Why 9mm over 380 in mouse pistol?

[mindwip]

I was just wondering why small 9s seem so popular when to me a 380 will do just fine at self defense distances. The recoil is more on the 9mm and they weigh more. If i am carrying a small pistol its so no one sees it/more comfortable because of size and weight. I am only referring to the really small pistols like pocket pistols not even the glock 26 counts.



PS i dont carry a pistol daily, no CCW here. Other then carrying at my old job (chefs special or my bersa 380)i have no experience with CCW and claim to be no expert!

[GunDog]

I've carried both a Ruger LCP and and Kahr PM9 on a regular basis. The LCP is a real delight to carry but, there are times when I feel better armed with the 9mm Kahr.

[robcoe]

If I had a CCW permit(****ing LA county) I would probably carry a 9mm, not for reasions of stopping power or anything, hell back in the 30's a .32acp was one of the most common rounds for concealed guns and seemed to serve people like Al Capone and Patton just fine, but simply for cost. 9mm is much cheaper, so I could practice more.

[Maddog5150]

Its all preference. A lot of people will discredit the 380 and go with a 38 yet look at the difference in performance. At the distance you would be using said pistol, its going to do its job however, the whole running gun battle fantasy is in reality a huge difference to the actual ccw scenario and anyone who's taken a CCW class will know the difference.

[mindwip]

gundog

Why do you feel better armed? Is it because of the round or the pistol is maybe bigger and you are more accurate with it?

[GunDog]

Certainly the 9mm packs a bigger punch than the .380 but, also the Kahr is available with a 7 round mag in addition to the 6 rounder whereas the LCP can only be fitted with a 6 round mag. I really like both of these pocket pistols. Actually, I carry the LCP more often than the Kahr.

[tonelar]

.380 is not as available (and certainly not as affordable as 9mm) also if your range or HD gun is a 9mm it's nice to consolidate calibers.
Personally I carry .380, 9mm, 45 depending on the mode of attire I'll be in (as well as other factors like location location and location).

Combat experts frowned on anything smaller than 32 acp in the mid 60's so I only use smaller than .380 caliber guns as backup only.

[Merc1138]

Cost of ammunition, availability, and some people like to have as few different calibers to feed their guns as possible.

[VegasND]

I have .380, 9, and .45 on my CCW. Most of the time I carry the PF9 because it is small enough to easily concealed and I don't think I have a great need for anything smaller. The P3AT is smaller but I only carry it on those rare occasions when I need a very small pistol. The .45 -a CDP II - is generally carried in an OWB holster.

[tonelar]

I voted but would have preferred: "I want the biggest round with which I can hit effectively."

[ElvenSoul]

Ammo Price! That's what tipped it for me.

[1911su16b870]

This years Shot show was the year of the sub compact 9, putting some pressure on Kahr's PM9 is Kimber, Sig and Ruger with new offerings.

It has been stated that you should carry the biggest caliber you can hit accurately with and regarding the size of the gun; carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting and not comfortable.

[Oceanbob]

Actually ammo cost is a big factor..

I've had several .380s. Expensive to feed. I prefer a 9 over .380. I carry a 10MM or a .45 auto.

Something else to consider is for me most .380s (being smaller and blow back operated) kick a more than a 9MM.

[Trapper]

Which pistol I carry depends on the time of year and how I'm dressed at the time. As a general rule carry the most effective caliber you can conceal. Summer time in shorts & a t-shirt a Ruger LCP rides in my front pocket, winter time with a light jacket a Sig 229 rides in a Galco concealable belt holster.

[Rudolf the Red]

An old saying in Surveying is appropriate for CCW.

"If you are comfortable, you forgot something."