Did I react Poorly?

[CitaDeL]

Another unqualified affirmation for the OP's actions.

If you are not mentally prepared to take someone's life in defense of your own, you should not be buying a firearm.

[Subotai]

I asked him why .380 since it's more expensive both the gun and ammo for a "lesser" round. He said if someone broke in his house he didn't want to kill them.

Almost spilt my beer, dang you!

[MrOrange]

I say you did good. I do the same thing: A slap across the face ("Snap out of it, man!"), followed by a sensitive explanation and inquiry as to their willingness to actually harm another human being.

One thing I started doing years ago, when asked by a newcomer about getting a gun for self-protection, is to strongly recommend that they read Ayoob's In The Gravest Extreme. It may sound strange coming from an NRA member, but I'm proud of the fact that several people decided not to buy a gun after reading it.

[kazman]

Sounds like you got him thinking in the right direction, and you'll have more chances to fully talk him through it.