Any reason to purchase a .380?

[Sactorider]

A relatively new gun hobbyist here guys. I'm sure this has been beat to death or discussed a few times. If I can get a 9mm with similar outline and weight
shouldn't I just get a 9mm, or is there any advantage or pro to a .380?

[Kowan]

I'd get a compact 9mm over a .380.

[billped]

It's below my minimum, so for me ... no. But I think we need to see the .380 owners chime in.

[JDay]

Only if the recoil from 9mm hurts your girly hands

[SloChicken]

Only if the recoil from 9mm hurts your girly hands

This, is the only reason. And that it will have a lighter recoil spring so your same girly hands can work the slide/chamber a round.

[Mr.Cip]

I have a P238. It's underpowered and the ammo cost more... I knew that going in, I just wanted to have one.
Unless you just want a .380 for some reason, get a 9mm...


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[viet4lifeOC]

I find the 380 is too much man for many or hitting where they aim brings on a cognitive dissonance that scares them.

If you can't man up and wear big boy pants, than I'll recommend the 9mm. Worst comes to worst...turn over your man card and get the .40

[Kestryll]

I love these discussions and always have the same question:

If .380 is 'too small' or 'too weak' are you willing to stand in front of one and get shot by one?

If not, it's not too small or too weak.

[JDay]

I wouldn't want to get shot by a
.177 pellet gun. Doesn't mean it'll get the job done.

[roostersgt]

W. German police and several former Eastern Block countries' police and military carried 9mm Kurtz (.380) and they sure seemed to be able to stop/kill a lot of people. I've been to a whole lot of murders and suicides where guns smaller than .380 were used successfully by people with little to no training. Shot placement is far more important than "bigger", after all, dead is dead. Anyone who thinks a .380 is not a lethal enough round doesn't know much, other than what they've bought into from the "bigger is better" crowd, or read from ridiculous ballistics comparison charts etc... I don't know of any cops carrying a 9mm as back up, but I know many who carry .380's, Kahrs, LCP's and Sig p230's.

[TMB 1]

380 is better in small pistols. Less recoil faster to get back on target.

[BoJackUSMC]

I carry 380 because it's little easier to carry and conceal than 9mm during CA summer time.

[Ugly Hombre]

Don't have one but thinking of getting a P238, most of my weapons are full size no problem- but think the P238 would be a nice weapon as for CCW.

Kind of heir of the the Colt 1908 380?

[rcslotcar]

As a first gun look into a 9mm first. After your comfortable with it look into a .380 as a second gun. The 9mm will be a better all around carry/target shooting gun. The .380 although a good calibre just can't be brought up to 9mm capabilities. I own and shoot several 9mm/380 guns and enjoy shooting them all. Do a lot of reading and visit your local shop to find what feels best in your hand.

[S.P.F.]

Let's see.... you are looking for "good" reasons to buy a .380....

1) You are a James Bond aficionado, looking to complete your collection.

2) You believe that in a self defense situation, your attacker deserves a sporting chance to retaliate to your response.

3) You believe that ammunition prices are artificially low, and that the premium you pay for a less popular cartridge helps benefit struggling ammunition manufacturers.

4) You are a conservationist who believes in the preservation of precious smokeless powder resources.

5) Ah, heck, I'm gonna say it... PPK's are just so darn cute.