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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:09:20 PM EST
[#1]
 Concealed carry: .380 ACP ammo selection.  Concealed Carry: 380 ACP Compact Pistols |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:15:32 PM EST
[#2]
My primary carry gun is a 365 xl with a dot.
But more often than not I carried my LCP2 just because it's so easy. Yesterday I picked up an LCP Max. And it will replace the LCP 2. Almost double the capacity, real sites, and negligible size difference. Ruger has another winner.  Attached File |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:17:14 PM EST
[#3]
I watched a handsome, sharp dressed black dude buy a Bersa Thunder .380 at the LGS years ago. I mean that cat looked like Shaft. The gun was black with gold pinstripes. Dude made that gun look good!
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:17:16 PM EST
[#4]
If you would have asked me 5 years ago I would have said yes without hesitation. But now that you can get a P365 or a 15rd mag for a G43x/48 and Phlster Enigma holsters, I just can’t conceive of a time when I would need or want to carry anything smaller.
Maybe a 442/642 in the same holster rig with a Clinch Pick or Disciple if I’m going to be in close contact with a bunch of people and might have to fight in the same. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:51:39 PM EST
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There is no 9mm that is as small, light and thin as a lcp. For some reason, I always get the LCP and the LCR mixed up. Yes, the LCP is a very little gun. But it's into "back up gun" territory, IMO. I definitely get the weight savings. I carried a double stack first gen XD9SC for like 6 or 7 years before finally getting a Shield. The Shield was like wearing nothing after the switch, and it would be hard to go back. But also now even the Shield feels like it's weighting things down. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:55:28 PM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have a Keltec P3AT. I carry it in my truck and in my pocket occasionally. It's not going to stave off a zombie attack or reach out and touch someone at 20 yards, but if I put it in the face of a car jacker and pull the trigger, it'll have the desired effect. There's no safety, and I keep one in the chamber. Ditto this. I can’t hit anything with it past 25 feet. But when there is no other option, so still pocket carry it. But now that I have a 365, it almost never sees daylight. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:57:05 PM EST
[#7]
I've seen many people Kia with 380. And no, I wasn't a believer before that.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 9:57:36 PM EST
[#8]
I carry a p365.
When wardrobe doesn’t permit that size I carry a BG380. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:03:41 PM EST
[#9]
In the before times, I carried a Makarov. I would do so again in a heartbeat if I needed to.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:12:08 PM EST
[#10]
I do on a regular basis, don't really like it but when I'm at work I can't take it in with me so it's in my truck. I sure as hell worry more about someone stealing a $200 vs a $600 pistol more than it being a wimpy caliber.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:15:29 PM EST
[#11]
I have carried a Kel Tec P3AT in a Desantis Nemesis when it was the only thing that would work with the clothing I was wearing. Since I hardly ever wear shorts these days, I don't pocket holster that 380. I pocket holster a Kahr CM40 from time to time these days.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:17:56 PM EST
[#12]
I carried a Sig P230 a long time ago, but wouldn't today.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:41:42 PM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The only reason to would be for a more compact package, but the Shield sort of makes the .380 obsolete. .380 in a blowback is a lot snappier than the short recoil action in 9mm, and has poorer ballistics and the same number of rounds in a single stack. I have a Bersa Thunder and a S&W made PPKs and I'll never carry the Thunder again (just sort of clunky and doesn't inspire confidence) and the PPKs is too pretty for holster wear from frequent carry, and too snappy for serious use. I'd carry it if I was wearing a tuxedo because 007, but otherwise nope. There are just too many great options in 9mm with no sacrifice in size. Shield doesn’t fit in the pocket of my swim trunks like an LCP does. If I’m wearing a belt and a shirt I can carry a Glock 45. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:42:57 PM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The weight is what sells me on carrying my .380's. Wearing basket ball shorts or sweats, P365 slops all over the place. .380's can be made far lighter given the cartridge's characteristics. But I tend to agree with you if you're carrying IWB. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: The only reason to would be for a more compact package, but the Shield sort of makes the .380 obsolete. .380 in a blowback is a lot snappier than the short recoil action in 9mm, and has poorer ballistics and the same number of rounds in a single stack. I have a Bersa Thunder and a S&W made PPKs and I'll never carry the Thunder again (just sort of clunky and doesn't inspire confidence) and the PPKs is too pretty for holster wear from frequent carry, and too snappy for serious use. I'd carry it if I was wearing a tuxedo because 007, but otherwise nope. There are just too many great options in 9mm with no sacrifice in size. The weight is what sells me on carrying my .380's. Wearing basket ball shorts or sweats, P365 slops all over the place. .380's can be made far lighter given the cartridge's characteristics. But I tend to agree with you if you're carrying IWB. Yep. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:45:19 PM EST
[#15]
Let’s just say my G42 is my favorite pistol and I shoot it really well and it goes everywhere with me.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:49:18 PM EST
[#16]
I have. I think it's a better option with the new lcp with more capacity. 9s are so small now its almost not worth it. Certainly better than nothing
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:51:56 PM EST
[#17]
There are really only two classes of handguns IMO. Those you can conceal wearing a belt and a shirt. And those you can conceal in a pair of swim trunks or gym shorts with no shirts.
