.380 For Concealed Carry?

Why the generic 9 mm is better than .380 for defense? That is an easy one. The get a lot better performance out of 9 mm than .380 pretty much across the board, but definitely when you start comparing the same brand and model for the two calibers, such as Federal Hydrashok Premium line.
 
Reading about some of the gun sizes and weights you might be looking at...I would also suggest looking at a Kel Tec P-11...10 rounds of 9mm Cor Bon isn't all bad..and with it's size and weight...check it out.
 
.380 Carry

I have a Bersa .380 which is a PPK clone. I do use it for a CCW at times and I feel comfortable in doing so. Have it loaded up with Gold Dots ;)
My main carry is my Glock 27 loaded with Gold Dots :)
 
When I am going formal or wearing something that makes the 45 to bulky, I carry my Thunder 380 loaded with Magtech Gold 85 Gr.
which is Shoved out at 1082 fps at 221 fp, Its been said many times many ways, Hit what your shooting at, I don't want to get hit with a 22, I have been missed by 7.62's , 51's and 45's along with whatever else Mr Charlie was using & it scared the hell out of me, BUT any of them OR the 22 would have ruined my day. Practice with whatever you are going to carry and you will eventually settle on which is best.

Bobcat:p
 
Here is some interesting data from firearmstactical.com:

Walther PPK/S (CCI/Speer JHP, 88 gr): 914 fps/11.55inches penetration/0.46inches expansion

Sig P226 (Federal JHP +P+, 115 gr): 1237fps/11.25inches penetration/0.53inches expansion

Yeah, I picked the data to favor my argument :) But, I still think the point is valid. There are several 380 ammo brands that put out over 1,050 fps, 220+ fpe, and good penetration/expansion.

In general, 9mm JHP penetrates 10-13 inches and expands to 0.52-0.67. In general, 380 JHP penetrates 8-12 inches and expands 0.5-0.6. Performance is VERY close and obviously depends on length of barrel, specific handgun, and specific ammo. Consider that the P232 has a 3.6" barrel, and the MK9 has a 3.0" barrel. Which gun will have the better performance? I haven't seen the data, but I would bet the difference is closer than you think - that 20% additional length can go a "long" way (pun intended). 20% shorter length in short barrels = 10-15% loss in performance!


My point is that with good ammo, the P232 is no slouch...
 
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I carry a NAA Guardian 380 with Magsafe Defender rounds in my right rear pocket using a Ron Graham rear pocket holster.
 
Here's another vote for the East German Makarov, or any Mak for that matter. I carry mine off duty, shoved down in my waist band under a light jacket, at times or in a coat pocket when it's cold weather. It is basically a hotted up .380 that doesn't jam and is very accurate...

7th
 
Carry a Colt Pocketlight .380 with Hydrashoks in pants pocket often. In dark colored, slightly baggy heavy jeans don't even need a pocket holster. It goes everywhere my .45 is too big to conceal. The DAO trigger is heavy, but with practice it hits where pointed.
 
As Bobcat so correctly stated... practice lots and YOU will decide. Personally I love the Makarov 9x18, Keltec P-32 and P-11 both, Glocks, Bersa .380, Sig .380, and there are more... Practice a lot and you will begin to evolve your decision.
 
My first carry pistol was a .380 (FEG PPK Clone). I still like that pistol, but moved up/down to a P-11. Moved up in caliber, down in weight. However, the .380 IS a bit more concealable than the P-11 because its thinner.
 
I carry a browning BDA and a spare 13 rd mag with federal hydra-shoks, it's a little big because of the mag well but it conceals pretty well in a small of the back holster, I'm thinking about getting a .22 mag for a backup in case I can't get to the .380.
 
Cruzer...

Just remember...anything can be proven with numbers!

Just keep convincing yourself that the .380 is as good as the 9mm. As long as you believe it, that is all that matters.

As long as there are guns like the Kahr MK9 and the S&W J-frame that conceal so well on the ankle, I have no need for a .380.

I had a Sig P230 that was substantially bigger than either of the above mentioned guns, and would not conceal well on the ankle.

If I have to carry it on my belt...it will be a .45.
 
Sundance

I enjoy my 9mm also, But I guarantee my 380 will knock the socks off of the BG too. I also carry a P97 in 45 cal with extremeshocks or Hydrashocks, There are times I don't want the bulk and the area I am going in is not as bad as others.

I carry no gun in an ankle holster as the situations I may get into would make it unrealistic to get at it.

However I see that there would be advantages for some folks with ankle holsters, Guess thats why there are so many different types made when it comes to holsters, Carried my 1911 in a shoulder holster in Nam but that would not be feasible now either


:D

Bobcat
 
Sundance,

Yep, anything can be proven with numbers...except for opinions.

...opinions are like ***holes, everyone has one...

...including you and I.

I think if you can convince yourself that carrying a 40+ ounce, 45 and carrying a 20 ounce .380 is comparable, then you're smokin' something stronger than I am. :o
 
The Ubiquitous .380 ACP

Carry one every day. Either a Colt Govt. .380 or a FEG SMC-380 as described. Compare to the concealability of a J-Frame, which I also own, and there is no contest. If I want a bigger gun I carry a short-barrelled .45.

Regards
 
Cruzer

...opinions are like ***holes, everyone has one...
Click to expand...

Gee...I've never heard that one before...

You get so sensitive anytime somebody doesn't love the .380 as much as you...

I'm not comparing a 20 oz. 380 to a 40 oz. 45. I believe the comparison was between your choice of a Sig P232 and my choice of the S&W J frame or the Kahr MK9. I simply stated that for me, I could not conceal a Sig P232 on my ankle as the butt was two big and I have no trouble concealling a S&W J-frame or a MK9 on my ankle. The only reason I would carry such a small gun is if it were going to be on my ankle. If I have to carry it on my belt, I would just as soon carry a full size .45. If you choose a proper belt, holster, and wardrobe, you can conceal a full-size .45 with no problem whatsoever.

And Bobcat46...I assure you that neither a .380 or any other pistol caliber will knock the socks off anybody. Not even a 12 gauge will do that. If you believe that, be prepared to be disappointed if you have to use it. And with proper practice, you can draw from an ankle pretty damn fast. Not my first choice, but if wardrobe dictates...not a bad choice either.

I thought this was a forum where we could state our opinions...sorry...my mistake.
 
I am a BIG supporter of QuikShok ammo by Triton. Although I favor the Makarov 9x18 and Glock 19 and my Keltec P-11 ...

I would love to have a .380 as dependable and accurate as the above choices and would CERTAINLY load with the formidable QuikShoks. I wish they were made in 9x18

There are a whole lot of Professionals, who use .380 and smaller, but especially .380. I don't have one but an accurate and reliable .380 is certainly a fine choice as shot placement is still the rule -- with any caliber including a 10 gauge slug or buckshot!!!
 
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