I settled on .380 for EDC not too long after I became a gun owner several years ago. It didn't take me long to realize that caliber wars here on the innerwebs were a thing, so it was difficult to know whose information was good and what was just "thinking with your balls and not your brain" hype. I went a little overboard with gun buying, so I ended up with .380, 9mm, .40cal, .38/.357 guns in a short amount of time, and I just couldn't decide which would be best for me to carry every day. Once I learned how to shoot all my guns accurately, I realized that caliber doesn't matter as much as shot placement in self defense situations. A .22 to the heart or other vital organ results in the same dead bad guy as a .45 does. So I focused more on what was comfortable to carry, what fits my hand better, what I shoot better one handed (no guarantee I will be able to assume proper stance, hold, etc.), and what I was better at just pointing and shooting. My Bersa Thunder .380 became my EDC gun, and I don't regret it one bit. It goes everywhere with me. So, my suggestion to anyone wanting to carry a gun for self protection is to find what you can carry comfortably and shoot well. If that ends up being a 5 shot LCR .38 special, so be it. If it ends up being a full sized 1911, so be it. It's more important to have something you're actually going to take with you all the time that you know that you know how to shoot than to get caught up in arguments over stopping power and caliber wars.
Nice post. I intend at present anyways, to carry a full size 9mm with me, and a .380 for backup too. Overkill you say, maybe, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. (When in my vehicle) Otherwise the .380 or micro 9mm for concealment purposes.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Exactly what you wrote and I'll add that as I get older and now retired(and getting lazy)my LCP has become my grab-n-go. No muss no fuss and out the door.
@@allenbolen9705 I know what you're going to say: your not "James Bond." And you are absolutely correct in that assumption. But I got what he carried. Probably not my best choice I know. A sucker for a nice pistol I guess.
Im chubby so most iwb are extremely uncomfortable or they have to be placed behind hip, which I don't find practical or safe when re-holstering. Ruger lcp max and pocket holster is my choice. Somedays I even check to see if it's still there, it's more comfortable than a phone or wallet.
I live in LA and carry my .380 most of the time. And yes I am one of the few out here with a CCW. Main reason is that 80% of the year out here we're in summer clothes, and being a skinny dude I print more easily with a concealed handgun then most guys. When it gets a bit chilly I always go with my .357, but my .380 is what I carry most of the time. It's simply for concealabilty reasons. Even the micro 9mm prints on me in summer clothes...
As a retired attorney, I advise not to carry a 357 in LA. Even CCW are subject to excessive force laws just like the police. If your 357 over penetrates and hits a bystander even in a justified shooting you could be charged with reckless endangerment and face civil lawsuits. I EDC the Ruger CLP Max and Bersa Thunder. I will carry a 9mm in winter. But LA is anti-gun and I wouldn't risk carrying a 357.
I carry a 380 pocket pistol (LCP Custom) all summer. Once the belt and jacket weather hits, I carry my 9x19. I have carried for over 4 decades, and I can't tell you (ashamed to admit to myself) how many times I left my 1911 45 or my SW 357 at home rather than try to belt up and hide the bloody thing. Way more often than not, other than when I was an armored car driver way back in the 70s. This little pocket pistol is awesome, and on top of that, the only gun I have ever fired in self defense. It was a dog attack of me and the missus. A BIG dog, which the owner had no control over. One shot and the attack was over, nobody hurt. Except the dog. (Not killed though. I tried to scare if off the attack by shooting in front of it but it lunged at that moment and the bullet went through it's shoulder and into the dirt road, some of the dirt being splattered into my face) It survived, but the attack was stopped.
I personally Conceal Carry a Ruger LCP MAX, but my wife recently decided that she wanted a SIG P365-.380, which I was more than happy to provide her with! It is a bit bigger & somewhat less concealable, but after shooting it, I was AMAZED at the comfort, smoothness & accuracy with which it consistently cycled!! This is a FANTASTIC pistol for virtually everyone, interested in a Concealed Carry option! It's Reliable, accurate, very manageable recoil, and nearly "idiot" Proof! Key word here being "nearly"... We also have the P365 in 9mm, and it is equally amazing as well, with a few hundred rounds through it!
@@lm1174 P365 is slightly heavier and slightly bigger than the LCP max. Both are good guns. But P365 in 380 is one of the softest-recoiling sub-compact guns ever made.
@@thorman944 I’ve got the Glock 42. It was purchased before the Sig P365 380 came out. I’m happy with the Glock, but definitely interested in the Sig. If money wasn’t an option, I’d already have one! Take Care & Stay Vigilant ⚔️
I bought a Bersa Thunder satin set with two mags, two grips and a case at Cabelas some years ago with an excellent deal. I love how it feels to hold , shoot and it's damn purty. Though I have NEVER had an accidental discharge, I appreciate the magazine safety. My wife likes it too. I was showing it to our real estate agent while looking at properties in Wisconsin. He was going to a gun show to pick up a handgun later. He had some reservations about the 7 round magazine. What I said to him was if I can't hit my target with 7 tries, I should hang up my guns.
My wife had a difficult time managing a Glock 9mm due to her small hands and weaker grip. We’ve tried Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 26, Glock 43 and Glock 48 (she does have an easier time controlling the Glock 48, but still hates the felt recoil). I bought her a Glock 42, and took her out to the range to try it out. She immediately improved in shot placement, and enjoyed shooting the gun (her comment was her hands didn’t hurt after our range session). She even asked me when we were coming out to the range again!
once I got a glock 42 I stopped carrying my 19 all the time. I now carry the 42 more often, and I do carry 100% of the time. I bought two ETS 9 round magazines. it only minimally makes the grip larger, and it's still incredibly easy to conceal. I found that it jams if you have one in the barrel and eight in the magazine, so I settled for one in the barrel and seven in the magazine. and yes, I do carry that extra magazine with eight bullets in it.
First of all , I am 71 years old and arthritic. Secondly , I am no where close to wealthy . I spent a LOT of money on my Sig P220 .45 and I backed it up with a .357 snubbed nose . Now , years later , my hands can no longer handle the recoil of either one for any length of time and my accuracy suffers for fear of the recoil . My last purchase was also costly (for my income) , but well worth it . I bought a used (like new) Browning 1911/380 . I am shooting much better and the fit / feel of it in my hand is like custom work was done . 380 was ,at first , a difficult choice but research cured my doubts. Thank you for this amazing video .
Your video was a no -nonsense presentation of indisputable facts. You did an excellent job of getting your point across in a professional manner. Real shooters and sportsmen are tired of the long bearded, tattooed tac-ta-cool fanatics who tell us that no matter what we do, our guns aren't new enough, expensive enough, our ammo isn't powerful enough, we don't train enough and so on. Shot placement trumps everything. Shooters who are not hardcore fanatics who do not live and breathe tactical whatever, will preform better with .22, 38spl, .380acp, and 9mm than they will with more powerful .40S&W, .45acp .357mag etc. People have been beating this dead horse for decades, trying to make something out of nothing. As the great Elmer Keith said, "Shoot the biggest damn gun you can handle". What You can handle is different than what someone else can. There's no shame in that. We can't all run marathons or have the desire to drive 600hp Dodge Challenger. In the last 30 years I've carried 1911 Government Models in .45acp, Browning Hi-Powers in 9mm and .40S&W, Glock 19 in 9mm, WaltherPPK/S in .380acp, and a slew of revolvers in 38spl and .357mag. As I've gotten older I now limit myself to 9mm and .380acp. I am very comfortable with my choices and do not feel undergunned. The moral of the story, Do What Works for YOU. Be safe, Be aware of your surrounds. Enjoy life.
Good information about the 380. I've carried a Ruger LCP for a while now and feel confident it be able to get me out of a jam if the need arises. I'm not looking for a gun fight just enough to get a round or two off and get the hell out of Dodge. It's a sad state of affairs that you have to carry these days but, I would have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
U lost your damn mind & by the time u get in a real situation to really put It to the test to find out that it really ain't enough it'll be too late & u & your family will be badly hurt or dead... If u not carrying at least a 50 cal dessert eagle then your life is in tremendous trouble my friend 👌🏾
I just bought a shoulder holster for my new M&P .380 EZ 8 round I use either Sig Sauer Elite performance V-crown or Hornady Critical Defense. I don’t have any issues with this being my EDC. At 71 years old I do like the easy load mags, and to rack the gun is unbelievably ez, along with the longer barrel than my Shield 9mm with a lot less recoil. And I do like the safety features on this EZ.
I bought one of these also for home defense…it’s so accurate and simple to use, I really love it. It’s the gun everybody wants to try at the range, lol. I think we can get a “plus 1” extension for them from Magguts for on extra round, but it loses the hold open feature of the original baseplate. (I’m close to your age and needed something easy on my hands, too…but when my Army officer son came to visit, who carries a Desert Eagle, he loved it so much he tried to trade one of his other guns for it, haha!! We had a lot of fun with it at the range(-:)
The EZ is also big enough to overcome a lot of the 'snappiness' and other issues he mentions plague subcompacts. I'm disabled, have an inflammatory illness, but I love my EZ.
General Officers in WW2 and even after were issued Colt 1903 .32ACP primarily, Bonnie 1903 .32 and so did Capone, Dillinger when killed by the FBI was carrying a 1908 Colt .380. Here in the U.S the Colt 1903 .32 out sold the 1908 .380 about 5 to 1. I have both and they are outstanding pistols advertised as FLAT AS A BOOK. I am a fan of the Walter PPK and PP series pistols including the .380 version. Many excellent .380 pistols are on the market but I'm an old school person so gravitate that way, plus the 1934 Beretta and 1910/1955 FN and Browning. Enjoyed your review of this classic from John Browning (cartridge) and it compelled me to subscribe too.
I recently found an Interarms Walther PPK/S 380 stainless which has never been fired and bought it. It came with the original box, owner's manual and 2 original magazines but was quite pricey for a pocket pistol. I find it a little heavy for a pocket gun.
I'm very happy with my Browning 1911 380 ACP. Released recently it is 85% of the size of a full frame 1911. Again the Size makes it practical and easy to carry eight rounds is plenty and I am more accurate with it than a Glock 19 I've had for 2 years longer and practiced much more with all the way to 60 ft. Love it. Was a five shot 38 Special snub nose carrier for 30 years. Never pulled my weapon don't want to ever pull it. And if I'm not on one of my properties my first instinct is to run and minimize the danger. At my home and Business I'm standing my ground no matter what.
I have two .40s, but I switched to .380 ACP because I find it MUCH more comfortable to pocket carry - so I naturally gravitated to pocket carrying all year round. Yeah, it's harder to shoot than a mid size .40, but I practice enough to be proficient. And yes, I carry a Taurus Spectrum. It runs like a top for me.
