Is .380 enough?

Self-Defense Concealed Carry
21

Thank you!

22

I do not understand that statement. If that is true, then does a 9mm cartridge easily fit in a 380 as well?

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23

.38 Auto is not the same as .380 Auto. It is an old cartridge that is the same size as .38 Super.

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24

The .38 Super is a wild cat of the .38 auto, they just added a bit more powder and made a new gun.
The opposite, a .380 can be fired in a 9mm.

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25

Thank you @BRUCE26 , @Shamrock . Now it makes sense.

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26

@Gary_H Confusion is understandable with all the various similarly named cartridges out there. Especially when you consider most of those “.38” calibers are not even .38 inches in diameter which explains why .38 special works in a .357 revolver.

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27

You will be fine with a .380 combined with good defense ammo. I would also recommend the larger frame/grip models like the M&P Shield .380 EX or a Glock 42. The smaller frames can be annoying for some when shooting repetitively.

The .380 is NOT a “Tactical” round. It is a decent “Self Defense” round though.

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28

I can’t say I’ve ever seen one. My three are 1911s of varying lengths (and brands).

29

You may also want to consider this. A small pistol with a short barrel has a short sight radius- the distance from the rear sight to the front sight- so 1/16th inch off center on sight alignment could result in a miss, depending on distance and stress level. Lots and lots of practice will be needed to become proficient. Also, small 380s are light and the “kick” will be proportionate and will effect recovery if a second shot is needed.
Practice will address this also. Beyond that, thoroughly learn how the pistol acts. Get comfortable and confident with it. The pistol is a tool. Learn to use that tool correctly and well.

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30

If you feel safe with a 380 cal weapon it sure is better than nothing at all.

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31

Thank you!

32

Howie, I would love to tell you your little mouse gun will just get you killed, but I can’t. Check out the data by several different studies and you will find a .380 generally takes between two and three rounds to stop a person. I am a average sized fellow (6’ 3", 275 lbs - yes, that is average in my mind) I carry a full size 1911 .45 acp most of the time. Guess what? The data shows it will average between two and three rounds to stop a person. So does Dirty Harry’s .44 Magnum. The key is multiple round accurate on target.

One more little piece of proof, a good friend of mine carries a .380 and he’s an inactive Marine. Like he says, “you are only outgunned if you miss”. I would rather be winged by a .500 S&W than popped in the Adam’s apple with your .380.

I do believe you should carry the largest caliber you can hit accurately with when you shoot strings of three or four rounds. (Don’t tell anyone, but I keep a .380 in the tool box for when I’m working late nights in the garage.) So, yes, a .380 can get the job done.

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33

Hey, 1911 brother. If you get the chance try out the Rock Island 1911 Govt in 22TCM. Dead on accurate, same power figures as a 9mm, 17 +1, thunder, fire and dead on accurate. I usually carry the .45 acp, but the 22TCM/9mm is fun to shoot.

34

Often look forward to your advice Shamrock. Think I share similar caliber likes as you. Any feedback on the Hornady “FTX” Critical Defense for the .380 LCP ii Ruger? Much obliged.

35

Thanks @Burdo. I don’t have any personal experience with the critical defense. It seems like a good round in 9mm. In .380 I have seen well designed gel tests where it does very well through 4 layers of denim but I have seen bare gel tests where it seems to expand too rapidly and penetrates way below the 12” recommended minimum. But I think all of those tests were with barrels longer than the LCP so not sure if it would do better or worse in the shorter barrel.

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36

Thanks Shamrock. As I have heard, looking forward to testing out different ammo down the road (in future range time), to see which ones feed better more smoothly, as well as considering ballistic studies I will look at. Cheers.

37

@Burdo Check these out from underwoodammo.com I chose these for my .32 acp. w/2in. barrel will shoot a 4in. group at 25yds. These will penetrate thru clothing with no clogging and leave a good wound channel without over penetrating according to tests. Unfortunately Underwood is cleaned out right now. .380 is cheaper then .32. :+1:

.380 ACP 68gr. Xtreme Defender Solid Monolithic Hunting & Self Defense Ammo

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • SKU : 638
  • Cartridge : .380 ACP
  • Bullet Brand : Lehigh Defense™
  • Bullet Weight (gr) : 68
  • Bullet Construction : Solid Monolithic
  • Bullet Model : Xtreme Defense®
  • Bullet Material : Copper
  • Case Type : Nickel Plated Brass
  • Supressor Safe : Yes

BALLISTICS INFORMATION

  • Ballistic Coefficient (G1) : 0.090
  • Muzzle Energy (ft. lbs) : 255
  • Muzzle Velocity (fps) : 1,300
  • Sectional Density : 0.080

$18.99

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38

Interesting. Thanks. Pre-2020 ammo dip, I was lucky to score one box of .357 in the Xtreme Lehigh Copper. I appreciated it as a woods-gun ammo. It has the feel of good quality. I’ll keep my eyes open to that.

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39

Take a look at Black Hills Honey Badger cartridges. I switched from defensive hollow points for my .380 carry pistol after doing the research.

40

The Glock 42 would be a good option, very light recoil and accurate.

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