Most of the time you’ll have a belt and a shirt and can conceal a Glock 20 if you want. But for the times you can’t, there’s nothing better than the LCP. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:56:18 PM EST
[#18]
No.
If I need something small I carry my Sig 938. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 10:56:48 PM EST
[#19]
I occasionally carry a Seecamp 380. I prefer the 1911 or Glock but there are times the seecamp is the only thing that will conceal.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:04:38 PM EST
[#20]
OP, I carry a KelTec P32 in .32 ACP as a secondary or tertiary. Ran it til it got frosted on the front of the slide yesterday, went through about 150 rnds. If you can find a .380 round that will reliably penetrate @ least 12" & expand reliably, then go for it - otherwise, if all you're doing is poking 9mm diameter holes in em, why not poke 7.65mm holes in em w/ much lighter recoil & faster followup shots?
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:09:59 PM EST
[#21]
Still waiting for one of the .380 bashers to agree to take 1 or 2 to the CNS to prove how inadequate the round is. It is not intended to be a combat pistol round, but rather a last ditch when nothing else fits the scenario round.
Many a people have been killed by .380. I pocket carry a LCP practically every minute I step out the door and even inside the house. I can hit a man sized target easily at 15-20 yards. It’s confidence in your weapon and capabilities. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:23:40 PM EST
[#22]
I usualy carry a compact, but if I was goingg smaller, I'd STILL stick with 9mm. There are some really great smaller offerings on the market from Sig, Glock, Smith & Wesson these days and I wouldn't dip below 9.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:25:02 PM EST
[#23]
Unless actively force to .
I carry a 1919A1 Compact in .45 ACP. I want targets to stop their threats as quickly as possible if it devolves to gun fire. I hit an 8 inch steel target at 60 yards with a single shot from my 1919A1 Compact. The instructor (Bill) simply said "SHIT" and would no let me try again. The youngest guys in the class (law enforcement Associate students) emptied 16+ round 9mm guns without a single hit. When I faced one of them in the 'class shoot off' we fired side by side. 6 inch discs at 20 yards, 15 yards, and 10 yards. hit the plate and it fell down the pole.The final stage was a split 'pepper popper.' Half on the bottom won. As we fired side by side I saw the youngster doing a reload. I assumed it would be close. He had not dropped a single disk when I dropped my half of the split pepper popper. He was so humiliated he started crying. Bill tried to comfort him. So much for 'young speed' against 30+ years of Bullseye experience. The Gunsite 250 curse gave me the speed I lacked. The assistant range master (Mario) told me I could back him up anytime. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:28:52 PM EST
[#24]
Since I carry a .32 sometimes, yeah I'd carry a .380.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:29:30 PM EST
[#25]
Quoted: I work in a office. My office carry guns are often a jframe and or a Ruger LCP in 380. I have a Glock 19 in my backpack but I cannot carry it in the office due to the dress code and risk of being caught. The new Ruger LCP in 380 seems really great. It gets you double the rounds of the jframe and nearly double the LCP. I think the size would still work in my office and would be a great trade-off. What are your thoughts? 380 still has a deep cover role and is still easy to shoot compared to a 357 snub-nose. |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:34:47 PM EST
[#26]
Love me Beretta 84. 14 rounds of .380 doesn't make me feel powerless.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:44:37 PM EST
[#27]
Carried a P3AT for years... Especially in the summer months. Worked a G42 into the rotation for awhile.. now days, I carry a P365 in the same role. Not much of an increase in size and I feel I have more capabilities with it.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:47:56 PM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: OP, I carry a KelTec P32 in .32 ACP as a secondary or tertiary. Ran it til it got frosted on the front of the slide yesterday, went through about 150 rnds. If you can find a .380 round that will reliably penetrate @ least 12" & expand reliably, then go for it - otherwise, if all you're doing is poking 9mm diameter holes in em, why not poke 7.65mm holes in em w/ much lighter recoil & faster followup shots? Hornady xtp 90 gr .380 bullets are what you seek.  Ammo Quest .380 Final Wrapup: finding the BEST ammo for a .380ACP pistol That said, my wife's carry gun is a P32 and the light recoil with the small size and weight is the reason she loves it. As for myself, I've carried a 3AT since 2005 or so,, but that might be changing. Picked up a LCP max earlier today and once I get it broke in and a spare 12 rounder or 2 it will be my new summer carry.  Attached File |
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:48:47 PM EST
[#29]
In the summer time I carry a .380acp often.
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Posted: 7/24/2021 11:51:56 PM EST
[#30]
Yes, been doing that since LCPs were available day one.
Oh yeah, use Hornady mfg 90 grain XTP bullets, found in Hornady Custom, Fiocchi Extrema, few others, If you want reliable expansion and adequate penetration.... Hornady Critical Defense reliably expands by under penetrates with 90 grain FTX bullet.  Attached File |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 2:51:58 AM EST
[#31]
My regular carry is an M&P .45.