I carry the taurus spectrum also. Do you ever have problems chambering the first round in a magazine? I find that mine runs fine.... As long as I get that first round chambered without it nose diving.
@@scottphipps3577 That problem happens if you don't sling shot the first round in. If you sling shot it you shouldn't have that problem. Hope that helps. Edit The Taurus is a nice shooting .380.
@@AmmoMart The data isn't clear. But I suspect the mouse calibers and .380 may have such a high success rate because they tend to be fired from smaller guns, which make it easier to get up close and intimate with someone. This might make these smaller calibers more common in up-close assassinations. The '30s gangsters sure liked .380. And that might distract from/cover over the greater difficulty to shoot accurately or effectively at distance.
Amen brother! I used to carry my Glock 30sf, but I live in Vegas. With 100° plus heat in the summer, I simply had to come up with an alternative for the summer when wearing light clothing. I LOVE my Ruger LCP II with the Crimson Trace Green Laser! I carry two extra mags because they too are small and lightweight! Keep the faith and keep fighting the good fight my friend! God bless and take care...
Little pocket rockets like the LCP II are excellent Little guns to just stick in your pocket to go to the store. It's up close and personal not designed for long range or long days at the range. Will definitely do the job though.
@@RIFFRAFF104 depends what cloths I have on or what I'm doing. Some clothes are just more conducive for my little LPCII then a larger handgun. Also if I'm at the house and need to go to the gas station or store real quick and don't feel like dealing with the whole holster thing or changing. I'll grab my little. 380 and stick it in my pocket. Now in a perfect world I'd have one of my larger handguns on me every time I walk out the door. But myself nor the world is anything close to perfect lol. Hence my trustee little .380 auto.
@@AmmoMart Hey Brother here is a direct link to that Ellefritz study data, It has all the relevance statistics in a slick package. ruclips.net/video/nycYxb-zNwc/видео.html
@little drane My regular carry. Is .40 Sheild. And let's be honest here how many people will actually take the time to put on a holster and pack your regular Cary gun. If your in gym shorts or whatever and just headed down to the gas station to grab something not many people myself included. That's why these little pocket pistols are so great you can just jam them in your pocket for just such occasions.
I'm a sig Sauer fan...I LOVE the p238 legion. All metal manual safety, upgraded trigger spring and recoil spring...and extended magazine capacity makes this gun the best carry gun yet.
I own the Ruger LCP Max and after watching videos and doing some research, I carry Hornady American Gunner & Critical Defense in warm weather to avoid over penetration and Federal Hydro Shok 99 grain and Precision One XTP in winter to penetrate heavily clothed assailants.
In the past 2 years the 380 ammunition has tripled in price and has become all but not available. Recently Bass Pro Shops has been stocking FMJ in 380 for $35 for a box of 50 rounds. Great video, keep them coming.
If you are looking for a great all around 380 ACP pistol you can’t go wrong with the Ruger LCP Max. Relatively inexpensive, good magazine capacity, very reliable, good accuracy and very small for easy pocket carry..
I am seriously considering the Ruger LCP Max as I currently carry an M&P Bodyguard 380 and find it snappy to shoot especially when shooting my carry ammo DOUBLETAP Controlled Expansion which is HOT to shoot.
I just bought one about 3 months ago and I found my first trip out with it I started off all over the paper but by the end of 150 rounds I was hitting inside the numbers,looking Togo back out next week and put more through it!
My wife absolutely loves her Kahr CT-380. She uses it with Underwood 90 grain xtp at 1200 FPS. It actually does chronograph around 1208 average from her 3” barrel. It’s damage was down right ugly in pork shoulder test I did. Nice video.
Ypur wife has great taste. My CT380 is one of my most carried pistols, and shoots great. Accirate as hell. Carries light. Try the magguts +1 for it. I carry it and 2 spare mags, 25 rounds total, and that setup is lighter than my Glock 19 with 10 rounds.
I hope you live in a 'sole responsibility' state. In many states, if there are 4 cars stopped at a red light and the 5th car plows into the back car, the front car can sue the 2nd car whose insurance sues the 3rd car whose insurance sues the 4th car (none of which caused the accident) all because the 5th car had no insurance. In those states (including my home state of MD), if my bullet passes through my attacker and hits an innocent bystander, then their family can sue me or the person who started the lethal engagement. They wont sue him because he is a crook with $0.00 to his name - they will sue me because I spent the money on fingerprints and a carry permit and a legally owned gun, therefore, I probably have more to take. Anything more than 13" penetration is asking for trouble in many areas.
@@thorman944 well I guess its good underwood 380 90 grain xtp only penetrates 12” then. There’s a reason I do my own ammo testing before I carry a certain type of ammo. My daily carry round for my alloy frame 38 is penetrating 12” on average with good damage to go with it. Like I said I do all of my own testing so I know what my ammo Will do.
See a video done by Jerry Miculek, in which he shoots the S&W .380 'Bodyguard'. He uses Hornady Critical Defense rounds, which he demonstrates are extremely effective. Miculek also fires standard .380 rounds from about 200 yards and hits the target! Amazing with such a small pistol.
Very interesting and informative, information about the 380acp. I have several conceal carry options to choose from, but I find myself holstering up the sig Sauer p238 quite often, I think it's due to the fact that it's lighter and more comfortable and concealable than my other larger caliber of pistol, and my confidence level is pretty high with the p238 380APC. 🇺🇸👍
I completely destroyed my shoulder in my dominant arm June 8th of 2021. I've had two surgical procedures in less than a year. All my rigs were right hand draws. I bought a ruger 380 max to carry on my left side. 12 rounds of 380 beats a sharp stick any day. My dominant arm is still useless for now. So it has become my everyday carry.
Man, I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder and arm, but you have done the best thing by switching to your non dominant hand. Probably going to be up close and personal if anything happens, anyway. Racking the slide will be a challenge too, but you can do that in several unique ways. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Good luck to you and yours.
My Taurus Spectrum is is extremely light and compact and has noticeably less felt recoil as the LCP. Plus paired with Lehigh Underwood Xtreme Defender, it is a potent option.
Check your state tort laws. Make sure you live in a state where the innocent bystander can only sue the person who attacked you. Here in MD, they can sue the defender, too. Those Lehigh rounds will go clear through the bad guy and might present a legal danger to you.
Excellent choice for both. Me and my wife both have a spectrum loaded with defender rounds or penetrator rounds. I love to carry mine when I go jogging or just got to run a quick erron in shorts small compact and very light.
That is what I carry...the .380 ACP. I have a Bersa Thunder, and I love it. THANK YOU for this great review! I tire of the constant assault on the .380. It's rather nauseating, and is akin to "who has the biggest wheels on their pickup truck." It's like children arguing in a sandbox. You summed it up PERFECTLY when you said that it's not how many, but WHERE. Marksmanship will save your butt a lot more readily than will the caliber you're shooting. If I bring a Howitzer to a battle, but I can't hit the broad side of a barn with it, it's useless. Same goes for carrying a "bigger" caliber, but not able to get shots on target.
Thanks for your informative video. The myth that 380 will not do the job is very persistent. IT WILL DO THE JOB! carry an older first Gen if you will LCP Custom as my EDC. 7 round mags and one in the chamber. I carry with a Kydex holster on my belt. It is so compact and light everyday carry is a breeze. You don’t hardly know it’s there. I put a Hogue grip specific to the LCP which is pinned to the frame. It helped my grip and tamed recoil immeasurably. I have carried a Glock 26 and as “light” as that was and very concealable I always knew it was there and became uncomfortable after a time. Thanks again.
Another great video my friend!! I especially love your 40cal video. U definitely know your stuff and now I don't feel like I'm alone in this world. U have great knowledge and not afraid to come on this platform and educate all the Tactical Charlies out there who s*uck butt to the FEEB and think 9mm is the only game on tv! I love 380 especially with the new Underwood .380 ACP +P 90gr. Xtreme Penetrator Solid Monolithic Hunting & Self Defense Ammo. My favorite 380 pistol is the Kahr CW 380 deep concealment pistol. I have lots of friends and family in law enforcement and many of them back in the day carried a 380 as their back up pistols and many of them carried the Walther PPK & Beretta 84B as a thigh pocket back up piece, and many detectives also carried them as their primary carry in a shoulder holster. Keep up the good work my friend and keep these great ballistic videos coming cus U are going to eventually have one of the biggest followings on this platform.
Thank you so much for posting this video. This is one of the best explanations on the 380 that I have seen on RUclips. The eternal question that always gets asked of anyone who is a shooter by a person who is thinking about becoming a shooter , is always, what is the best gun and caliber for me to own? A beginner can easily get sucked into the world of RUclips and the caliber wars. They will come away thinking that they must have a Glock or some other type of high capacity 9 mm. That's just not necessarily true. They might find a revolver is a better option for them. The answer I give is always the same. It is the gun that you are the most comfortable shooting and the most accurate with. Also, shot placement is far more important than what caliber the shot that's placed is. I also tell them to practice, practice, and when they think they're good enough, practice some more. Anyone who's new to shooting Handguns or has never fired a gun. I suggest setting up a visit with one of their local shooting ranges. When you are a newbie meeting with an experienced shooter and range instructor can make all the difference in the world to a beginner. At shooting ranges where they also sell firearms a beginner can get a chance working with the instructor too. Shoot different types and calibers of handguns. Then they get an idea of what they like. One of the reasons I always advise going to a range and dealing with a certified instructor is that it's a lot safer than just calling up your gun buddy and saying hey, I want to learn how to shoot. You have no way to know what kind of a shooter your gun buddy might be if you have never been out with them when they are shooting. Range instructors put thousands of rounds downrange and are familiar with every type of product they sell.. IMO They won't steer you wrong or recommend something that isn't right for you. A new shooter has to remember that a range has a vested interest in making sure that you, the potential customer are going to be satisfied and want to return to use their facilities and purchase additional firearms from them.
I have a Beretta model 85F in 380 and it is a great carry gun. It is almost too nice too shoot. It has a decocking safety and it can be fired singl pr double action. It looks just like my 92FS only a little bit smaller. Great gun and rare.
I have shot and carried mostly 38 and 357 mag revolvers and 9mil glocks over the last 26 years i recently bought an lcp 2 and put it through my 400 round no failure test ,I am dam impressed with the lcp 2 to me its a soft shooter and follow up shots mag dumps at 10 yards were cake ,I actually just put 2 boxes of hst through it today ,cleaned and lubed loaded up 3 mags with the hst and 1 in the pipe and its going in my rotation.
