I'm having a hard time making up my mind on my next ccw choice. I like the idea of the simplicity of a revolver but the reloading time can be slow. I like the capacity of the .380 where i can carry a spare mag in my pocket. The .38 packs more punch but the .380 has more capacity and is easier to conceal in the summertime... Has anyone else had the same problem? If so then what did you decide on, why, and are you happy with your decision? Btw i already know which models i'll get either way.
.38 or .380, can't make up my mind
- Thread starter ARick81
- Start date
Thanks for the laugh AK.. If my daughter's cabbage patch doll ever asks me to buy her a gun i now know which one to get. I want concealable for the summertime when my .40 won't do. Not something that will fit on my keychain. I'm not a glock guy either but i appreciate the post.
atlctyslkr
New member
I've been a 38/357 carrier for years but I appreciate your position on wanting more rounds. I have been thinking about perhaps the Glock 27. With 9 +1 I am doubling my round count plus an extra mag would be no trouble. Currently I carry 2 extra speed loaders. I am thinking more along the lines of the four legged threats which I seem to have more trouble with those and they come in multiples. I know you asked about a .380 but I just don't think that's enough.
I have both and will keep using both. Either one will work - you really need to pick a platform or get both. It is nice to have extra mags and a J frame or LCR are beautiful things. As noted in the many .380 ACP threads of late, the
.380 will for sure work as will the .38 Special.
.380 will for sure work as will the .38 Special.
ARick81,
No problem. A lot of people dont like Glocks, especially at first blush, but they are like crack once they take hold.
Before I picked up my first 26, I was alternating between SIG P230's and my S&W 642's (I carry them as a second gun when I use them). I recently tried and a bad stint with a P238, and ditched that, replaced it with a Ruger LCP, which I still have, but it doesnt do anything better than my Seecamps. I do always carry a Seecamp too by the way, and I dont even have a Cabbage Patch doll!
I know you said you dont like Glocks, and Im not trying to sell you on one here (really!), just wanted to give you an idea as to why I settled on the 26 and my thinking here.
When you compare the Glock 26 to the J frames and the mid to larger size .380's, like PPK's and P230's, there really isnt a whole lot of difference size wise, and they all carry and hide about the same.
I feel the same way about the revolvers as you as far as capacity, reloading, and carrying spare ammo. The .380s tend to be a little better in that respect, but then you have the power issues, and with the smaller guns, and for that matter, the J frames too, shootabilty isnt usually as good either.
The 26 solves pretty much all the issues the others have. While it is a little bigger, its also a 9mm, carries 10 rounds in its mag, can use all the larger Glocks mags as a reload, including the 33 rounder if your feeling frisky, and shoots and handles more like a full size gun at pretty much all distances. A full size 15 or 17 mag gives you a full size grip on the gun too, not that the short grip is an issue, once you get used to it. Ive carried mine in IWB belt, shoulder, and ankle holsters with no troubles, but they are to big for a pocket for the most part. Then again, I dont like pocket carry, even with my Seecamps, so thats really not an issue for me.
Now that I got that off my chest , Id suggest trying to find a place that will let you shoot any and all of the above and anything else you might like, and go from there. Picking what you shoot best is usually always the best choice, and then figure out how best to carry it. I carry a Glock 17 and a double reload, and often a second gun, year round, and really dont have any troubles, and I wear the clothes I always wear.
No problem. A lot of people dont like Glocks, especially at first blush, but they are like crack once they take hold.
Before I picked up my first 26, I was alternating between SIG P230's and my S&W 642's (I carry them as a second gun when I use them). I recently tried and a bad stint with a P238, and ditched that, replaced it with a Ruger LCP, which I still have, but it doesnt do anything better than my Seecamps. I do always carry a Seecamp too by the way, and I dont even have a Cabbage Patch doll!
I know you said you dont like Glocks, and Im not trying to sell you on one here (really!
), just wanted to give you an idea as to why I settled on the 26 and my thinking here. When you compare the Glock 26 to the J frames and the mid to larger size .380's, like PPK's and P230's, there really isnt a whole lot of difference size wise, and they all carry and hide about the same.
I feel the same way about the revolvers as you as far as capacity, reloading, and carrying spare ammo. The .380s tend to be a little better in that respect, but then you have the power issues, and with the smaller guns, and for that matter, the J frames too, shootabilty isnt usually as good either.
The 26 solves pretty much all the issues the others have. While it is a little bigger, its also a 9mm, carries 10 rounds in its mag, can use all the larger Glocks mags as a reload, including the 33 rounder if your feeling frisky, and shoots and handles more like a full size gun at pretty much all distances. A full size 15 or 17 mag gives you a full size grip on the gun too, not that the short grip is an issue, once you get used to it. Ive carried mine in IWB belt, shoulder, and ankle holsters with no troubles, but they are to big for a pocket for the most part. Then again, I dont like pocket carry, even with my Seecamps, so thats really not an issue for me.
