Isn't it funny that he didn't use the Portland Oregon Police ammo I was an armed guard here 23 years ago and I asked them what their duty carry ammo was. Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok JHP label numbers 1000fps and 200ft-lb at the muzzle 940 and175 at 25yards.
probably ammo as well, so often you hear stories of cops lighting someone up and they live. Not sure if cops use hollow point defensive and a hollow point probably turns a 20% chance to die shot into a 80% chance to die shot.
2:15 the ban on saturday night specials wasn't enacted to prevent crime. It was to make it harder for poor black people to be armed. This was during the civil rights movement. Many civil rights leaders strongly encouraged black people to be armed. The ban on affordable guns was a direct response. The fact that the ban did nothing to prevent violent crime is no surprise. It wasn't actually intended to prevent crime at all.
The ban wasn't specifically race motivated. But more likely "class" motivated. Poor folks of ANY color haveing acess to serviceable weapons being has always been a strong motivator for the "upper crust" to come up with ANY sort of prohibitions possible to disarm them. This has been true of every civilization that's likely ever existed. And 1960's America wasnt any different. Alot of the weapons that GCA 68 act strictly targeted weren't just so-called Saturday night specials. But military surplus and medium quality semi-auto pocket pistols, revolvers, and long guns made by such illustrious companies as Beretta and Sauer. Not just the cheap RG's and Herters sorts handguns. For example. At one time. Before 1968. A poor farmer, of ANY race, in rural Va. or West Virginia. Could purchase a mil-surp .303 Enfield, 6.5 Carcano, or 7mm Mauser AND ammunition. Via catalog mail order. For just a little money. And have a fairly serviceable, proven, weapon to use for home defense, varmint control, or hunting. AND it would be mailed straight to their home address. After 1968. Not only were such private purchases rendered a thing of the past. But the market of mil-surp firearms totally changed. The prices went up per item, the quality generally began to decline and any mil-surp handguns that got imported had to meet the new points system criteria. Some couldnt. Not due to their designs being poor quality or unsafe. They just simply couldn't muster ALL of the required features to pass the Feds GCA 68 points system. Also. As an aside. I recall once reading some time ago. That the framework for the 1968 Gun Control Act. Was taken in part from a 1930's Nazi Germany gun ban edict. The framers of GCA 68 basicly sat down. And canvased all close contemporary, known, sources, of private arms control legislation that had been enacted not just in the U.S. . But in other nations as well. And some of those pieces of legislation were proclamations and edicts from the mid 1920's Weimar Republic era and 1930's Nazi Germany. From my readings. One of the reasons they scrutinized these sorry documents and pieces of legislation from those historically tragic era's. Was due in part to the fact that it was fairly well understood how the Nazi party had arisen out of the social and political turmoil at the end of WW1. The would be builders of GCA 1968 viewed the U.S. as undergoing a similar social and political upheaval. AND it was at the height of the Cold War with communist Russia. So. They studied what steps the Weimar Republic and Nazis took to retain power and control over their populations. How their steps either failed or succeded. Right down to the legislation used to disarm the public and keep weapons out of the hands of what their respective governments had deemed to be "undesirable social and political elements". And after ALL of their scrutinizing, debateing, and political maneuvering with one another. The U.S. Federal government legislaters. Came up with the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Savage1776 Indeed. But at least one still has a chance to own one. Provideing one is wealthy OR doesnt have to pay a mortgage. And this is what the general public doesnt understand. Through the good graces of our politicians and news media. Not to mention Hollywod cinema. The general public has a HUGE lack of understanding about their own firearms laws AND about firearms in general. Hence the new (as of May 6 2019), talk amongst legislators about banning civilian firearm suppressor ownership. Half of THOSE politicians pushing for a ban have an extremely obvious lack in understanding of the current firearms laws of the United States and just simply don't understand how difficult it is to obtain and own a suppressor. And the other half. Already has a dedicated predisposition toward prohibiting private firearm ownership and are near constantly and actively seeking to strike the Second Amendment from the Bill of Rights anyway.
Modern 380 is amazing. I recommend Norma MHP's, they fly faster than my 9mm+P HP's, and while they don't hit as hard, it's still well above the 310 ft/lbs.
@@supergoodadvice853 I do have to say you should look at gel tests, as much as I love norma those bullets have an incredibly low expansion rate. I think somewhere around 75% of them do not expand, in which case you are shooting jhp in effect. Expansion is difficult to achieve with 380 due to the lower energies and Hornady xtp 380 and federal HST 380 are the only ones I've seen work basically 100% of the time in 380.
@@EmmaHopman I have, and I do prefer the way my specific rounds work. They don't over penetrate, and even though they have a hard time expanding all the way, they'll still spin around until they stop, helping create that petal effect.
Pocket pistols are selling like hotcakes. Very few "gun trainers" seem to recognize this, insisting on larger bulky pistols, usually automatics. Your pocket pistols series is very much in alignment with what the customers really want. Kudos guys!
i hate pocket guns. there cool until you need to fire one and its recoiling all over the dam place. larger heavy pistils have less recoil due to there wight.
@@gogereaver349it’s not the guns fault you have bad recoil control my guy i. have a s&w shield in .40 and it has some recoil sure, but it’s not impossible to shoot. pocket pistols are nowhere as bad as you make it seem.
I carry a Browning 380 1911. I find that the 4.25" barrel and Hornady Critical Defense gets plenty of penetration, excellent expansion, and it's lightweight and comfortable. Also it fits my hand really nicely. It's not super tiny like most pocket 380s. It's a little on the expensive side but it's exactly what I wanted in an EDC and I don't regret it one bit. 🤘
I've been carrying for 20 years. I've needed it for self defense 4 times but never had to fire it. Just letting them know I could match whatever level they wanted to take the situation to was enough for everyone to go home alive. The perfect ending.
That seems like a lot of times. It amounts to a credible death or serious bodily injury threat every 5 years Did you ever actually upholster the firearm and not shoot? That takes a lot of discipline. Did cops ever get involved?
@@notphilivey 3 times here, I have threatened/pointed to use a gun against actual criminals in about 30 years.. 3 robberies /assualts against me precluded. Nobody shot You point a gun at an ass-hole , they usually go away.. No proof is required, snowflake.There will be no record of it. Criminals are jackals/ cowards , they do crimes of opportunity, most of the crimes they DON"T commit are because of actual threat's of real harm/arrest to themselves. Now what happened to the next people those same criminals accousted ? IDK So why do ask such questions?
And, in my opinion, quite foolish. The water will overtime remove the lube from the gun, probably mess up the ammo, and rust the internals. Especially considering that it’s chlorine water. Plus, you know he doesn’t have the gun secured in any type of holster. At best he has it in swim trunks with cargo pockets that velcro shut so the gun can’t fall out.
I work at a YMCA in a major city, and you see and experience all sorts of people. Needless to say, it is not unlikely you will come into contact with some unstable people. Though I've never seen any serious violent occurrences, it's not your Lifetime Fitness luxury for sure.
Would you wear your seat belt to drive there? It's just a short trip to the Y, do you really think you will need your seat belt? ALWAYS be armed. ALWAYS means...ALWAYS. How many people ever thought they would "need" a gun at any of the places where they needed a gun? Church? "What kind of neighborhood do you live in if you need to carry a gun to church?" Beauty salon? City administrative offices? Think of the places we have heard of shootings. THOSE are the places you need to be armed. At home? YES. 100% of home invasions happen...at home. ALWAYS. BE. ARMED.
Yes......I'm a big fan of the 380 pocket pistols myself.......having had several. My wife enjoys shooting the S&W EZ even though you really can't consider it a pocket rocket.
It's always a trade off and it changes over time. I'm in my mid-60's and prefer a .380 G42 for concealed carry. I tried the small 9mm pistols, but they tended to jump around more than the .380. To me rounds on target is much more important than stopping power. But, practice with whatever you carry. Remember, the best concealed carry handgun is the one you'll take with you. For home defense I like the Walther PPQ in 9mm. I have a few of them in various strategic locations around the house.