A glock model 42 shoots as accurate as any other glock regardless of size but you are right get proficient with something bigger and heavier the reason why I mentioned the glock 42 is because a lot of 380 even bigger ones don't shoot as good.
LCP .380 Gen 1.5 Pocket Holster in a Hip Pocket I've found this results in a 100% carry rate (unless entering a government building). I believe you should start with getting your carry rate as high as possible. Whatever size, caliber and carry method that requires is my first choice. I do add a Shield Plus when the heat index isn't 115.
I went with the SIG P238 HD (all Stainless) for EDC due to Mississippi weather despite it weighing a few ounces more than the Aluminum frame models. It has a very easy to handle recoil despite being a locked breech action. And I find it plenty accurate for social distances, I'm not going to be trying any Eli Drills at 40 yards. Carry what you shoot well and shoot often with what you carry, a hit with a .22 LR is more effective than a miss with 12Ga. Buckshot (yes you can miss with a shotgun).
Love the 380!! I have carried a PPKS for 40 years now. My only issue now is that I am 75 years old and my arthritic hands have trouble racking the slide even though I have upgraded to a lighter spring.
You been reading mind lately, maybe, but you're certainly playing my tune. Recently purchased a nice .380, for concealment purposes. I had been wondering if this was a good decision. "Snappy," yes indeed, I found that out soon enough. This is just what I needed to know & hear at this time. Thanks for what sounds like to me, is very good, sound advice.
I've carried all my life, professionally and personally. Duty weapons were 357 and 45 mainly with 9s and 380s as backups. 380 has come a long ways since then in cartridge technology. I bought a Glock 42 several years ago and have carried the crap out of it. Much easier to CC than my compact 9s or full size weapons. I have Glocks, Smiths, Walthers and Colts and grab the Glock 42 nine times out ten when I head out the door. Not a thing wrong with the caliber and never has been. It's all about being efficient and accurate with what you carry and shot placement.
About 6 months of the year I carry Ruger LCP. When the weather is colder and heavier coats are worn I carry a Ruger SR9c. I'm a retired guy in small town Iowa. I walk my dog daily 2-5 miles. I've only thought of pulling it once, and that was on a dog that got loose from its yard. Always one in the pipe and jacketed hollow points. I take them both to the range monthly. The LCP is good for 8 inches at 10 yards, the SR9c is good for 4 inches at 20 yards. I hope I never need either of them, but I am always prepared.
Good video. I know that 99% of today’s .380 hollow point ammo either expands beautifully but doesn’t penetrate to at least 12” (HST’s, Ranger’s, Gold dots, etc….) or penetrates deep, but fails to expand when the hollow point cavity clogs up (HST’s, FMJ’s, etc…). However I still like carrying the round for ultra concealed use. I love the Glock 42 (plus two spare magazines) and it’s what I legally EDC concealed while vacationing in Hawaii or in other states I go to for business purposes. A quick double tap of .380 to the heart and one to the head, and I’m sure the attacker will “get off me.” I don’t care for the new LCP MAX, as it’s heavier than the Glock 42 due to more capacity. 6+1 with two spare mags is good enough for me with ultra concealed and light weight carry.
That study is pretty impressive I referenced by Greg Ellifritz. I also agree that .380 is adequate and combined with the shootablility factor, seems a solid choice.
I've said this for years... If you're ever in a gun fight, no one will stop to analyze the sound from the muzzle or the chamber stamps in the barrel.... What they WILL know is the thing in your hand goes *BANG* and they'll want to run!
I pocket carry an LCP .380 with me pretty much everywhere. Its amazing how much safer I feel compared to going to the mall, grocery store, movie theater, or dinner with nothing to protect yourself.
In my refined philosophy of justifying to myself why I carry whatever I do at a particular time, my Kahr CW380, loaded with 8rds (courtesy of Magguts 7rd spring and follower) of Underwood +P ammo, I am perfectly confident. With that round, and the compactness and lightweight and reliability (did some work on it to get it 100% reliable), fiber optic sights, and I love the smooth, silky revolver-like trigger pull, is a great package for me. I also have a CM9, I can shoot cheaper 9 mil to train with and have the same trigger pull, and I do carry it also, when appropriate. Just my 2 cents.
I prefer the Glock 42 for a.380 ACP pistol. It's a little bigger than most .380 pistols, but it doesn't have the recoil of a blow back design. Additionally they make several mag extensions to enhance the grip to mitigate recoil. Best part is that you can send it out to get an optics cut on it. It's still able to be pocket carried and slim enough for IWB & Appendix carry.
I carry 380 acp often and I feel comfortable with it being enough if needed. As stated, a tiny, light weight 380 pistol will be difficult to manage which is why I bought a heavy-ish all metal Sig P238. It's tiny but weighted enough to mitigate recoil fairly well. I like it so much I just purchased a Sig P365-380. As for 30 super carry being an in between round (380/9mm), from what I've seen it is not. It seems recoil and performance are almost on par with 9mm, you just gain capacity. Nothing about the 30sc round speaks as an "in between" to me, just marketing.
I recently purchased a Sig Sauer P238 HD .380 acp, (all stainless steel version). Even with the added weight of the stainless, it's still a snappy little piece. I'll be buying the extended magazine for a little extra grip. Adding the 'Mag-Guts' spring kit, I'll be able to hold 8 rounds +1 in the chamber, which I feel will be very adequate for CC. I agree, loaded with some good quality self defense ammo, the .380 is no joke.
The Sig P238 is a great gun. Compared to most small. 380 pocket guns you will find it to be less snappy to most of them. Great sights, easy to rack slide and very accurate.
My CC choice is the Bursa .380 plus. That's 15 rounds of kick ass ( with the proper loads) in a low profile pistol. In high summer I carry a M&P Shield 9,which has a lower profile and a lower capacity and a higher recoil kick .The extra recoil of the Shield ,and the slower reset on the Bursa equal outs on the range when it comes to shot placement ( I go for center mass even on a mag dump). And I got use to recoil ,my first hand gun (outside of my pellet gun as a kid) was a M-1911 .45 cal. in the US Army Military Police School. If you shook them they would rattle ,but I could mostly hit center mass even on a multiple target pop up combat course. ( I love that gun).
I love my LCP Max. I keep it in my pocket comfortabley, and it's very accurate and easy to put on target. I also conceal a Glock 19. Sometimes both at the same time. I practice with having both.
True words that can’t be ignored. The best gun to carry is the one you have on you , or better to have a small gun than no gun. SO EASY to carry the 380 especially in warmer wether. This is my most often carried caliber. The price of laser trainers has come WAY DOWN ! I purchased one and I feel it’s pretty realistic. Small pistols are harder to shoot. Laser trainer sure shows / proves that. You can get a good ( my opinion ) laser trainer for under $100. I have a strike fire. I use an apple phone and the interface / software whatever , works very well. I live in northern Maine it’s a bit cold for outdoor shooting currently.
Been pocket carrying my bodyguard over four years. Adding a pinky extension makes it much more controllable to shoot. Magguts +1 gives me 7+1, critical defense or hst's. Not a single hiccup.
thank you for your video. I'm searching for an answer. My sister 65 with weak hand strength just got her ccw. We shot multiple weapons. 43x,365 in 9m,9mez and my 380ez. She still looked uncomfortable with the 380ez. She agreed that she wasn't all that comfortable with it. My arguement is yhey made a easy to rack. easy to load in a light wieght package. Light wieght doesn't minimize recoil. Mayb the will make it in their new metal configuration. Thank you again and all comments/ ideas are welcome. And no, she is not a wall flower. she shoots her 686+ with 5" barrel like a champ!
I believe you meant the 30 Super Carry. Most reports say you can tell any recoil difference between it and 9mm out of similar guns, but the advantage is similar ballistics to 9mm in a smaller round so you get more capacity, if that’s a priority to you. Anyway, as to 380, I agree with all you said. Good presentation!
I shot the Glock 42 and it was incredibly accurate. I hit a once in square from 10 yards with every round. I didn't buy it because I wasn't sure it would be a fight stopper.
Ruger LCP max, 13 shots and under 1lb fully loaded. I do not find 380 pocket pistols to be Snappy at all, but I have been shooting 44 Magnums since I was literally about 3 ft tall. Once you get good with these little pistols it is no problem to make consistent hits at 20yds on an 8x12 IPSC mini silhouette.
.380 acp and 9mm have the same diameter, 9mm case is bigger so more power. However. 380 will stop the bad guys grave yard dead , while being easy to carry and conceal.
underwood extreme defense meets FBI spec and gives 2x the wound channel of HST, Gold Dot, or XTP, plus it is barrier blind. I don't feel under gunned with a .380 for CC.
The problem with the 380 is that historically it's been ball ammo or old-tech HP's which might expand- or not. With ball ammo it's hardly better than 32ACP and you can put the 38Spl RNL into that category too. The modern loads have greatly increased the 380's performance over the 32ACP, bringing the 380 into it's own. Not commonly seen but a full-sized service pistol in 380 is a joy to shoot, especially for the ladies, and it gives up little to a 9mm that way. In a pocket rocket the 380 is simply the best as long as you don't have to shoot through something to reach the meat.The 32ACP isn't a slouch anymore either, but there's little to recommend it except it kicks less than a 380 and it may offer one more round. Lots to choose from now, but being older I have a soft spot in my heart for the grand-daddy of pocket rockets- the Seecamp. Superb craftsmanship, excellent design, and I'll never be able to afford one but I can dream!
I agree 95% of the time. Taking my teenager to the mall - my 380 is probably going to be my carry choice. Running everyday errands, the same holds true. But traveling between home and work to open/close an FFL, or teach a firearms class (with a dozen or more guns), or transporting 100+ guns to/from a gunshow - it is either a fullsize 9 or 45 on my strongside with a 380 on my weak side. For my 'anticipated threat' level when doing certain employment-related tasks, I want the 396lbs/ft of my 9mm +P or 450lbs/ft+ from my 45ACP - more chance of breaking ribs or causing catastrophic damage even if it doesn't pierce the body armor of the organized crime gang that is attacking a FFL. For normal everyday errands, .380acp is plenty. But maybe not if you live in Alaska and have to consider a bear attack or work for a FFL. Just some caveats to an otherwise spot-on presentation.
For my Bersa boys: if you want to reduce recoil of your snappy Thunder or Firestorm, you can order an 18lb Walter PP Recoil Spring from Wolff Gunsprings. Big upgrade in recoil management, cycles no problem.
