.38 or .380 - The Firearms Forum

deinonychus75 · 07-04-2007, 08:10 PM

Just curious, mostly. I did a few searches in this forum and went back a ways. There's some discussion on either cartridge, but, unless I missed it somewhere, few direct comparisons between these two cartridges. Of course, each may have their own advantage, particularly the more likely concealability of something in .380 since most autos are somewhat slimmer than your average .38 revolver. Personally, I like them both.

a1huntingsupply · 07-05-2007, 05:22 AM

I would have to go with the .38 Special +P. A small frame revolver with some 100gr Corbon PowrBall ammo

I'm not a big .380 fan but if that was my only choice I could adjust.

southernshooter · 07-05-2007, 06:07 AM

For a deep concealable carry the 9mm short(380) often enough fits the bill. Both the bullets themselve are the same size or dang close to it

AL MOUNT · 07-05-2007, 06:47 AM

I have 2 .380's, NAA & Colt Pony

Have never owned a .38 and never desire to....

remember the reason why the 1911 was invented ??.....

My .380's are for CCW only......SHTF senarios.

I wear a pair of "Ranger Joe's" desert tan jungle type boots 24/7

The wittle .380 fits in the boot top without the need for a holster.

Preferably, the .380 is a BUG....but not always.

I cannot stand to wear a shirt not tucked in & gig line straight.....it's an old paratrooper thang....

So in the warm months my CCW is limited to a small unit.

Marlin · 07-05-2007, 09:10 AM

I carry a Model 60 in my oxygen bag loaded with .38 calibre +P rounds, HP, along with a pair of ready to use speed loaders !

That has been my CCW weapon for some time now.

polishshooter · 07-05-2007, 10:22 AM

Of the two if I had to make a choice I would go with the .38 Special +P in a quality revolver...a 2'" snub is pretty foolproof in an emergency, and the power is a little better, and ammo availability is probably better too...plus it isn't that hard to conceal....A buddy of mine has a Charter Undercover that he has had since they came out 15 or 20 or so years ago, and swears by it for CCW....but then he is a "confirmed" revolver guy, his Main "sqeeze' is a S&W 686 in .357 6" he bought about the same time....

I've never been a big fan of the .380, it was just the round you were stuck with when you bought some otherwise decent, reliable, well-made and concealable small autos. And some other decent ones that WEREN'T so concealable...that I never figured out why they just didn't use a "real" 9mm instead of the "short."

In fact, that is why I prefer the .32ACP to the .380, the .32 autos are even smaller and THINNER and easier to conceal...so you will probably HAVE it when needed, and at belly-button range the power difference between the two would proabably be inconsequential...

Now having said that my main CCW is a Makarov in 9x18...about midway between a .380 and a "real" 9mm in power....but again, I'm not sure it's better than the 5 .38+Ps from a snub, just a lot more accurate and I have 8 rounds.....and I believe I am going to buy a snub soon, for my wife, who has trouble with slides and safeties if she doesn't have time to THINK about it....

And Al? The .45 ACP was developed when the old .38 Army, which is closer to the .38 S&W, not the later ".38 Special" round, failed to stop the "Moros" in the Phillipines...

Now while I know all the .38 Special horror stories in Police Work in the 50s, 60s and 70s which led to the .357 taking over "Police Work" for a while, they were mostly with the standard 158grRNL, and not the "+Ps.."

The .38 Special +P especially is still a viable defense round, IMHO, and anybody who has shot PPC or Action Pistol can attest to it's inherent accuracy, although not in a "concealable' weapon....and .357s are a little hard to handle in a 2" and I don't think offer much velocity advantage then either...

Pistolenschutze · 07-05-2007, 12:33 PM

The weapon I carry for CCW, more often than not, is a Smith 637 1.8 inch snubbie loaded with 135 grain Speer Gold Dots, along with a speedloader. It's light, easily concealable, effective at self-defense ranges, and quite accurate with a bit of practice. I will also sometimes carry a Sig P-230 in 9x17 (.380), though I don't find it as easy to conceal as the snubbie. Still, it's not a bad weapon when loaded with high-quality hollow point ammo like Federal Hydra Shoks, and I like its accuracy and handling qualities. My daughter absolutely loves this little gun and keeps trying to talk me out of it.

deinonychus75 · 07-07-2007, 10:58 PM

I'm thinking about a Taurus 85 Ultra Lite for my next purchase. Already have a P3AT for .380.

patrol · 07-30-2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deinonychus75

Just curious, mostly. I did a few searches in this forum and went back a ways. There's some discussion on either cartridge, but, unless I missed it somewhere, few direct comparisons between these two cartridges. Of course, each may have their own advantage, particularly the more likely concealability of something in .380 since most autos are somewhat slimmer than your average .38 revolver. Personally, I like them both.