I think you're onto something. I'm 56 mow and have bought both a G42 and a SW442 for when I get a little older. I am still very happy, quite capable, and happy to carry my G26 with a G17 backup mag like i have every day since 2008...but i realize the time will come when I want to/should make a few adjustments. Kudos to you for protecting yourself and your loved ones! 👊
Here in Brazil, .380 ACP was the largest pistol caliber allowed for civilians from 1987 to 2019. This cartridge was rarely used here in subcompact pistols, but in high-capacity, full-size pistols are the norm, like Taurus PT-58 HC, Imbel GC (both 19 + 1 rounds) and Glock 25 and 28 (versions of Glock 19 and 26 in .380 ACP made for Brazilian market). Its peak was in the 1990´s, because law enforcement personnel was still issued with .38 Special revolvers. Many police officers bought high-capacity .380 ACP pistols to get more firepower than provided by the service revolver.
My Ruger LCP (second generation) is the ONLY handgun I own that has NEVER malfunctioned -- and that statement includes my revolvers. It has been my "always gun" for eight years. Thank you, John Browning, for this superb cartridge.
I've owned and used a Bersa Thunder .380 since 1996 for a small carry gun (backup). It is mega-reliable, accurate, and simple to use. I highly recommend this firearm. I also own and use a Bersa Thunder 9mm for my main carry firearm and it's the same story. These guns are outstanding.
Sold my Bersa thunder .380 and have regretted it ever since. The thunder was so accurate and reliable and easy to conceal that I qualified with it for my CCL. I'll be getting another one soon.
Benjamin Danielsen I'm not certain but: I've read that, for most of his life, Twain ALWAYS was "Armed". My favorite Twain quote? "Better to have a gun and not need it, then to need a gun and not have it!"
Twain traveled extensively in some wild places back in the day.Great pic...how many writers carry today? Happy Birthday Hunter Thompson, who was often armed.
@@adamsmith3413 Didn't he use a 44 Mag (mentioned highly in the book Fear and Loathing) to off himself?Back in his prime days "Dirty Harry" was King. every gun-nut and even non-gun-nuts wanted one or thought them great.
My first handgun was a Llama 380 1911 coming up on 42 years ago. I've just added a Bersa Thunder 380 Plus 15+1 as my everyday carry. It has a fixed barrel, with the right amount of weight to shoot one handed with little to no rise. Making it a very smooth shooter.
This pocket pistol series JUST GOT REAL! It's been great so far, but I'm really looking forward to the .380 'shootout', and the .380 vs .38 Special videos! Keep up the great work!!!
Definitely 38 spl.. Has more power and you can also use better bullet profiles in a low velocity round with a larger meplat. Things like the full wadcutters and soft lead semi wadcutter hollow points so even if they don't expand you still have the shard shoulder cutting edge of the semi wadcutter. As well as you don't have to worry about feeding them
@@Deadtileyedie but like any revolver THEYRE FAT , fat fat fat and even in a J Frame they’re still fatter by far than an auto and with in most cases less rounds.
@@Valorius um There isn’t one. There is no standard, as specified by SAAMI, for .380 ACP +P. It simply doesn’t exist. ANY ammo, claiming to be .380 ACP +P, is, by very definition, nonstandard. We don’t know how high the pressure levels may be. The only thing we do know, is that the pressure levels are almost certainly higher than what SAAMI has established as the standard. There are buffalo bore,doubletapp,Underwood and a few others labeled as such. Even buffalo bore acknowledges this and says its DEFINITELY not safe in every 380 and even if so it will absolutely shorten the ife span of the weapon. In my opinion with the micro 9s available why try to hot rod 380 and make it harder to control in small pocket pistols 380 shine in. Also most newer 380s are 6+1??? 38s are usually 5 or 6 shots so that's not double the ammo at all. No to mention most 38s are going to be more reliable and accurate than most micro 380s by design. On the other hand 38 spl DOES have a SAAMI +p designation as well as a +p+. Also if you're talking about boutique ammo then buffalo bore and others also produce standard pressure 38 spl loads pushing a 158 gr soft lead hollow point semi woodcutter at 850 fps/353foot lbs energy, which out preforms any standard 380 load by a good bit and is right behind The "+p" 380. A +p 38 spl will push a 158 gr @ over 1000 ft per second with over 350 lbs energy. Then the +p+ will be 20% more powerful. Not to mention neither standard pressure 380 or 38 spl jhps expand reliably so its better off in my opinion using a solid getting the penetration. In that case a 150 gr full wadcutter with it's full flat nose is proven to have better In line penetration and the larger surface area(meplat) also has sharper shoulders which cuts a larger full caliber hole instead of 380 fmj which ice pick through leaving a tiny hole and is more likely to ricochet of harder material instead of crushing through like a wadcutter. They are also designed very accurate since they are "targetloads" and have insanely light controllable recoil. Improving follow up shots and control. Also most shootings end in less than 3 shots so a 5 or 6 shot with training should be more than enough. Then throw In a few speedloaders and you should be fine.
@@Valorius your are VERY wrong. A buffalo bore 380 "+p" shoot a 100gr 1061 feet per second and around 275 lbs energy from a lcp(2.75" barrel). A buffalo bore 158 gr 38 spl +p pushes a 158 gr @ 1115 feet per second that's over 425 ft lbs energy from a sw model 60 3 inch barrel j frame(that also gives you the option of one of the most effective rds ever 357.. So the 38 spl +p from equal ammo loaders and barrel lengths. 38 all +p will out preform it by quite a bit. We won't even get into +p+. Also the 38 spl +p FBI load is one PROVEN statically in actual shootings to be VERY effective. 380 "+p" not so much. It also has much lower sectional density.idk where you got your numbers from but they are all off bud.
For real. This is one of the very few times I've heard it publicly acknowledged how the Ruger LCP looked "Suspiciously like the Kel-Tec." Usually videos and magazines just gloss right over that.
Just got a S and W .380 EZ and love it. Only 50 rounds through it, but no malfunctions. Feels good in the hand, accurate and fun to shoot. Highly recommended.
Thank you for a very informative 380 pistol video, I like the fact that you presented the historical background of the 380, including the international uses.
As usual you present an excellent easy to follow narrative. When I bought my .380 I wasn’t sure I would like a small pistol. I saw a used Taurus in a pawn shop and asked the clerk if I could try the fit in my hands. I didn’t hand it back to him but I did hand over my money. I love it and it goes with me tucked in an ankle holster. If I did not have it already, after watching this post I would be on the hunt for one today. Thank you for a wonderful post.
You really do a great job on this series...my wife is 71 and in great shape but has trouble with the slide.....we found her a S&W EZ380 and she fell in love with it.........great little gun
Meanwhile I've only heard it spoken aloud because I've never been super interested in the gun myself and only hear people talk about it and thought it was "P380".
I think it's stupid a 45 ACP is probably more powerful out of a derringer than a 4570 out of 2in barrel you're not going to get 35% of the power out of a 4570 with 2in of barrel a.45 ACP out of a 2in barrel you're going to get about75% of your power just because it's a big bullet doesn't mean it's real powerful if you're shooting it out of a 2in barrel!
LOL ... "Because the metric system is less confusing." That was brilliantly delivered! It actually took me just a second to catch on. Then here I sat, trying not to laugh with strained abs and laughing in spite of myself. SO worth it! :D
For Me, the Kahr CT380 has become the BEST 380 micro pistol fit (I like my Makarovs, hence micro). Easy and consistent to shoot, noticably smaller than the 9s, larger than the 2 finger 380s. And I can pas Col Ben's Concealed Carry drill, with a reload, at 7 yards. Thank you for this series, done in your usual thoughtful and informative way.
