Would you rather...

**ray h** · October 31st, 2021, 06:49 AM

Put me down for 11 .380s over 5 .38s. That said, there's a lot of "context" missing that could change my opinion.

Sounds like someone can't decide between a J frame and an LCP max.......

**Jkinpa1** · October 31st, 2021, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by ray h

Put me down for 11 .380s over 5 .38s. That said, there's a lot of "context" missing that could change my opinion.

Sounds like someone can't decide between a J frame and an LCP max.......

Ha ha*That*s exactly what come into my mind when reading this as well.

**jthrelf** · October 31st, 2021, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by ray h

Put me down for 11 .380s over 5 .38s. That said, there's a lot of "context" missing that could change my opinion.

Sounds like someone can't decide between a J frame and an LCP max.......

Originally Posted by Jkinpa1

Ha ha*That*s exactly what come into my mind when reading this as well.

You're both absolutely right, of course.

I just snagged an LCP Max to somewhat displace my J-frame for lounging around the house pocket carry. It wasn't totally necessary but why not - and the LCP does have the capacity, sight picture and weight advantage.

I wanted to make it purely about caliber hence why I didn't mention the guns. But yeah I guess the full picture is really needed.

**eatmydust** · October 31st, 2021, 09:32 AM

You're in my ballpark with both, my usual carry, which is concealed, is either a J-Frame or an LCP with extended mag. Ballistics are comparable with the proper ammo and the LCP has more capacity, in my case 8 rounds, and is more concealable. The Max may be in my future, we'll see.

I carry the LCP most often.

**jthrelf** · October 31st, 2021, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by eatmydust

You're in my ballpark with both, my usual carry, which is concealed, is either a J-Frame or an LCP with extended mag. Ballistics are comparable with the proper ammo and the LCP has more capacity, in my case 8 rounds, and is more concealable. The Max may be in my future, we'll see.

I carry the LCP most often.

Just looked at ballistics by the inch and refreshed myself on how close .380 and .38sp are for muzzle energy... I thought there was more of a disparity but not really. Especially with the nearly 1" extra of barrel length for the LCP over a J-frame.

Couldn't find any Hornady custom or Sig Vcrown which seem to be the best .380 loads but did score some Norma MHP which look good also.

**imashooter2** · October 31st, 2021, 10:48 AM

I’ll take the superior delivery vehicle of the .38s.

**STBear** · October 31st, 2021, 01:11 PM

I'll go with a .380 LCP. and the extra rounds.

**ar15jules** · October 31st, 2021, 03:47 PM

As is evident in my carry choice, I'll take the Smith and Wesson with 5 .38+Ps over the other. Back when I purchased the Smith, there wasn't a .380 alive similar in size that actually worked as advertised. I realize that isn't the case today but .380s are still as weak as they were then.