.380 for Self Defense? - Page 2 - The Firearms Forum

Old Timer · 12-12-2008, 11:32 AM

Contenderizer: I consider the .380 ACP to be one of three viable self defense cartridges, the .38 SP and the 9mmP being the other two. Bigger, more powerful cartridges are for service or hunting loads and usually found in service or hunting guns, or virtually unshootable sub-compacts.
When needed (shorts and t-shirt or deep concealed back-up) I will also accept the .32 ACP, but not on a regular basis.
Everybody forgot about the .380 with the advent of ultra-light 9mmP (Kel-Tec P-11 and Taurus PT111) and miniguns like the Kel-Tec P-32. Now, with both Ruger and Kel-Tec making ultra-light .380 ACPs that fall in both weight and power between the .32 ACP and 9mmP, the .380 ACP is again a viable self defense handgun. Loaded with frangible or hot JHPs it compares well with the .38 SP. Given a choice between the Kahr .380 and my compact SIG .357 for day to day concealed carry I'd probably opt for the Kahr. But then I havn't been shot at in almost 40 years and don't expect to be again. I'd just carry the .380 for company, and I like lightweight, concealable, comfortable company, particularly if it has the authority of over 200 ft lbs of energy. Old Timer

stevec · 12-21-2008, 03:15 PM

With the advances in ballistic sciences I see no reason that a .380 couldn't and wouldn't do the job. I've seen where Corbon DPX solid copper hollow points are leaving .70+ wound channels. Yeah, that should stop 'em.

Miss Kit · 01-06-2009, 01:40 PM

Only because I'm ambidexterous and carry a S&W .357, S&W Airweight Snubnose.38 and have room for the Macarov. Oh, wait..n/m I forgot I just bought a nice lil 1911 and that's not enough hands is it?

graehaven · 01-07-2009, 06:22 AM

The Ruger LCP is currently under a large recall, due to a malfunction in its design that may cause a discharge if dropped.
http://www.ruger.com/LCPRecall/index.html

Thanks, I'll take my Kel-tec instead. (and it's less expensive than the ruger too).

mrkirker · 01-07-2009, 07:52 AM

Why not? Folks carry 9mm's for 'self-defense'.

View Poll Results: Is the .380 a practical self-defense round?
No Way ... unless you are attacked by a squirrel.	2	3.64%
OK as a back-up gun - but nothing else.	5	9.09%
Fine for self-defense if you understand its short-comings.	30	54.55%
I'm OK with it - it is/could be my primary self-defense round.	18	32.73%
Voters: 55. You may not vote on this poll

12-12-2008, 11:32 AM	#26
Old Timer Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37	Re: .380 for Self Defense? Contenderizer: I consider the .380 ACP to be one of three viable self defense cartridges, the .38 SP and the 9mmP being the other two. Bigger, more powerful cartridges are for service or hunting loads and usually found in service or hunting guns, or virtually unshootable sub-compacts. When needed (shorts and t-shirt or deep concealed back-up) I will also accept the .32 ACP, but not on a regular basis. Everybody forgot about the .380 with the advent of ultra-light 9mmP (Kel-Tec P-11 and Taurus PT111) and miniguns like the Kel-Tec P-32. Now, with both Ruger and Kel-Tec making ultra-light .380 ACPs that fall in both weight and power between the .32 ACP and 9mmP, the .380 ACP is again a viable self defense handgun. Loaded with frangible or hot JHPs it compares well with the .38 SP. Given a choice between the Kahr .380 and my compact SIG .357 for day to day concealed carry I'd probably opt for the Kahr. But then I havn't been shot at in almost 40 years and don't expect to be again. I'd just carry the .380 for company, and I like lightweight, concealable, comfortable company, particularly if it has the authority of over 200 ft lbs of energy. Old Timer

12-21-2008, 03:15 PM	#27
stevec Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 2	Re: .380 for Self Defense? With the advances in ballistic sciences I see no reason that a .380 couldn't and wouldn't do the job. I've seen where Corbon DPX solid copper hollow points are leaving .70+ wound channels. Yeah, that should stop 'em.

01-06-2009, 01:40 PM	#28
Miss Kit Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Currently in Wisconsin Posts: 2	Re: .380 for Self Defense? Only because I'm ambidexterous and carry a S&W .357, S&W Airweight Snubnose.38 and have room for the Macarov. Oh, wait..n/m I forgot I just bought a nice lil 1911 and that's not enough hands is it?

01-07-2009, 06:22 AM	#29
graehaven Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,853	Re: .380 for Self Defense? The Ruger LCP is currently under a large recall, due to a malfunction in its design that may cause a discharge if dropped. http://www.ruger.com/LCPRecall/index.html Thanks, I'll take my Kel-tec instead. (and it's less expensive than the ruger too). __________________ The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." - Thomas Jefferson RESISTANCE IS FEUDAL... PREPARE TO SERVE.

01-07-2009, 07:52 AM	#30
mrkirker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,067	Re: .380 for Self Defense? Why not? Folks carry 9mm's for 'self-defense'. __________________ *I don't know if dogs have a heaven, but there will be dogs in mine.*