.380 as a Primary Weapon

[Punch]

Who all carries a .380 as either an every day carry weapon, or as an occasional primary weapon?

I used to carry a SIG P232 as a backup weapon. I sold it after some reliability issues. I currently have a Beretta 85FS Cheetah that I have been carrying as a primary more and more. The weapon has not malfunctioned yet, and feeds anything that I have put into it. I am currently loading it with Remington Home Defense loads for carry, with the spare magazine loaded with FMJ. The Beretta would not be my first choice if I am heavily dressed (that is what my Glock 30SF and Glock 21SF are for), but with Summer here, I am finding that the Beretta is often the only pistol that I have on me when I leave home.

[BeauRyker]

I have been known to carry a Colt Government .380 full of Sabres, usually in the summertime. It fits in the small of my back just perfect under a shirt or t-shirt. I have a soft spot for this pistol.

[nymoose]

I have carried a Bersa Thunder .380 for months. I have no problems with it, and feel perfectly safe. As we have said in other threads, size doesn't matter as much as people say. A .380 shot to the chest or head is still better that a .40 or 9mm to the shoulder or leg.

[ramrunnr]

I've got a P-3at that I carry when I can't carry one of my larger weapons for concealment. The thinness of the P-3at makes it much easier to conceal for Pocket carry or IWB than the bulkier Glocks or my PF-9.

[Ed Hamberger]

I bought my TCP/738 .380 in January of 2010, and where I go, it goes (most of the time!). I carry two belt magazines plus the one in the gun... It is my EDC.

[gunnerbob]

I carry a TCP everywhere I go in my front pocket. Sometimes I'll OC with my M&P but usually keep that for colder months CCW.

[bowhuntr69]

i like my sig 238 it is very nice to carry in front pocket of my cargo shorts ,,tryed the bersa but had problem with spring

[Stiofan]

My Ruger LCP is my full time carry summer and winter in my front pocket. I have an old German Walther PPK/S which is more accurate and pleasant to shoot, but it's just too big. I'd rather not belt carry.

[Firefighterchen]

Carry a p 238 front right pocket everyday, no excuses. Carry a sig tac ops 1911 .45 or jericho 941 .40 when I can dress appropriately, iwb, and move my 238 to left pocket. Carry spare 238 mag in opposite pocket, and 1-2 mags on belt for primary when possible.

[shooter]

Here is a question I ask of all my CCW students; "How many cops are out there carrying a .380 as a primary self defense weapon?"

Answer: None

And, there is a reason for that. Generally, the .380 cannot stop the actions of a determined BG - not enough "oomph." And, if you try it against a drunk or high attacker, it's just gonna piss 'em off.

Take a hint from the cops - minimum caliber for a revolver - .38 special; minimum caliber for a semi-auto - 9mm.