Sold my G26, too big to carry, considering "mouse" guns

A .380 is the same diameter as a 9mm, but it is a lighter bullet. The bullet is lighter because there is less powder in the cartridge. So overall, it is less powerfull than a 9mm. However, you didn't choose the wrong caliber. This thread will probably turn into a penetration/tissue crush/expansion thread really quickly here...but remember that if you do your job, your gun will be fine. If you spray your shots in a wide pattern, hitting non-vital areas or missing altogether, then you will be in trouble. If you can cluster three shots in the center of his chest and a couple more in his mellon, you will be fine. Shoot it enough to become proficient. Do your job, and the gun will do its.
 
The .380 is ok for a backup gun but it's a very weak caliber and I'd suggest you get a Walther PPS in 9mm for a primary defense pistol.

Small, easy to conceal, accurate and reliable.

Here is a link that you may find informative:

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_De..._FAQ/index.htm
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Thanks for the link, that's a pretty useful site, although it didn't help much with ammo comparison as it doesn't list .380


Now I'm second guessing the load. I wonder if I should have looked for a small frame, single stack 9mm or even a 45 (colt defender or similar)?

Of course I would imagine a 9mm, .40, or .45 would be much more ideal to carry then a .380. I figured for self defense situations, it would hold it's own. I know that in a longer range, say 30 or 40 yards at the most, it would be useless.
 
Now I'm second guessing the load. I wonder if I should have looked for a small frame, single stack 9mm or even a 45 (colt defender or similar)?
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Might as well go get your G26 back if you're now considering these...
 
Might as well go get your G26 back if you're now considering these...
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Can't do that, buddy was hounding me for days to get rid of it, so I'm pretty sure he won't sell it back. Plus I'd like to try something different, if I did return the Sig for something else (which I really don't), I'd like to get something slim and small, perferably single stack, either .40 or .45
 
*sigh* The caliber wars have claimed another victim without a shot being fired.
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haha, no I haven't taken it back. I'll hold on it more then likely, I like it too much to give it back.

Plus, once I find a holster for a Series 70, I'll carry that when I want something that will hurt 'em.;)
 
I thought a .380 was considered a 9mm short?

I mean, did I make a bad decision on which gun to carry? I figured .380 would be sufficient enough for personal defense, did I go in the wrong direction?

For the record too, when I carry the P238, I carry gold dot's.
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.380 is also called 9mm short; the bullet diameter is the same (.355"), but it is not a derivative or version of 9x19 (also known as 9mm Luger or 9mm Parabellum).

While the .380 is a less effective round than 9mm, it does serve a purpose. For me, I carry my .380 when I can't effectively conceal my larger 9mm pistols (Kahr MK9/Smith & Wesson M&P9 and 9c). I do carry FMJs in my .380 so if I have to make a shot, the bullet will be able to hit the vitals of my attacker. A .380 JHP will not be able to do that reliably.

From ballistics expert Doc Roberts post here: BUG's: .380 ACP vs. .38 Sp
Handguns chambered in .380 ACP are small, compact, and generally easy to carry. Unfortunately, testing has shown that they offer inadequate performance for self-defense and for law enforcement use whether on duty as a back-up weapon or for off duty carry. The terminal performance of .380 ACP JHP's is often erratic, with inadequate penetration and inconsistent expansion being common problems, while .380 ACP FMJ's offer adequate penetration, but no expansion. All of the .380 ACP JHP loads we have tested, including CorBon, Hornady, Federal, Remington, Speer, and Winchester exhibited inconsistent, unacceptable terminal performance for law enforcement back-up and off duty self-defense use due to inadequate penetration or inadequate expansion. Stick with FMJ for .380 ACP or better yet, don't use it at all. The use of .380 ACP and smaller caliber weapons is really not acceptable for law enforcement use and most savvy agencies prohibit them.
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.380 is also called 9mm short; the bullet diameter is the same (.355"), but it is not a derivative or version of 9x19 (also known as 9mm Luger or 9mm Parabellum).

While the .380 is a less effective round than 9mm, it does serve a purpose. For me, I carry my .380 when I can't effectively conceal my larger 9mm pistols (Kahr MK9/Smith & Wesson M&P9 and 9c). I do carry FMJs in my .380 so if I have to make a shot, the bullet will be able to hit the vitals of my attacker. A .380 JHP will not be able to do that reliably.

From ballistics expert Doc Roberts post here: BUG's: .380 ACP vs. .38 Sp
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Thanks for the link, I think someone here recommended FMJ's for the .380. I'll have to look into that.

You won't notice that much difference between a G26 and something like a Colt Defender. I have both.
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In terms of weight or in terms of thickness and comfort? The G26 wasn't THAT bad to carry, I had a IWB and used it near my crotch, I found it to be uncomfortable most times. I felt that if I had a slimmer gun, like a single stack, it wouldn't be that bad.
 
The Glock is a little thicker. Otherwise about the same.

I carry my G26 or a G19 in the same position, Appendix IWB. Sometimes even a G17 there.
 
Now I'm second guessing the load. I wonder if I should have looked for a small frame, single stack 9mm or even a 45 (colt defender or similar)?
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I like my Springfield EMP- slightly larger than that sig, but carries 4 more rounds (9+1) of 9mm.....

...it's a bit large for pocket carry.... but it is flat (it's a 1911!), so it carries IWB pretty well.
 
I like my Springfield EMP- slightly larger than that sig, but carries 4 more rounds (9+1) of 9mm.....

...it's a bit large for pocket carry.... but it is flat (it's a 1911!), so it carries IWB pretty well.
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Yeah I looked at it on their website, wish it was .45 though.

I'll hold on to the little guy, next gun will be another single stack I can carry.
 
I have an MP 340 as well as the LCP and there is no comparison on which one is easier to carry. For me in a pocket carry it had to be light and small which is why the LCP worked for me. I know the kahrs are small too but to me there just to heavy for the pocket IMO.

As for the tests and reviews and so on. Tests only tell you so much lets be realistic and look at the number of times someone shoots an attacker yet the attacker continues on with the fight and kills the person defending themselves. You dont hear that very often. I love the quotes from the DOCRoberts report " most savvy agencies prohibit .380's" blah blah blah. Seems like a much better idea to tell an Officer this gun is not powerful enough so if your main weapon fails your better off with no gun.
 
For me in a pocket carry it had to be light and small which is why the LCP worked for me. I know the kahrs are small too but to me there just to heavy for the pocket IMO.
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See, I think you make a point that a lot of people seem to be missing. Sure, there are more than a few handguns out there that are superior to the LCP and its ilk in terms of controllability, firepower, general ergonomics, etc., but how suitable are they for practical pocket carry? For me, the smallest, lightest reliable pistol chambered in .380 is the configuration I'm looking for in a pistol intended to be toted and concealed in the pocket. If I mean to carry a handgun in an owb or iwb holster, than all sorts of other doors are opened and the LCP/3AT/etc. start losing their appeal and reason for having right quick.
 
TheSandman, You will like the P238, I love mine and it disappears in my pocket. Check out Buffalo Bore for some good carry ammo for it. I carry the Hardcast FL in mine but you can make your own decision.
 
Agreed

I agree that the G26 is a bit bulky but it' such a nice shooter that I make it work for me. I love this little brick!
 
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