Would you trust your life with a 380.

[harmon rabb]

Not when 9mms and J-frames aren't much bigger.

I challenge you to a shooting contest. You with a j-frame, me with a bersa thunder 380...

 

[sidheshooter]

As the proud owner of a Sig P238 (one that works well, I'd add) I wrestle with this a lot.

There are two bottom lines that I've come up with here.

One: the sig-sized .380s are so easy to carry that there is every opportunity to go armed with one. Given, say, a government model on one side of the equation, and nothing on the other, the Sig is a lot closer to the big .45 in effectiveness than nothing at all, and a lot closer to to nothing at all than the .45 when it comes to carry ease. That makes for a good trade off on paper.

On the other hand, two: when I sit down and imagine a situation where I really have to go at it with a determined attacker, I get this rock in my gut. I like that Sig a lot, but I think I like my 3" J with the old FBI load a lot better, if we are *really* talking gravest extreme scenarios. .380 is just not a lot of stopping power. It will eventually murder archdukes just fine, but I just don't like the the idea of relying upon one for rapid incapacitation of big, hardened, mean and/or drugged up people.

YMMV.

 

[MUSICALGUNNUT45]

If the gun firing the 380 is one I can shoot well, of course. Would you like to volunteer to take a few to the chest?

Modern 380 has pretty decent performance. There are multiple jhp loads that get 12" of penetration and full expansion.

I have regularly carried 9x18 pistols, and 9x18 is barely hotter than 380. But I'm good with those pistols, especially my cz-82. Might not be the nastiest round out there, but I'm not going to miss with it. Can't say I'd want to take a 9x18 to the chest..

I wouldn't volunteer to take a couple of airgun pellets to the chest either dosen't make it anymore effective.

 

[mrslim]

the price of 380 is a joke. I actually cracked up laughing at walmart other day when I seen the price. All the 380's iv shot jam jam jam! but ill admit i havent ever shot a high dollar brand. stick with the 9. cheaper more powerful.

 

[06]

Started carrying a Makarov and/or a Sig 232 in 380 about three yrs ago. Parked the 45s/357 for the lighter and more slim little shooters. Still keep a larger bore close by along with a long barrel cousin.

 

[igousigloo]

380

I would carry a sharp stick if I had nothing else. I have a Ruger LCP, a Walther PPK, a Taurus 905 9mm revolver, and a Kimber ultra carry II. It depends where I am going and what I am wearing.

 

[Kachok]

Since I never had to shoot anyone before I guage everything by performance on the deer and hogs I hunt, if you shoot a man sized traped hog through the boiler room with a 9mm it can take several seconds before he buckles, 45s are a tad quicker and a 44 mag can buckle them on impact. Never tried a 380 on one. Mabey I will try one on a smaller hog. They don't penatrate deep enough for larger anamals since the hide on hogs is very tough.

 

[markpcola]

I hate to, but I often do.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I believe if I ever have to use the 380, probably the first thing I think will be,
"With over a hundred powerful guns at the house I'm standing here with a 380."

But yes, I mostly pocket carry a 380. Now days the Ruger LCP.

I have been trying to pocket carry the Ruger LC9 but most of my pockets are too shallow.

Pretty soon it will be cool enough for a vest or coat and the Kimber 45.

 

[harmon rabb]

I wouldn't volunteer to take a couple of airgun pellets to the chest either dosen't make it anymore effective.

Are you really going to compare a pellet gun to a 380 or 9x18? Come on now.

 

[huntsman]

I used to ride my Harley without a helmet and drive really fast cars without seatbelts so yeah I trust my life with a .380acp(LCP) but I’m just a wild and crazy guy.

 

[Psa1m144]

Only if it was the only option available. Since we live in a free country where you can choose....at least for now... 40cal is the lowest ill go for self defense.

 

[PRM]

Yep. I like the .380s almost as much as my .32 Walther(s).

My CZ 83 (.380) is an awesome gun. I also have a 1955 Browning (.380) that is keeper.

I've always held that shot placement was more important than size.

 

[Frozen North]

I can say that all of the .380 pistols that I own or have passed through my possession will easily penetrate in excess of 12'' with ball ammo. Ball ammo will also cycle with near 100% reliability in all of them also.

With the penetration and reliability questions answered, I have no problem trusting my life to a .380

Can I shoot it? Ha, I have a Bersa .380 CC that I can shoot better than my Glock! I am not really all that happy about that, but that little pistol seems to have something to prove!

My primary carry is a Glock 26. I prefer the 9mm Luger above all others for concealed carry.

 

[Bobo]

I have been carrying a .380 exclusively for over six years. So I guess that means I trust it!

Bobo

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I would trust my life to a .22, if I couldn't do it with a .22, I couldn't do it with a .44 Magnum.

Not when 9mms and J-frames aren't much bigger.

.38 Special is about as powerful as .380 and .38 Special has been the go to gun for decades.

Are you really going to compare a pellet gun to a 380 or 9x18? Come on now.

You asked if someone wanted to be shot with a .380, I wouldn't want to be shot by anything, making a statement like yours is pointless.

 

[kokapelli]

yes, absolutely.

 

[buddyemily]

45 reasons to say NO !!!!!

 

[Strykervet]

I usually tote a 10mm or .40 Glock, if I need smaller/lighter or pocket carry, the 340PD is perfect. Besides, with Kahr and KelTec 9mm's, who needs the .380?

 

[mgmorden]

Besides, with Kahr and KelTec 9mm's, who needs the .380?

The .380's are still smaller. Those 9mm's make a heck of an IWB gun, but neither pocket carry particularly well.

 

[DAP90]

Yes. In fact, if I could only have one carry gun it would be a pocket 380; basically ensuring I could have a carry gun on me regardless of clothing or circumstances.

 

[gym]

Have, do, will. They will drop you just as well as anything else at 10 ft

 

[sirgilligan]

I do. PPK/S in .380 ACP. Shoots accurate and precise.

I also trust my wits as well, as I usually do not have a weapon on my person. I also trust my feet to get me out of there when needed. I have trusted my right upper cut as well.

My point is, trust yourself to make do with what you have for any situation. Your brain is the first line of defense.

 

[montanaoffroader]

My main carry gun is a Makarov in 9x18. Pretty close to a .380 in size and power. So I'm a yes on this one.

I'm pretty comfortable with my Mak, and definitely would trust it with my life. One of these days I may pick up a 9mm of some sort, but until that day comes, I'll just have rely on the 9x18. Far better than no gun at all, IMO.

 

[Kachok]

This is my only issue with calibers like the 32 and 380. To quote the FBIs handgun wounding factors and effectviness book. A hangun bullet MUST penatrate at leased 12 inches at a minimum weather it expands or not. If a bullet if a bullet cannot reliably penatrate to these depths it is not suitable for LE use. This would limit 25s 32s and 380s to fmj or hadcast bullets only since their expanding bullets fail to reach 10 inches (most around 8") much less the ideal 12-18" zone. Any respectable 9mm 40 or 45 will reach 14" with full expansion. That said I would rather have a 380 then a pocket knive anyday even with their sub par terminal performance.