Would You Trust Your Life With a .380?

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If a .22 Short can kill, so can a .380.

Yes, I would trust my life to a .380, but I'm not saying I'd want it to be my first choice to use for defense. Just happens to be one that will most likely be close by. Some gun is better than no gun.
 
I carry a lcp and spare mag in a small cellphone case.
14rds of Hornady xtp. I'm fairly accurate with the gun & round, its been 100% so far.
Lightweight, fits in my pocket, and one thing is it didn't cost too much. :o
 
I prefer 44 special.

That being said, if I am wearing light summer clothing, lots of times my P3AT is all that I can comfortably and effectively conceal. I am fine with that. It goes bang every time. I am very accurate with it at self defense ranges.

My best defense is being a big guy who drives an old worthless vehicle and who looks like he doesn't have a dime in his pocket. If someone STILL wants to mug or carjack me, I am comfortable with a 380 to protect myself.
 
I don't personally have a .380, but yes I would trust the caliber to carry for S/D. I would even (and have) trust .32, with hardball. Nothing less than .32, and that would be a rare deep concealment occasion.

Of course, a .22 would likely do the trick 9 of 10 times and is much better than nothing.
 
The first rule of a gunfight is "bring a gun."

I can carry my Sig P238 in circumstances that I can not or will not carry a larger, heavier firearm. That's just how it is.

And .380 will put a bad guy down under any reasonable circumstances. I'll grant you that if the guy is in full body armor and hopped up on PCP, then a head shot might be required with .380, but then again that's true of most other calibers too.
 
Yes. 380 not my first choice overall but when I am carrying 380 it is my choice that day. Have owned LCP's, PPK's. Glock 42 and now have settled on Kahr CT-380 and CW-380 for my 380 needs.
 
In principle, with the right gun, sure.

But in practice, for me at least, the caliber is "squeezed" from both sides. From above, there is the more potent and versatile 9mm for a small cost in size/weight. And from below, I have some .22's that are dramatically more shootable (and also more versatile) than any .380 I have ever fired. So I personally haven't found much of a need, though I'm always open to the possibilities.
 
When it is a choice between that and my fists, yes. I prefer 9mm because of the better penetration and better selection of quality self defense ammo, but .380 has its times.
 
I trust my life to a .380 most of the time, but there are definitely times that I feel uncomfortably under gunned. Going to and from work, and doing business in familiar places I feel fine. In the woods I feel under gunned, and when traveling as well.

I went on an 8,000+ mile road trip out west this past summer and brought with me a Sig P238 and a VZ24 Mauser. Out in the plains and in the woods and hills, far from civilization in many cases, among unfamiliar animals and territory, I wish I had brought a full size 9mm. It was in response to that feeling that I am now the owner of a new CZ75:D
 
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I personally just don't trust it (the Smith .380) compared to a 9mm that can be carried just as easily.
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I don't dispute that you can carry a 9mm pistol "easily"; but I would never agree that any 9mm can be carried "just as easily" as any .380 pistol configured like the Kel Tec 3AT or the Ruger LCP. Weigh and measure them and you'll understand why I carry a less powerful .380 pistol on occasion as opposed to a more powerful but bigger and heavier 9mm pistol that, accordingly, might be left at home.
 
I view the .380 that I occasionally carry (a Smith Bodyguard .380) as a deterent to a budding attack. I hope displaying it will preclude an attack...however>>>>

Bigger is better, & faster, bigger bullets are more compelling... if all you can carry is a .380, then so be it...train accordingly and stay out of high risk situations and environments. Rod
 
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I personally just don't trust it (the Smith .380) compared to a 9mm that can be carried just as easily.
I don't dispute that you can carry a 9mm pistol "easily"; but I would never agree that any 9mm can be carried "just as easily" as any .380 pistol configured like the Kel Tec 3AT or the Ruger LCP. Weigh and measure them and you'll understand why I carry a less powerful .380 pistol on occasion as opposed to a more powerful but bigger and heavier 9mm pistol that, accordingly, might be left at home.
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Exactly. In addition to my LCP I have a small, suposedly "pocketable" 9MM. A Kahr CM9. As close as it may seem on paper, there are certain pants pockets it either just doesn't conceal well in, or is dificult to draw from. I also have other choices if atire permits. IWB carry of the CM9, or XD40 Sub Compact. Also in the coldest weather, coat pocket carry of a LCR 38Spcl.
But when the weather is to warm for bulkier clothing, I feel fully confident that my 380 of choice will be adequate if needed.
 
Exactly. In addition to my LCP I have a small, suposedly "pocketable" 9MM. A Kahr CM9. As close as it may seem on paper, there are certain pants pockets it either just doesn't conceal well in, or is dificult to draw from.
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My sentiments exactly. I love my CM9 and do carry it frequently but my RM380 gets a lot more carry time.
 
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