.380 for self defense..

[XD45]

I'm in need of a bug, I am very skeptical about going for the .380, even though its the perfect size for what i'm looking for. I would probably carry FMJ, as I think the added penetration will outweigh the little gain in hole size. I just don't know, is there anyone that can talk me into one?

[Steve in PA]

In warmer weather, where I can't wear an over shirt, sweat shirt, jacket, etc while wearing my off-duty gun OWB, I'll be packing a PPK/S in some strategic location.

There is nothing wrong with a .380 handgun. However, they do make 9mm's now in sizes very close to my PPK/S so you could go with one of those. When I bought my PPK/S there were no 9mm's of that size.

[XD45]

the kahr PM9 is about as big as i'd like to go.. I guess as long as you practice your ass off with a .380 so you can get a headshot if given the chance you'd be fine..

[gold cup abuser]

I was going to go back to a PPK in 380

but after the mess with the wife not being able to use the Glock 27 thats now my BUG

I keep it in my front jeans pocket in a desantis pocket holster and so far so good.

But then again im 6'1" and 290 so I have a few addtional concealment options....lol.

When I was thinner I was using the PPK in a galco ankle holster and that worked out for me pretty well.

The Kel Tec in 380 seems like a great option for a hide out weapon. I borrowed a friends kel tec in 9mm and out shot him with his own gun....rofl

If you have to go to a small caliber 380 should be your absolute minimum and the Kel Tec seems like a good solid performer and it wont be a budget breaker.

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by XD45

the kahr PM9 is about as big as i'd like to go.. I guess as long as you practice your ass off with a .380 so you can get a headshot if given the chance you'd be fine..

Doubtful, if you and he are moving. Best to only count on roughly COM shots.

.380 FMJ is a whole better than no gun. Corbon DPX has a good chance of expanding.

[MarcS]

Originally Posted by dgg9

Doubtful, if you and he are moving. Best to only count on roughly COM shots.

.380 FMJ is a whole better than no gun. Corbon DPX has a good chance of expanding.

There's a lot of hollowpoints that will expand out of a small 380 nowadays. Unfortunately, the expansion is detrimental to penetration (and 8" just isn't enough), so i still recommend FMJ.

[TonyF]

The new S&W / Walther PPS is a slimline, single stack 9mm which reportedly has a great "glock style" trigger. I'm going to look into one at the next PGCA gunshow.

[Skuggi]

haha, funny you should bring it up, I just got my BUG a bersa 380 Lite, well actually it's more like a b-day gift / GF feels that she can shoot it, so it's gonna actually get her to shoot. I had been eyeing up the bersa previously but she brought it up and we picked it up today.

Yea, I'm not sure which I'm more excited about, GF actually gonna shoot, or the new toy.

[Lucas]

If you have any doubts about carrying a .380, ask yourself this:
Would I want to get shot with this? How about 6 or more rounds of it?

I answered "no" to both of those questions, so I see no problem with carrying a .380. May not be a 9mm, .45 or .357 but it'll do the job.

[MarcS]

Originally Posted by Lucas

If you have any doubts about carrying a .380, ask yourself this:
Would I want to get shot with this? How about 6 or more rounds of it?

I answered "no" to both of those questions, so I see no problem with carrying a .380. May not be a 9mm, .45 or .357 but it'll do the job.

Poor logic. Ask yourself this question: Would i want to get shot with anything? No.

Would i want to get shot because i picked a marginal caliber and had i picked a caliber with better terminal ballistics the last shot would have severed the bad guys spine, but instead is lodged in his ribcage allowing him to continue shooting me? That doesn't sound like much fun either.