2Late45
Single-Sixer
Well, any excuse for a new gun will do...
A .380
- Thread starter Apollyon
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Paul B
Hunter
"The myth about heavy cloth stopping a round doesn't hold up at gunfight distance. If you don't believe it I will let you dress up in winter cloths and be a target."
About the worst thing that would happen is the hollow point plugs up, especially on denim and the bullet behaves like a FMJ. More penetration will somewhat lessened shocking power, probably that the HP give a whole lot more. Just passing on what a friend has done. He, like me fervently hope and pray that the situation ever arises where we would have to prove his idea was the correct one.
Paul B.
About the worst thing that would happen is the hollow point plugs up, especially on denim and the bullet behaves like a FMJ. More penetration will somewhat lessened shocking power, probably that the HP give a whole lot more. Just passing on what a friend has done. He, like me fervently hope and pray that the situation ever arises where we would have to prove his idea was the correct one.
Paul B.
KIR
Sparks, NV
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2022
- Messages
- 1,753
No qualms about the newest .380 ammo. Hornady's Critical Defense ammo would be more than enough to even get through denim clothing according to the FBI. Even though it basically is a hollow point the polymer tip helps considerably. However, many smaller firearms like the LCP are made for close in shooting, not for distance shooting, so a slightly larger handgun would be a better choice. It all depends on what you intend/unintend to use it for!
Ruger LCPs is the way to go - 9 MM
I have both the .22 LR and .380 LCPs. I don't seem to experience much "snapping" with the .380. I actually get more bounce from my .22 WMR derringer than the .380 LCP. As a side note, the .22 LR LCP is a tack hammer. If you are on target the first shot, that's where you will stay. No movement at all.
I just got the Security 380 and I have the problem with racking the slide of the 9 mm and larger. Yes I'm old and dont have the strength I used to have which has prompted me to get the Security 380. It is a joy to use and racking the slide is easy - well within my old mans strength. As far as the SR22 i was going to get one but I read the reviews on it and decided to get the Kel- Tec P17 instead. It has much better reviews and is about the same size as the SR22. At the range the P17 is a joy to shoot.
I've got a 9mm for every contingency I can think of plus a couple of extras, I can't think of a reason I need a 380. Having said that I have carried one, and they are certainly better than than not having anything.
I've said before if you are going to carry, you either need to carry to the way you dress or dress to the way you carry. Some people aren't able due to the way they dress or their body shape to carry something bigger. Good for them to have something.
I've said before if you are going to carry, you either need to carry to the way you dress or dress to the way you carry. Some people aren't able due to the way they dress or their body shape to carry something bigger. Good for them to have something.
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I don't carry anything smaller than a 9mm. I got my wife a S&W Shield 380 EZ. I can't recommend it because we had problems with failure to feeds with it. Sent it back to Smith & came back with the same problem. I finally wound up changing the magazine springs for something stronger & now it works. It is just not EZ to load. I believe they corrected the issue before they came out with the 9mm version. Now it works. She is happy with it.
The pistol is small, light & easy to run. My wife is recoil averse & does not have the best strength in her hands. I believe it loaded with Critical Defense ammunition is a good choice for her. While I prefer more powerful rounds I would not disparage .380.
The pistol is small, light & easy to run. My wife is recoil averse & does not have the best strength in her hands. I believe it loaded with Critical Defense ammunition is a good choice for her. While I prefer more powerful rounds I would not disparage .380.
One size almost never fits all, and one gun or caliber won't either. FWIW, I kind of like KYJim's "Rules of Carry", which I discovered somewhere on the internet many years ago:
1) Any gun is better than no gun.
2) A gun that is reliable is better than a gun that is not.
3) A hole in the right place is better than a hole in the wrong place.
4) A bigger hole is a better hole.
I might add a fifth rule - "don't carry it, if you can't afford to replace it". If a .380 checks all of those boxes for someone, then I would say they're good to go!
1) Any gun is better than no gun.
2) A gun that is reliable is better than a gun that is not.
3) A hole in the right place is better than a hole in the wrong place.
4) A bigger hole is a better hole.
I might add a fifth rule - "don't carry it, if you can't afford to replace it". If a .380 checks all of those boxes for someone, then I would say they're good to go!
My humble opinion on "affording to replace it". If you are going to carry a gun, after deciding what are the perameters that are right for you... type, caliber and etc.... then figure out what you can afford and at least double that... in other words spend more than you think you should... a lot more...
Here is my reasoning .... what is the reason you are carrying in the first place? I presume to save your life.... what is your or someone you love's life worth?
Here is my reasoning .... what is the reason you are carrying in the first place? I presume to save your life.... what is your or someone you love's life worth?
As I observed previously, I respectfully disagree:
9mm AR15 lower
I read that parable and have to disagree .... seems the writer has never actually driven a Porsche and I expect he (or she) probably drives a Honda Civic every day. I'm not actually putting down 'low cost' guns or cars but there is a difference even in everyday life. Regardless of whether...
www.rugerforum.com
As always, IMHO, FWIW, YMMV, etc., etc.
