The PT138 in it's variations is still popular.
As some have surmised already the .380 ACP version has less recoil and snap than the 9x19.
Some people like the benefits of the .380 ACP pistol that size versus a 9x19 model.
While the .380ACP is no powerhouse it is a good defense round form most situations. Not for all. Just for most.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/700-s/74022-call-rerun-case-380-acp.html
Please read Qwiks draws links within this link as well as the whole thread.
I own two Taurus PT111 Mil Pros in 9x19. I like the idea of the 9x19 as a cartridge overall and shoot it better than I do with .45 ACP pistols. Nothing against the .45 ACP. It is a fine cartridge.
Now that I am an old geezer (read that as older than 50 years old
) I've been considering the .380 ACP and the .32 ACP. Getting a bit of health problems to deal with that effect being able to shoot the higher powered rounds.
The PT138 would allow me to have a pistol that has advantages, is similar to the PT111 Mil Pro yet less recoil impulse, and yet is user friendly. To me it is better than most mini .380 ACP pistols.
Carrying a bit extra ammo is a bonus compared to the mini .380s.
I went with the Taurus PT132 Mil Pro due to the reasons listed above for the PT138. I have two PT 132s.
The reasons are in the link.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/700-s/74023-rerun-case-32acp.html
I do own a Beretta 85 and a Taurus PT58 in .380 ACP. Both are fine guns.
The problem with this discussion is that all of these pistols being considered in .380 are now a used gun only proposition. So are the PT132s. But keeping an eye on gun auctions such as
www.gunbroker.com and others one can find these ever so often.
Taurus is know building and offering the 9x19 , PT111 Millennium G2 that is a bit nicer gun than the Millennium Pro version.
I'll stick with what I know, but others can have the G2 models.