Now that I got that off my chest
, Id suggest trying to find a place that will let you shoot any and all of the above and anything else you might like, and go from there. Picking what you shoot best is usually always the best choice, and then figure out how best to carry it. I carry a Glock 17 and a double reload, and often a second gun, year round, and really dont have any troubles, and I wear the clothes I always wear.Living in south FL, and wearing shorts and a t-shirt much of the year, concealment is always paramount to me. I carried a S&W 640 for a couple of years and then went to the same model in an Airweight. The ultra light 340PD.
I carried that for 6 years in the front pocket of cargo shorts or trousers and got tired of the bulk. I now carry a Kahr P380 when I am not carrying my Kahr MK40. The 380 isn't the best SD round out there but it beats nothing and with the extra magazine in the left pocket I have more rounds.
With that particular model carry is easy, recoil is negligible, and the trigger is outstanding making for improved accuracy. The 380 has enabled me to conveniently carry all of the time where in the past I only carried some of the time. As far as the effectiveness of the cartridge compared to the 38spl, the stats speak for themselves. You pays your money and you takes your chances.
I carried that for 6 years in the front pocket of cargo shorts or trousers and got tired of the bulk. I now carry a Kahr P380 when I am not carrying my Kahr MK40. The 380 isn't the best SD round out there but it beats nothing and with the extra magazine in the left pocket I have more rounds.
With that particular model carry is easy, recoil is negligible, and the trigger is outstanding making for improved accuracy. The 380 has enabled me to conveniently carry all of the time where in the past I only carried some of the time. As far as the effectiveness of the cartridge compared to the 38spl, the stats speak for themselves. You pays your money and you takes your chances.
I just ran the same delimma through my mind as well.
Originally,I put a hardchromed 380 LCP on layaway and then thought about it and changed my mind to getting a gun I have been wanting for close to twenty five years.
A shrouded hammer stainless 638 Smith from Bud's.
I already have a Taurus UL 85 snub that is a GREAT gun.
This is a bit smaller and easier to carry -I hope- plus it's still double action/ single action.
I can still buy other guns-I still want a Taurus 740 or if I can get one used cheap a Walther PPS 40 ( hate that mag release though)-but this Smith is my go to gun-I've even been checking out the Kahr CW 40 as a choice as well.
The Taurus was before and still is my current ccw choice-nothing taken from it but this Smith is a slightly easier gun to carry and a classic design.
I'll get it in a couple of months after paying it off of layway and I'll own it a lifetime( just like my 85 too.)
Could not be happier with my choice.
Originally,I put a hardchromed 380 LCP on layaway and then thought about it and changed my mind to getting a gun I have been wanting for close to twenty five years.
A shrouded hammer stainless 638 Smith from Bud's.
I already have a Taurus UL 85 snub that is a GREAT gun.
This is a bit smaller and easier to carry -I hope- plus it's still double action/ single action.
I can still buy other guns-I still want a Taurus 740 or if I can get one used cheap a Walther PPS 40 ( hate that mag release though)-but this Smith is my go to gun-I've even been checking out the Kahr CW 40 as a choice as well.
The Taurus was before and still is my current ccw choice-nothing taken from it but this Smith is a slightly easier gun to carry and a classic design.
I'll get it in a couple of months after paying it off of layway and I'll own it a lifetime( just like my 85 too.)
Could not be happier with my choice.
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AK.
AK..
How long have you worked for Glock? Hows the weather in Austria? Lol i have not looked at the "why do so many ppl hate glocks" thread but i'm willing to bet that you probably published a novel on there by now lol. It's not that i don't like glock, actually i plan on owning one eventually, but at this time it is not what i have in mind. The seecamp would work for me if i was at the beach wearing a speedo but thats not my style. I guess the only reason for the thread is that i have a choice to make here and was hoping for some pursuasion either way. Although i do appreciate your input.
I'm looking at either the Taurus CIA .38 or the Taurus TCP .380... I own the 24/7 pro in .40 and love it, so I plan to stick with Taurus. I don't buy in to the negative hype on these forums when Taurus is mentioned, because I have done my homework and asked the right people before purchasing. Believe me though, the first time Taurus lets me down I will definately spend the extra money on a Glock.
AK..
How long have you worked for Glock? Hows the weather in Austria? Lol i have not looked at the "why do so many ppl hate glocks" thread but i'm willing to bet that you probably published a novel on there by now lol. It's not that i don't like glock, actually i plan on owning one eventually, but at this time it is not what i have in mind. The seecamp would work for me if i was at the beach wearing a speedo but thats not my style. I guess the only reason for the thread is that i have a choice to make here and was hoping for some pursuasion either way. Although i do appreciate your input.