They both work out good for concealed convienant carry. Ballistically the 380 with winchester 95grain silvertips or regular ball ammo is just as good as most 38spl loads and the capacity is double. Personally, I carry a Jframe stainless airweight with hot ammo. Nothing for pocket carry. Cant beat reliability of a revolver also. Better to have five that will fire than twelve or ten that might not.

AngelDeville · 08-31-2007, 10:05 PM

those are the 2 calibers I have for CC.

My 3" barreled Detective special is my first choice, but sometimes the Colt Pony is a little easier to conceal.

durk · 08-31-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

My daughter absolutely loves this little gun and keeps trying to talk me out of it.

Christmas is right around the corner Pistol! Just get her one!

Pistolenschutze · 09-01-2007, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durk

Christmas is right around the corner Pistol! Just get her one!

She just might find one from Santy Claus under the tree this Xmas. Santy Claus is a gun nut you know.

obxned · 09-25-2007, 03:40 PM

I could get by if all I had was a .38 snubbie, but I carry a P3AT. It's smaller, lighter, and much more easily concealed due to being thinner.

Since neither .380 nor .38 are powerhouses, you may very well have to put several rounds on target to get the same result as with a larger caliber pistol. With that in mind, 13 rounds (fullly loaded pistol plus spare mag) beats the heck out of 5.

cohoskip · 10-25-2007, 02:16 PM

My CCW is a Stainless Walther PPKS in .380

USMC-03 · 10-25-2007, 02:45 PM

I'm with you, cohoskip.
For CCW I usually pack a stainless PPK .380 and two spare mags loaded with 95 gr. JHP. Doesn't have the poop of a .38 but it's much more comfortable to carry.
My .38 Special M15 Smith sits in a quick access lock box next to the bed loaded with 158 gr. lead HP.

stash247 · 11-08-2007, 03:36 AM

coho, I cannot disagree; if .380 is the drill, the PPK-S is as good a platform, as exists!
But, how many 'goblins', and how 'pumped up' are they?
With a .100" increase in width, a .45 or two enters the picture, a bit heavier, in both senses of the word!
In this, there is no question; if I 'probe' you with the .45 ACP, you WILL respond, and likely, in a very docile way!
Line my response up in the 'you need a bigger hammer' column.

FLA2760 · 11-20-2007, 07:15 PM

A Smith J frame .38 and a Kel Tec P3-AT for a NY reload. lol

scudrunner · 12-15-2007, 11:49 PM

The .38spl is a great little round and in a revolver it is very reliable, however it is somewhat bulky and heavy and without a bobbed hammer may be difficult to get out in a hurry. It is a step up from the .380 as far as ballistics but stuffing a 5 shot revolver in your shorts in the summer can prove troublesome, at least for me.

If I had only ONE CHOICE in the matter it would have to be with a small .380 like a Kel-Tec P3. Thats what I carry mostly year round. I can slip it in my short pants and you cant even tell its there. Its light weight doesn't tug at you all day either like some other heavier .380 would. With the right ammo it is very formidable, remember, tis better to have a gun with you then wishing you did.

I do at times in the winter, when I have a heavy coat on, carry my Taurus .38spl 5 shot with a titanium frame but mostly, it's the .380.

That's MHO.

stash247 · 12-16-2007, 12:43 PM

Scud, anybody throwing rocks at George Kellgren's designs has obviously not shot them; that little .32, and the slightly larger .380, are the most powerful 'bill clips', going;
I prefer the round gun, but that is of no matter; the little autos are 'enough gun', if one 'works with them', and are damned handy!
Happy Holidays!

Pistolenschutze · 12-16-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stash247

I prefer the round gun, but that is of no matter; the little autos are 'enough gun', if one 'works with them', and are damned handy!
Happy Holidays!

A small auto definitely has a place in the scheme of things, Stash. Like you, I prefer something a bit more powerful than a .32 or .380, but sometimes what can be carried is dictated by circumstances, not by choice. Last night I had to attend a faculty dinner at a fancy club in a rather dark and often dangerous part of town. I wasn't about to go unarmed even though the school forbids firearms!

My .32 Beretta Tomcat came in right handy.

scudrunner · 12-16-2007, 01:37 PM

[QUOTE=scudrunner;290582]
If I had only ONE CHOICE in the matter it would have to be with a small .380 like a Kel-Tec P3. That's what I carry mostly year round.