Wonderful video. In your .380 load testing from a few years ago I did not see the Underwood Extreme Defender. I did extensive RUclips research, watching many gel tests of many different rounds, and this is the defensive round I am going to use because it is NOT a hollow point. The machined grooves in the bullet cause the soft tissue to "splash" outward away from the bullet, rather than relying on the bullet to expand like a hollow point, while the .380 does not quite have the "oomf" to shoot a hollow point far enough while it expands. This splashing action causes a very good wound cavity of 2 inches and more. I highly recommend trying this load. Thank you for the extensive information on the .380!!
Great video on the subject. Can’t wait to see the snub nose revolver vs 380 pistol video. There are hardly any good videos of “pocket revolver vs pocket semi auto.” Thanks for contiuing to put out quality content.
I want to see that, too. My 642, BG38 (38 spl revolvers) and BG380 (.380 semi) are the only guns I own that are small enough for me (female; small pockets) to pocket carry unless in a jacket pocket. The .380 is easiest of all, but I haven't shot it enough to trust it yet.
I have a Ruger LCR in .357. It hurts my hand enough that I only shoot 38 spl at the range. I bought it to shoot from inside my coat pocket....there is no exposed hammer to get snagged.
Why is this argument constantly regurgitated when someone is defending ‘their’ caliber?Yeah, a .22 short will display effective terminal ballistic characteristics if your shot placement is just right. The debate is not ‘can this caliber be used successfully for self-defense?’ - if you do your job, it’ll do what its supposed to. The real argument against .380 is this: what can it do that a 9mm can’t do better? The overall size of the pistol can be reduced by what, 5%? And for that I get a round with a significantly reduced muzzle energy and generally less reliable hollow point expansion? It just seems like an inefficient choice given the variety of small 9mm pistols available today. If there’s something I’m missing, I’d like to hear a logical counter argument, but I can’t see the appeal.
@@PrintsCharming13 The smallest 9mm I was able to shoot somewhat reliably was a sccy and that was only when it was fully loaded. The last few shots were significantly lighter and harder to manage. The smallest 380 I can use is the lcp2. The length is 10% smaller, the height is 27% shorter 28% thinner, and it's 30% lighter empty. And those numbers are similar to other small 9mm guns like the lc9s and the M&P9 shield. Those are significant numbers. Trying to hide an object on your body can be tricky and even an extra inch shorter means you can carry it in more situations. It doesn't matter how big your bullets are, or how reliable your pistol is if it's sitting at home. It's also just generally more comfortable. That's what small caliber guns do better. Also with modern ammo choices like the extreme penetrator, expansion is unnecessary and they have had impressive results in both gel and the meat-target. There is also flexibility. In the winter with a jacket a 9mm or even 45 may be a good option, but in the summer on the beach in a t-shirt and trunks I want something tiny and at home I'm reaching for the shotgun. And like you said, any caliber will do it's job if you do yours.
Love my Smith and Wesson Bodyguard in .380, it's hammer fired and has a steel guide rod. I use 95 grain fmj and hollow points. I feel so much better carrying this pocket rocket over not carrying at all.
I switch between an LCP max, (a recent upgrade in sights and grip), a snubbie, and a Glock 43x in an appendix holster. I routinely carry the LCP max in places where firearms are legal but not popular. I carry the LCP with the 12 round magazine, and a spare. 25 rounds of .380.
I was about to make a similar comment. Would like to get a take on whether 30SC is now the biggest little caliber. It seems to have a lot to recommend it over .380 ACP.
The best clearest presentation on 380 I've seen. I am far from and expert but 380 guns seem to be particular about what you feed them. Mine has sights on it but they are useless as they are so tiny.
This pocket pistol series has been thoroughly educational, eye-opening. It's greatly appreciated! Have you ever shot a S&W 380EZ? I bought one on a whim. It's by no means compact. But it's a fine shooting piece in my opinion.
Very informative and well done video. I live in Florida and dress in shorts and a t-shirt most of the time. As a result, I carry a Kahr P380 in a Desantis holster. I think the .380 round is just fine . I’m tired of the 9mm snobs.
Thanks so much to you guys at Lucky Gunner for all the different caliber tests you've done on hollow points. Your printed results have been my Bible for shopping for hollow points.
I'm really surprised that you didn't include the Lehigh Defense bullet either from Lehigh or underwood. It gives great penetration regardless of denim and excellent cavitation. That is the only ammo I use for carry in my LCP2. It's reliable and I don't feel undergunned when I'm not carrying my G26
These are some of the best videos currently on RUclips IMO. I ask when you do the .380 shootout to please include the S&W 380 EZ. I am really interested to see how .380 performs in a 3.6" barrel
My Kahr CW380 defies all the rules about .380’s. Small, light, soft shooting (comparatively), extra accurate (I can knock down the pie plates faster than with a 9mm) and extra reliable. Loaded with Hornady Critical Defense and in a DeSantis pocket holster, it can be carried year ‘round in any pocket.
Ive been involved in weapons a long time.. I think the .380 is a very underrated cartridge. I have several "summer" CCW pistols. With the right ammo, its better to leave the house with something then nothing at all.
I love 380 acp. A Walther ppk/s is one of the first non 22 handguns I fired. It was one of my dad's carry guns and is now one of mine. Grew up shooting that gun every weekend and learned to appreciate 380 at a young age
Yes,that was also my past choice,but it has been recommended to go MAX pen ,or even a bit beyond for 380 auto.The hornady is only near minimum penetration
@@u.p.woodtick3296 , you will love it. It's the perfect size, not too small, not too large. Recoil is negligible, super accurate. I put a Hogue grip on mine and it made it even more fun to shoot, definitely more comfortable for my hands and it even helps keep me from shooting left. Even with a 9-round ETS magazine, it's still invisible for CC. The 9-rounder adds less than 1/2 inch in length to the grip.
The .380 is more than sufficient for general self defense. In the right pistols, it exhibits practically no recoil which aids in shot placement and that is the most important aspect of handgun effectiveness. As an added bonus, most of the guns that allow the .380 to be a soft shooter, also happen to be the ones with the longer barrels which maximizes the velocity of the ammunition, aiding in penetration and/or expansion of fired projectiles. And, while there are some very small 9x19mm pistols on the market now, there are even smaller/lighter options available in .380 ACP.
380 is king for pocket guns. a 9mm equivalent need to be thicker and heavier to compensate for the power of the round. and it will be more of a handful even with additional weight
@ - The carjacker I shot with my .380 was taken to the ER even though he was already dead. The carjacker had a .40 with a 30 round extended magazine and fired 26 rounds during our firefight. Sometimes it’s the Indian and not the arrows. My son got hit by the .40 3 times and my friend was hit in the mouth. They are both doing well today because he chose FMJ’s and I chose Critical Defense. I also cary a Governor in .45 long colt but it doesn’t conceal well and I always have the .380 on me.
@@KonaLife - Thanks. It was intense. The biggest thing I discovered was that you don’t know that you are in a firefight until you are in a firefight. The guy who attacked me was a 3 time convicted armed carjacker who was released after serving 7 years (probably because they released a bunch of people for COVID). His last carjacking he kidnapped a little girl. They caught it all on the traffic camera so I had no problems with claiming self defense.
For over 25 years I carried a S&W .38 5 shot snub in NYC. My agency was so restrictive, we were limited in those days to revolvers by only S&W or Colt. They didn't trust anyone else's firearms. By the late 90's they let us carry 9mm semis. But I continued to carry that 38. I broke down and bought a 9mm pocket one in 2005, a Rohrbaugh. It was the smallest 9mm on the market. It felt so much lighter and smaller. But it was very snappy on firing. It took a few shots before you learned how to control it. I could only get 2 fingers on the trigger. Then in 2017 I yearned for something even smaller, since I'm not in bad areas anymore. So I fell for the Ruger LCP. Now that's a very lightweight one. But the firing isn't as snappy as the Rohrbaugh 9mm. I enhanced the Ruger with the extended mag, so I can get my pinky around it. For me, it's the perfect little firearm. If I'm going into a seedy area, I'll take my Ruger LC9S Pro 9mm, which isn't that much bigger. That old .38 ? That's my backup in the car.