I own a lot of handguns and carry different calibers for different reasons. My EDC is a S&W Shield .380 ACP. While it’s larger than my Ruger LCP Max .380, it has little recoil and a longer barrel, meaning it will hit harder and I can put shots on target quickly and with precision. It’s still very easy to conceal. I’ll carry my full size 9mm or .357 mag when I don’t care about concealability. My .38 spl loaded with +p rounds is a great, but I don’t like that it’s limited to 5 rounds. I “home carry” .22LR (Ruger LCP II) or WMR handguns like a NAA mini-revolver.
I generally agree with the comment about 380 being snappy except I don't find that to be true with the S&W Bodygaurd 2.0. Seems the lower placement of the slide to the hand makes it much more pleasant to shoot. Thanks for the video.
Might wanna put a couple layers of cloth on that glass to protect both gun and glass, and it would also dampen distracting sounds when you handle the firearms. I've been carrying .380 for years now and prefer it very much. I looked at the FBI standards for penetration before choosing a gun and discovered the .380 did very well and is less likely to over-penetrate. During that research I also discovered that many police and military used the .380 as a standard issue sidearm, but I didn't know the U.S. military was among them at one time. I didn't mind the premium price for ammo (it wasn't much back then) as I enjoyed the way the .380 handled over my 9mm Berretta and SnW guns. The study you reference also verifies my expectation that the .380 is perfectly suited as a carry caliber. I read through that one a few weeks ago.
I have a 42 myself because they go bang every time you pull the trigger. When it comes to self defense, a decorative (but unreliable) pistol with cool custom grips and fanciful colors is no match for a bland, all black Glock that reliably cycles every round you put through it.
I used to carry a Glock 19, which has a 17 round capacity. Now I carry the Ruger LCP MAXX 380, with 12 rounds in the mag and a second LCP MAXX with 10 rounds in the mag. YES, I can shoot right or left handed equally well. I am looking forward to my next gunfight.
I carried a Colt Pony .380 in my boot as a cop. I carry a .380 even today. It's easy to carry, has a laser so it is a point and shoot. For close to 50 years, I have bet my life on a .380, as well as the lives of others with me.
What many people tend to forget when calculating energy of a bullet, higher velocity, larger caliber and heavier bullets do not always equate to better stopping power. Kinetic energy = 1/2 x mass x velocity squared. Larger caliber rounds like 9mm and larger may pass completely through the body and may actually impart less delivered energy to the target since. In order to fully realize a round's energy, the bullet must stop inside the target. Being a smaller round, the 380 is more likely to stop in a target and thus dump the bullet's full energy inside the target instead losing a big % inside a wall or some other stop on the other side of the target.
I really enjoy the informative videos that you provide to us, you are an awesome source of information that is reliable and factual. thank you so much, Sir.
Im interested if you have an opinion about the s&w shield ez in 380 and/or the walter ccp in 380 as a concealed carry option. Love your videos. Just subscribed
I've had a carry permit for about 25 years, from actually before my state went "shall issue," but I don't live in a very dangerous area so I never felt enough motivation to carry any of my favorite old steel-framed guns such as an M1911A1. But recently I thought I should get with it, so I bought a Taurus G2C 9mm and a Kahr .380. Well... OK, so I bought 4 of the G2C's and 2 Kahrs, but anyway... These are my first plastic-framed pistols. I consider the Taurus to be overall a compact gun, and remarkably efficient considering its 12-round magazines. But the Kahrs (CW380 & CT380) are definitely what I want to carry. They are WAY smaller and lighter than even the Taurus. On the matter of recoil, I also own an old North American Arms mini-revolver, and yes the recoil of that is pretty snappy when firing .22 long rifle ammo. So I was expecting the small Kahrs to be at least as snappy as the Taurus is, but happily that turned out not to be the case. In fact they seem more comfortable to fire, despite being so much lighter. A couple comments about this video: One, guns like the PPK, Hi-Point, etc. are not 'delayed blowback" but simply "blowback." There has possibly been a delayed blowback .380 pistol made, but I can't think of any. And two, I don't have personal experience on this, but everything I've read/heard elsewhere says that locked breech .380's have LESS recoil than blowback .380's of similar weight, not MORE recoil. However it may be possible that the locked breech allows lower overall weight, and the lower weight increases the recoil back up again. Oh, I wish I could get a full-sized M1911A1 set up for that .30 Super Carry... that seems like it would be a neat, flat-shooting gun for plinking.
The best .380 is the Sig Sauer P238. But is is all metal and relatively heavy despite being small. The best conceal .380 is the Seecamp LWS 380 for size and weight, and the Glock 42 for weight and quality.
I shoot a 380, Beretta 84. I practice with a 1911 22lr. The Beretta is also my carry pistol. since I live in Florida, and I’m wearing shorts all the time, the Beretta is very considerable.
I agree with you in that the .380acp is a good defensive round. However, it's been my experience that my S&W Bodyguard had less felt recoil (to me) due to the difference in physics between the lock breech/tilting barrel action as opposed to my straight blowback Walther, Bersa, and FEG pistols. The Walther feels snappier.
The 380 has enough umph to get the job done. With a good HP, it works well. It does not tend to penetrate too much and is very mild recoil (for the older folks who can not handle the .75 armor piercing hand cannon).
I was a street cop in Miami, in it's most violent zones, for 25 yrs (1988-2013) & I handled or was the back up, or at least went by the scene on hundreds of shootings. The most common rounds used were .38, .380, .22, 9mm, .45 & 12GA. Of those that died, the .22 had the least rate of death with the .38 & .380 leading the death toll. 9mm & .45's often left the body, (especially if shot into a limb) & those victims frequently survived. I starting shooting at age 6 & have been for 52 yrs now. I too, as did my older family members, poo-poo'd the .380 as a 'pussy round' & we all avoided it. When I became a cop at age 24 & witnessed its kill ratio first hand over the span of my career, I became a believer in it as a viable round & have been buying & shooting them recreationally. Since mine are so light & handy I've been carrying them fairly frequently since I now can due to my retirement from the P.D. (my Dept didn't authorize it's use). The modern self defensive ammo is outstanding compared to the old school FMJ's that don't expand....but even those have put many a scumbag into their forever boxes. People that dismiss the .380 are not in touch with the real world facts of how it performs on the street. I wouldn't shoot it out with someone 100 yards away using one, but for up close work or across the street contact it does just fine as long as one is judicious with their accuracy.
There are lots of them in pits and unmarked mass graves in Europe. The ones shot with Walther .380's just as dead as the ones that got the Luger. ~ Sadly.
I am surprised that no one ever mentions the colt mustang. I have carried it as a backup when I was a police officer and have been carrying it as my daily for several years and trust the 1911 platform.
As soon as Glock is able to meet the point system, I'm going to get that hi capacity model 25. I had the 42, but the 25 holds I believe 10 or 12 rounds. I'll have to go back and check.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
As a former Crime Scene Investigator with a large police department, I can attest to the effectiveness of the 380.
I spent a long time as a detective for a county agency in a major metro area and I agree. The .380 is no joke.
@@carpetcop6173 Yeah...worked half my career in the Homicide Division...retired 2009...and, you're right...no joke.
@little drane Really? Do you hate the 38 special as well?
If so, let’s talk!
@little drane .355 > .22
@little drane So I guess you’re one of the “experts” Paul Harrell did videos about
I settled on .380 for EDC not too long after I became a gun owner several years ago. It didn't take me long to realize that caliber wars here on the innerwebs were a thing, so it was difficult to know whose information was good and what was just "thinking with your balls and not your brain" hype. I went a little overboard with gun buying, so I ended up with .380, 9mm, .40cal, .38/.357 guns in a short amount of time, and I just couldn't decide which would be best for me to carry every day. Once I learned how to shoot all my guns accurately, I realized that caliber doesn't matter as much as shot placement in self defense situations. A .22 to the heart or other vital organ results in the same dead bad guy as a .45 does. So I focused more on what was comfortable to carry, what fits my hand better, what I shoot better one handed (no guarantee I will be able to assume proper stance, hold, etc.), and what I was better at just pointing and shooting. My Bersa Thunder .380 became my EDC gun, and I don't regret it one bit. It goes everywhere with me. So, my suggestion to anyone wanting to carry a gun for self protection is to find what you can carry comfortably and shoot well. If that ends up being a 5 shot LCR .38 special, so be it. If it ends up being a full sized 1911, so be it. It's more important to have something you're actually going to take with you all the time that you know that you know how to shoot than to get caught up in arguments over stopping power and caliber wars.
Amen brother
Nice post. I intend at present anyways, to carry a full size 9mm with me, and a .380 for backup too. Overkill you say, maybe, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. (When in my vehicle) Otherwise the .380 or micro 9mm for concealment purposes.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Exactly what you wrote and I'll add that as I get older and now retired(and getting lazy)my LCP has become my grab-n-go. No muss no fuss and out the door.
The Bersa is a sweet 380!
@@allenbolen9705 I know what you're going to say: your not "James Bond." And you are absolutely correct in that assumption. But I got what he carried. Probably not my best choice I know.
A sucker for a nice pistol I guess.
I’ve always loved my .380 , I do pocket carry with a soft pocket holster. The best gun to carry is a gun that you will carry.
Try a Keltec clip and carry IWB behind your belt on your strong side. Very comfortable.
Im chubby so most iwb are extremely uncomfortable or they have to be placed behind hip, which I don't find practical or safe when re-holstering.
Ruger lcp max and pocket holster is my choice. Somedays I even check to see if it's still there, it's more comfortable than a phone or wallet.
Amen to that, I have 3 other CC guns, but the .380 is with me 99% of the time.
@@Shadow__133there's no "race" or rush to reholster a gun, just to draw it. Remove the holster or carefully look it into the holster.
I live in LA and carry my .380 most of the time. And yes I am one of the few out here with a CCW. Main reason is that 80% of the year out here we're in summer clothes, and being a skinny dude I print more easily with a concealed handgun then most guys. When it gets a bit chilly I always go with my .357, but my .380 is what I carry most of the time. It's simply for concealabilty reasons. Even the micro 9mm prints on me in summer clothes...
As a retired attorney, I advise not to carry a 357 in LA. Even CCW are subject to excessive force laws just like the police. If your 357 over penetrates and hits a bystander even in a justified shooting you could be charged with reckless endangerment and face civil lawsuits. I EDC the Ruger CLP Max and Bersa Thunder. I will carry a 9mm in winter. But LA is anti-gun and I wouldn't risk carrying a 357.
I'm exact same way, .380 for summer 10mil for winter.