Two main reasons to carry a .380 concealment and recoil. Both very valid reasons. Only have four. My wife loves her kimber micro .380 and shoots it well. I never shot the LCP well. I thought the glock 42 would be great for my wife but she didn't like it. The PPKs is heavy for what it is, has a bad trigger pull and potential slide bite.
Paul B
Hunter
"The PPKs is heavy for what it is, has a bad trigger pull and potential slide bite."
I'm thinking when the Vigaro hits the Mixmaster, you won't notice either of those problems. You can eliminate the bite somewhat by slightly rounding off the sharp corners at the rear of the slide. I never messed with the triggers on mine but many years back I have a pre-war PPK with gestapo acceptance stamps that had a trigger pull that would make serious target pistols cry in envy. Dunno if it was just wear over the years or they just made them that way back then. Never have seen another from that time frame so no way to tell. Still kick myself for trading it on a different gun.
Paul B.
I'm thinking when the Vigaro hits the Mixmaster, you won't notice either of those problems. You can eliminate the bite somewhat by slightly rounding off the sharp corners at the rear of the slide. I never messed with the triggers on mine but many years back I have a pre-war PPK with gestapo acceptance stamps that had a trigger pull that would make serious target pistols cry in envy. Dunno if it was just wear over the years or they just made them that way back then. Never have seen another from that time frame so no way to tell. Still kick myself for trading it on a different gun.
Paul B.
I'm packing the cheapest SD gun I've ever carried--a Taurus G2C. It does what is needed w/o any issues.
Today I swapped carry loads from the common 115 JHP I'd used in it for years to Norma MHP's (103 grains @ 1304 FPS). Recoil is fairly 'snappy' but manageable. Function was just as expected--100% no surprises. After a slight tweeking of the laser, I had palm sized groups hitting on the laser dot and the iron sights didn't need any adjustment from the previous load @ 10 yards. Not a tack driver but not unacceptable. Final shot was a solid hit on the 8" gong @ 40 yards--good enough for government work.
Today I swapped carry loads from the common 115 JHP I'd used in it for years to Norma MHP's (103 grains @ 1304 FPS). Recoil is fairly 'snappy' but manageable. Function was just as expected--100% no surprises. After a slight tweeking of the laser, I had palm sized groups hitting on the laser dot and the iron sights didn't need any adjustment from the previous load @ 10 yards. Not a tack driver but not unacceptable. Final shot was a solid hit on the 8" gong @ 40 yards--good enough for government work.
I'm usually carrying my P365X or G43X.
However, if I'm feeling lazy I'll throw an LCP Max in my front pocket (in a DeSantis holster).
It's snappy but I usually take it to the range to practice with it a bit.
I wouldn't want to try to hit anything with it that's farther away than 7 yards though.
However, if I'm feeling lazy I'll throw an LCP Max in my front pocket (in a DeSantis holster).
It's snappy but I usually take it to the range to practice with it a bit.
I wouldn't want to try to hit anything with it that's farther away than 7 yards though.
Jac43
Bearcat
I am a big fan of the LCP 380, worth it to me for CCW.
IPSC
Bearcat
Didn't read all responses....and sure, there are really small , even pocketable 9mm's....like Kahr CM9's. But don't rule out small 380's. For one thing....there are many to choose from in this size. Secondly...if you choose ammo wisely, you can get VERY effective performance from a 380 round. The hangup is 1.) if using hollow-points, can you find a round that reliably opens under many circumstances?....like light vs heavy clothing, and being shot from SHORT barrel 380's, as most are only 2.75" long?...and a lot of ammo needs velocities from a 3.5" barrel?. Well.....after some exhaustive testing....Precision One 380 using the excellent XTP bullet.... is shown to work well under all these conditions---->
Then....you have Underwood ammo that uses the lighter/faster "Shaved-phillips-head" bullet....doesn't need expansion to work...and it works well too--->
Both rounds meet FBI penetration and wound channel desired specs.
Then....you have Underwood ammo that uses the lighter/faster "Shaved-phillips-head" bullet....doesn't need expansion to work...and it works well too--->
Both rounds meet FBI penetration and wound channel desired specs.
buckshotshorty
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2008
- Messages
- 399
I am almost 80 Y.O. and recently have decided that 380 is my best choice for carry. I've got arthritis in my hands but thankfully I can still shoot the eyes out of a rat at 20 paces. My last range trip this past week to the range The RO commented "you had a hard time making it down stairs but you sure can shoot ok"
I know my arthritis will not get better but I'm fine carrying the 380. Sig now sells an exchange kit for the 9 mm to 380 and that's my carry. I will still check out the Security 380 Since I am a Ruger fan.
I know my arthritis will not get better but I'm fine carrying the 380. Sig now sells an exchange kit for the 9 mm to 380 and that's my carry. I will still check out the Security 380 Since I am a Ruger fan.