I have to compliment you on the last few videos I've watched. They lack the pretentious BS that seems so prevalent in anything involving handguns today. The reports are cogent, realistic, and honest. Its a relief to see just actual content on guns as opposed to some recently anointed expert's need to over stylize. It's also amazing you were able to put these on without any political commentary denigrating the NRA like some competitors. Thank you.
The point of the argument is not about whether .380 is powerful enough to kill but rather whether it is powerful enough to incapacitate an attacker quickly enough to prevent them from killing you. It is all about shot placement and the determination of your attacker.
I love my bersa thunder .380 perfect for a new gun owner, versatile and I'm sure anybody can handle it. And yes it can take down your target with hollow points. I'm very good with small guns
.380 ACP is one of my favorite plinking rounds. Even though it's more expensive than 9mm, some of my favorite pistols are chambered in .380, specifically the excellent Beretta 84FS Cheetah and the Walther PPK/S. In the "pocket pistol" category, the SIG P238 is a fantastic option in .380.
I have a Fatih 13 (Turkish Beretta 84 clone), a double-stack Makarov, and a S&W Bodyguard in 380. But I'm starting to like 32acp more right now. Too bad you can't buy 32 ammo anywhere anymore
looking at self defense options especially in these times and i just have to say a huge thank you to the gun tech community for being so informed & responsible it’s really made narrowing down choices easy and safe! not sure if i’d go with .380 just because getting a handgun where i live is nigh impossible however good knowledge to hold onto 👍
@sgbobsg That's true but I didn't buy my .380 to be a range gun. It's my carry gun. I have a Glock 9mm that I can shoot at the range. The other issue with 9mm pocket guns is the recoil is worse and they're slower shot to shot on target. There's just more muzzle rise.
I really enjoy the history lesson of the rounds. That would be an interesting series to keep doing with as many different kinds of rounds as you can do
Put a pinky extension on mine, magguts +1, painted front sight white. Pocket carry every day in a desantis nemesis holster. Never a single issue with it.
Glad to see the next episode in this series arrive. I'm a big fan of your channel and, from a glance in my safe, it appears I'm a big fan of pocket pistols. Kel-Tec P32, Kahr CW380, Sig P238, Ruger LCP, and Sig P938. I have other small guns in 32, 380, & 9mm but not quite pocket size.
My every day carry is a Glock 42 with Trijicon HD XR Night Sights and a 9 round ETS magazine fitted with an XGRIP for a full three-finger grip. I load the magazine with 8 rounds maximum, plus one in the chamber, to ensure 100% reliability. Ammo of choice is Underwood Extreme Penetrator 380+P. This combination has very little recoil, is very controllable and EXTREMELY accurate! I carry it 24/7 in a DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster and honestly it's so light and compact that I forget it's there. The best self-defense pistol is the one you never leave home without!
I’m a cop. I’ve been at shootings involving a .380 and some have been fatal, some not. Just like any other caliber, shot placement is king.
Isn't it funny that he didn't use the Portland Oregon Police ammo I was an armed guard here 23 years ago and I asked them what their duty carry ammo was. Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok JHP label numbers 1000fps and 200ft-lb at the muzzle 940 and175 at 25yards.
Good point, friend.
probably ammo as well, so often you hear stories of cops lighting someone up and they live. Not sure if cops use hollow point defensive and a hollow point probably turns a 20% chance to die shot into a 80% chance to die shot.
im the emperor of china
Im A cOp, My OpInIon Is VaLiD
A .380 that you have with you is superior to any other caliber you don't have with you.
2:15 the ban on saturday night specials wasn't enacted to prevent crime. It was to make it harder for poor black people to be armed. This was during the civil rights movement. Many civil rights leaders strongly encouraged black people to be armed. The ban on affordable guns was a direct response.
The fact that the ban did nothing to prevent violent crime is no surprise. It wasn't actually intended to prevent crime at all.
Hence my use of the word "supposedly."
The ban wasn't specifically race motivated. But more likely "class" motivated. Poor folks of ANY color haveing acess to serviceable weapons being has always been a strong motivator for the "upper crust" to come up with ANY sort of prohibitions possible to disarm them. This has been true of every civilization that's likely ever existed. And 1960's America wasnt any different.
Alot of the weapons that GCA 68 act strictly targeted weren't just so-called Saturday night specials. But military surplus and medium quality semi-auto pocket pistols, revolvers, and long guns made by such illustrious companies as Beretta and Sauer. Not just the cheap RG's and Herters sorts handguns.
For example.
At one time. Before 1968.
A poor farmer, of ANY race, in rural Va. or West Virginia. Could purchase a mil-surp .303 Enfield, 6.5 Carcano, or 7mm Mauser AND ammunition. Via catalog mail order. For just a little money. And have a fairly serviceable, proven, weapon to use for home defense, varmint control, or hunting. AND it would be mailed straight to their home address. After 1968.
Not only were such private purchases rendered a thing of the past.
But the market of mil-surp firearms totally changed. The prices went up per item, the quality generally began to decline and any mil-surp handguns that got imported had to meet the new points system criteria. Some couldnt. Not due to their designs being poor quality or unsafe. They just simply couldn't muster ALL of the required features to pass the Feds GCA 68 points system.
Also. As an aside. I recall once reading some time ago. That the framework for the 1968 Gun Control Act. Was taken in part from a 1930's Nazi Germany gun ban edict. The framers of GCA 68 basicly sat down. And canvased all close contemporary, known, sources, of private arms control legislation that had been enacted not just in the U.S. . But in other nations as well. And some of those pieces of legislation were proclamations and edicts from the mid 1920's Weimar Republic era and 1930's Nazi Germany. From my readings. One of the reasons they scrutinized these sorry documents and pieces of legislation from those historically tragic era's. Was due in part to the fact that it was fairly well understood how the Nazi party had arisen out of the social and political turmoil at the end of WW1. The would be builders of GCA 1968 viewed the U.S. as undergoing a similar social and political upheaval. AND it was at the height of the Cold War with communist Russia. So.
They studied what steps the Weimar Republic and Nazis took to retain power and control over their populations. How their steps either failed or succeded. Right down to the legislation used to disarm the public and keep weapons out of the hands of what their respective governments had deemed to be "undesirable social and political elements". And after ALL of their scrutinizing, debateing, and political maneuvering with one another. The U.S. Federal government legislaters. Came up with the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Savage1776 Indeed. But at least one still has a chance to own one. Provideing one is wealthy OR doesnt have to pay a mortgage. And this is what the general public doesnt understand. Through the good graces of our politicians and news media. Not to mention Hollywod cinema. The general public has a HUGE lack of understanding about their own firearms laws AND about firearms in general. Hence the new (as of May 6 2019), talk amongst legislators about banning civilian firearm suppressor ownership. Half of THOSE politicians pushing for a ban have an extremely obvious lack in understanding of the current firearms laws of the United States and just simply don't understand how difficult it is to obtain and own a suppressor. And the other half. Already has a dedicated predisposition toward prohibiting private firearm ownership and are near constantly and actively seeking to strike the Second Amendment from the Bill of Rights anyway.
@@LuckyGunner exactly
Ok then why is HIpoint pistols so cheap ?
I have largely shifted from 9mm to .380 ACP because of size, and at close-in combat range, the .380 is sufficient to the need.
I have both I like both modern .380 can have way more velocity than even 20 years ago
I highly recommend the Hornady XTP ammo, it is the best performance in ballistics gel.
Modern 380 is amazing. I recommend Norma MHP's, they fly faster than my 9mm+P HP's, and while they don't hit as hard, it's still well above the 310 ft/lbs.
@@supergoodadvice853 I do have to say you should look at gel tests, as much as I love norma those bullets have an incredibly low expansion rate. I think somewhere around 75% of them do not expand, in which case you are shooting jhp in effect. Expansion is difficult to achieve with 380 due to the lower energies and Hornady xtp 380 and federal HST 380 are the only ones I've seen work basically 100% of the time in 380.
@@EmmaHopman I have, and I do prefer the way my specific rounds work. They don't over penetrate, and even though they have a hard time expanding all the way, they'll still spin around until they stop, helping create that petal effect.