I carry a 380 pocket pistol (LCP Custom) all summer. Once the belt and jacket weather hits, I carry my 9x19. I have carried for over 4 decades, and I can't tell you (ashamed to admit to myself) how many times I left my 1911 45 or my SW 357 at home rather than try to belt up and hide the bloody thing. Way more often than not, other than when I was an armored car driver way back in the 70s. This little pocket pistol is awesome, and on top of that, the only gun I have ever fired in self defense. It was a dog attack of me and the missus. A BIG dog, which the owner had no control over. One shot and the attack was over, nobody hurt. Except the dog. (Not killed though. I tried to scare if off the attack by shooting in front of it but it lunged at that moment and the bullet went through it's shoulder and into the dirt road, some of the dirt being splattered into my face) It survived, but the attack was stopped.
Welcome to my world!
@@libertycowboy2495 Me? probably. I do own a double barrel coach gun, and I shoot woodchucks and rabbits from the back porch.
I personally Conceal Carry a Ruger LCP MAX, but my wife recently decided that she wanted a SIG P365-.380, which I was more than happy to provide her with! It is a bit bigger & somewhat less concealable, but after shooting it, I was AMAZED at the comfort, smoothness & accuracy with which it consistently cycled!!
This is a FANTASTIC pistol for virtually everyone, interested in a Concealed Carry option! It's Reliable, accurate, very manageable recoil, and nearly "idiot" Proof! Key word here being "nearly"...
We also have the P365 in 9mm, and it is equally amazing as well, with a few hundred rounds through it!
Ruger Max is a much better concealable weapon. Also with the 12 shots magazine. It's easier to shoot. You have to remind yourself it's on you.
@@lm1174 P365 is slightly heavier and slightly bigger than the LCP max. Both are good guns. But P365 in 380 is one of the softest-recoiling sub-compact guns ever made.
@@thorman944 I’ve got the Glock 42. It was purchased before the Sig P365 380 came out. I’m happy with the Glock, but definitely interested in the Sig. If money wasn’t an option, I’d already have one!
Take Care & Stay Vigilant ⚔️
I carried 9mm for years, I switched to 380 a few years ago. I bought a Bersa Thunder and loved it so much that it's my EDC, and also my wifes.
I bought a Bersa Thunder satin set with two mags, two grips and a case at Cabelas some years ago with an excellent deal. I love how it feels to hold , shoot and it's damn purty. Though I have NEVER had an accidental discharge, I appreciate the magazine safety. My wife likes it too. I was showing it to our real estate agent while looking at properties in Wisconsin. He was going to a gun show to pick up a handgun later. He had some reservations about the 7 round magazine. What I said to him was if I can't hit my target with 7 tries, I should hang up my guns.
My wife had a difficult time managing a Glock 9mm due to her small hands and weaker grip. We’ve tried Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 26, Glock 43 and Glock 48 (she does have an easier time controlling the Glock 48, but still hates the felt recoil).
I bought her a Glock 42, and took her out to the range to try it out. She immediately improved in shot placement, and enjoyed shooting the gun (her comment was her hands didn’t hurt after our range session). She even asked me when we were coming out to the range again!
Preferring Glock over S&W myself, I must admit that the S&W EZ pistols in 380 and 9mm are very user-friendly.
Bought Glock 42 ‘s for my wife and myself We both carry these pistols every day My wife loves her’s loves to shoot it. Happy wife happy life
I love my 42. Added a ghost trigger bar which dramatically improved the trigger at very low cost.
I love my 42.
once I got a glock 42 I stopped carrying my 19 all the time. I now carry the 42 more often, and I do carry 100% of the time. I bought two ETS 9 round magazines. it only minimally makes the grip larger, and it's still incredibly easy to conceal. I found that it jams if you have one in the barrel and eight in the magazine, so I settled for one in the barrel and seven in the magazine. and yes, I do carry that extra magazine with eight bullets in it.
Very clear, fair & logical presentation of FACTS. What's not to like? THANK YOU FOR THIS BRIEF OVERVIEW.
First of all , I am 71 years old and arthritic. Secondly , I am no where close to wealthy . I spent a LOT of money on my Sig P220 .45 and I backed it up with a .357 snubbed nose . Now , years later , my hands can no longer handle the recoil of either one for any length of time and my accuracy suffers for fear of the recoil . My last purchase was also costly (for my income) , but well worth it . I bought a used (like new) Browning 1911/380 . I am shooting much better and the fit / feel of it in my hand is like custom work was done . 380 was ,at first , a difficult choice but research cured my doubts. Thank you for this amazing video .
Your video was a no -nonsense presentation of indisputable facts. You did an excellent job of getting your point across in a professional manner. Real shooters and sportsmen are tired of the long bearded, tattooed tac-ta-cool fanatics who tell us that no matter what we do, our guns aren't new enough, expensive enough, our ammo isn't powerful enough, we don't train enough and so on. Shot placement trumps everything. Shooters who are not hardcore fanatics who do not live and breathe tactical whatever, will preform better with .22, 38spl, .380acp, and 9mm than they will with more powerful .40S&W, .45acp .357mag etc.
People have been beating this dead horse for decades, trying to make something out of nothing.
As the great Elmer Keith said, "Shoot the biggest damn gun you can handle". What You can handle is different than what someone else can. There's no shame in that. We can't all run marathons or have the desire to drive 600hp Dodge Challenger.
In the last 30 years I've carried 1911 Government Models in .45acp, Browning Hi-Powers in 9mm and .40S&W, Glock 19 in 9mm, WaltherPPK/S in .380acp, and a slew of revolvers in 38spl and .357mag. As I've gotten older I now limit myself to 9mm and .380acp. I am very comfortable with my choices and do not feel undergunned.
The moral of the story, Do What Works for YOU.
Be safe, Be aware of your surrounds. Enjoy life.
That's the whole enchilada. Well thought out and written.
I love the .380 and I love my Bersa Thunder .380 and my little Springfeild 911 .380
Just picked up my Bersa Firestorm today! Great little gun!
Good information about the 380. I've carried a Ruger LCP for a while now and feel confident it be able to get me out of a jam if the need arises. I'm not looking for a gun fight just enough to get a round or two off and get the hell out of Dodge. It's a sad state of affairs that you have to carry these days but, I would have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
So true about placement. I carry my lcp2 380 everyday and everywhere and do trust it with my family's lives.
U lost your damn mind & by the time u get in a real situation to really put It to the test to find out that it really ain't enough it'll be too late & u & your family will be badly hurt or dead... If u not carrying at least a 50 cal dessert eagle then your life is in tremendous trouble my friend 👌🏾
I just bought a shoulder holster for my new M&P .380 EZ 8 round I use either Sig Sauer Elite performance V-crown or Hornady Critical Defense. I don’t have any issues with this being my EDC. At 71 years old I do like the easy load mags, and to rack the gun is unbelievably ez, along with the longer barrel than my Shield 9mm with a lot less recoil. And I do like the safety features on this EZ.
I bought one of these also for home defense…it’s so accurate and simple to use, I really love it. It’s the gun everybody wants to try at the range, lol. I think we can get a “plus 1” extension for them from Magguts for on extra round, but it loses the hold open feature of the original baseplate. (I’m close to your age and needed something easy on my hands, too…but when my Army officer son came to visit, who carries a Desert Eagle, he loved it so much he tried to trade one of his other guns for it, haha!! We had a lot of fun with it at the range(-:)
The EZ is also big enough to overcome a lot of the 'snappiness' and other issues he mentions plague subcompacts.
I'm disabled, have an inflammatory illness, but I love my EZ.
General Officers in WW2 and even after were issued Colt 1903 .32ACP primarily, Bonnie 1903 .32 and so did Capone, Dillinger when killed by the FBI was carrying a 1908 Colt .380. Here in the U.S the Colt 1903 .32 out sold the 1908 .380 about 5 to 1. I have both and they are outstanding pistols advertised as FLAT AS A BOOK. I am a fan of the Walter PPK and PP series pistols including the .380 version. Many excellent .380 pistols are on the market but I'm an old school person so gravitate that way, plus the 1934 Beretta and 1910/1955 FN and Browning. Enjoyed your review of this classic from John Browning (cartridge) and it compelled me to subscribe too.
I recently found an Interarms Walther PPK/S 380 stainless which has never been fired and bought it. It came with the original box, owner's manual and 2 original magazines but was quite pricey for a pocket pistol. I find it a little heavy for a pocket gun.
I'm very happy with my Browning 1911 380 ACP. Released recently it is 85% of the size of a full frame 1911. Again the
Size makes it practical and easy to carry eight rounds is plenty and I am more accurate with it than a Glock 19 I've had for 2 years longer and practiced much more with all the way to 60 ft. Love it. Was a five shot 38 Special snub nose carrier for 30 years. Never pulled my weapon don't want to ever pull it. And if I'm not on one of my properties my first instinct is to run and minimize the danger. At my home and Business I'm standing my ground no matter what.
I have two .40s, but I switched to .380 ACP because I find it MUCH more comfortable to pocket carry - so I naturally gravitated to pocket carrying all year round. Yeah, it's harder to shoot than a mid size .40, but I practice enough to be proficient. And yes, I carry a Taurus Spectrum. It runs like a top for me.
Yep I switched from a 6 shot taurus 856 revolver to a 380 SW Bodyguard ✌️🍺🇺🇸
I carry the taurus spectrum also. Do you ever have problems chambering the first round in a magazine? I find that mine runs fine.... As long as I get that first round chambered without it nose diving.
@@scottphipps3577 That problem happens if you don't sling shot the first round in. If you sling shot it you shouldn't have that problem. Hope that helps.
Edit The Taurus is a nice shooting .380.
The Taurus spectrum is a piece of shit lol. My buddy had 2 of them and they both jammed at least 2-3 times on every magazine
Love it or hate it the .380 has put a lot of people in the ground.
Thanks for viewing! It certainly has and will continue to do so. It has a lot of positive traits at close range and is very controllable.
@@AmmoMart The data isn't clear. But I suspect the mouse calibers and .380 may have such a high success rate because they tend to be fired from smaller guns, which make it easier to get up close and intimate with someone. This might make these smaller calibers more common in up-close assassinations. The '30s gangsters sure liked .380. And that might distract from/cover over the greater difficulty to shoot accurately or effectively at distance.
Amen brother! I used to carry my Glock 30sf, but I live in Vegas. With 100° plus heat in the summer, I simply had to come up with an alternative for the summer when wearing light clothing. I LOVE my Ruger LCP II with the Crimson Trace Green Laser! I carry two extra mags because they too are small and lightweight!
Keep the faith and keep fighting the good fight my friend!
God bless and take care...
So have The Clintons 😆
@@Nigriff yes they have.
Little pocket rockets like the LCP II are excellent Little guns to just stick in your pocket to go to the store.
