.38 or .380, can't make up my mind

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.
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If you are happy with your 40 when clothing permits CCW with it, and want another for warm weather go with the 380.
My "team" consists of a Springer XD40 Subcompact & LCP. Works great!
 
I prefer the revolver myself. To my mind, the main role for such a small gun is pocket carry (if I were going to use a different method of carry, I'd be carrying a bigger gun). I have found a small revolver to be easier to conceal in a pocket that a comparably-sized semi-auto because the more rounded contour of the revolver looks more like a generic lump in my pocket wheras the more squarish contours of a semi-auto are more easily identified as a gun.

The only semi-autos which I've found to be as easy or easier to conceal in a pocket are the very small ones like the Kel-Tec P3AT, Ruger LCP, or Taurus TCP. I just can't bring myself to completely trust such small guns though. I am a firm believer that something can only be miniaturized so far without making sacrifices. By going so small with a .380, one is forced to use a short-recoil design which is inherently more complicated than an unlocked blowback, compounded with trying to balance the proper recoil spring weight for such a light slide while still managing to keep it light enough for the average user to be able to work the slide and you've got a pretty narrow set of tolerances.

Also, I trust the performance of a good .38 Special +P such as Speer's 135grn SBGD or the 158grn LSWCHP as loaded by Winchester, Remington, Federal (LEO loading), and Buffalo Bore more than I do a .380 JHP, particularly when fired from an abbreviated barrel.
 
Now if he had asked what he should get for his next CC your post would be a great idea.
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I believe if you go back and read the first post, thats exactly what the first line asked. :rolleyes:

I also didnt see anything there that said it was limited to those two rounds specifically, but maybe I did read into it.

Having owned and used a number of both, and knowing how they are, I figured I offer an alternative that I felt, and still do feel, is more practical overall, and much more shootable. I said that too, and also said go with what works best for him.

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.
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Well, thats a definite, maybe. The big difference is the shootabilty and hitting what needs hit thats generally the difference. If you need to shoot farther or through things, the .380s are falling fast, and of the three, +P+ 9mm is running closer to 357MAG/357SIG than it is .38, but of course, you can argue numbers on paper all day with nothing gained. Go with what works for you and be happy. You can decide if its enough when you need it. Hopefully, if its not, you have enough ammo in the gun to keep working at it.

I still shoot the .380's I have, as well as the Airweight .38's, a couple of times a month, and I use appropriate ammo, +P level reloads mostly, that mimics what I carry in them. As long as things stay relitively close, its not to bad, but as the distance opens up, you really need to be on top of your game with both the snubbies and little autos (my hits at 25 yards with the 26 are usualy better than my hits with the Airweights and .380's at 10-15, so it is something to consider). They also require more paractice, thats usually brutal and painful, especially with the Airweights using appropriate ammo. 50 rounds is usually enough for me, 100 for sure, and my hand hates me for a couple of days after. But if youre into that, then the Airweights for you. The little .380's arent near as bad, but they are usually no treat either.



If you want to chastise me some more, feel free. Im sure youll find something to tear into.

As Ive said a couple of times now, choose what you want, there are a lot of things out there to pick from. The only way to really know whats going to work for you, is to stop asking and start buying/renting/borrowing and shoot the hell out of them. Everyone else's opinions aside, you have to decide what best fits your needs. Cant get that reading, you have to pull the trigger and wear them around awhile and see how it goes.

Me....... well..... do I really need to say it again? :D
 
My wife has a 2" J frame, I have a 3" J frame, and a Kahr P380. I use the Kahr all the time. I am never without it. The J Frame is handy as well, and will fit in a front pants pocket, but it is not as convenient as the .380. I like the idea of having more power, but the .380 insures that I'm never tempted to leave it at home or in the car.

As far as quick loading, the J-frame loads with a speed loader just about as fast as an auto does if you are willing to pratice a bit.

