No caliber war.

[King Rat]

Deleted. No intention of starting a caliber war. My bad.

[Bawanna]

Why anyone even considers a 380 for defense in any size or configuration is a huge mystery to me.

Save the caliber wars, I change my mind on a lot of things but never this.

[kenemoore]

As my old friend Andy G., used to say, any handgun, any caliber, beats a pointy stick.

[Barth]

Why anyone even considers a 380 for defense in any size or configuration is a huge mystery to me.

Save the caliber wars, I change my mind on a lot of things but never this.

Have to admit I like my Ruger LCP II 380 for a deep cover backup gun.
It's just so tiny, flat and lite.
I can literally slip it in a shirt pocket and roll - LOL!
Or in shorts running around the apartment works too.

But I certainly feel much more comfortable with an air weight J-Frame 38 in that role :)

Guess I'm still old school in some ways though.
Even 9mm seems underpowered for a primary weapon.
I continue to carry 357 Sig with full power Underwood GDHPs :cool:

[187911]

380acp especially with ball ammo will do the job and has no problem putting down an attacker. The simple reason people choose 380acp is because they have physical limitations do to injury or age, so 22lr or 380acp are the logical options. You'll notice that the S&W EZ and other 380s are designed to even have easier to rack slides as well purposely to make them ideal defensive tools for those with limitations.

For others, it's for when they need lightweight deep concealment. It's just that simple. When nothing else can be concealed and/or if weight is a major concern, one can still be armed with 6+1 rounds that will be able to penetrate and kill an attacker, or if nothing else, make him rethink his decisions.

FYI: Because J-frames were brought up, a LCP and other small 380s are considerably smaller in all dimensions while having 2 extra rounds. Even the LCP 9 Max is smaller in width, length, height, and almost 4 onces in weight (unloaded) than an Air Weight J-frame while offering 10+1 capacity (over twice the capacity).

It should be very understandable why people choose 380acp for self-defense purposes.

[yqtszhj]

Why anyone even considers a 380 for defense in any size or configuration is a huge mystery to me.

Save the caliber wars, I change my mind on a lot of things but never this.

You know we love you Colonel, but I’m starting a pool.

I remember a guy one time who was known as Bawanna 45 who was a 1911 guy in .45 cal. I believe he recently started carrying a 9mm 1911. Anybody want to estimate when he will have a Colt government 1911 style in .380. Place your bets before the opportunity closes.

:behindsofa:

[yqtszhj]

380acp especially with ball ammo will do the job and has no problem putting down an attacker. The simple reason people choose 380acp is because they have physical limitations do to injury or age, so 22lr or 380acp are the logical options. You'll notice that the S&W EZ and other 380s are designed to even have easier to rack slides as well purposely to make them ideal defensive tools for those with limitations.

For others, it's for when they need lightweight deep concealment. It's just that simple. When nothing else can be concealed and/or if weight is a major concern, one can still be armed with 6+1 rounds that will be able to penetrate and kill an attacker, or if nothing else, make him rethink his decisions.

FYI: Because J-frames were brought up, a LCP and other small 380s are considerably smaller in all dimensions while having 2 extra rounds. Even the LCP 9 Max is smaller in width, length, height, and almost 4 onces in weight (unloaded) than an Air Weight J-frame while offering 10+1 capacity (over twice the capacity).

It should be very understandable why people choose 380acp for self-defense purposes.

I carried an LCP for years when I could carry nothing else. I’ve migrated to a semi full size higher capacity 9mm now since I retired. Try to carry nothing any smaller than that these days. I would still carry the LCP if there was no other way to carry anything else. I really like the full size grip I can get on the bigger guns now over even something like the sig p365 with an extended mag. I guess I’m in the carry a bigger gun and who cares if it prints camp.