It's up close and personal not designed for long range or long days at the range.
Will definitely do the job though.
That is the key, understanding what the weapon was designed to do. They are effective weapons at that distance. Thanks for viewing.
Call them parking garage or elevator guns. I carry a .380 everywhere I go.
@@RIFFRAFF104 depends what cloths I have on or what I'm doing.
Some clothes are just more conducive for my little LPCII then a larger handgun.
Also if I'm at the house and need to go to the gas station or store real quick and don't feel like dealing with the whole holster thing or changing. I'll grab my little. 380 and stick it in my pocket.
Now in a perfect world I'd have one of my larger handguns on me every time I walk out the door.
But myself nor the world is anything close to perfect lol.
Hence my trustee little .380 auto.
@@AmmoMart Hey Brother here is a direct link to that Ellefritz study data, It has all the relevance statistics in a slick package. ruclips.net/video/nycYxb-zNwc/видео.html
@little drane My regular carry. Is .40 Sheild.
And let's be honest here how many people will actually take the time to put on a holster and pack your regular Cary gun. If your in gym shorts or whatever and just headed down to the gas station to grab something not many people myself included. That's why these little pocket pistols are so great you can just jam them in your pocket for just such occasions.
I'm a sig Sauer fan...I LOVE the p238 legion. All metal manual safety, upgraded trigger spring and recoil spring...and extended magazine capacity makes this gun the best carry gun yet.
I own the Ruger LCP Max and after watching videos and doing some research, I carry Hornady American Gunner & Critical Defense in warm weather to avoid over penetration and Federal Hydro Shok 99 grain and Precision One XTP in winter to penetrate heavily clothed assailants.
I bought two boxes of the precision one XTPs really great penetration! I also have some xtreme defenders.
Thanks!
In the past 2 years the 380 ammunition has tripled in price and has become all but not available. Recently Bass Pro Shops has been stocking FMJ in 380 for $35 for a box of 50 rounds. Great video, keep them coming.
the BPS around here only will sell you .380 ammo if you buy a .380 firearm ....how crazy is that
Online I’m seeing it around $22 a box
@@usa-rb5fi shipping included?
thats where they get you
Depends on the site, when I was a member of target sports USA, shipping was free.
@@usa-rb5fi yea I recently got free shipping on 500 .45 rounds from lax as like a first time customer Deal
I used to pocket carry Ruger ec9s and now I carry the lcp max everywhere. It's like night and day. A true micro carry with 12 rounds.
You can buy factory 15 round clips for it now
If you are looking for a great all around 380 ACP pistol you can’t go wrong with the Ruger LCP Max. Relatively inexpensive, good magazine capacity, very reliable, good accuracy and very small for easy pocket carry..
I am seriously considering the Ruger LCP Max as I currently carry an M&P Bodyguard 380 and find it snappy to shoot especially when shooting my carry ammo DOUBLETAP Controlled Expansion which is HOT to shoot.
I just bought one about 3 months ago and I found my first trip out with it I started off all over the paper but by the end of 150 rounds I was hitting inside the numbers,looking Togo back out next week and put more through it!
@@brianbuchert6382 best 380 out there in my opinion mild recoil the lcp2 is snappy the max is not.
I got one last year with extended mags. I've never looked back
Got the older model….. that’s def the work horse in the 380 word ..
My wife absolutely loves her Kahr CT-380. She uses it with Underwood 90 grain xtp at 1200 FPS. It actually does chronograph around 1208 average from her 3” barrel. It’s damage was down right ugly in pork shoulder test I did. Nice video.
Ypur wife has great taste. My CT380 is one of my most carried pistols, and shoots great. Accirate as hell. Carries light.
Try the magguts +1 for it.
I carry it and 2 spare mags, 25 rounds total, and that setup is lighter than my Glock 19 with 10 rounds.
I hope you live in a 'sole responsibility' state. In many states, if there are 4 cars stopped at a red light and the 5th car plows into the back car, the front car can sue the 2nd car whose insurance sues the 3rd car whose insurance sues the 4th car (none of which caused the accident) all because the 5th car had no insurance. In those states (including my home state of MD), if my bullet passes through my attacker and hits an innocent bystander, then their family can sue me or the person who started the lethal engagement. They wont sue him because he is a crook with $0.00 to his name - they will sue me because I spent the money on fingerprints and a carry permit and a legally owned gun, therefore, I probably have more to take. Anything more than 13" penetration is asking for trouble in many areas.
@@thorman944 well I guess its good underwood 380 90 grain xtp only penetrates 12” then. There’s a reason I do my own ammo testing before I carry a certain type of ammo. My daily carry round for my alloy frame 38 is penetrating 12” on average with good damage to go with it. Like I said I do all of my own testing so I know what my ammo Will do.
Good honest well rounded vid, and addressed the basics. I like it!
See a video done by Jerry Miculek, in which he shoots the S&W .380 'Bodyguard'. He uses Hornady Critical Defense rounds, which he demonstrates are extremely effective.
Miculek also fires standard .380 rounds from about 200 yards and hits the target! Amazing with such a small pistol.
It's been proven that a 1 1/2" to 2" barrel will stabilize a bullet- the rest is on you and the gun.
Very interesting and informative, information about the 380acp. I have several conceal carry options to choose from, but I find myself holstering up the sig Sauer p238 quite often, I think it's due to the fact that it's lighter and more comfortable and concealable than my other larger caliber of pistol, and my confidence level is pretty high with the p238 380APC. 🇺🇸👍
Excellent choice
I completely destroyed my shoulder in my dominant arm June 8th of 2021. I've had two surgical procedures in less than a year. All my rigs were right hand draws. I bought a ruger 380 max to carry on my left side. 12 rounds of 380 beats a sharp stick any day. My dominant arm is still useless for now. So it has become my everyday carry.
Man, I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder and arm, but you have done the best thing by switching to your non dominant hand. Probably going to be up close and personal if anything happens, anyway. Racking the slide will be a challenge too, but you can do that in several unique ways. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Good luck to you and yours.
My Taurus Spectrum is is extremely light and compact and has noticeably less felt recoil as the LCP. Plus paired with Lehigh Underwood Xtreme Defender, it is a potent option.
Love my Spectrum too!
Check your state tort laws. Make sure you live in a state where the innocent bystander can only sue the person who attacked you. Here in MD, they can sue the defender, too. Those Lehigh rounds will go clear through the bad guy and might present a legal danger to you.
Excellent choice for both. Me and my wife both have a spectrum loaded with defender rounds or penetrator rounds. I love to carry mine when I go jogging or just got to run a quick erron in shorts small compact and very light.
That is what I carry...the .380 ACP. I have a Bersa Thunder, and I love it. THANK YOU for this great review! I tire of the constant assault on the .380. It's rather nauseating, and is akin to "who has the biggest wheels on their pickup truck." It's like children arguing in a sandbox. You summed it up PERFECTLY when you said that it's not how many, but WHERE. Marksmanship will save your butt a lot more readily than will the caliber you're shooting. If I bring a Howitzer to a battle, but I can't hit the broad side of a barn with it, it's useless. Same goes for carrying a "bigger" caliber, but not able to get shots on target.
Thanks for your informative video. The myth that 380 will not do the job is very persistent. IT WILL DO THE JOB! carry an older first Gen if you will LCP Custom as my EDC. 7 round mags and one in the chamber. I carry with a Kydex holster on my belt. It is so compact and light everyday carry is a breeze. You don’t hardly know it’s there. I put a Hogue grip specific to the LCP which is pinned to the frame. It helped my grip and tamed recoil immeasurably. I have carried a Glock 26 and as “light” as that was and very concealable I always knew it was there and became uncomfortable after a time. Thanks again.
Another great video my friend!! I especially love your 40cal video. U definitely know your stuff and now I don't feel like I'm alone in this world. U have great knowledge and not afraid to come on this platform and educate all the Tactical Charlies out there who s*uck butt to the FEEB and think 9mm is the only game on tv! I love 380 especially with the new Underwood .380 ACP +P 90gr. Xtreme Penetrator Solid Monolithic Hunting & Self Defense Ammo. My favorite 380 pistol is the Kahr CW 380 deep concealment pistol. I have lots of friends and family in law enforcement and many of them back in the day carried a 380 as their back up pistols and many of them carried the Walther PPK & Beretta 84B as a thigh pocket back up piece, and many detectives also carried them as their primary carry in a shoulder holster. Keep up the good work my friend and keep these great ballistic videos coming cus U are going to eventually have one of the biggest followings on this platform.
Thank you so much for posting this video. This is one of the best explanations on the 380 that I have seen on RUclips.
The eternal question that always gets asked of anyone who is a shooter by a person who is thinking about becoming a shooter , is always, what is the best gun and caliber for me to own? A beginner can easily get sucked into the world of RUclips and the caliber wars. They will come away thinking that they must have a Glock or some other type of high capacity 9 mm. That's just not necessarily true. They might find a revolver is a better option for them.
The answer I give is always the same. It is the gun that you are the most comfortable shooting and the most accurate with. Also, shot placement is far more important than what caliber the shot that's placed is.
I also tell them to practice, practice, and when they think they're good enough, practice some more.
Anyone who's new to shooting Handguns or has never fired a gun. I suggest setting up a visit with one of their local shooting ranges. When you are a newbie meeting with an experienced shooter and range instructor can make all the difference in the world to a beginner. At shooting ranges where they also sell firearms a beginner can get a chance working with the instructor too. Shoot different types and calibers of handguns. Then they get an idea of what they like. One of the reasons I always advise going to a range and dealing with a certified instructor is that it's a lot safer than just calling up your gun buddy and saying hey, I want to learn how to shoot. You have no way to know what kind of a shooter your gun buddy might be if you have never been out with them when they are shooting. Range instructors put thousands of rounds downrange and are familiar with every type of product they sell..
IMO They won't steer you wrong or recommend something that isn't right for you. A new shooter has to remember that a range has a vested interest in making sure that you, the potential customer are going to be satisfied and want to return to use their facilities and purchase additional firearms from them.
I pocket carry an LCP and I do well with it at the range. Sometimes it’s a back up gun other times it’s all I bring. Good video
just bought my first 380 and cannot wait to take it to the range
I’ve seen a lot of bodies on First 48 that were taken out by .380 acp weapons.
It would be interesting to know, in the .380 studies, where the shot placements were on those targets and how many rounds were fired.
I have a Beretta model 85F in 380 and it is a great carry gun. It is almost too nice too shoot. It has a decocking safety and it can be fired singl pr double action. It looks just like my 92FS only a little bit smaller. Great gun and rare.