Mark Twain practicing proper trigger discipline!
Mark Twain was based AF
Huckleberry's packing heat, y'all
He carried a gun for years as a newspaper man!
His name is Samuel Clemens you damn philistines!
Lol Gary I thought your picture was bill Clinton!
Pocket pistols are selling like hotcakes. Very few "gun trainers" seem to recognize this, insisting on larger bulky pistols, usually automatics. Your pocket pistols series is very much in alignment with what the customers really want. Kudos guys!
I like pocket pistols but if you look at the data compact and subcompact 9mm sell 10 to 1 over 380. It’s really not even close.
Pocket pistols are more fun imo
i hate pocket guns. there cool until you need to fire one and its recoiling all over the dam place. larger heavy pistils have less recoil due to there wight.
@@gogereaver349it’s not the guns fault you have bad recoil control my guy i. have a s&w shield in .40 and it has some recoil sure, but it’s not impossible to shoot. pocket pistols are nowhere as bad as you make it seem.
@@acid6urns lol ok.
I carry a Browning 380 1911. I find that the 4.25" barrel and Hornady Critical Defense gets plenty of penetration, excellent expansion, and it's lightweight and comfortable. Also it fits my hand really nicely. It's not super tiny like most pocket 380s. It's a little on the expensive side but it's exactly what I wanted in an EDC and I don't regret it one bit. 🤘
Same here. Absolutely love the gun and it’s extremely accurate
@@damont4091 how do you like the trigger? Can it be improved?
I've been carrying for 20 years. I've needed it for self defense 4 times but never had to fire it. Just letting them know I could match whatever level they wanted to take the situation to was enough for everyone to go home alive. The perfect ending.
That’s an enlightened outlook on self-defense if I ever heard one.
We need to hear more stories like this
That seems like a lot of times. It amounts to a credible death or serious bodily injury threat every 5 years Did you ever actually upholster the firearm and not shoot? That takes a lot of discipline. Did cops ever get involved?
@@notphilivey 3 times here, I have threatened/pointed to use a gun against actual criminals in about 30 years.. 3 robberies /assualts against me precluded. Nobody shot
You point a gun at an ass-hole , they usually go away.. No proof is required, snowflake.There will be no record of it.
Criminals are jackals/ cowards , they do crimes of opportunity, most of the crimes they DON"T commit are because of actual threat's of real harm/arrest to themselves.
Now what happened to the next people those same criminals accousted ? IDK
So why do ask such questions?
@@notphilivey I would also like to know this.
Damn, one must live in a bad neighborhood if they need to pack a .25 ACP in their swim trunks for a dip in the local YMCA pool.
And, in my opinion, quite foolish. The water will overtime remove the lube from the gun, probably mess up the ammo, and rust the internals. Especially considering that it’s chlorine water. Plus, you know he doesn’t have the gun secured in any type of holster. At best he has it in swim trunks with cargo pockets that velcro shut so the gun can’t fall out.
Here Im just glad you spelled piranhas correctly.
Great song btw.
@@JohnW-yv6yp My thoughts exactly, but I'm pretty sure it was a joke comment.
I work at a YMCA in a major city, and you see and experience all sorts of people. Needless to say, it is not unlikely you will come into contact with some unstable people. Though I've never seen any serious violent occurrences, it's not your Lifetime Fitness luxury for sure.
Would you wear your seat belt to drive there? It's just a short trip to the Y, do you really think you will need your seat belt? ALWAYS be armed. ALWAYS means...ALWAYS. How many people ever thought they would "need" a gun at any of the places where they needed a gun? Church? "What kind of neighborhood do you live in if you need to carry a gun to church?" Beauty salon? City administrative offices? Think of the places we have heard of shootings. THOSE are the places you need to be armed. At home? YES. 100% of home invasions happen...at home. ALWAYS. BE. ARMED.
Lucky Gunner is one of the best non biased RUclips channels
Loving this pocket pistol series. Keep them coming!
Thanks!
Yes......I'm a big fan of the 380 pocket pistols myself.......having had several. My wife enjoys shooting the S&W EZ even though you really can't consider it a pocket rocket.
It's always a trade off and it changes over time. I'm in my mid-60's and prefer a .380 G42 for concealed carry. I tried the small 9mm pistols, but they tended to jump around more than the .380. To me rounds on target is much more important than stopping power. But, practice with whatever you carry. Remember, the best concealed carry handgun is the one you'll take with you. For home defense I like the Walther PPQ in 9mm. I have a few of them in various strategic locations around the house.
100% people like pocket guns until they actually fire it.
I think you're onto something. I'm 56 mow and have bought both a G42 and a SW442 for when I get a little older. I am still very happy, quite capable, and happy to carry my G26 with a G17 backup mag like i have every day since 2008...but i realize the time will come when I want to/should make a few adjustments. Kudos to you for protecting yourself and your loved ones! 👊
Here in Brazil, .380 ACP was the largest pistol caliber allowed for civilians from 1987 to 2019.
This cartridge was rarely used here in subcompact pistols, but in high-capacity, full-size pistols are the norm, like Taurus PT-58 HC, Imbel GC (both 19 + 1 rounds) and Glock 25 and 28 (versions of Glock 19 and 26 in .380 ACP made for Brazilian market).
Its peak was in the 1990´s, because law enforcement personnel was still issued with .38 Special revolvers. Many police officers bought high-capacity .380 ACP pistols to get more firepower than provided by the service revolver.
yup high capacity and the available quick mag change in a stressful situation is incredibly important
In Mexico too. Weird
My Ruger LCP (second generation) is the ONLY handgun I own that has NEVER malfunctioned -- and that statement includes my revolvers. It has been my "always gun" for eight years. Thank you, John Browning, for this superb cartridge.
To avoid confusion, it's NOT an LCP II. It's the DAO model with a hyphen in the serial number,, and I would not trade it for the single action.
I didn't realize the P3AT was supposed to be "three eighty" for an embarrassingly long time.
Huh... I didn't realize that until about 5 seconds ago. That's dumb. But so am I, apparently.
I was today years old when I also realized this.
Lol. Maybe y'all are smart in some *other* way.
I'm pretty sure you aren't the only one.
@@getoffmylawn8986 love the name
I've owned and used a Bersa Thunder .380 since 1996 for a small carry gun (backup). It is mega-reliable, accurate, and simple to use. I highly recommend this firearm. I also own and use a Bersa Thunder 9mm for my main carry firearm and it's the same story. These guns are outstanding.
I keep a bersa .380 behind the seat in my truck. It has popped many turtles at up to 75 feet.
Sold my Bersa thunder .380 and have regretted it ever since. The thunder was so accurate and reliable and easy to conceal that I qualified with it for my CCL. I'll be getting another one soon.
Laughed my ass off when you showed that picture of Mark Twain holding up a Colt 1903, which is a real picture by the way.
Benjamin Danielsen
I'm not certain but: I've read that, for most of his life, Twain ALWAYS was "Armed".
My favorite Twain quote?
"Better to have a gun and not need it, then to need a gun and not have it!"
Twain traveled extensively in some wild places back in the day.Great pic...how many writers carry today? Happy Birthday Hunter Thompson, who was often armed.
Yep! What else should we expect from the man who said:
"Wisdom is the product of Experience, and Experience is often the product of Poor Choices."
@@adamsmith3413 Didn't he use a 44 Mag (mentioned highly in the book Fear and Loathing) to off himself?Back in his prime days "Dirty Harry" was King. every gun-nut and even non-gun-nuts wanted one or thought them great.
My first handgun was a Llama 380 1911 coming up on 42 years ago. I've just added a Bersa Thunder 380 Plus 15+1 as my everyday carry. It has a fixed barrel, with the right amount of weight to shoot one handed with little to no rise. Making it a very smooth shooter.
This pocket pistol series JUST GOT REAL!
It's been great so far, but I'm really looking forward to the .380 'shootout', and the .380 vs .38 Special videos!