Stash, maybe you should read my post again, I too prefer the small .380. It is surprisingly accurate and very fast. I have few jams of any type and none with quality ammo. I own both the .380 and the .32.

All I said was that I thought the heavier autos like the PPK or the Barretta were somewhat bulky for summertime dress.

Have a Joly Christmas

stash247 · 12-16-2007, 01:57 PM

Scud, I read and re-read the post; I have no qualms with your choice!
Those little weapons are some of the best 'thought out' pistols on the planet, and if they are your choice, God Bless; simply, as attractive as they are, I have trouble with leaving what I know best, so continue, in the 'old habits', with a 1911, where there is room, and a J-frame, when it is limited!
To this day, I shoot revolvers left handed, and the 1911 right handed, if this gives some insight into my choices.
Carry what you will; I meant no criticism, except for those who reject, out of hand, a weapon they've never used, and that was the intent of my post; the immortal words of an old and deeply missed friend, (Jeff Cooper), come to mind: "An armed society is a polite society."

44spl · 02-05-2008, 10:19 PM

I carry my AMT 380 and enjoy it. For some reason whenever I get to the range I just have to shoot it first

savage340 · 03-16-2008, 04:08 PM

How about a Bersa 380? Mine has been great to carry in a cabela's safari vest

user · 03-16-2008, 08:17 PM

I regard the .38 spc.+P as the minimum acceptable self defense round.

The Federal Premium Hydrashok JHP (PD380HS1H) has 167 foot pounds of kinetic energy at fifty feet, about sixty ft-lbs less than is necessary by my lights, and a trajectory drop of about three inches at that distance.

By contrast, the 9x19mm Luger I use (P9HS1) has 291 foot pounds and a two inch drop, respectively, and the Federal Premium Hydrashok .38 special +P (P38HS1) has 234 ft-lbs (barely enough but over the limit) and about a three inch drop, at the same distance. I prefer a .357 magnum, myself, and the nearest equivalent (PD357HS2H) provides 457 ft-lbs with less than one inch of drop.

So, to me, the .38 special +P is the minimum acceptable. You can use a .380 or a .22Lr for that matter, but you have to be at close range, be an accurate shooter, and have a good working knowledge of human anatomy, in my opinion. The Beretta Bobcat, for example, is a terrific gun at eight to ten feet.

View Poll Results: What's your preference - .38 or .380?
.38 Special (+P or not)	83	65.87%
.380 ACP (+P or not)	31	24.60%
No preference between these two cartridges.	12	9.52%
Voters: 126. You may not vote on this poll

07-04-2007, 08:10 PM	#1
deinonychus75 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 72	.38 or .380 Just curious, mostly. I did a few searches in this forum and went back a ways. There's some discussion on either cartridge, but, unless I missed it somewhere, few direct comparisons between these two cartridges. Of course, each may have their own advantage, particularly the more likely concealability of something in .380 since most autos are somewhat slimmer than your average .38 revolver. Personally, I like them both. __________________ Peaceable, not passive. -->

07-05-2007, 05:22 AM	#2
a1huntingsupply Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deer Park, Texas Posts: 23	Re: .38 or .380 I would have to go with the .38 Special +P. A small frame revolver with some 100gr Corbon PowrBall ammo I'm not a big .380 fan but if that was my only choice I could adjust.

07-05-2007, 06:07 AM	#3
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: .38 or .380 For a deep concealable carry the 9mm short(380) often enough fits the bill. Both the bullets themselve are the same size or dang close to it __________________ Only you can see this

07-05-2007, 06:47 AM	#4
AL MOUNT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cleaning my Thompson in The Foothills of the Ozark Mountains Posts: 3,108	Re: .38 or .380 I have 2 .380's, NAA & Colt Pony Have never owned a .38 and never desire to.... remember the reason why the 1911 was invented ??..... My .380's are for CCW only......SHTF senarios. I wear a pair of "Ranger Joe's" desert tan jungle type boots 24/7 The wittle .380 fits in the boot top without the need for a holster. Preferably, the .380 is a BUG....but not always. I cannot stand to wear a shirt not tucked in & gig line straight.....it's an old paratrooper thang.... So in the warm months my CCW is limited to a small unit. __________________ 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment 101st Airborne Division Vietnam 67-68

07-05-2007, 09:10 AM	#5
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: .38 or .380 I carry a Model 60 in my oxygen bag loaded with .38 calibre +P rounds, HP, along with a pair of ready to use speed loaders ! That has been my CCW weapon for some time now. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

