.380 for self defense..

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by MarcS

clearly, you didn't read.

i don't know if this will help, but here goes.

i carry a butterfly knife everyday. i can use it quite well. now a machetti will do much more damage if needed.

but you know what. i haven't figured out how to get the machetti into my pocket.


thats my theory on what gun i carry when i conceal. most time that i carry it is a cot mustang .380. it can be droped into my pocket with out even thinking about it.

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by normanvin

i don't know if this will help, but here goes.

i carry a butterfly knife everyday. i can use it quite well. now a machetti will do much more damage if needed.

but you know what. i haven't figured out how to get the machetti into my pocket.


thats my theory on what gun i carry when i conceal. most time that i carry it is a cot mustang .380. it can be droped into my pocket with out even thinking about it.

These various analogies don't really work. A knife is carriable; a machete isn't. But a 9mm is significantly superior to a .380 and yet IS rather easily carriable.

If you are willing to carry a .380 and do so, and for whatever reason won't carry a service caliber -- that's fine. There's no question you're far better with a .380 than nothing. But at least be aware of the trade-off you've incurred. The .380 is ballistically inferior to a service caliber, so you're lowering your odds somewhat. How much lower, we can discuss.

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by dgg9

These various analogies don't really work. A knife is carriable; a machete isn't. But a 9mm is significantly superior to a .380 and yet IS rather easily carriable.

If you are willing to carry a .380 and do so, and for whatever reason won't carry a service caliber -- that's fine. There's no question you're far better with a .380 than nothing. But at least be aware of the trade-off you've incurred. The .380 is ballistically inferior to a service caliber, so you're lowering your odds somewhat. How much lower, we can discuss.

i guess thats the point. carry what you feel comfortable with, and is practical.

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by normanvin

i guess thats the point. carry what you feel comfortable with, and is practical.

...and at the same time be aware of its capabilities and limitations.

[bigjlen]

in my opinion, i think the .380 is a good caliber to carry if youre looking for something really small yet still punchy.
i have a kel-tec p3at that serves double duty to my taurus snubby.
the keltec is super small and light - cant even notice most of the time when you have it.
its the perfect choice for hot summer days when its harder to hide something bigger.
i personally am not super concerned on the power; it can kill and thats that.
any gun is better than no gun at all

[XD45]

a pencil is better than nothing.. but it doesnt mean it should be your only self defense

[MarcS]

Originally Posted by XD45

a pencil is better than nothing.. but it doesnt mean it should be your only self defense

people want to believe what they want to believe, so they invent truisms to defend their position. Anything is better than nothing....yes, 1 > 0, now lets compare it to all things not 0

[Lucas]

Not intending on being a smartass here, so forgive me if I do, but seriously, we're all entitled to carry whatever we see fit. Are there better options? Yes. Are there better options than a service caliber handgun? Yes, they're called rifles and shotguns. The short answer is carry what you want. It is quite simple. If I feel confident that a .380 will do, that is my choice to make. I will not be swayed from my choice. My usual carry piece is a .45 acp, and I still feel very confident that a .380 will do against what I am likely to encounter on any given day. I'm a civilian, not an LEO or in the military. I do not willingly put myself in danger. I do the best I can to avoid any conflict. I have the right to choose whatever caliber of gun I want, whether you think it is enough or not.

[MarcS]

Originally Posted by Lucas

Not intending on being a smartass here, so forgive me if I do, but seriously, we're all entitled to carry whatever we see fit.

The original poster wanted to know about carrying a 380 for self defense and he got plenty of information on that topic. If you don't care to hear other peoples opinions, then by all means, don't ask.

[Tony Fly]

You must ask yourself 2 questions before you buy a .380...
1) Is this a caliber that can "stop" the Bad Guy?
2) If James Bond carried it and it worked for him, will it work for me?

I own a 1964 Walther PP .380 and I feel completely safe with this caliberas my primary for now... but I am buying a .38 +P snubbie for better conceilment and it is an UL so the weight will be cut significantly for easier carry.