I have shot and carried mostly 38 and 357 mag revolvers and 9mil glocks over the last 26 years i recently bought an lcp 2 and put it through my 400 round no failure test ,I am dam impressed with the lcp 2 to me its a soft shooter and follow up shots mag dumps at 10 yards were cake ,I actually just put 2 boxes of hst through it today ,cleaned and lubed loaded up 3 mags with the hst and 1 in the pipe and its going in my rotation.
A glock model 42 shoots as accurate as any other glock regardless of size but you are right get proficient with something bigger and heavier the reason why I mentioned the glock 42 is because a lot of 380 even bigger ones don't shoot as good.
LCP .380 Gen 1.5
Pocket Holster in a Hip Pocket
I've found this results in a 100% carry rate (unless entering a government building).
I believe you should start with getting your carry rate as high as possible. Whatever size, caliber and carry method that requires is my first choice. I do add a Shield Plus when the heat index isn't 115.
I went with the SIG P238 HD (all Stainless) for EDC due to Mississippi weather despite it weighing a few ounces more than the Aluminum frame models. It has a very easy to handle recoil despite being a locked breech action. And I find it plenty accurate for social distances, I'm not going to be trying any Eli Drills at 40 yards. Carry what you shoot well and shoot often with what you carry, a hit with a .22 LR is more effective than a miss with 12Ga. Buckshot (yes you can miss with a shotgun).
Love the 380!! I have carried a PPKS for 40 years now. My only issue now is that I am 75 years old and my arthritic hands have trouble racking the slide even though I have upgraded to a lighter spring.
I have the Ruger LCP MAX and you are right about the recoil but it is manageable. I also find it to be quite accurate.
You been reading mind lately, maybe, but you're certainly playing my tune. Recently purchased a nice .380, for concealment purposes. I had been wondering if this was a good decision.
"Snappy," yes indeed, I found that out soon enough. This is just what I needed to know & hear at this time. Thanks for what sounds like to me, is very good, sound advice.
I've carried all my life, professionally and personally. Duty weapons were 357 and 45 mainly with 9s and 380s as backups. 380 has come a long ways since then in cartridge technology. I bought a Glock 42 several years ago and have carried the crap out of it. Much easier to CC than my compact 9s or full size weapons. I have Glocks, Smiths, Walthers and Colts and grab the Glock 42 nine times out ten when I head out the door. Not a thing wrong with the caliber and never has been. It's all about being efficient and accurate with what you carry and shot placement.
About 6 months of the year I carry Ruger LCP. When the weather is colder and heavier coats are worn I carry a Ruger SR9c.
I'm a retired guy in small town Iowa. I walk my dog daily 2-5 miles. I've only thought of pulling it once, and that was on a dog that got loose from its yard.
Always one in the pipe and jacketed hollow points.
I take them both to the range monthly. The LCP is good for 8 inches at 10 yards, the SR9c is good for 4 inches at 20 yards.
I hope I never need either of them, but I am always prepared.
Good discussion on the .380 ACP thank you. I used to conceal carry a Sig P232 loaded with Hornady Critical Defense.
P238?
lol! who are you, jonnyt? lol!
Good thing you didn’t have to use it. Hornady CD is the worst 380 hp for penetration you can get. Put fmj’s in.
Good video. I know that 99% of today’s .380 hollow point ammo either expands beautifully but doesn’t penetrate to at least 12” (HST’s, Ranger’s, Gold dots, etc….) or penetrates deep, but fails to expand when the hollow point cavity clogs up (HST’s, FMJ’s, etc…). However I still like carrying the round for ultra concealed use. I love the Glock 42 (plus two spare magazines) and it’s what I legally EDC concealed while vacationing in Hawaii or in other states I go to for business purposes. A quick double tap of .380 to the heart and one to the head, and I’m sure the attacker will “get off me.” I don’t care for the new LCP MAX, as it’s heavier than the Glock 42 due to more capacity. 6+1 with two spare mags is good enough for me with ultra concealed and light weight carry.
That study is pretty impressive I referenced by Greg Ellifritz. I also agree that .380 is adequate and combined with the shootablility factor, seems a solid choice.
I've said this for years... If you're ever in a gun fight, no one will stop to analyze the sound from the muzzle or the chamber stamps in the barrel....
What they WILL know is the thing in your hand goes *BANG* and they'll want to run!
@@AOMartialArts Great point.
I pocket carry an LCP .380 with me pretty much everywhere. Its amazing how much safer I feel compared to going to the mall, grocery store, movie theater, or dinner with nothing to protect yourself.
I literally feel naked without it
Same here I have it on me when I mow the grass
Great discussion. Fantastic spokesperson.
Another good video. I look forward to your next .380 video.
In a couple of weeks we will publish a stopping power video of the .380 ACP. Watch for that and thanks for your viewership.
The bridge between the .380 & 9 is the 9X18 Makarov. It is literally right between 9X17 and 9X19.
PM and P64 are laser accurate blowback pistols!
Looooove my Cz82
380 plus p is right between 9x18 Makarov and 9x19
KGB loves them, too. Just ask Putin.
I bought my wife and daughter each the S&W EZ Shield, and I have no doubt it will work just fine. It beats a 22 long rifle.
In my refined philosophy of justifying to myself why I carry whatever I do at a particular time, my Kahr CW380, loaded with 8rds (courtesy of Magguts 7rd spring and follower) of Underwood +P ammo, I am perfectly confident. With that round, and the compactness and lightweight and reliability (did some work on it to get it 100% reliable), fiber optic sights, and I love the smooth, silky revolver-like trigger pull, is a great package for me. I also have a CM9, I can shoot cheaper 9 mil to train with and have the same trigger pull, and I do carry it also, when appropriate.
Just my 2 cents.
I prefer the Glock 42 for a.380 ACP pistol. It's a little bigger than most .380 pistols, but it doesn't have the recoil of a blow back design. Additionally they make several mag extensions to enhance the grip to mitigate recoil. Best part is that you can send it out to get an optics cut on it. It's still able to be pocket carried and slim enough for IWB & Appendix carry.
Yea it is ! Damn that sux t b in hosp
My favourite EDC is the Walther PPK in .380 incredibly accurate out to 40 yards.
Well stated. The trick with the Walther is that the barrel is "fixed" and does not float around. Much more accurate indeed.
My Bersa Firestorm shoots right where I point it. It's kinda fun
I carry 380 acp often and I feel comfortable with it being enough if needed. As stated, a tiny, light weight 380 pistol will be difficult to manage which is why I bought a heavy-ish all metal Sig P238. It's tiny but weighted enough to mitigate recoil fairly well. I like it so much I just purchased a Sig P365-380. As for 30 super carry being an in between round (380/9mm), from what I've seen it is not. It seems recoil and performance are almost on par with 9mm, you just gain capacity. Nothing about the 30sc round speaks as an "in between" to me, just marketing.
I recently purchased a Sig Sauer P238 HD .380 acp, (all stainless steel version). Even with the added weight of the stainless, it's still a snappy little piece. I'll be buying the extended magazine for a little extra grip. Adding the 'Mag-Guts' spring kit, I'll be able to hold 8 rounds +1 in the chamber, which I feel will be very adequate for CC. I agree, loaded with some good quality self defense ammo, the .380 is no joke.
The Sig P238 is a great gun. Compared to most small. 380 pocket guns you will find it to be less snappy to most of them. Great sights, easy to rack slide and very accurate.
My CC choice is the Bursa .380 plus. That's 15 rounds of kick ass ( with the proper loads) in a low profile pistol. In high summer I carry a M&P Shield 9,which has a lower profile and a lower capacity and a higher recoil kick .The extra recoil of the Shield ,and the slower reset on the Bursa equal outs on the range when it comes to shot placement ( I go for center mass even on a mag dump). And I got use to recoil ,my first hand gun (outside of my pellet gun as a kid) was a M-1911 .45 cal. in the US Army Military Police School. If you shook them they would rattle ,but I could mostly hit center mass even on a multiple target pop up combat course. ( I love that gun).
Very good video! I look forward to the follow up on actual penetration.
I love my LCP Max. I keep it in my pocket comfortabley, and it's very accurate and easy to put on target. I also conceal a Glock 19. Sometimes both at the same time. I practice with having both.
I like how you roll, friend. Bring the thunder!
True words that can’t be ignored. The best gun to carry is the one you have on you , or better to have a small gun than no gun. SO EASY to carry the 380 especially in warmer wether. This is my most often carried caliber. The price of laser trainers has come WAY DOWN ! I purchased one and I feel it’s pretty realistic. Small pistols are harder to shoot. Laser trainer sure shows / proves that. You can get a good ( my opinion ) laser trainer for under $100. I have a strike fire. I use an apple phone and the interface / software whatever , works very well. I live in northern Maine it’s a bit cold for outdoor shooting currently.
Been pocket carrying my bodyguard over four years. Adding a pinky extension makes it much more controllable to shoot. Magguts +1 gives me 7+1, critical defense or hst's. Not a single hiccup.
That bersa 380 is awesome. Loved the one i had. Wish i still had.
Great clip again , very much interested in (380) carry, but that’s just me. Thank you for your insight.
thank you for your video. I'm searching for an answer. My sister 65 with weak hand strength just got her ccw. We shot multiple weapons. 43x,365 in 9m,9mez and my 380ez. She still looked uncomfortable with the 380ez. She agreed that she wasn't all that comfortable with it. My arguement is yhey made a easy to rack. easy to load in a light wieght package. Light wieght doesn't minimize recoil. Mayb the will make it in their new metal configuration. Thank you again and all comments/ ideas are welcome. And no, she is not a wall flower. she shoots her 686+ with 5" barrel like a champ!
J frame with federal or winchester wadcutters,low recoil ,no chance of a limp wrist.
I believe you meant the 30 Super Carry.
Most reports say you can tell any recoil difference between it and 9mm out of similar guns, but the advantage is similar ballistics to 9mm in a smaller round so you get more capacity, if that’s a priority to you.
Anyway, as to 380, I agree with all you said. Good presentation!
I shot the Glock 42 and it was incredibly accurate. I hit a once in square from 10 yards with every round. I didn't buy it because I wasn't sure it would be a fight stopper.
Ruger LCP max, 13 shots and under 1lb fully loaded.
I do not find 380 pocket pistols to be Snappy at all, but I have been shooting 44 Magnums since I was literally about 3 ft tall. Once you get good with these little pistols it is no problem to make consistent hits at 20yds on an 8x12 IPSC mini silhouette.
