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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:24:34 AM EST
I’ve been carrying a 642 for a couple of decades. The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 has peaked my interest.
Which is better for summertime lightweight carry? 38 special or 380? |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:31:15 AM EST
[#1]
In a revolver, I'd prefer .38 Spl, in a semi-auto, .380.
This really seems like more of a semi-auto vs revolver question. In which case I prefer revolver for my particular carry needs. So .38 Special I guess. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:32:00 AM EST
[#2]
I've carried both a 340 (scandium .357mag j-frame) and a few different .380s including a Beretta Pico and LCP Max. I don't carry the 340 anymore.
Both .380s are thinner, close enough in weight to not matter, and fit/draw better in normal pants' front pockets. .38spl is more powerful per-shot, but reloading the auto is faster and the capacity of the LCP Max is fully double that of a j-frame. |
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USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:33:01 AM EST
[#3]
38, especially if it can take +P. That’s putting you into 357mag velocity in a little J frame.
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CA, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:40:37 AM EST
[#4]
For summer carry I would go with a 380. I have a Colt Pony, 6+1, with an aluminum frame and steel slide. The cylinder of revolver can be pretty fat. I do have a S&W 342, aluminum frame and Ti cylinder, quite nice, but the cylinder is kind of fat.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:41:19 AM EST
[#5]
I got 12 rounds of 380 in my LCP max that's plenty.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:43:28 AM EST
[#6]
I like 38 SPCl+P 158 grain LSWCHP. It's bigger.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:46:06 AM EST
[Last Edit: gotigers]
[#7]
38 special is awesome
Pro: more energy con: to get to the same size of a 380 carry, the 38 is damn snappy .380 is a good SD round, IMO Pro: more rounds, easy to get in smaller package, cheaper SD ammo, Ligter (body guard 2.0 is sub 10oz). con: penetration isn't optimal with some loads I have a 642, LCP Max, P365-380 and many others |
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KY, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:49:26 AM EST
[#8]
I carried a 642 smith for a decade. I now carry a lcp max with 12 rd mag. Yes 158 grain lead swchp out performs 90 grain jacketed hp, but 12 vs 5 in the gun plus 12 quick reload is comforting to me. 642 empty about 17oz lcp max empty about 11oz for me weight is the contributing factor for pocket carry.
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KY, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:56:22 AM EST
[#9]
There are times when I carry a Ruger LCR. I would feel almost as comfortable with a modern .380 however. Both have their pros and cons.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 11:59:25 AM EST
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Scrambler07: 38, especially if it can take +P. That’s putting you into 357mag velocity in a little J frame. I’d love to see the math on that. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:00:03 PM EST
[#11]
Just get a marakov
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AR, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:00:31 PM EST
[#12]
Piqued
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:00:40 PM EST
[#13]
Dont discount advantage of revolver in contact distance fights which is a pretty common thing.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:06:37 PM EST
[#14]
For pocket carry, I haven't found the lcp to be super reliable on actual use. Anything much larger becomes a pita to actually pocket carry and prints pretty substantially. If the new BG2 were actually pocketable, concealable in the pocket, and actually reliable when carried in the pocket, it seems like a solid choice and I'd pick it over a snubbie. Pay close attention to actual terminal ballistics out of short barrels with both calibers. You will have to be careful about ammo selection to get reliable performance.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:07:59 PM EST
[#15]
as a fun fact: modern .380 is similar in bullet weight and superior in velocity to .36 BP loads from a BP muzzle-loading (Colt 1851 and similar) service revolver
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:10:18 PM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ridgerunner9876: Dont discount advantage of revolver in contact distance fights which is a pretty common thing. The Beretta Pico and LCP series of pistols are both tilting-barrel, however, so they are not immune to having the barrel pushed out of battery. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:12:23 PM EST
[#17]
has anyone actually tested those new Hydra-Shok Deep .380 rounds? They seemed to be getting to where 9x19mm was a decade ago, which is rather impressive for pocket rockets.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:12:52 PM EST
[#18]
38 can be loaded from anemic wadcutters to some retarded hot stuff eclipsing 9mm ballistics
You prob gunna wanna shoot wadcutters in a 442/642 though |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:15:38 PM EST
[Last Edit: chase45]
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By X-CaptHook: I’d love to see the math on that. Its a bit of an exaggeration in a snubbie But yeah some super heavy 38 loads exist that could be called 357 light 38 SPL +P OUTDOORSMAN 158 gr. Hard Cast Keith @ 1,250 fps 20 Round Box ➤ 1027 fps -- S&W Mod 642 (pre-dash), 1 & 7/8 inch barrel, 38 SPL |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:19:33 PM EST
[#20]
Revolver has some ergonomic advantages. Less likely to fumble the draw in a fight. Reliability not impacted by grip or stance.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:20:29 PM EST
[#21]
Been carrying a J frame for over 30 years. Tried a Ruger LCP. Sold it.
