I prefer to carry the Kahrs is because the 9mm penetrates deeper with expanded bullets. My carry ammo is either 115 gr. Corbon DPX, or 147 gr. Federal HST.

My normal carry gun is a Springfield XDS-45 loaded with 230 gr. Fed. HST. If I'm going to carry a gun based on accuracy alone then the XDS-45 makes more sense than any other sub-compact gun that I own. It's the most accurate small gun I own and it fires a heavy round that expands and penetrates. I sometimes carry the Kahr because it's a little smaller and lighter than the XDS and there isn't that big of a difference in accuracy.

To get the same reliable penetration from a 380 I'd have to use ball ammo or a hollow point like an XTP that doesn't expand nearly as well as a 9mm or 45 hollow point.

I prefer to have a balance between accuracy, penetration and performance.

 

[scythefwd]

I think it has more to do with what folks consider the minimum acceptable standard for defense.

A LOT of folks consider the 38 spc the bare minimum for SD. 9mm in semi autos. Yes, the 380 is close in performance, but does it meet that minimum standard folks hold???

In the case of 9mm and 40, performance is simliar (almost identical if you look at brassfetchers work), and there is a very real difference in capacity (my rami was a 8+1 or a 10+1 depending on 40 or 9mm in the same package). In reality, the .380 is a marked decrease in performance.. even if it isnt that much. Add to that the issue of many 380's being blowback vs. locking actions and the extra snappy recoil that introduces and most folks may actually find the 9mm easier to control, same capacity in practice (same size guns.. ), and extra punch.. I'd say the 9mm is a pretty clear choice on that.