[Bawanna]

My point was if a person is ok with a 380, something the size of the LCP or Kahr etc kind of makes sense. Small easy to hide and almost like it's not even there which it might as well not be. My point is why carry a large gun like a 1911 or any of the larger plastic fantastics in 380 when for the same size one can get a 9mm.
I'd like to get in on the pool but kind of reluctant. Any benefit I might incur would only show up upon my demise.
I'm glad you love me though. Hopefully not in any mano on mano way ya know?

For those who are fine and dandy with a 380, carry on. A lot of gun benefit is just confidence in what you carry. Be safe.

And King Rat I didn't intend to imply that you started a caliber war. If any one did it was probably me as usual. Not a war, maybe just a skirmish.

[yqtszhj]

My point was if a person is ok with a 380, something the size of the LCP or Kahr etc kind of makes sense. Small easy to hide and almost like it's not even there which it might as well not be. My point is why carry a large gun like a 1911 or any of the larger plastic fantastics in 380 when for the same size one can get a 9mm.
I'd like to get in on the pool but kind of reluctant. Any benefit I might incur would only show up upon my demise.
I'm glad you love me though. Hopefully not in any mano on mano way ya know?

For those who are fine and dandy with a 380, carry on. A lot of gun benefit is just confidence in what you carry. Be safe.

And King Rat I didn't intend to imply that you started a caliber war. If any one did it was probably me as usual. Not a war, maybe just a skirmish.

No Mano Mano here. And I’m with you on everything you said.

Here you go, I’ll start something else. I just ordered another budget AR (even though I don’t need one) just because you never know when we might no longer be able to get them and they’re cheap right now. Might get another one next month if the price is still right. Probably need to get some more mags too.

[DavidR]

I carry a P365-380 everywhere I go. While it’s not any smaller than the same pistol in 9mm the carry weight is about 6 ounces less. I shoot it faster and more accurately than the 9mm version.

[Bawanna]

No Mano Mano here. And I’m with you on everything you said.

Here you go, I’ll start something else. I just ordered another budget AR (even though I don’t need one) just because you never know when we might no longer be able to get them and they’re cheap right now. Might get another one next month if the price is still right. Probably need to get some more mags too.

Already happened to us in Washington. No AR's to be sold. Hoping when our governor is gone and hopefully our Attorney General doesn't become governor we can turn all this crap back to normal and get back on track. I'm hopeful but not totally optimistic.

[King Rat]

You know we love you Colonel, but I’m starting a pool.

I remember a guy one time who was known as Bawanna 45 who was a 1911 guy in .45 cal. I believe he recently started carrying a 9mm 1911. Anybody want to estimate when he will have a Colt government 1911 style in .380. Place your bets before the opportunity closes.

:behindsofa:

The Colonel carrying a Pip squeak 9MM? A 1911 9mm?

https://i.imgur.com/C87k46v.jpg

[Bawanna]

I know I'm semi ashamed of myself. It's like when I got my F word van at first. I got tired of driving around with a paper sack over my head so nobody would know it was me. Helped some when I cut out some eye holes but not much.

[King Rat]

Already happened to us in Washington. No AR's to be sold. Hoping when our governor is gone and hopefully our Attorney General doesn't become governor we can turn all this crap back to normal and get back on track. I'm hopeful but not totally optimistic.

Dang, I did not know you lived in Communist held territory. So what is the most popular rifle now for Protection against the Commi's? Mini 14 would seem to be a good choice. A good lever action would be also. Love your Henry. I have a 22 Octagon. Thinking about one in another caliber. I have a AR now, but also thinking about a different caliber in that as well. I have a feeling the Commi's are going to ban 5.56 Thankfully, I have many shotguns.

[BirdsThaWord]

I am only able to pocket a tiny 380 at work (business slacks) or it would still be a CW9 in my pocket. All other times there is a 9 or 45 on my hip, but that 380 is still in the pocket, just in case the 9 or 45 poops out. Then at least I got sumthin. I would not want to be shot by a ball ammo 380 at close range. Less so by a well placed shot. I’ve shot them clean through well aged 2x4’s and don’t think my skull is quite as hard as one of those.