Tried a Ruger LCP Max. Sold it. The guns just don't feel that good in my hand. They are TOO small. Mainly because I have shovels for hands. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:23:01 PM EST
[Last Edit: John-in-austin]
[#22]
Double tap
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WY, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:28:36 PM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: Revolver has some ergonomic advantages. Less likely to fumble the draw in a fight. Reliability not impacted by grip or stance. This always amuses me. You can easily short stroke the long ass trigger pull on a snub if you don’t have a good grip |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:29:10 PM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CFletch: Many .380s are fixed-barrel, and those can make contact shots just fine. The Beretta Pico and LCP series of pistols are both tilting-barrel, however, so they are not immune to having the barrel pushed out of battery. When you punch or push fleshy stuff, the fixed barrel may stay but the slide will be pushed back. Same for eye sockets and ear canals. It isnt the ultimate deciding factor, but is a factor to consider. I carry a 442, often. I realize its limitations. It's a BUG, more or less. Pretty limited. If things keep going the way they are, I may change my tune. I have a few 43x and 48 with dots and 15rd mags with trex awic side car rigs. If it's to the point that I dont think its smart to be out and about with less than that, maybe I should switch to plates, helmet, PDW or carbine, blow out kit, and partners to go to the grocery.  
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Posted: 7/19/2024 12:34:18 PM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Scrambler07: 38, especially if it can take +P. That's putting you into 357mag velocity in a little J frame. .380 out of my LCP sort of says, get the hell away from me +P .38spl is a much more offensive round that I feel is more capable from a short barrel |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:05:37 PM EST
[#26]
Back when it was 6 shots of .380 vs 5 shots of .38spl, there were great arguments for .38spl.
Now, when it's 12+1 shots of .380 vs 5 shots of .38spl, there's basically no argument at all for the .38, especially when the .38 is almost double the price of the .380. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:07:25 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GenYRevolverGuy: Back when it was 6 shots of .380 vs 5 shots of .38spl, there were great arguments for .38spl. Now, when it's 12+1 shots of .380 vs 5 shots of .38spl, there's basically no argument at all for the .38, especially when the .38 is almost double the price of the .380. Username isnt checkin out here |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:09:49 PM EST
[#28]
Get both! Lol, wife carries a little S&W .38, and I carry a .380. The .38 is a little bitey with hot loads I must say.
My .380 is very light recoiling despite it's small size, I run Cor-Bons in it and feel pretty comfortable it would do the job if need be. Found a company that makes replacement baseplates for the mags that extend it about an inch or better, which really helped me as I have size XL hands. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:10:21 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Circle_R: This was my initial thought too. .380 out of my LCP sort of says, get the hell away from me +P .38spl is a much more offensive round that I feel is more capable from a short barrel Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Circle_R: Originally Posted By Scrambler07: 38, especially if it can take +P. That's putting you into 357mag velocity in a little J frame. .380 out of my LCP sort of says, get the hell away from me +P .38spl is a much more offensive round that I feel is more capable from a short barrel Really not all that much difference between the two. .38 may get a little more penetration, depending on the bullet. Both require about the same amount of time for typical handgun incapacitation. Both are just about as instant with CNS hit. Its anecdotal but a guy I knew took four .38 (158rn) to the chest out of a COP. Made it to four houses, knocking on doors for help, before dying. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:12:36 PM EST
[Last Edit: AndBen]
[#30]
I’m new to the revolver game, but recently picked up an older Colt Agent, non+P. I bought some of this.
Thoughts? Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110 ETA: sorry if I hijacked |
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AK, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:15:38 PM EST
[#31]
A ~10 shot .380 revolver would be a dandy little BUG
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:41:54 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By chase45: Username isnt checkin out here Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By GenYRevolverGuy: Back when it was 6 shots of .380 vs 5 shots of .38spl, there were great arguments for .38spl. Now, when it's 12+1 shots of .380 vs 5 shots of .38spl, there's basically no argument at all for the .38, especially when the .38 is almost double the price of the .380. Username isnt checkin out here I almost always have at least one revolver in the bag when I go to the range. An LCP Max is my carry turd. If I had millions of dollars, I'd have some pretty sweet cars, too, but I'd still DD a boring truck or SUV. |
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IRQ
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:46:21 PM EST
[#33]
I have a .38 snub nose that I carry on occasion and I specifically bought a .380 bodyguard 1.0 to carry as a pocket pistol.