If I can't carry that it's an LC9s Pro in a trigger holster dropped in my trouser pocket. I don't see any reason to drop down to .380. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 4:30:26 AM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I’ve carried an LCP when nothing larger was possible. This plus with a pocket holster it’s easy to slip in the pocket and run to the store without having to strap up. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 5:50:35 AM EST
[#33]
Yes, just bought a LCP Max.
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Posted: 7/25/2021 5:58:56 AM EST
[#34]
Yes. I'll carry a 22. Dgaf.
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Posted: 7/25/2021 6:20:10 AM EST
[#35]
Regularly carry a 1966 Walther PPK, 1967 Browning Model 1955 and a 1944 Astra 300. Nothing I'd ever go on the offense with but definitely all very good shooters
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Posted: 7/25/2021 6:46:28 AM EST
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: and weight is honestly the biggest factor here while the lcp max and p365 are similar in size (p365 is a bit longer, wider, maybe even a bit taller), the lcp weighs a bit over half as much as the p365 this is significant for people with normal BMIs If you have a “normal BMI”, an extra 7.2 ounces shouldn’t be an issue. Unless someone is extremely under the average height and strength for someone with a “normal BMI”, carrying around the extra equivalent 60% of a Coke is a trivial task. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 6:50:22 AM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you have a “normal BMI”, an extra 7.2 ounces shouldn’t be an issue. Unless someone is extremely under the average height and strength for someone with a “normal BMI”, carrying around the extra equivalent 60% of a Coke is a trivial task. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: and weight is honestly the biggest factor here while the lcp max and p365 are similar in size (p365 is a bit longer, wider, maybe even a bit taller), the lcp weighs a bit over half as much as the p365 this is significant for people with normal BMIs If you have a “normal BMI”, an extra 7.2 ounces shouldn’t be an issue. Unless someone is extremely under the average height and strength for someone with a “normal BMI”, carrying around the extra equivalent 60% of a Coke is a trivial task. Depends on the activity. I find a thin light gun like the LCP bounces around a lot less than a aluminum Jframe in the pocket of my running shorts. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 6:53:30 AM EST
[#38]
No but its better than a pointy sharp stick
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Posted: 7/25/2021 6:55:57 AM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I talked to a guy a few days ago who was shot with a .380. After he killed the guy who shot him he says it hurt like hell. That's not really what I'm looking for in a caliber  There are enough anecdotes like this to make a data set, and it doesn't look good for .380 sounds like the only thing lacking in the story was shot placement, not caliber. Username checks out. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:00:32 AM EST
[#40]
I work in non-permissive environments and carry an LCP daily.
I'd prefer something larger but conceal-ability is mandatory. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:11:26 AM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In the summer time I carry a .380acp often. Same here M&P Bodyguard 380 in hot weather, larger handguns in cooler weather. Not ideal but works for me. Wife carries a 380 in her hand bag. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:12:36 AM EST
[#42]
Sometimes I carry a .22 or .25,sometimes a .32ACP or .32S&W. The statistical odds of me being in a gun fight are incredibly low and the odds of this fight happening and it mattering that I only had my PPK or P230 on me are lower than dying from the COVID vaccine after having survived a lightning strike and shark attack.
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:16:28 AM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Which round did you settle on? I thought the Hornady XTP and Critical Defense looked best from their .380 tests. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Yes I carry the Glock 42 all the time. I researched my carry ammo choice by looking at the ballistics test lucky gunner does and picked one that rated good. Which round did you settle on? I thought the Hornady XTP and Critical Defense looked best from their .380 tests. Another 42 carrier here. I use the XTP round. It is the best balance of penetration and expansion (virtually none  ). If I lived in a warm place like FL I might carry the Critical Defense round.
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:16:37 AM EST
[#44]
 I've carried this .32, and would feel okay with something similar in .380. I would not feel comfortable with just a micro gun in .380. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:18:29 AM EST
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Still waiting for one of the .380 bashers to agree to take 1 or 2 to the CNS to prove how inadequate the round is. What a retarded argument. Is .17 HMR an adequate defensive round? Can I shoot you in the brain with it? |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:21:16 AM EST
[#46]
A .380 is going to require better sights to place a relatively weaker round where/when it’s needed. Most pocket pistols don’t have the sights or sight radius. My CZ83 will put 12 rounds of FMJ into 1” at 7 yards, but i can carry a G43 with similar sights & slightly more powerful round i shoot as well. My choice is G43 which is a smaller package.
Your choice OP. I seldom carry guns with poor sights. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:21:33 AM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Hell, I’d carry a .25acp if that’s all I could get my hands on. Dumb question. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:25:26 AM EST
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Still waiting for one of the .380 bashers to agree to take 1 or 2 to the CNS to prove how inadequate the round is. |
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:38:16 AM EST
[#49]
While in theory it would be much better to have a 380 than nothing....the shame of being killed with that thing in your possession and having people know I carried that feminine piece would be too much for me to bear.
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Posted: 7/25/2021 7:44:34 AM EST
[#50]
My first gun was a .380 and after a while, I switched to 9mm because I couldn't come to grips with paying a higher price for a less powerful round. 380s definitely have their place though, just not for me.
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