Let's talk .380's

TruthTellers said:
I have this crazy wish that a company would come out with a 9mm about the size of a Glock 42 in 9mm -P (yes, MINUS P) basically just a 9mm with a 100 grain bullet or less held to 25,000 PSI max, but capable of shooting some standard pressure 9mm, but with a big huge warning that says "NEVER SHOOT ANY 9mm +P in this firearm" on the slide.

My thinking is one could still have a small gun that shoots slightly more powerful ammo than .380 and be able to shoot a few boxes of standard pressure 9mm just in case they need to.
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You could get a Lone Wolf 9mm Makarov barrel for the Glock G42.
 
JN01 said:
You could get a Lone Wolf 9mm Makarov barrel for the Glock G42.
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Yeah, but that can't shoot 9mm, which is the point of my idea. The power would be comparable to 9x18, maybe slightly higher, but not by much.

And it's not like the 9mm Mak cartridge would be a bad choice, I just like the versatility of being able to shoot standard pressure 9mm, which is much easier to get and cheaper than 9mm Makarov.

It's kind of cool to think the Soviet pistol cartridges that had long been written off as obsolete, commie cartridges are actually pretty decent and ideal self defense options if used with modern powders and bullets and chambered in modern made and quality guns.

7.62x25 in an LC9 and 9x18 in an LCP sized guns would be pretty impressive. The power from 9x18 in a small gun like an LCP beats .380 and the 7.62 Tok in an LC9 would be quite high velocity, low recoil, and the bottleneck case reliable feeder.
 
TruthTellers said:
7.62x25 in an LC9 and 9x18 in an LCP sized guns would be pretty impressive. The power from 9x18 in a small gun like an LCP beats .380 and the 7.62 Tok in an LC9 would be quite high velocity, low recoil, and the bottleneck case reliable feeder.
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That would be quite a feat of engineering given the overall length of the 7.62x25. :p
 
I have this crazy wish that a company would come out with a 9mm about the size of a Glock 42 in 9mm -P (yes, MINUS P) basically just a 9mm with a 100 grain bullet or less held to 25,000 PSI max, but capable of shooting some standard pressure 9mm, but with a big huge warning that says "NEVER SHOOT ANY 9mm +P in this firearm" on the slide.
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It's called the Kahr Arms CM9. With Hornady Critical Defense Lite ammo.
The only difference is the Kahr is a few tenths of an inch smaller in all dimensions, and the ridiculous warning is not needed because it is rated for +P.
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CM9.asp
https://us.glock.com/products/model/g42
https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/handgun/9mm-luger-100-gr-ftx-critical-defense-lite#!/
 
TruthTellers said:
Yeah, but that can't shoot 9mm, which is the point of my idea. The power would be comparable to 9x18, maybe slightly higher, but not by much.

And it's not like the 9mm Mak cartridge would be a bad choice, I just like the versatility of being able to shoot standard pressure 9mm, which is much easier to get and cheaper than 9mm Makarov.

It's kind of cool to think the Soviet pistol cartridges that had long been written off as obsolete, commie cartridges are actually pretty decent and ideal self defense options if used with modern powders and bullets and chambered in modern made and quality guns.

7.62x25 in an LC9 and 9x18 in an LCP sized guns would be pretty impressive. The power from 9x18 in a small gun like an LCP beats .380 and the 7.62 Tok in an LC9 would be quite high velocity, low recoil, and the bottleneck case reliable feeder.
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True. The CorBon 9mm 115gr JHP +p load does a measured 1400 FPS out of my G17. This is miles ahead of any .380
 
I’m a small guy, so it’s a chore to conceal anything remotely full-size.

I will carry a compact 9mm (currently a Springfield XDE) when my attire permits (sweaters, sweatshirts or jackets).

I most commonly carry a G42 IWB, but it’s too big for me to pocket carry.

Ruger LCP gen 2 (not LCP II) for when neither of the above will work.
 
"I have a" or "i carry a.." Is great for you but each individual should carry what is best for them after researching weapons available in his/her price range. Individual responses can provide information on troubled weapons, size or other difficulties encountered by individuals but because i like a Sig (or any other brand/model) best and the reasons why should only aid the OP as additional information in his quest for a personally acceptable pistol.
 
^^ Agree, but I when I started, I found these threads to be helpful. Got me to try different firearms or setups that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
 
.380 acp?

