380 for CCW?

[Esexx]

I was just wondering if anyone CCW's or would like to CCW a 380?

I have never considered it for a CCW, until I shot a Bodyguard the other day. It is so slim and fits in my pocket very well. I was also considering the warm summer months coming up real soon.

I was always a 9mm guy for eventual CCW and was planning on picking up a shield if I could get my hands on one.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Nothing wrong with a .380. Especially if you already have one. If you don't, and you are going to be buying something for a CCW permit, why not go with the 9mm though? The ammunition is MUCH cheaper, and easier to find. And the newer generation of 9mm handguns are just as small, if not smaller, than the older .380 pistols. I already have several .380 handguns, and I would seriously consider adding them to my permit, assuming I actually manage to get one, after I get through the initial rigamarole. Until then, I am sticking with more modern, full-powered handguns.

-Mb

[Virus55]

My brother in law is going to be carrying a glock 42 off duty and my sister is going to carry a bodyguard 380 off duty. Its pretty common.

[09rubicon]

Just SSE'd a P238. Nothing wrong with the .380 as a self defense round. I liked the P938, but the P238 (though only marginally smaller) fit the pocket and IWB better.

[RollingCode3]

I ccw the lcp or glock 42 90% of the time. There is nothing wrong with it. Make sure you carry an extra mag with it. It is much easier with the 380 than the 9mm especially during hot weather.

[twotacocombo]

I have a BG380 in jail right now, going on the list along with a 9mm and a 45. When it hits 110 here in the summer, that 380 in a pocket is going to be a whole lot better than the other two IWB. A 380 is also a lot easier to carry when hiking with a pack on. Plan on carrying what you feel comfortable with, both in physical size and caliber. Or just get both and change out as the situation demands.

[deadcoyote]

Just carrying a gun is the most important issue here. A lot of my peers give me a hard time for carrying a SW 642 all the time. But they also never carry their chosen guns because they're too heavy.

[Gary13]

Friends daughter just purchased a 238 for CCW. Amazed at how difficult 380 ammo is to find and how expensive it is.

Better to carry a 380 than nothing at all. I like my LCR 38 though.

[Tiberius]

In sum, 9mm is cheaper, more powerful, and sometimes more available.

However, the .380 guns are in general still smaller and more "pocketable." Sometimes a small difference in size makes a big difference in ease of carry, and so while many 9mms are almost as small as some .380s, in general, the smaller .380s are easier to carry. Which means - you'll actually carry them. The LCP, S&W BG, and P238 are all excellent tiny guns.

[dls]

Since I picked up my P238, it's logged the most carry time out of my XD.40sc and the .38 442. It's just an easy pocket gun to grab and go no matter what you're wearing.

[MajorSideburns]

I ccw the lcp or glock 42 90% of the time. There is nothing wrong with it. Make sure you carry an extra mag with it. It is much easier with the 380 than the 9mm especially during hot weather.

can you tell us about that LCP holster? is that a kydex belt loop built into the holster or a metal clip? who makes that? it looks nice and sturdy

[rob145]

Nothing wrong with a .380. I carried a Walther PPK/s in .380 concealed before I switched to carrying a .40.

[Sutcliffe]

Margin of error is less, but good ammo is to be had

Not my first choice, but certainly will fill the needs of many.

[SDM44]

Having a .380 is better than not having anything.

Also getting shot by a .380 is worst than not getting shot at all (for the badguy).

[NickZag]

Having a .380 is better than not having anything.

Also getting shot by a .380 is worst than not getting shot at all (for the badguy).

+1 to that

The ballistics technology with the .380 cartridge is pretty solid nowadays