[Bawanna]

Dang, I did not know you lived in Communist held territory. So what is the most popular rifle now for Protection against the Commi's? Mini 14 would seem to be a good choice. A good lever action would be also. Love your Henry. I have a 22 Octagon. Thinking about one in another caliber. I have a AR now, but also thinking about a different caliber in that as well. I have a feeling the Commi's are going to ban 5.56 Thankfully, I have many shotguns.

Well they also implemented 10 round mag limits (again). Had it before and it expired and wasn't renewed. Now they are back again. I have a Mini 14, and my AR, seldom shoot either. Actually had the AR for probably 6 or 7 years and bet it don't have a 100 rounds thru it. Many more thru the Mini 14 which I've had for probably 40 years or more but seldom shoot these days. I got lots of mags for the AR, could use another case or two of ammo to fill them all up.
Truthfully I'd probably grab my Ruger PC (yes in 9) before either of the first two. It's handy size, takes Glock mags and is accurate. Not that the others aren't. Guess babysitting 40 AR's during my PD days burned me out on them, not sure. Or maybe lack of a wood stock or too tiny a hole in the barrel.

I have a 45/70 Henry that matches that little 22 perfectly. I like Lever guns a lot too. Heck I like everything that goes bang. Some more than others I guess.

[skiflydive]

We should all be reminded that WW1 was started with a .380 and RFK was assassinated with a .22.

[JohnR]

The Archduke and RFK weren’t adrenaline-stoked thugs ready to shoot back, though.

All handgun calibers suck! Carry a 30-06 or nuttin’!

[getsome]

Well they also implemented 10 round mag limits (again). Had it before and it expired and wasn't renewed. Now they are back again. I have a Mini 14, and my AR, seldom shoot either. Actually had the AR for probably 6 or 7 years and bet it don't have a 100 rounds thru it. Many more thru the Mini 14 which I've had for probably 40 years or more but seldom shoot these days. I got lots of mags for the AR, could use another case or two of ammo to fill them all up.
Truthfully I'd probably grab my Ruger PC (yes in 9) before either of the first two. It's handy size, takes Glock mags and is accurate. Not that the others aren't. Guess babysitting 40 AR's during my PD days burned me out on them, not sure. Or maybe lack of a wood stock or too tiny a hole in the barrel.

I have a 45/70 Henry that matches that little 22 perfectly. I like Lever guns a lot too. Heck I like everything that goes bang. Some more than others I guess.


I understand completely, I bought a really nice AR-15 a couple years back because I figured they would outlaw them or the mags but I have never fell in love with the AR platform as a usable rifle…..For Christmas this year my son gave me a three point sling for it which I’m still trying to figure out how to adjust the length so as not to choke myself out getting it over my head to a somewhat comfortable carrying, shooting position…….As much as I try to love that rifle it seems awkward and hard to use for me unlike my favorite rifle, an older Marlin 336 30-30 which is smooth as butter and with a simple basic leather strap works fine all day in the woods……Guess I’m just old school, I like simple things that work………

[yqtszhj]

I understand completely, I bought a really nice AR-15 a couple years back because I figured they would outlaw them or the mags but I have never fell in love with the AR platform as a usable rifle…..For Christmas this year my son gave me a three point sling for it which I’m still trying to figure out how to adjust the length so as not to choke myself out getting it over my head to a somewhat comfortable carrying, shooting position…….As much as I try to love that rifle it seems awkward and hard to use for me unlike my favorite rifle, an older Marlin 336 30-30 (tel:336 30-30) which is smooth as butter and with a simple basic leather strap works fine all day in the woods……Guess I’m just old school, I like simple things that work………

I think a really nice 5.56 caliber rifle is the Ruger mini 14. Son #1 has one and with the classic wood stock it is just plain nice. But they sure come at a premium price compared to some other rifles.