Because sometime I don't feel like wearing a holster and I want to wear shorts. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:47:19 PM EST
[#34]
I carry both of those calibers.
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AL, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:48:04 PM EST
[#35]
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:49:49 PM EST
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CFletch: has anyone actually tested those new Hydra-Shok Deep .380 rounds? They seemed to be getting to where 9x19mm was a decade ago, which is rather impressive for pocket rockets. That stuff has some VERY impressive gel performance for a .380, and I would very much liken it to B-tier 9mm ammo performance. It and the micro .380’s out now make carrying a .380 a very viable option. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 1:50:11 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CFletch: as a fun fact: modern .380 is similar in bullet weight and superior in velocity to .36 BP loads from a BP muzzle-loading (Colt 1851 and similar) service revolver I just load the cylinder on my Navy replica. Must be doing it wrong. 
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:00:37 PM EST
[#38]
What goes around comes around
https://www.ar15.com/forums/handguns/What-does-38-Special-do-that-380-ACP-does-not-Another-one-page-7/4-202765/ |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:04:08 PM EST
[#39]
I sometimes carry .38 special in a j-frame, and sometimes carry .380 in a semi auto.
However, my .380 is a Beretta 84fs, totally too big and too heavy for 2024. I still like it though, it's a neat little gun, and 14 rounds of .380 doesn't make me feel poorly armed. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:10:56 PM EST
[Last Edit: Vexed]
[#40]
I've owned 3 642s, could never get to where i could shoot them even close to as well as even the smallest semi. I always hit 10-12" low at 10 yds no matter what load i ran through it. No doubt it's a me problem as other people manage to get them to shoot straight but I gave up on the snubbies. Sucks because there are some real advantages to snubbies vs a small semi.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:13:23 PM EST
[#41]
If I'm going to carry something weak, I'm going to carry a lot of it.
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:15:20 PM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AndBen: I’m new to the revolver game, but recently picked up an older Colt Agent, non+P. I bought some of this. Thoughts? Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110 ETA: sorry if I hijacked That ammo should be fine and not too snappy but try it out. The low flash will be nice. I have found the Double Tap wadcutter to be very soft shooting but they are a smokestack. Almost like shooting an old cap and ball gun. |
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:17:22 PM EST
[#43]
id rather have 11 .380s vs 5 38s
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Posted: 7/19/2024 2:30:09 PM EST
[#44]
The 38 revolver has become my driving gun when I have to go into an NPE. I carry appendix and just take it off, and put it back on as needed. 148 full velocity wadcutters for dealing with threats around cars, sheet metal, window glass, etc
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Posted: 8/12/2024 7:13:03 PM EST
[#45]
I'm back to uncle mike grips on the j-frame
this is my around the house gun  |
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Posted: 8/12/2024 7:25:18 PM EST
[#46]
While I do have a J frame loaded with 125 grain jhp +P. It's basically a drawer/wife bump in the night gun. I certainly wouldn't want to get shot with it.
That being said I have a single stack subcompact 9mm for a low profile ccw and my trusty g19 for edc. So I guess my answer is neither lol |
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Posted: 8/12/2024 7:26:38 PM EST
[#47]
I carry both and like .38 wadcutters for carry
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Posted: 8/12/2024 7:29:55 PM EST
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: I'm back to uncle mike grips on the j-frame this is my around the house gun https://i.imgur.com/vnNZ2fm.jpg Definitely some of the best grips made for the J frames (functionality, not the most comfortable) as well as one of the best products Uncle Mike's ever made, no idea why they quit making them since they're still popular based on prices on sites like ebay. My take, different guns with overlapping usage. I like the versatility of the revolver, especially around water where I can load a shot shell first, but the pistol beats it for ease of carry, capacity and reload speed. As always, get both! |
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USA
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Posted: 8/12/2024 7:43:05 PM EST
[#49]
Buffalo Bore 380 +P hardcast 100 grain is the way.
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SC, USA
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Posted: 8/12/2024 8:15:57 PM EST
[#50]
.380. Close enough in power. You're not going to want to run those real hot loads in a smaller .38.
.380 is easier conceal, carries more rounds, and is easier to reload if you need to by just inserting another mag. |
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