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380 auto

J_N_Buddy
I just have a question, is the 380 auto good and big enough for defense.
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11 comments

Date Votes
  • ni hao
    I like mine.
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  • gary wray
    J_N_Buddy....this question comes up a lot on GB ATE. Answer....just depends. Many say the smallest round for defense is the .38. Others say "NO." I say get good with something through practice, practice and more practice. Lots of "things" have been dropped over the years by that little pesky .22 rimfire! I know I feel rather comfortable with my Ruger lcp with .380 Federal Premium 90g Hydra Shok JHP in one pocket and an extra mag loaded with same in the other pocket. But others will follow with other recommendations, I'm sure. Just get good and comfortable with whatever you are shooting[^]
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  • savage170
    Better then the 45 left in the car
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  • Spider7115
    I carry a .380 German Walther PPK/S. If it was good enough for James Bond, it's good enough for me. [:D]
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  • Maalox
    quote:Originally posted by savage170
    Better then the 45 left in the car


    Bingo! May not be the most powerful caliber, but it is better then no caliber.
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  • slyone2
    With the new types of self defence hollow point bullets available this makes a big difference. So yes but only in a good qualty gun not a sat night special. I carry Colt gov 380 most of time for weight and ease of conseal.
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  • William81
    Kahr P-380....
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by J_N_Buddy
    I just have a question, is the 380 auto good and big enough for defense.


    The .380 or 9mm makarov (which is basically the same powerwise) was actually standard issue for military and police in many parts of Eastern Europe and elsewhere for a long time.

    It could be good enough *IF* you use it correctly.

    To answer your question, its a marginal round. Which doesn't mean it can't "deter" someone, but .380 ammo is pretty weak, offering poor penetration. Its the point where the round may not penetrate winter clothing or cause serious wounds.

    The biggest (ie only) advantage of this round is that it fits in really small guns that are easy to carry. If you can comfortably carry something bigger, you should do so.

    On hollowpoints, that's putting lipstick on a pig.

    Not only will expanding ammo not give this intrinsically low-powered round more power, it might even compromise the terminal ballistics by limiting penetration. Many of the .380 pocket pistols wont feed hollowpoint ammo as reliably as ball ammo.
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  • dcs shooters
    My Kel-Tec stay in my back pocket 24/7 loaded with XTP,s.
    A 380 with good bullets is a good combo.
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  • Spartacus
    hate to be the 10th post, but i've always said the .380 was underrated for SD.
    i carry a sig 238 loaded with buffalo arms +p bhp.
    comes close to 9mm power in a much smaller package.
    i feel comfortable with it.
    tom
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  • Herschel
    My concealed carry gun is a .380 Walther PPK.
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