Bill
 
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I have 380's and J frame. I carry a 380 a lot more and don't feel unarmed . Now if you feel need for a 380 long I would buy a Kahr PM9 not brand X that started this caliber 380/38 not enough debate .:rolleyes: My CW9 is a great 380 long.:D
 
AK
I have shot both. I like both and am having a hard time deciding. Thats why i started this post in the first place. And i think i made it pretty clear that i am set on the two calibers and not the 9mm. I wasn't asking what kind of gun to get i was asking if anyone had the same issue as me and if so i was curious what the outcome was. If i was looking for advice in which Glock to buy then you would have been more than helpful but thats not the case, so your words have not really been any use to me. Although like i said before, i appreciate your opinion but not what i was looking for as a response to my original inquiry.
 
Do you plan on carrying a reload as well? If yes the .380 would be easier to reload by popping a new magazine in. I like revolvers knowing that I can press it against someone without worrying about a jam. But semi's are great for more rounds and an easier reload. It is very realistic that any self defense situations we would find ourselves in would be up close and personal so the revolver is always appealing.
 
Had an LCP an couldn't got a thing past 20 feet. Went back to my .38 ultralight. I don't have the accuracy problems that others have with j-frames. I can hit what I'm pointing at with my .38 reliably, so that's the one I kept.
 
Foochacho
I don't plan on mugging anyone so i won't be sticking the gun up against anyone but thanks for the link. I'm sure that will be helpful in my decision. I have about another week or so to make up my mind so i will most definately be checking that out.
 
I've owned a bunch of j-frames and a couple Glocks. No longer own either.
I can't hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with a j-frame, and any double stack feels like carrying a chunk of 2x4 on the hip or a brick in the pocket.

If your choice is .38 or .380, I would pick the Kahr P380 (it's on my "want" list right now). I've been down the KT road (never again) and currently own an LCP. It works fine, but given my experience with Kahrs (PM9, P45, PM45) I'm pretty sure the P380 will be the best .380 money can buy. I'll find out one day soon.

In the mean time, if you want an LCP, let me know. :)
 
Do you reload?

There are more important things to consider, but from a reloaders point of view here's my take on the two.

The .380 is cheaper to reload than the .38 special in that each load uses less powder. However, the .380 is my least favorite round to reload for. Those tiny little cases are no fun with my big fat fingers, (I just don't know how guys stand to reload .32's and .25's.)

As for power, there is less difference here than most people think. The hottest .380 loads hit with around 290 ft-lbs of energy, the hottest .38 special loads hit with about 350 ft-lbs of energy. Significant, but not huge difference.

Here's some hot .380 loads

Here's some hot .38 special loads
 
I was thinking more of being the muggee never know when an attacker with a knife is going to come barreling at you when you pull a pistol to defend yourself.
 
this may be wired but try a AMT 380 Backup pistol.....i know they are out of business but mags an such are available....but here its is....they were a loved backup for police, they are indestructable and plus +P+ rated, and completely stainless and DAO hammered!

Just a thought :)

I have a 9mm an 45 version, if you hold one you'll see what i mean about them
 
I own a S&W Airweight 637 and a Ruger LCP. The snub was my main CCW piece but I find the Ruger a lot easier to grab and go. A quick trip to the store and the LCP is easy to drop into my pocket. The Airweight? Not so much.

A lot of people can pocket carry the Airweights but to me they are just too big for pocket carry. It always looks like I've got a gun in my pocket.

As far as cartridge, I favor the .38 but in a pinch, the LCP allows me to have a gun with me all the time. That gets the LCP the nod in my book and is now my main CCW.
 
So... I made up my mind and picked up the tcp 380 today. The easier to conceal and extra mag are what did it for me. Thanks for your input and when i get paid on friday i'll hit up the range and post my thoughts afterwards
 
My daily carry is a Tarus 85 or my Bersa .380 .
I am a smaller frame guy , about 145 lbs. \ 5' 6" ,both are reliabel & carry quite comfortable on me.
 
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