Keep up the great work!!!
38spl is a little more powerful
Definitely 38 spl.. Has more power and you can also use better bullet profiles in a low velocity round with a larger meplat. Things like the full wadcutters and soft lead semi wadcutter hollow points so even if they don't expand you still have the shard shoulder cutting edge of the semi wadcutter. As well as you don't have to worry about feeding them
@@Deadtileyedie but like any revolver THEYRE FAT , fat fat fat and even in a J Frame they’re still fatter by far than an auto and with in most cases less rounds.
@@Valorius um There isn’t one. There is no standard, as specified by SAAMI, for .380 ACP +P. It simply doesn’t exist. ANY ammo, claiming to be .380 ACP +P, is, by very definition, nonstandard. We don’t know how high the pressure levels may be. The only thing we do know, is that the pressure levels are almost certainly higher than what SAAMI has established as the standard. There are buffalo bore,doubletapp,Underwood and a few others labeled as such. Even buffalo bore acknowledges this and says its DEFINITELY not safe in every 380 and even if so it will absolutely shorten the ife span of the weapon. In my opinion with the micro 9s available why try to hot rod 380 and make it harder to control in small pocket pistols 380 shine in. Also most newer 380s are 6+1??? 38s are usually 5 or 6 shots so that's not double the ammo at all. No to mention most 38s are going to be more reliable and accurate than most micro 380s by design. On the other hand 38 spl DOES have a SAAMI +p designation as well as a +p+. Also if you're talking about boutique ammo then buffalo bore and others also produce standard pressure 38 spl loads pushing a 158 gr soft lead hollow point semi woodcutter at 850 fps/353foot lbs energy, which out preforms any standard 380 load by a good bit and is right behind The "+p" 380. A +p 38 spl will push a 158 gr @ over 1000 ft per second with over 350 lbs energy. Then the +p+ will be 20% more powerful. Not to mention neither standard pressure 380 or 38 spl jhps expand reliably so its better off in my opinion using a solid getting the penetration. In that case a 150 gr full wadcutter with it's full flat nose is proven to have better In line penetration and the larger surface area(meplat) also has sharper shoulders which cuts a larger full caliber hole instead of 380 fmj which ice pick through leaving a tiny hole and is more likely to ricochet of harder material instead of crushing through like a wadcutter. They are also designed very accurate since they are "targetloads" and have insanely light controllable recoil. Improving follow up shots and control. Also most shootings end in less than 3 shots so a 5 or 6 shot with training should be more than enough. Then throw In a few speedloaders and you should be fine.
@@Valorius your are VERY wrong. A buffalo bore 380 "+p" shoot a 100gr 1061 feet per second and around 275 lbs energy from a lcp(2.75" barrel). A buffalo bore 158 gr 38 spl +p pushes a 158 gr @ 1115 feet per second that's over 425 ft lbs energy from a sw model 60 3 inch barrel j frame(that also gives you the option of one of the most effective rds ever 357.. So the 38 spl +p from equal ammo loaders and barrel lengths. 38 all +p will out preform it by quite a bit. We won't even get into +p+. Also the 38 spl +p FBI load is one PROVEN statically in actual shootings to be VERY effective. 380 "+p" not so much. It also has much lower sectional density.idk where you got your numbers from but they are all off bud.
Really good timing for this series. Micro pistols are catching on more than ever, and I’m carrying one myself quite a bit these days.
Not only are .380 pocket pistols ubiquitous, they are everywhere.
I'm not sure if this is a joke
That's what ubiquitous means???
I'm 16 lol not gonna lie lol freal blid what that word mean dawg lol? My generation don't need to learn nothin freal lol
In my pocket most of the time.
@@SzymczykProductions This comment terrifies me.
Thank you for giving the kel tec p-3at the credit it almost never gets but deserves.
For real. This is one of the very few times I've heard it publicly acknowledged how the Ruger LCP looked "Suspiciously like the Kel-Tec." Usually videos and magazines just gloss right over that.
I love this channel so much.....zero fluff, maximum production quality
Just got a S and W .380 EZ and love it. Only 50 rounds through it, but no malfunctions. Feels good in the hand, accurate and fun to shoot. Highly recommended.
Seems like a great gun. Wish it was allowed in California.
Thank you for a very informative 380 pistol video, I like the fact that you presented the historical background of the 380, including the international uses.
As usual you present an excellent easy to follow narrative. When I bought my .380 I wasn’t sure I would like a small pistol. I saw a used Taurus in a pawn shop and asked the clerk if I could try the fit in my hands. I didn’t hand it back to him but I did hand over my money. I love it and it goes with me tucked in an ankle holster. If I did not have it already, after watching this post I would be on the hunt for one today. Thank you for a wonderful post.
you fire a pocket 9mm even a big name like glock and you will hate it. 380 not so mutch.
You really do a great job on this series...my wife is 71 and in great shape but has trouble with the slide.....we found her a S&W EZ380 and she fell in love with it.........great little gun
I carried a P-3AT for like a decade and I never once noticed it sounds like 380 when you say it out loud.
Admiral Percy To me it looks like “pocket threat,” see it? P-thre-at. L9l
Meanwhile I've only heard it spoken aloud because I've never been super interested in the gun myself and only hear people talk about it and thought it was "P380".
Next up for pocket pistols: Alaskan Survival Derringer in .45-70.
I got a T/C Encore pistol in .308 they can borrow...
@cmiller8492 ... I'm listening.
Um magnum research already has a 45-70 revolver.
Oh God not again I refuse to participate this time
I think it's stupid a 45 ACP is probably more powerful out of a derringer than a 4570 out of 2in barrel you're not going to get 35% of the power out of a 4570 with 2in of barrel a.45 ACP out of a 2in barrel you're going to get about75% of your power just because it's a big bullet doesn't mean it's real powerful if you're shooting it out of a 2in barrel!
If John Browning thought it was good enough, it's good enough for me. I will take his expertise over anyone on the internet, period.
That is why you fail.
You have to consider that he thought it was good enough back when the avg. American weighed a third of what they do now.
I can't tell if this is sarcasm, or a Fudd statement I need to send to wokejohnnybravo
That has to be a joke or this guy is too old
@@domenik8339 380 can penetrate over 20 inches of ballistic gel. There were no HP rounds back then and also today not in every country they are legal.
LOL ... "Because the metric system is less confusing." That was brilliantly delivered! It actually took me just a second to catch on. Then here I sat, trying not to laugh with strained abs and laughing in spite of myself. SO worth it! :D
“I don’t care if I get shot, it’s only a 380” said no criminal ever.
For Me, the Kahr CT380 has become the BEST 380 micro pistol fit (I like my Makarovs, hence micro). Easy and consistent to shoot, noticably smaller than the 9s, larger than the 2 finger 380s. And I can pas Col Ben's Concealed Carry drill, with a reload, at 7 yards.
Thank you for this series, done in your usual thoughtful and informative way.
.380 and 9mm are my favorite pistol calibers .380 being my most favorite
I've had a .380 Colt Mustang Plus 2 for about 20 years and it's 1 of my favorite CCW guns when it's hot out.
Wonderful video. In your .380 load testing from a few years ago I did not see the Underwood Extreme Defender. I did extensive RUclips research, watching many gel tests of many different rounds, and this is the defensive round I am going to use because it is NOT a hollow point. The machined grooves in the bullet cause the soft tissue to "splash" outward away from the bullet, rather than relying on the bullet to expand like a hollow point, while the .380 does not quite have the "oomf" to shoot a hollow point far enough while it expands. This splashing action causes a very good wound cavity of 2 inches and more. I highly recommend trying this load. Thank you for the extensive information on the .380!!
Great video on the subject. Can’t wait to see the snub nose revolver vs 380 pistol video. There are hardly any good videos of “pocket revolver vs pocket semi auto.” Thanks for contiuing to put out quality content.
I can say, right now, the 38 Spl +P beats the 380 ballistically, hands down. However, 380 has size and weight advantages.