Loved my bersa thunder 380 til that darn mp shield came out. I still carry it sometimes as da/sa still holds my attention for safety and accuracy
.380 acp and 9mm have the same diameter, 9mm case is bigger so more power. However. 380 will stop the bad guys grave yard dead , while being easy to carry and conceal.
I have a LCP and just recently got a LCP max I do like the amount of ammo in the max
underwood extreme defense meets FBI spec and gives 2x the wound channel of HST, Gold Dot, or XTP, plus it is barrier blind. I don't feel under gunned with a .380 for CC.
Hornady Critical Duty is also supposedly made to meet FBI and other agencey specs. Good stuff.
The problem with the 380 is that historically it's been ball ammo or old-tech HP's which might expand- or not. With ball ammo it's hardly better than 32ACP and you can put the 38Spl RNL into that category too. The modern loads have greatly increased the 380's performance over the 32ACP, bringing the 380 into it's own. Not commonly seen but a full-sized service pistol in 380 is a joy to shoot, especially for the ladies, and it gives up little to a 9mm that way. In a pocket rocket the 380 is simply the best as long as you don't have to shoot through something to reach the meat.The 32ACP isn't a slouch anymore either, but there's little to recommend it except it kicks less than a 380 and it may offer one more round.
Lots to choose from now, but being older I have a soft spot in my heart for the grand-daddy of pocket rockets- the Seecamp. Superb craftsmanship, excellent design, and I'll never be able to afford one but I can dream!
My EDC for years has been the Sig P238. Reliable, crisp, easy to carry, safe.
I agree 95% of the time. Taking my teenager to the mall - my 380 is probably going to be my carry choice. Running everyday errands, the same holds true. But traveling between home and work to open/close an FFL, or teach a firearms class (with a dozen or more guns), or transporting 100+ guns to/from a gunshow - it is either a fullsize 9 or 45 on my strongside with a 380 on my weak side. For my 'anticipated threat' level when doing certain employment-related tasks, I want the 396lbs/ft of my 9mm +P or 450lbs/ft+ from my 45ACP - more chance of breaking ribs or causing catastrophic damage even if it doesn't pierce the body armor of the organized crime gang that is attacking a FFL. For normal everyday errands, .380acp is plenty. But maybe not if you live in Alaska and have to consider a bear attack or work for a FFL. Just some caveats to an otherwise spot-on presentation.
My 2 buddies and me bought the Ruger Security 380 Light Rack and it’s awesome
For my Bersa boys: if you want to reduce recoil of your snappy Thunder or Firestorm, you can order an 18lb Walter PP Recoil Spring from Wolff Gunsprings. Big upgrade in recoil management, cycles no problem.
Do you have to add the firing pin it comes with or is that not necessary?
@@leocastrillo759 No change to firing pin necessary. Literally just change the spring.
I own a lot of handguns and carry different calibers for different reasons. My EDC is a S&W Shield .380 ACP. While it’s larger than my Ruger LCP Max .380, it has little recoil and a longer barrel, meaning it will hit harder and I can put shots on target quickly and with precision. It’s still very easy to conceal. I’ll carry my full size 9mm or .357 mag when I don’t care about concealability. My .38 spl loaded with +p rounds is a great, but I don’t like that it’s limited to 5 rounds. I “home carry” .22LR (Ruger LCP II) or WMR handguns like a NAA mini-revolver.
I generally agree with the comment about 380 being snappy except I don't find that to be true with the S&W Bodygaurd 2.0. Seems the lower placement of the slide to the hand makes it much more pleasant to shoot. Thanks for the video.
Might wanna put a couple layers of cloth on that glass to protect both gun and glass, and it would also dampen distracting sounds when you handle the firearms.
I've been carrying .380 for years now and prefer it very much. I looked at the FBI standards for penetration before choosing a gun and discovered the .380 did very well and is less likely to over-penetrate. During that research I also discovered that many police and military used the .380 as a standard issue sidearm, but I didn't know the U.S. military was among them at one time. I didn't mind the premium price for ammo (it wasn't much back then) as I enjoyed the way the .380 handled over my 9mm Berretta and SnW guns. The study you reference also verifies my expectation that the .380 is perfectly suited as a carry caliber. I read through that one a few weeks ago.
I like the Glock 42 it shoot smooth. Very thin and light hides well
I am a Glock enthusiast as well. The general public doesn’t understand the benefits of Glock. Shoots every single time, unless you have bad ammo.
I have a 42 myself because they go bang every time you pull the trigger. When it comes to self defense, a decorative (but unreliable) pistol with cool custom grips and fanciful colors is no match for a bland, all black Glock that reliably cycles every round you put through it.
Glock 42 is the perfect edc gun
Glock 42 with Hornady Critical Defense performs beautifully!
No, the general public hates the Glock fanboys that think that Glock is the best handgun ever. Not Glock itself
I used to carry a Glock 19, which has a 17 round capacity. Now I carry the Ruger LCP MAXX 380, with 12 rounds in the mag and a second LCP MAXX with 10 rounds in the mag. YES, I can shoot right or left handed equally well. I am looking forward to my next gunfight.
I’m going to the range 2 times a week with my LCP and I’m getting better and better
I carried a Colt Pony .380 in my boot as a cop. I carry a .380 even today. It's easy to carry, has a laser so it is a point and shoot. For close to 50 years, I have bet my life on a .380, as well as the lives of others with me.
What many people tend to forget when calculating energy of a bullet, higher velocity, larger caliber and heavier bullets do not always equate to better stopping power. Kinetic energy = 1/2 x mass x velocity squared. Larger caliber rounds like 9mm and larger may pass completely through the body and may actually impart less delivered energy to the target since. In order to fully realize a round's energy, the bullet must stop inside the target. Being a smaller round, the 380 is more likely to stop in a target and thus dump the bullet's full energy inside the target instead losing a big % inside a wall or some other stop on the other side of the target.
I really enjoy the informative videos that you provide to us, you are an awesome source of information that is reliable and factual. thank you so much, Sir.
Im interested if you have an opinion about the s&w shield ez in 380 and/or the walter ccp in 380 as a concealed carry option. Love your videos. Just subscribed
I've had a carry permit for about 25 years, from actually before my state went "shall issue," but I don't live in a very dangerous area so I never felt enough motivation to carry any of my favorite old steel-framed guns such as an M1911A1. But recently I thought I should get with it, so I bought a Taurus G2C 9mm and a Kahr .380. Well... OK, so I bought 4 of the G2C's and 2 Kahrs, but anyway...
These are my first plastic-framed pistols. I consider the Taurus to be overall a compact gun, and remarkably efficient considering its 12-round magazines. But the Kahrs (CW380 & CT380) are definitely what I want to carry. They are WAY smaller and lighter than even the Taurus.
On the matter of recoil, I also own an old North American Arms mini-revolver, and yes the recoil of that is pretty snappy when firing .22 long rifle ammo. So I was expecting the small Kahrs to be at least as snappy as the Taurus is, but happily that turned out not to be the case. In fact they seem more comfortable to fire, despite being so much lighter.
A couple comments about this video: One, guns like the PPK, Hi-Point, etc. are not 'delayed blowback" but simply "blowback." There has possibly been a delayed blowback .380 pistol made, but I can't think of any. And two, I don't have personal experience on this, but everything I've read/heard elsewhere says that locked breech .380's have LESS recoil than blowback .380's of similar weight, not MORE recoil. However it may be possible that the locked breech allows lower overall weight, and the lower weight increases the recoil back up again.
Oh, I wish I could get a full-sized M1911A1 set up for that .30 Super Carry... that seems like it would be a neat, flat-shooting gun for plinking.
The best .380 is the Sig Sauer P238. But is is all metal and relatively heavy despite being small. The best conceal .380 is the Seecamp LWS 380 for size and weight, and the Glock 42 for weight and quality.
Sig now has the P365 in 380, looks like another competitor.
I shoot a 380, Beretta 84. I practice with a 1911 22lr. The Beretta is also my carry pistol. since I live in Florida, and I’m wearing shorts all the time, the Beretta is very considerable.
Great gun!
I was carrying a Beretta 84BB this very day! ( The problem with concealed carry is no one ever complements me on my beautiful gun! )
I agree with you in that the .380acp is a good defensive round. However, it's been my experience that my S&W Bodyguard had less felt recoil (to me) due to the difference in physics between the lock breech/tilting barrel action as opposed to my straight blowback Walther, Bersa, and FEG pistols. The Walther feels snappier.
I carry a Beretta 85 with Lehigh extreme defense ammo and a spare magazine. Sometimes a Beretta 84 with same ammo and a spare mag.
I occasionally carry an LCP Max in a shoulder bag.. All Good! 👍
The 380 has enough umph to get the job done. With a good HP, it works well. It does not tend to penetrate too much and is very mild recoil (for the older folks who can not handle the .75 armor piercing hand cannon).
i would like to hear from those who were shot with a 380 vs those who were shot with a 9mm
I was a street cop in Miami, in it's most violent zones, for 25 yrs (1988-2013) & I handled or was the back up, or at least went by the scene on hundreds of shootings. The most common rounds used were .38, .380, .22, 9mm, .45 & 12GA. Of those that died, the .22 had the least rate of death with the .38 & .380 leading the death toll. 9mm & .45's often left the body, (especially if shot into a limb) & those victims frequently survived. I starting shooting at age 6 & have been for 52 yrs now. I too, as did my older family members, poo-poo'd the .380 as a 'pussy round' & we all avoided it. When I became a cop at age 24 & witnessed its kill ratio first hand over the span of my career, I became a believer in it as a viable round & have been buying & shooting them recreationally. Since mine are so light & handy I've been carrying them fairly frequently since I now can due to my retirement from the P.D. (my Dept didn't authorize it's use). The modern self defensive ammo is outstanding compared to the old school FMJ's that don't expand....but even those have put many a scumbag into their forever boxes. People that dismiss the .380 are not in touch with the real world facts of how it performs on the street. I wouldn't shoot it out with someone 100 yards away using one, but for up close work or across the street contact it does just fine as long as one is judicious with their accuracy.
Theyd all say ouch
@@jckeltz set’em straight cuz…👍🏻🇺🇸
There are lots of them in pits and unmarked mass graves in Europe. The ones shot with Walther .380's just as dead as the ones that got the Luger.
~ Sadly.
I am surprised that no one ever mentions the colt mustang. I have carried it as a backup when I was a police officer and have been carrying it as my daily for several years and trust the 1911 platform.
Great guns, now expensive as hell if you can find one.
As soon as Glock is able to meet the point system, I'm going to get that hi capacity model 25. I had the 42, but the 25 holds I believe 10 or 12 rounds. I'll have to go back and check.
Glock 25 hold 15