.380 Self Defense performance from a pocket pistol

[Barth]

I don't even own a .380.
But this independent testing was interesting.
http://shootingthebull.net/blog/final-results-of-the-380-acp-ammo-quest/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GNtPHYwcDts

[jocko]

I have owned alot o f them, Bulletts today has made the 380 a viable pocket gun, more so than a rock, IMO..

[Bill K]

The pocket .380 is what you carry when you reasonably can't carry something with more snot. My PM9 has replaced almost all of my .380 carry.

[Barth]

The pocket .380 is what you carry when you reasonably can't carry something with more snot. My PM9 has replaced almost all of my .380 carry.

LOL, can't say I've never considered one (.380).
But when I wanted an ultra light with some kick in the champagne?
I went old school with a S&W 342 ti titanium J-Frame.
That little monster weights just 11.1 oz on my digital scale.
13.5 oz loaded with 5 135 gr Speer GDHP Short Barrel +P 38 Specials.
It's no fun to shoot.
But my personal choice for the ultimate pocket pistol.

[b4uqzme]

I've come around to liking the .380. I think it depends on the gun. I keep a MDE380 loaded and ready and it's real convenient as a grab and go gun.

[Bill K]

LOL, can't say I've never considered one (.380).
But when I wanted an ultra light with some kick in the champagne?
I went old school with a S&W 342 ti titanium J-Frame.
That little monster weights just 11.1 oz on my digital scale.
13.5 oz loaded with 5 135 gr Speer GDHP Short Barrel +P 38 Specials.
It's no fun to shoot.
But my personal choice for the ultimate pocket pistol.

I've steered away from revolvers because I find it a pain in the butt to clean them. I must admit though that there have been times when I've thought about the idea of carrying one of those snub nose .357 magnums.

[codegeek]

Love my little LCP. All I need is a distraction while I haul a#&!

Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

[kahrnut1]

I am in Louisiana for few days and going out to dinner tonight pm9 showed to much with black levis. changed over to p380 and wife said she could not tell I was carrying. this is how I decide which 1 to carry. LA does not allow restaurant carry if they serve alcohol so I don't want to show

[berettabone]

Used to carry a Bodyguard, replaced it with an MK9. A bit more firepower. I don't think I would go back to a .380. As long as it's concealed, I really don't care about printing.

[southern thunder]

I have owned several 380s. From German made PPKs to lamas. I still have a LCP which stays in the safe most of the time. Carry a PM40. More bang if I have to use.

[SlowBurn]

Gel tests yield so many contradictory results I quit paying attention. The idea that 380s don't penetrate enough was laid to rest (so to speak) with that movie texter in Florida last week killed by a 380, which went through his wife's hand then into his chest. Like to know what ammo that old man was using.

[jocko]

I am found of the new better than kel tek 380's that are out there today and I would pocket carry one 24/7 IF IF I didn't pocket carry my PMJ9 24/7. It is about firepower to also.

But I still feel the 380 has a real purpose for a ccw owner to

[JohnR]

My P238 is lighter than my MK9 but just as nice to shoot and about the same size. I may go back to carrying the Sig in warm weather, or maybe not.

[garyb]

I don't even own a .380.
But this independent testing was interesting.
http://shootingthebull.net/blog/final-results-of-the-380-acp-ammo-quest/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GNtPHYwcDts



Thanks for posting the vids. I enjoy watching and learning from them. I find the 380 to be a viable SD carry gun. Easily concealable, light, small and comfortable to carry. I prefer to carry my 40, but there are conditions I do carry the 380 (ie., pocket carry in hot weather clothing). I no longer get into comparing cals. All of us here know the differences, advantages and disadvantages. It will do the job and is WAY better than not carrying. IMO.

[Ljutic]

I've steered away from revolvers because I find it a pain in the butt to clean them.


I'm supposed to clean my guns? :eek: