You gotta use what works for you. If 380 suits you best, shoot it. Some people may not think 380 is not enough, but it will do its job for SD. Remember, in instances of Self Defense, you are shooting to STOP the threat, not KILL. Although you accept that firing at another human may be fatile. I believe a 380 is capable of stopping threats. try some different weapons out, and with whats most comfortable
.357, .38 or .380?
- Thread starter LightHouse Lady
- Start date
MaxHeadSpace
Moderator
Hold on a second here --
I didn't wade through the thread, and so this may have been already addressed:
"Is it big enough to do what it needs to do?"
Carrying a firearm for personal defense is not like buying a magic wand. You need to know how to use it, need to understand how it works, and you need to be trained in self-defense. The gun is not a magic amulet that provides you with invincible security just because it's there -- and big enough.
YOU need to know what you need to do.
So, go back to Square One. Get some knowledgeable instruction on self-defense, personal protection. Learn how to be aware of your surroundings, assess potential threat, avoid dangerous situations.
If you can't rack a 9mm Glock, and aren't sure that it's called "racking" then the first person you decide to defend yourself against with a firearm is going to take that gun away from you and kill you with it.
I didn't wade through the thread, and so this may have been already addressed:
"Is it big enough to do what it needs to do?"
Carrying a firearm for personal defense is not like buying a magic wand. You need to know how to use it, need to understand how it works, and you need to be trained in self-defense. The gun is not a magic amulet that provides you with invincible security just because it's there -- and big enough.
YOU need to know what you need to do.
So, go back to Square One. Get some knowledgeable instruction on self-defense, personal protection. Learn how to be aware of your surroundings, assess potential threat, avoid dangerous situations.
If you can't rack a 9mm Glock, and aren't sure that it's called "racking" then the first person you decide to defend yourself against with a firearm is going to take that gun away from you and kill you with it.
Unlikely. Statistics say that 9 times out of 10 the attacker will run at the sight of the gun--there's not even any need to fire it.
I'm not trivializing the value of practice--it is critically essential for the other 10% of the time. More importantly it insures safe handling and helps a person build confidence. The value of those things can not be overstated.
LHL, see if you can test shoot a Ruger P95. The slide is very easy to operate, the recoil is mild and you get a little more oomph and capacity than you will with a .38 revolver or with a typical .380.
LightHouse Lady
New member
Gee, I can see that I will be spending much time at the range trying out these fantastic guns that you have recommended. 
While it is true that I don't know the terms to use and know very little about guns, I intend to learn here, by reading and then by going to a class and then practicing.
I am glad that I started here. There are so many people willing to share what they know about the different guns and not just a salesman trying to sell one.
LL
While it is true that I don't know the terms to use and know very little about guns, I intend to learn here, by reading and then by going to a class and then practicing.
I am glad that I started here. There are so many people willing to share what they know about the different guns and not just a salesman trying to sell one.
LL
My wife had similar issues until we went to the gun store and she tried the triggers on just about every revolver they had. She found a nice older S&W model 36 snub with a nice broken in trigger that is better than any gun I have. 
I put a Pachmayr compact grip on it with the finger rest and she loves it.
Point being, look around. Go and touch some guns and see what feels good to you and what you can handle. Nice thing about a revolver is you can change the grips to get just the fit you want.
I put a Pachmayr compact grip on it with the finger rest and she loves it. Point being, look around. Go and touch some guns and see what feels good to you and what you can handle. Nice thing about a revolver is you can change the grips to get just the fit you want.
SugarmillMan
New member
Colt, PPK or Sig
I agree with the Duke. The Colt Mustang, Walther PPK and Sig 232 are all excellent choices in .380 caliber. All of them are well made, easy to operate and highly reliable! Great choices for a anyone with difficulty in racking the slide.
I agree with the Duke. The Colt Mustang, Walther PPK and Sig 232 are all excellent choices in .380 caliber. All of them are well made, easy to operate and highly reliable! Great choices for a anyone with difficulty in racking the slide.
LightHouse Lady
New member
You know, after reading the threads and talking to my son in law, I think I am going to get a revolver. Then after practice and living with the gun a while, get the semi auto.
Shame on you! You are ALL enablers
. Now, I am thinking of getting TWO guns not one. Ha
So my thinking is why get a 357 to shoot 38 bullets? My friend who let me use her 357 can't answer that. Is it because it is heavier than the 38 and therefore less recoil?
Thanks,
LL
Shame on you! You are ALL enablers
. Now, I am thinking of getting TWO guns not one. HaSo my thinking is why get a 357 to shoot 38 bullets? My friend who let me use her 357 can't answer that. Is it because it is heavier than the 38 and therefore less recoil?
Thanks,
LL
Hard call...
I would suggest either the Bersa or a very good small all steel 357 revolver as mentioned and just shoot standard 38 specials in it...
Now for what it's worth... if you are really really serious about the Bersa 380 I would humbly suggest you look real close at a Sig 232 or possibly even a Sig 239 (yes, I know I'm straying far from the original question)... but if there is anyway you can manage the extra money... you will never regret it.
I would suggest either the Bersa or a very good small all steel 357 revolver as mentioned and just shoot standard 38 specials in it...
Now for what it's worth... if you are really really serious about the Bersa 380 I would humbly suggest you look real close at a Sig 232 or possibly even a Sig 239 (yes, I know I'm straying far from the original question)... but if there is anyway you can manage the extra money... you will never regret it.
The reason I suggested a Ruger GP 100 is because they do not have the internal lock on it like a Smith & Wesson and Ruger does not make a .38. If you could find a good used S&W Model 10 or 64 without the internal lock they would be a good choice. Rugers cost less than S&W, but that should be the last thing you consider in something that could save your life.
MaxHeadSpace
Moderator
You're missing my point (OP), and seemingly don't appreciate hyperbole. What needs to be addressed here in NOT whether the attacker might take the gun from the user but that having a firearm is not some sort of magic, protective amulet which will miraculously protect the owner.
That's pretty much a paraphrase from Massad Ayoob in "The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery, 5th Ed." (Iola Il : F+W Publications, 2002)
There's a modicum of reliable information in these forums, but it too often gets served up with a superfluous accouterment of swagger and bravado. One needs to come to grips with the fundamental proposition that using a gun in self-defense will expose you to potentially life threatening reactions, and that if you aren't trained and proficient, there's every chance that you'll be overpowered.
YOU are the defense system. The handgun is just a tool.
That's pretty much a paraphrase from Massad Ayoob in "The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery, 5th Ed." (Iola Il : F+W Publications, 2002)
There's a modicum of reliable information in these forums, but it too often gets served up with a superfluous accouterment of swagger and bravado. One needs to come to grips with the fundamental proposition that using a gun in self-defense will expose you to potentially life threatening reactions, and that if you aren't trained and proficient, there's every chance that you'll be overpowered.
YOU are the defense system. The handgun is just a tool.
GP 100
I've been following the replies. The question has become, in essence, why buy a .357 and shoot 38s?
I have had advancing arthritis in my hands for years. My very first handgun was a Ruger GP 100 that I bought in 1987 because I thought the "bigger the bark, the larger the bite." I have since gone...and abandoned...the.380 route...including owning both the PPK and (still) the Sig 232.
I shoot 38's in the Ruger .357 for several valid reasons: less felt recoil, very accurate handgun and less expensive to shoot. True, GP100 is a heavier handgun than many, but it surpasses all my other .38/.357 options because of the lessened recoil. Moreover, I am not at all worried about any diminished impact of the .38. Law enforcement used that caliber for decades. Yes, there may be perceived "better" loads out there, but I sure would not want to be on the receiving end of a .38, whether fired out of a .38 or a .357!!!
Check 'em all out...you'll find your own best option.
I've been following the replies. The question has become, in essence, why buy a .357 and shoot 38s?
I have had advancing arthritis in my hands for years. My very first handgun was a Ruger GP 100 that I bought in 1987 because I thought the "bigger the bark, the larger the bite." I have since gone...and abandoned...the.380 route...including owning both the PPK and (still) the Sig 232.
I shoot 38's in the Ruger .357 for several valid reasons: less felt recoil, very accurate handgun and less expensive to shoot. True, GP100 is a heavier handgun than many, but it surpasses all my other .38/.357 options because of the lessened recoil. Moreover, I am not at all worried about any diminished impact of the .38. Law enforcement used that caliber for decades. Yes, there may be perceived "better" loads out there, but I sure would not want to be on the receiving end of a .38, whether fired out of a .38 or a .357!!!
Check 'em all out...you'll find your own best option.
Not to stray too far off topic, I was advised when purchasing my first revolver to get a .357 because I could shoot both it and .38spl. ammunition.
I don't like shooting .357, and all future revolvers I purchased were of the .38spl variety. My experience has been that my .38spl revolvers shoot more accurately using their caliber than the .357 shooting .38spl. The best shooting .38spl ammo in my .357 was that which most closely matched the overall length of a .357 cartridge. I have been told, mostly by internet experts
) the reason for this is the distance the bullet has to travel to reach the forcing cone. Shorter bullets often "slam" into the forcing cone and distort because they have more travel in the chamber.
I would often get lots of flyers and tumblers using the shorter bullets in my .357. Like I said, just my experience.
I don't like shooting .357, and all future revolvers I purchased were of the .38spl variety. My experience has been that my .38spl revolvers shoot more accurately using their caliber than the .357 shooting .38spl. The best shooting .38spl ammo in my .357 was that which most closely matched the overall length of a .357 cartridge. I have been told, mostly by internet experts
) the reason for this is the distance the bullet has to travel to reach the forcing cone. Shorter bullets often "slam" into the forcing cone and distort because they have more travel in the chamber. I would often get lots of flyers and tumblers using the shorter bullets in my .357. Like I said, just my experience.
Not only does using a gun in self defense so expose you, it also exposes you to potential criminal and civil litigation and the accompanying costs, frustratations and anxiety. It is not a step to be taken lightly or on a whim.
That said, if you are committed to getting yourself trained and to practicing to become proficient, here's another vote for the Ruger GP100. Practice mostly with .38 special for accuracy, economy and softer recoile and load it with .357 magnum for stopping power for self defense purposes. And don't neglect occasional practice with .357 rounds.
.357 Magnum is the same bullet diameter as .38 Special, but is in a slightly longer case that allows for more gunpowder and thus more velocity and energy. Downside is more recoil and sometimes flame.
A gun chambered in .38 cannot shoot .357, but a .357 can shoot .38's. So a .357 gun will give you more options in ammo. There is a small degree of accuracy loss shooting .38's from a .357 but most would probably agree that it is negligible for self-defense purposes.
I think your plan of revolver first and later a semi-auto is excellent. But do also consider a shotgun in either 12 or 20 gauge. For self defense in the home the shotgun excels beyond the handgun for the most part.
Good Luck.
A gun chambered in .38 cannot shoot .357, but a .357 can shoot .38's. So a .357 gun will give you more options in ammo. There is a small degree of accuracy loss shooting .38's from a .357 but most would probably agree that it is negligible for self-defense purposes.
I think your plan of revolver first and later a semi-auto is excellent. But do also consider a shotgun in either 12 or 20 gauge. For self defense in the home the shotgun excels beyond the handgun for the most part.
Good Luck.