I want to see that, too. My 642, BG38 (38 spl revolvers) and BG380 (.380 semi) are the only guns I own that are small enough for me (female; small pockets) to pocket carry unless in a jacket pocket. The .380 is easiest of all, but I haven't shot it enough to trust it yet.
I have a Ruger LCR in .357. It hurts my hand enough that I only shoot 38 spl at the range. I bought it to shoot from inside my coat pocket....there is no exposed hammer to get snagged.
@@828enigma6 what about .380+p
@@828enigma6 not to mention you get a .357 mag snub that's the same size and you really got the .380 beat
People who claim 380 isn’t a good round have never been shot with one
I imagine if your marksmanship is good shooting someone in the testicles heart and head even with a .380 Acp will stop them
@Hiram Abiff Watch out for those hammers though Hiram...
Why is this argument constantly regurgitated when someone is defending ‘their’ caliber?Yeah, a .22 short will display effective terminal ballistic characteristics if your shot placement is just right. The debate is not ‘can this caliber be used successfully for self-defense?’ - if you do your job, it’ll do what its supposed to. The real argument against .380 is this: what can it do that a 9mm can’t do better? The overall size of the pistol can be reduced by what, 5%? And for that I get a round with a significantly reduced muzzle energy and generally less reliable hollow point expansion? It just seems like an inefficient choice given the variety of small 9mm pistols available today. If there’s something I’m missing, I’d like to hear a logical counter argument, but I can’t see the appeal.
@@PrintsCharming13 The smallest 9mm I was able to shoot somewhat reliably was a sccy and that was only when it was fully loaded. The last few shots were significantly lighter and harder to manage. The smallest 380 I can use is the lcp2. The length is 10% smaller, the height is 27% shorter 28% thinner, and it's 30% lighter empty. And those numbers are similar to other small 9mm guns like the lc9s and the M&P9 shield.
Those are significant numbers. Trying to hide an object on your body can be tricky and even an extra inch shorter means you can carry it in more situations. It doesn't matter how big your bullets are, or how reliable your pistol is if it's sitting at home. It's also just generally more comfortable. That's what small caliber guns do better.
Also with modern ammo choices like the extreme penetrator, expansion is unnecessary and they have had impressive results in both gel and the meat-target.
There is also flexibility. In the winter with a jacket a 9mm or even 45 may be a good option, but in the summer on the beach in a t-shirt and trunks I want something tiny and at home I'm reaching for the shotgun.
And like you said, any caliber will do it's job if you do yours.
Have you been shot with a .380? I’m not being a smart ass, I’m genuinely curious if you know this from first hand experience
Great series. I'm considering a .380 ACP, this helps a LOT!
Love my Smith and Wesson Bodyguard in .380, it's hammer fired and has a steel guide rod. I use 95 grain fmj and hollow points. I feel so much better carrying this pocket rocket over not carrying at all.
I love my BG380, too. Use the Hornady XTPs in mine.
I love bodyguard because Double Action....cause 380 is prone to failed primer strikes
You should check out underwood extreme defenders/penetrators. I'm not a 380 fan but if I did carry one thats what I would choose!
I love mine too wish the trigger was a tad better tho
I switch between an LCP max, (a recent upgrade in sights and grip), a snubbie, and a Glock 43x in an appendix holster. I routinely carry the LCP max in places where firearms are legal but not popular. I carry the LCP with the 12 round magazine, and a spare. 25 rounds of .380.
Very informative video. I look forward to all your videos please keep up the good work thanks
I hope you guys can revisit this topic after 5 years. Ammo and guns have changed and this is a hot market segment
I was about to make a similar comment. Would like to get a take on whether 30SC is now the biggest little caliber. It seems to have a lot to recommend it over .380 ACP.
Truly appreciative of the quality content and unbiased delivery of information.
I have a Browning 1911 380, not too big, not too small, shoots like a dream 👌🏼
Can't wait for the next .380 video. Even though it's not a pocket pistol, I'd love to see the S&W .380 EZ thrown in the comparison.
Hell yes. That pistol is one I'm currently looking at buying
The best clearest presentation on 380 I've seen. I am far from and expert but 380 guns seem to be particular about what you feed them. Mine has sights on it but they are useless as they are so tiny.
This pocket pistol series has been thoroughly educational, eye-opening. It's greatly appreciated!
Have you ever shot a S&W 380EZ? I bought one on a whim. It's by no means compact. But it's a fine shooting piece in my opinion.
Yes, it's a great pistol
Lucky Gunner Ammo the Walter pk 380 is very similar.
You consistently make the best gun videos on the internet - keep up the great work!
Very informative and well done video. I live in Florida and dress in shorts and a t-shirt most of the time. As a result, I carry a Kahr P380 in a Desantis holster. I think the .380 round is just fine . I’m tired of the 9mm snobs.
Same here in NC with an LCP II.
Thanks so much to you guys at Lucky Gunner for all the different caliber tests you've done on hollow points. Your printed results have been my Bible for shopping for hollow points.
Great video. I find the pocket pistol series to be very useful. I'm considering buying a .380 - this was a very good video.
I'm really surprised that you didn't include the Lehigh Defense bullet either from Lehigh or underwood. It gives great penetration regardless of denim and excellent cavitation. That is the only ammo I use for carry in my LCP2. It's reliable and I don't feel undergunned when I'm not carrying my G26
These are some of the best videos currently on RUclips IMO. I ask when you do the .380 shootout to please include the S&W 380 EZ. I am really interested to see how .380 performs in a 3.6" barrel
Better!
My Kahr CW380 defies all the rules about .380’s. Small, light, soft shooting (comparatively), extra accurate (I can knock down the pie plates faster than with a 9mm) and extra reliable. Loaded with Hornady Critical Defense and in a DeSantis pocket holster, it can be carried year ‘round in any pocket.
Ditto. Funny that Chris makes the comment that urban life made it not polite to carry a gun. I call my CW380 my polite gun.
Jake Lonergan I have the CT380, love it! Enough grip for 3 fingers, 3” barrel, P+ rated, and I can hit what I’m shooting at.
Ive been involved in weapons a long time.. I think the .380 is a very underrated cartridge. I have several "summer" CCW pistols. With the right ammo, its better to leave the house with something then nothing at all.
Love my .380 haven't left home without it in 6 years, actually been looking at a 22 mag revolver to back her up 🙏🔫🇺🇸
Thanks for doing this series. Its been a favorite of mine and I look forward to each new episode.
I love 380 acp. A Walther ppk/s is one of the first non 22 handguns I fired. It was one of my dad's carry guns and is now one of mine. Grew up shooting that gun every weekend and learned to appreciate 380 at a young age
Who else likes a lucky gunner video before even watching
Goddamnit I just LOVE everything y'all are doing at LG. Just placed my first ammo purchase with y'all as well. Keep them coming buddy!
What a fantastic presentation. Great job. I love love love .380 ammo. My Glock 42 with Hornady Critical Defense rounds is great protection.
Yes,that was also my past choice,but it has been recommended to go MAX pen ,or even a bit beyond for 380 auto.The hornady is only near minimum penetration
Nancy M-R my next 380 purchase
@@u.p.woodtick3296 , you will love it. It's the perfect size, not too small, not too large. Recoil is negligible, super accurate. I put a Hogue grip on mine and it made it even more fun to shoot, definitely more comfortable for my hands and it even helps keep me from shooting left. Even with a 9-round ETS magazine, it's still invisible for CC. The 9-rounder adds less than 1/2 inch in length to the grip.
Very professionally done video and very informative as well . Thank you . I'm a .380 guy myself .
You always do a great job on these videos ! Great information and well thought out delivery !
I'm looking forward to the .380acp & .38spl videos. The pocket pistol-sized Kahr PM9 is worth a video as well.
Thank you, another very informative installment
John Moses Browning is the Einstein of guns. And yes, he called it a CLIP, meaning a detachable magazine, since magazines are not detachable.
Good review & solid information. Have been carrying my Walther PPK .380 & it is as solid a gun as needed. Thanks
Very high quality content. Thank you.