07-05-2007, 10:22 AM	#6
polishshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 7,863	Re: .38 or .380 Of the two if I had to make a choice I would go with the .38 Special +P in a quality revolver...a 2'" snub is pretty foolproof in an emergency, and the power is a little better, and ammo availability is probably better too...plus it isn't that hard to conceal....A buddy of mine has a Charter Undercover that he has had since they came out 15 or 20 or so years ago, and swears by it for CCW....but then he is a "confirmed" revolver guy, his Main "sqeeze' is a S&W 686 in .357 6" he bought about the same time.... I've never been a big fan of the .380, it was just the round you were stuck with when you bought some otherwise decent, reliable, well-made and concealable small autos. And some other decent ones that WEREN'T so concealable...that I never figured out why they just didn't use a "real" 9mm instead of the "short." In fact, that is why I prefer the .32ACP to the .380, the .32 autos are even smaller and THINNER and easier to conceal...so you will probably HAVE it when needed, and at belly-button range the power difference between the two would proabably be inconsequential... Now having said that my main CCW is a Makarov in 9x18...about midway between a .380 and a "real" 9mm in power....but again, I'm not sure it's better than the 5 .38+Ps from a snub, just a lot more accurate and I have 8 rounds.....and I believe I am going to buy a snub soon, for my wife, who has trouble with slides and safeties if she doesn't have time to THINK about it.... And Al? The .45 ACP was developed when the old .38 Army, which is closer to the .38 S&W, not the later ".38 Special" round, failed to stop the "Moros" in the Phillipines... Now while I know all the .38 Special horror stories in Police Work in the 50s, 60s and 70s which led to the .357 taking over "Police Work" for a while, they were mostly with the standard 158grRNL, and not the "+Ps.." The .38 Special +P especially is still a viable defense round, IMHO, and anybody who has shot PPC or Action Pistol can attest to it's inherent accuracy, although not in a "concealable' weapon....and .357s are a little hard to handle in a 2" and I don't think offer much velocity advantage then either... __________________ The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living. Last edited by polishshooter; 07-05-2007 at 10:32 AM..

07-05-2007, 12:33 PM	#7
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: .38 or .380 The weapon I carry for CCW, more often than not, is a Smith 637 1.8 inch snubbie loaded with 135 grain Speer Gold Dots, along with a speedloader. It's light, easily concealable, effective at self-defense ranges, and quite accurate with a bit of practice. I will also sometimes carry a Sig P-230 in 9x17 (.380), though I don't find it as easy to conceal as the snubbie. Still, it's not a bad weapon when loaded with high-quality hollow point ammo like Federal Hydra Shoks, and I like its accuracy and handling qualities. My daughter absolutely loves this little gun and keeps trying to talk me out of it. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

07-07-2007, 10:58 PM	#8
deinonychus75 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 72	Re: .38 or .380 I'm thinking about a Taurus 85 Ultra Lite for my next purchase. Already have a P3AT for .380. __________________ Peaceable, not passive.

08-31-2007, 10:05 PM	#10
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: .38 or .380 those are the 2 calibers I have for CC. My 3" barreled Detective special is my first choice, but sometimes the Colt Pony is a little easier to conceal.

09-25-2007, 03:40 PM	#13
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: .38 or .380 I could get by if all I had was a .38 snubbie, but I carry a P3AT. It's smaller, lighter, and much more easily concealed due to being thinner. Since neither .380 nor .38 are powerhouses, you may very well have to put several rounds on target to get the same result as with a larger caliber pistol. With that in mind, 13 rounds (fullly loaded pistol plus spare mag) beats the heck out of 5. __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan

10-25-2007, 02:16 PM	#14
cohoskip V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Summer: Chimacum, WA; Winter: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 189	Re: .38 or .380 My CCW is a Stainless Walther PPKS in .380 __________________ To err is human, to forgive divine Neither is Marine Corps policy... NRA Life Member

10-25-2007, 02:45 PM	#15
USMC-03 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,825	Re: .38 or .380 I'm with you, cohoskip. For CCW I usually pack a stainless PPK .380 and two spare mags loaded with 95 gr. JHP. Doesn't have the poop of a .38 but it's much more comfortable to carry. My .38 Special M15 Smith sits in a quick access lock box next to the bed loaded with 158 gr. lead HP.