I believe the .380 is satisfactory for defensive purposes. Check out Greg Elfritz' article on results of actual shooting results - the .380 is right up there with 38 spcl, 9 mm, and 40 S&W. In response to a former comment I would certainly trust my life to a .380. However, I have to believe that a larger .380 is practically preferable to a mini-sized pistol; I am thinking of something like a Beretta 84 or Browning BDA ( practically the same firearm, made by Beretta). The high capacity provides a significant advantage, when the circumstances demand so,
 
Doc TH, if interested in larger frame 380 like the Beretta then also take a look at the EAA Witness Pavona 380.

I picked one up new and am really impressed. It is about the same size as my XD Mod2 4.0 9mm. I bought it as a range gun though I suppose it could be carried. I've been shooting handloads thru it and it's proven to be very accurate. The load I'm using is a 100gr Xtreme plated over a midrange weight of Ramshot Silhouette powder.

Anyways I find it a lot of fun to shoot.
 
It's just a matter of personal preference.

From my standpoint, the only reason to get a .380 is for deep concealed carry. The Glock 42 and Bersa are relatively large compared to the LCP. If you're going to carry something that size, pick a 9mm.
 
Hello Hal. First off the newer Walter PPK's don't do that they fixed that. I think the Beretta you may be talking about is the 85F or 84F.(Aluminum alloy frame) The 85F is a single stack 8+1 & the 84F is a double stack 13+1. I have the 85F & it is just like a baby M9/92F. I love it it is one hell of a gun! The Accuracy is great easy to ccw I carry it as a back up or when I can't carry my full size gun. It is a little bigger then your normal pocket guns but that what makes it better. I would take a look at it. Good luck.
 
Truth Teller, As indicated above the 9x18 cartridge is as close as you will come to your dream pistol as the idea would not be marketable to many as folks consider the 9mm to be minimal for effective results. Good results requires a weapon of sufficient size to lock the breech and have full slide travel with the 9mm cartridge. Recoil on a 9 mm in a 42 size package would be beyond the ability of many shooters who purchased for personal defense ( Home or person) to handle so the pistol would not be shot much and the person carrying would be less than proficient as a result.
Besides who needs more crap printed on the slide of a pistol? Before long perhaps a stack of tablets could be hung on the pistol with all the warnings and Gov mandated crap that benefits no one but the lawyers.
 
I own a handful of .380s; here's my take. No opinion on ones not listed here - just haven't tried any but these. Micro Desert Eagle = Beautiful, reliable, and accurate but it hurts like heck to shoot it and you have to train yourself to hold it correctly or the slide will get you. Browning BDA .380 = All class. Hammer gets my hand a little but I don't mind because it is so awesome to hold, shoot, or even just look at. Glock 42 is best shooting pocket gun I have ever fired. Feels good. Shoots great. Accurate and reliable. Never have trusted Glock "safe" trigger so requires lots of practice. Sig P238 = Not quite as smooth to shoot as Glock but still nice. Sort of like the Glock is concern about the SA trigger in a pocket. I even have a n old Colt hammerless. Would be an awesome ccw if not an antique, although a bit snappy too when shooting it. Just my 2 cents worth. FYI I am daydreaming about a Browning .380 1911.
 
Welcome to the group Kevster! From another Kev

Sounds like a nice stable of 380's you've got there. I've just gotten one of the Witness Pavona 380's and am still waiting to acquire a Beretta 84 Cheetah. Have looked into that Browning 1911 also and it proves to be interesting.
 
Check out Greg Elfritz' article on results of actual shooting results - the .380 is right up there with 38 spcl, 9 mm, and 40 S&W.
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If you were able to review and analyze all of the "actual shooting results" in America over the past fifty years or so involving human beings in terms of basic ballistics and attendant "stopping power" factors, do you really believe that the .380 ACP would be determined to be the equivalent of the .40 S&W, or even the 9mm Luger or the .38 Special?
 
I love my .380s and I feel safe enough carrying them - when I can't carry my .45 or 9mm. No way are they equivalent to those larger calibers, although better than my bare hands. A colleague I went through training with years ago was an ER physician in a big city. He told me he had treated .38 Special and 9mm victims. He had never treated a .40 or .45 victim - they were always DOA.
 
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