The .380 is more than sufficient for general self defense. In the right pistols, it exhibits practically no recoil which aids in shot placement and that is the most important aspect of handgun effectiveness. As an added bonus, most of the guns that allow the .380 to be a soft shooter, also happen to be the ones with the longer barrels which maximizes the velocity of the ammunition, aiding in penetration and/or expansion of fired projectiles. And, while there are some very small 9x19mm pistols on the market now, there are even smaller/lighter options available in .380 ACP.
380 is king for pocket guns. a 9mm equivalent need to be thicker and heavier to compensate for the power of the round. and it will be more of a handful even with additional weight
@@hotdog9262 pocket guns even full size guns with pretty much zero recoil.
Today's bullet design, propellant, ballistics have rendered the .380 a potent, deadly and reliable cartridge. I carry a Sig Sauer 230 for CCW.
I spent 13-years working as an RN in in a level-II trauma center. I've seen what the .380 can do. I would not want to get shot by one.
@Stephen Anthony 💀💀
@ - The carjacker I shot with my .380 was taken to the ER even though he was already dead. The carjacker had a .40 with a 30 round extended magazine and fired 26 rounds during our firefight. Sometimes it’s the Indian and not the arrows. My son got hit by the .40 3 times and my friend was hit in the mouth. They are both doing well today because he chose FMJ’s and I chose Critical Defense. I also cary a Governor in .45 long colt but it doesn’t conceal well and I always have the .380 on me.
@ you know ending up in the Er is fine for a self defense gun right lol
@@boxelder9167 Damn, man. Glad you’re okay. And glad that perp took the asphalt temperature challenge. Nice work and God Bless.
@@KonaLife - Thanks. It was intense. The biggest thing I discovered was that you don’t know that you are in a firefight until you are in a firefight.
The guy who attacked me was a 3 time convicted armed carjacker who was released after serving 7 years (probably because they released a bunch of people for COVID). His last carjacking he kidnapped a little girl. They caught it all on the traffic camera so I had no problems with claiming self defense.
For over 25 years I carried a S&W .38 5 shot snub in NYC. My agency was so restrictive, we were limited in those days to revolvers by only S&W or Colt. They didn't trust anyone else's firearms. By the late 90's they let us carry 9mm semis. But I continued to carry that 38. I broke down and bought a 9mm pocket one in 2005, a Rohrbaugh. It was the smallest 9mm on the market. It felt so much lighter and smaller. But it was very snappy on firing. It took a few shots before you learned how to control it. I could only get 2 fingers on the trigger. Then in 2017 I yearned for something even smaller, since I'm not in bad areas anymore. So I fell for the Ruger LCP. Now that's a very lightweight one. But the firing isn't as snappy as the Rohrbaugh 9mm. I enhanced the Ruger with the extended mag, so I can get my pinky around it. For me, it's the perfect little firearm. If I'm going into a seedy area, I'll take my Ruger LC9S Pro 9mm, which isn't that much bigger. That old .38 ? That's my backup in the car.
I have to compliment you on the last few videos I've watched. They lack the pretentious BS that seems so prevalent in anything involving handguns today. The reports are cogent, realistic, and honest. Its a relief to see just actual content on guns as opposed to some recently anointed expert's need to over stylize. It's also amazing you were able to put these on without any political commentary denigrating the NRA like some competitors. Thank you.
The point of the argument is not about whether .380 is powerful enough to kill but rather whether it is powerful enough to incapacitate an attacker quickly enough to prevent them from killing you. It is all about shot placement and the determination of your attacker.
I love my Ruger LCP 2 ;)
Can't wait to pick one up for summer carry.
Me 2 its really handy when I can't carry my m&p compact
@@zncuentertainment712 you'll like it 👍
LCP2 is the ultimate in carry comfort, concealability, and reliability in an effective defense cartridge.
@@Isosceles1 Only thing I wish is if Ruger didn't use black on black stock sights
Once again, Fantastic video! Wish Lucky Gunner sold to my state.
You should totally cover 9x18 Mak and the Makarov line, since a fair bit of people still carry them for the size.
I love my bersa thunder .380 perfect for a new gun owner, versatile and I'm sure anybody can handle it. And yes it can take down your target with hollow points. I'm very good with small guns
GREAT comprehensive stuff as usual, a terrific series, looking forward to the.380 “showdown” thanks for posting!👍🏼
Very good presentation
.380 ACP is one of my favorite plinking rounds. Even though it's more expensive than 9mm, some of my favorite pistols are chambered in .380, specifically the excellent Beretta 84FS Cheetah and the Walther PPK/S. In the "pocket pistol" category, the SIG P238 is a fantastic option in .380.
Between my buddy and I, we own those 3- 380s. Fun days in my backyard. (I've also got 3 steel CZs in 9 and 3 steel SIGs in 40.)
I have a Fatih 13 (Turkish Beretta 84 clone), a double-stack Makarov, and a S&W Bodyguard in 380. But I'm starting to like 32acp more right now. Too bad you can't buy 32 ammo anywhere anymore
My Cheetah 🐆 84fs is the only gun I really carry
looking at self defense options especially in these times and i just have to say a huge thank you to the gun tech community for being so informed & responsible it’s really made narrowing down choices easy and safe!
not sure if i’d go with .380 just because getting a handgun where i live is nigh impossible however good knowledge to hold onto 👍
The pocket pistol bomb was huge in the last 10 years now the craze seems to be pocketable 9mm
Except they're much heavier and they are more difficult to conceal.
@sgbobsg That's true but I didn't buy my .380 to be a range gun. It's my carry gun. I have a Glock 9mm that I can shoot at the range. The other issue with 9mm pocket guns is the recoil is worse and they're slower shot to shot on target. There's just more muzzle rise.
@sgbobsg Below .380 there is a difference in one shot stops, lethality and failure to stop statistics.
One of the best review. Thank you.
Great piece on the overall position of 380 in today's market. The gun comparison should be excellent.
Another excellent and informative video
Always loved my Bersa Thunder!
I have one also cc model great gun
Missin mine! Had the Thunder plus but ended up selling it!
Walther PK380 is my concealed carry gun and I LOVE it.
MrBNARick : Mine doesn’t group well.
Excellent job with the historical perspective. I came here to be entertained and left with a thorough education. Outstanding video series!
I absolutely LOVE my S&W Shield 380 EZ.
Absolutely love the channel, appreciate the videos and information, really is second to none 👍👍
Tried alot of 380, couldn't find one I enjoyed, either had reliability issues or was a pain to shoot. Found the browning .380 1911. Loving it so far
Please do a video on the Makarov =^)
Big Bill, meet Big Daddy
We need an update video on the 380 guns and ammo availability…!
I really enjoy the history lesson of the rounds. That would be an interesting series to keep doing with as many different kinds of rounds as you can do
Love this guys videos, so clear, concise, and impartial for the most part.
Been through a lot of 380 pistols and settled on the Bodyguard 380.
Put a pinky extension on mine, magguts +1, painted front sight white. Pocket carry every day in a desantis nemesis holster. Never a single issue with it.
@@abc456f same. pocket holster carry is the best!
Glad to see the next episode in this series arrive. I'm a big fan of your channel and, from a glance in my safe, it appears I'm a big fan of pocket pistols. Kel-Tec P32, Kahr CW380, Sig P238, Ruger LCP, and Sig P938. I have other small guns in 32, 380, & 9mm but not quite pocket size.
Danm , This was a Great video!
Subbed!
Thank You Sir!
My every day carry is a Glock 42 with Trijicon HD XR Night Sights and a 9 round ETS magazine fitted with an XGRIP for a full three-finger grip. I load the magazine with 8 rounds maximum, plus one in the chamber, to ensure 100% reliability. Ammo of choice is Underwood Extreme Penetrator 380+P. This combination has very little recoil, is very controllable and EXTREMELY accurate! I carry it 24/7 in a DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster and honestly it's so light and compact that I forget it's there. The best self-defense pistol is the one you never leave home without!