11-08-2007, 03:36 AM	#16
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: .38 or .380 coho, I cannot disagree; if .380 is the drill, the PPK-S is as good a platform, as exists! But, how many 'goblins', and how 'pumped up' are they? With a .100" increase in width, a .45 or two enters the picture, a bit heavier, in both senses of the word! In this, there is no question; if I 'probe' you with the .45 ACP, you WILL respond, and likely, in a very docile way! Line my response up in the 'you need a bigger hammer' column. __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

11-20-2007, 07:15 PM	#17
FLA2760 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 12	Re: .38 or .380 A Smith J frame .38 and a Kel Tec P3-AT for a NY reload. lol

12-15-2007, 11:49 PM	#18
scudrunner V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 252	Re: .38 or .380 The .38spl is a great little round and in a revolver it is very reliable, however it is somewhat bulky and heavy and without a bobbed hammer may be difficult to get out in a hurry. It is a step up from the .380 as far as ballistics but stuffing a 5 shot revolver in your shorts in the summer can prove troublesome, at least for me. If I had only ONE CHOICE in the matter it would have to be with a small .380 like a Kel-Tec P3. Thats what I carry mostly year round. I can slip it in my short pants and you cant even tell its there. Its light weight doesn't tug at you all day either like some other heavier .380 would. With the right ammo it is very formidable, remember, tis better to have a gun with you then wishing you did. I do at times in the winter, when I have a heavy coat on, carry my Taurus .38spl 5 shot with a titanium frame but mostly, it's the .380. That's MHO. __________________ HAVE A NICE DAY, DAMMIT!! When seconds count the police are only minutes away! The Number 1 Rule Of Any Gunfight.....HAVE A GUN!! Last edited by scudrunner; 12-15-2007 at 11:51 PM..

12-16-2007, 12:43 PM	#19
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: .38 or .380 Scud, anybody throwing rocks at George Kellgren's designs has obviously not shot them; that little .32, and the slightly larger .380, are the most powerful 'bill clips', going; I prefer the round gun, but that is of no matter; the little autos are 'enough gun', if one 'works with them', and are damned handy! Happy Holidays! __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

12-16-2007, 01:37 PM	#21
scudrunner V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 252	Re: .38 or .380 [QUOTE=scudrunner;290582] If I had only ONE CHOICE in the matter it would have to be with a small .380 like a Kel-Tec P3. That's what I carry mostly year round. Stash, maybe you should read my post again, I too prefer the small .380. It is surprisingly accurate and very fast. I have few jams of any type and none with quality ammo. I own both the .380 and the .32. All I said was that I thought the heavier autos like the PPK or the Barretta were somewhat bulky for summertime dress. Have a Joly Christmas __________________ HAVE A NICE DAY, DAMMIT!! When seconds count the police are only minutes away! The Number 1 Rule Of Any Gunfight.....HAVE A GUN!! Last edited by scudrunner; 12-16-2007 at 01:40 PM..

12-16-2007, 01:57 PM	#22
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: .38 or .380 Scud, I read and re-read the post; I have no qualms with your choice! Those little weapons are some of the best 'thought out' pistols on the planet, and if they are your choice, God Bless; simply, as attractive as they are, I have trouble with leaving what I know best, so continue, in the 'old habits', with a 1911, where there is room, and a J-frame, when it is limited! To this day, I shoot revolvers left handed, and the 1911 right handed, if this gives some insight into my choices. Carry what you will; I meant no criticism, except for those who reject, out of hand, a weapon they've never used, and that was the intent of my post; the immortal words of an old and deeply missed friend, (Jeff Cooper), come to mind: "An armed society is a polite society." __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

02-05-2008, 10:19 PM	#23
44spl Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15	Re: .38 or .380 I carry my AMT 380 and enjoy it. For some reason whenever I get to the range I just have to shoot it first

03-16-2008, 04:08 PM	#24
savage340 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 5	Re: .38 or .380 How about a Bersa 380? Mine has been great to carry in a cabela's safari vest

03-16-2008, 08:17 PM	#25
user Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern piedmont of Va. and Middle of Nowhere, West Virginia Posts: 1,013	Re: .38 or .380 I regard the .38 spc.+P as the minimum acceptable self defense round. The Federal Premium Hydrashok JHP (PD380HS1H) has 167 foot pounds of kinetic energy at fifty feet, about sixty ft-lbs less than is necessary by my lights, and a trajectory drop of about three inches at that distance. By contrast, the 9x19mm Luger I use (P9HS1) has 291 foot pounds and a two inch drop, respectively, and the Federal Premium Hydrashok .38 special +P (P38HS1) has 234 ft-lbs (barely enough but over the limit) and about a three inch drop, at the same distance. I prefer a .357 magnum, myself, and the nearest equivalent (PD357HS2H) provides 457 ft-lbs with less than one inch of drop. So, to me, the .38 special +P is the minimum acceptable. You can use a .380 or a .22Lr for that matter, but you have to be at close range, be an accurate shooter, and have a good working knowledge of human anatomy, in my opinion. The Beretta Bobcat, for example, is a terrific gun at eight to ten feet.