[Bawanna]

You should of heard the officers when I told them one time if it was up to me, they'd all have Winchester 94's in their gun racks. I was serious.
I think the thing with the AR is it's like Mr. Potato Head, all the crap you can hang on one. They start out light, relatively handy, but hang everything including a cup holder on them and thing head south. Course LE and military want all that gizmo's and gadgets they can get.
Granted I have a lot of stuff on mine but I don't plan to carry to battle. It'll got to battle outside my home if the need arrives.

[kenemoore]

I never owned an AR until I thought Hillary might get elected. Bought it, 1000 rounds of ammo, and (5) 30 round magazines. So far, I have never shot it. I do shoot my AK every now and then, mostly because I loaded up on cheap Russian ammo.

A guy told me AR's are like Barbie dolls for men. You are always swapping out the accessories.

[JohnR]

I kind of like the ergonomics of the AR. But I prefer the look and feel of the Mini 14.

[King Rat]

You should of heard the officers when I told them one time if it was up to me, they'd all have Winchester 94's in their gun racks. I was serious.
I think the thing with the AR is it's like Mr. Potato Head, all the crap you can hang on one. They start out light, relatively handy, but hang everything including a cup holder on them and thing head south. Course LE and military want all that gizmo's and gadgets they can get.
Granted I have a lot of stuff on mine but I don't plan to carry to battle. It'll got to battle outside my home if the need arrives.

When my son came back from Iraq, his goal was to continue with other combat schools where he would need to use the AR to continue qualifying. I asked him if he wanted a AR and he said ONLY if it was totally Spec. No fancy trigger, nothing that I would not use in Military issue. I did get him a simple PSA for $500.00. He surpised both his Mother and myself and told us he will not re-up this July. Actually this Proud Troop feels that he is not supported by his Country.
Just saw where the Military Recruiters announced they missed their recruitment goal by 41,000. And they attributed it to the Biden Admin and the total crap that is going on.
He gave me back the AR. I most likely will sell it and buy a lever action if possible. Heck, even a bolt action in 223 would for me be a better choice. Guess I am a Fudd. That is OK. (But a Proud, American flag waving Fudd for sure)

It may not be long before they are banned. If Biden wins, it will be over for that platform.

[Barth]

I personally don't even own and AR.
All my rifles run iron sights except one.
Did put a Bushnell TRS-25 on my AK74 just to see what all the fuss was about.
It's 100% co-witness with the existing irons.
https://i.imgur.com/ArrMuQz.jpg?1

[BirdsThaWord]

I dig the AR’s, but like some here, love the looks and feel of a mini 14. So cool with a folder! Heck, if it was good enough for the A Team, must be good. : ) I had the newer one at some point, with the thicker barrel, but let it go. If I ever get one again, it would have to be that newer version with the thicker barrel.
In SHTF scenario’s though, like the Colonel, I’m grabbing my folded AR9. That and a compensated Glock 17. They take the same mags, and with the wife & son all being outfitted the same, we can toss each other mags if needed. We each have an AR9, a compensated Glock 17 (all police trade-in’s got at a great price) and multiple 17 rounders in our kits (along with a few of the 33 rounders each too).

[yqtszhj]

I personally don't even own and AR.
All my rifles run iron sights except one.
Did put a Bushnell TRS-25 on my AK74 just to see what all the fuss was about.
It's 100% co-witness with the existing irons.
https://i.imgur.com/ArrMuQz.jpg?1

Im with you on the iron sights and have them on my guns. But old age is catching up to me fast and I just can’t see like I did, so I’ve hade to do the red dot thing on some rifles, but they all cowitness with the remaining irons. I’ve been pondering a low power optic, maybe 1-4, to see how it works out. Fortunately AR peep style sights are still pretty usable for my eyes, but my guns with sights like your ak74 I just can’t see any more because the rear sight is too far away from my eyes. 👀

