is .380 enough gun?

[HootmonSccy]

*** KEEP IN MIND I INTEND TO LOAD THAT .380 WITH NOTHING BUT BUFFALO BORE AMMO ***

If you can find it in stock somewhere.. .380 is beginning to come back in stock.. Let's hope the trend continues.

[DarrellM5]

IMHO a .380 is too light a caliber. I can't justify it when modern 9mm pistols are so compact. I prefer .40 S&W or .357 Sig though.

[jtg452]

I skipped the other pages of comments, so if I'm repeating someone else, bear with me.

If you hit a STOP button (like the CNS, major bones like the pelvis or femur or major organs like heart/lungs) it really don't matter what you are shooting. Will a larger or more powerful cartridge do more damage? Sure. But if the pocket pistol rounds like the .380 are used effectively (meaning ACCURATELY), they are more than adequate.

[straxler]

I have been into the shooting sports all of my life, but just recently moved to a state which allows concealed carry. Being a lady with a small frame, I have found the Sig P232 in .380 is just the right size for me. After putting many rounds through it I think it will continue to be my primary carry weapon. I hope the other poster is correct about .380 ammo returning to stock soon; otherwise, I have two 9mms (a Ruger P95 and CZ 75) as a second choice.

[tcox4freedom]

A 22lr is enough gun in some cases. So, I think a 380 is enough gun for "most" SDCC situations.

There have only been two handguns that I've had to use in a SD situation. One was a 22lr revolver. I personally know one shot from a 22 will stop a threat and ruin someones day!

I depended solely on a Bersa 380 for years; but never had to shoot in SD. I did howevr use it to "stop" a bad situation from getting worse. This gun is now my wifes 1st choice for a CC weapon and I have NO issues with her staking her life and our kids life on a "Bersa" 380.

[Ektarr]

Welcome aboard, Straxler. I have a PPK/S which I love, but my Kimber CDP Ultra Carry isn't a hellova lot bigger and has a trigger like a fine target pistol. I think it'd be my first choice for primary carry, although the PPK would make a fine BUG.

[RugerP345]

Probably good for shooting rats or plinking.

[6shootercarry]

Although I have not read all the posts on this thread, I would like to share my opinion; at the moment I carry a PX4 Storm in a .40 S&W and love it.

Now .....

I recently rented a Bersa Thunder .380 and shot some Buffalo Bore ammo through it, the load was Buffalo Bore's 90 grain JHP (gold dot style) + P round, this round is rated at 1150 feet per/sec. with 288 lbs of energy and 10 inches of penetration. The recoil on this pistol/round is half that of my .40 S&W ... I was able to stay on target much better then my Beretta, 2nd shots were much faster and placed better. I can group better with the .380 vs. the .40 S&W. I left the range confident my next handgun purchase with be a Bersa .380

*** KEEP IN MIND I INTEND TO LOAD THAT .380 WITH NOTHING BUT BUFFALO BORE AMMO ***

Felt recoil is the effect of ejected weight. Heavy round, heavy recoil.. More pressure will add to that, but a smaller & lighter round will create less recoil regardless of pressure.

I noticed the difference between the 230gr .45 FMJ and JHP ammo vs. the 200gr +P.

Then I really feel the difference when I go to the revolver with .38 spec 130gr semi wadcutters.. very light

So I would have to say that weight difference between the .40 ammo (135-165gr?) to the 90gr .380 ammo will make follow up shots much faster.

In short: To each their own. So carry what makes you a better shooter and enables you to feel the confidence required to put your mind at ease.. I pray that you never have to use it. That goes for all...

Peace.

[Bighouse Doc]

It would seem that, based on gelatin testing, that the 380 should be quite adequate for defense.

More important than size is shot placement!

-Doc

90 grain Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok

90gr Federal Hydra-Shok (light clothing)

95gr Federal American Eagle FMJ and 95gr Winchester 'WWB' truncated cone (Heavy clothing test)

[6shootercarry]

More important than size is shot placement!

-Doc

Amen..
2 Dead center mass will slow em down, and perhaps stop em. Depends on target size and physical condition.
1 Through the liver will most certainly cause death, slowly...
1 To the base of the skull removing the brain stem, will cause death very rapidly...

It depends on the intent..

So "Keep em in the 10 ring"...

Peace...