I'm looking at either the Taurus CIA .38 or the Taurus TCP .380... I own the 24/7 pro in .40 and love it, so I plan to stick with Taurus. I don't buy in to the negative hype on these forums when Taurus is mentioned, because I have done my homework and asked the right people before purchasing. Believe me though, the first time Taurus lets me down I will definately spend the extra money on a Glock.
LOL. 
I havent even looked at that thread, swear to Todd, really!
It does feel a bit like we're in Österreich here of late though, but I have been there since the last evolution.
I have an older Taurus Millennium in .45acp. They were the ones with the frame cracking problems, although mine never did. My dads and my buddys, both did, and of course, they bought them on my recommendation. Hey, mine works, what do you want form me?
Go with what you like and works best for you and you wont go wrong.
Did I mention Glock makes a very nice gun though?
I havent even looked at that thread, swear to Todd, really!
It does feel a bit like we're in Österreich here of late though, but I have been there since the last evolution.
I have an older Taurus Millennium in .45acp. They were the ones with the frame cracking problems, although mine never did. My dads and my buddys, both did, and of course, they bought them on my recommendation. Hey, mine works, what do you want form me?
Go with what you like and works best for you and you wont go wrong.
Did I mention Glock makes a very nice gun though?
redstategunnut
New member
You can solve this dilemma with a solution you have not posited: Kahr PM9.
I have a .380, and several j-frames. The .380 never gets out of the safe any more and the j-frames only when I'm feeling nostalgic. The PM9 is the solution.
I have a .380, and several j-frames. The .380 never gets out of the safe any more and the j-frames only when I'm feeling nostalgic. The PM9 is the solution.
L_Killkenny
New member
The very first response we get a "get a Glock" and "get a 9mm" in the same post. Killed 2 birds with one stone! Holy Moses Batman, that has to be a record.
The question at hand was .38 or .380. IMO, they are close enough in power that a proper hit with either will have the same effect, a marginal hit will have the same effect and a miss will have the same effect. So it really comes down to personal preference and I can't help you with that. I'd feel pretty good having 5 shots of .38 but there are some very nice .380's out there also. Handle a bunch, pick the one you like and dance with who brought ya. 99.99% of the time it won't make a beans worth of difference between the 2.
Personally, I say get a .327
LK
The question at hand was .38 or .380. IMO, they are close enough in power that a proper hit with either will have the same effect, a marginal hit will have the same effect and a miss will have the same effect. So it really comes down to personal preference and I can't help you with that. I'd feel pretty good having 5 shots of .38 but there are some very nice .380's out there also. Handle a bunch, pick the one you like and dance with who brought ya. 99.99% of the time it won't make a beans worth of difference between the 2.
Personally, I say get a .327
LK
Yup, youre right. I usually dont do that, but in this case, I thought it was appropriate.
I like and carry Glocks these days, but I'm not as fanatical as some. Use what you like, and long as it works for you. Youre the one that has to live with the choice.
It was, but I still feel the correct answer is 9mm. Im simply basing that on having and using all of them for a long time now, and for what you get from each, "something like" the Glock 26 is really the best "all around" choice, especially if youre going to use it as the main or only gun. These are all "secondary" guns for me, as I carry a full size 99% of the time, and these just supplement it when I feel the need.
If you can get more power, and more capacity, in a similarly sized gun, why woudnt you go that route?
L_Killkenny
New member
AK10, do you really think he didn't know that glocks and 9mm's exist? Heck, I bet my 8 year old daughter could tell you that. He had obviously crossed them off the list for what ever reasons are his. That's what makes post like yours inappropriate. Some posts just cry out "you're an idiot and listen to me". Post like "don't get a revolver semi's are better", "don't get a .380, 9mms are better", "don't buy a Ruger, save you pennies for a S&W", etc etc are all the same and have been beat to death.
Now if he had asked what he should get for his next CC your post would be a great idea. Just has nothing AT ALL to do with the question at hand. Heck your post would fit in just as well in a thread about SA 45s as it did in this thread.
Oh, BTW, what I said about the difference between .38s and .380's also applies to the 9x19. 99.99% of the time it won't make a difference.
LK
Now if he had asked what he should get for his next CC your post would be a great idea. Just has nothing AT ALL to do with the question at hand. Heck your post would fit in just as well in a thread about SA 45s as it did in this thread.
Oh, BTW, what I said about the difference between .38s and .380's also applies to the 9x19. 99.99% of the time it won't make a difference.
LK