[Bawanna]

When my son came back from Iraq, his goal was to continue with other combat schools where he would need to use the AR to continue qualifying. I asked him if he wanted a AR and he said ONLY if it was totally Spec. No fancy trigger, nothing that I would not use in Military issue. I did get him a simple PSA for $500.00. He surpised both his Mother and myself and told us he will not re-up this July. Actually this Proud Troop feels that he is not supported by his Country.
Just saw where the Military Recruiters announced they missed their recruitment goal by 41,000. And they attributed it to the Biden Admin and the total crap that is going on.
He gave me back the AR. I most likely will sell it and buy a lever action if possible. Heck, even a bolt action in 223 would for me be a better choice. Guess I am a Fudd. That is OK. (But a Proud, American flag waving Fudd for sure)

It may not be long before they are banned. If Biden wins, it will be over for that platform.

I'm hankering for a 6.5 Creedmore. Heard really good things about it. A bolt action for me as well.

[berettabone]

I'd love one of these...........https://files.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/m1a-socom16-alt-feature-1600x1200-1-768x576.png

[Bawanna]

I'd love the one in wood. Almost got one right before the big change. Could get them for around 700. Next day almost 3 times that much. Fella I knew from another department bought 6. Couldn't talk him out of one. Haven't been able to pull one off yet but it ain't over yet.

[JohnR]

If I didn’t have an M1, I’d get an M1A like that. In wood.

[jeepster09]

Well I like my SFAR Ruger......a whole lot lighter than M1A :boink:

[Armybrat]

Gifted a Colt LE6920 and a S&W Sport to my sons several years ago along with extra mags and a bunch of ammo, just in case a ban happened.
One son shot his a couple of times and the other ….. probably not. They are just sitting in their safes.

Within the past year I bought two more ARs, both from PSA, and more Pmags just to have in case the grandkids might want one.
I do not plan to shoot them myself, and if the kids don’t want them, they can always sell or trade them for something they can use.

[BirdsThaWord]

I'd love one of these...........https://files.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/m1a-socom16-alt-feature-1600x1200-1-768x576.png
Now those are downright SEXY! Would have each if I could.

[Bawanna]

We had two M14's at the department we got from the military. Guess after I retired they had to give them back. They were both full auto. We called them Thelma and Louise. I refinished the stocks super shiny as we used them for parade rifles although they did make a trip to the range periodically. Great fun.

[Barth]

Gifted a Colt LE6920 and a S&W Sport to my sons several years ago along with extra mags and a bunch of ammo, just in case a ban happened.


Never really into rifles.
But when the Brady Bill ended and there were continual talks of more gun and mag capacity bans.
Bought an AK pistol that ran 5.56 NATO ammo, bunch of 30 round waffle mags and a case of M855 ammo :p
Still have the little monster -
https://i.imgur.com/ArrMuQz.jpg?1

[kenemoore]

We still used M14's in the Navy, when I was in, back in the 70's.
When we had a security alert (we had a drill every day when in port), half the responders got issued M14's, and half got Mossberg pump shotguns, each weapon had a destination on it, so you never knew your location assignment ahead of time.
Got to fire one 30 round mag per year for "Fam firing". Used to throw a cardboard box off the fantail, and let go in full auto until the box sank, or was out of range. Sure wish I owned one, but ammo cost would be a bear.

[Bawanna]

We had a career Navy officer at the department, he said the same. Had no use for the AR. Apparently 223's just bounce off ship metal. I sure wanted to bring home Thelma and Louise, probably should have, maybe would have had I known they were gonna give them back.

[Bawanna]

The Colonel carrying a Pip squeak 9MM? A 1911 9mm?

https://i.imgur.com/C87k46v.jpg

I couldn't bare it any longer. This morning I put the 9mm 1911 Tisas in the safe for a rest and strapped on the CBob "45". It feels GOODer.