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Posted: 8/12/2024 9:02:19 PM EST
[#1]
I carry both.
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Posted: 8/12/2024 9:42:35 PM EST
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ckbk: Buffalo Bore 380 +P hardcast 100 grain is the way. Remember there are no SAAMI specs for .380 +P and no manufacturer recommends any ammo labeled as such (obviously for liability purposes). Ruger had some issues with folks cracking/splitting 1st gen LCP barrels and when you look at them you can see they're pretty thin; no idea if this is still a thing but I recall several folks her posted pictures of theirs. I wouldn't worry about hotter ammo in most Euro guns with heavier barrels like the PP series if appropriately sprung. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 8/13/2024 9:34:21 AM EST
[#3]
Nothing against the 380 I have a couple in my safe, but I would prefer the 38, nothing like a nice wheel gun.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 8/13/2024 9:35:56 AM EST
[#4]
Ya'll are looking at this the wrong way;
How much overall FT/lbs energy do I have: 5 rounds of 38 vs 8 rounds of 380 You'll find that overall energy - should you land all 5 or all 8 shots - is higher by a decent margin with the 380; However, one shot each, 38 is up. |
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Posted: 8/13/2024 11:10:45 AM EST
[#5]
PSA has LCPs on sale for $159.99 today.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 8/13/2024 11:26:14 AM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Vexed: 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. This has been my experience, I could never hit anything accurately out past contact distances and I just didn't feel comfortable with that. I'm not interested in getting within arms length to be effective so I prefer a small auto. Not to mention the 642's are downright uncomfortable to shoot so I wasn't inclined to practice much which again goes back to the whole comfortable thing. To me a P365 or similar gun in a minimalist holster isn't much more bulk/weight than a J-Frame slid into your gym shorts pocket. I have a Belly-Band for use while active that keeps t he 365 snug and in place and it's as fast to deploy as a Smith in a front pocket. |
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Posted: 9/5/2024 3:54:44 PM EST
[#7]
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Posted: 9/5/2024 6:20:15 PM EST
[Last Edit: towerofpower94]
[#8]
G42 with the maggutz conversion to give me 7+1. Slim enough to carry AIWB with just a t shirt or in a belly band under my right arm if I’m in gym shorts that won’t reliably hold a kydex holster with the level of security I prefer.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 9/5/2024 6:30:25 PM EST
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By smarcus: I like 38 SPCl+P 158 grain LSWCHP. It's bigger. what I carry in my 642 |
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:09:56 PM EST
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By towerofpower94: G42 with the maggutz conversion to give me 7+1. Slim enough to carry AIWB with just a t shirt or in a belly band under my right arm if I'm in gym shorts that won't reliably hold a kydex holster with the level of security I prefer. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302703/IMG_5017_jpeg-3314265.JPG |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:21:19 PM EST
[#11]
I've got my grandfather's Colt Agent. It's aluminum frame limits it's lifespan to a 100 rds. Or less of + P. It's a gentleman's cary gun, lite, small and I dislike the the cylinder release. I much prefer the release on the 27-2 that came from him. Although I'm not sold on the 6" barrel, fine target gun but I would feel like the Joker in the original Batman movie if I had to draw from a holster.
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UT, USA
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:22:28 PM EST
[#12]
.38 Special was great in concert.
Never saw .380 ACP, don't even know any of their songs. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:27:55 PM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/128204/IMG_2295_jpeg-3314169.JPG I have both but carry my .38s more Nice shooting. I feel obligated now to bring in a P380 target, lol. (Especially since I can now actually grip a pistol. Stupid tennis elbow. Stupid age.) |
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:28:04 PM EST
[#14]
What S&W has done with the Bodyguard 2.0 is magical. It’s a very small pistol that still feels like a full sized gun somehow. It’s a home run
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:33:36 PM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Action45: What S&W has done with the Bodyguard 2.0 is magical. It’s a very small pistol that still feels like a full sized gun somehow. It’s a home run Any issues with a high thumb grip slowing the slide and inducing malfunctions? I cant shoot a G42 due to my grip. But the same grip is fine with my LCP |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/5/2024 8:46:43 PM EST
[#16]
have both but the 380 sig is better for me, faster and more rounds down range or bad guy, i just shoot a semi better than revolver
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Posted: 9/6/2024 2:51:32 PM EST
[Last Edit: towerofpower94]
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: What optic plate is that? just replace the rear sight? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: Originally Posted By towerofpower94: G42 with the maggutz conversion to give me 7+1. Slim enough to carry AIWB with just a t shirt or in a belly band under my right arm if I'm in gym shorts that won't reliably hold a kydex holster with the level of security I prefer. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302703/IMG_5017_jpeg-3314265.JPG I had the slide milled for the EPS Carry footprint. Lost the rear sight, but I’m fine with that. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 2:56:25 PM EST
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Action45: What S&W has done with the Bodyguard 2.0 is magical. It’s a very small pistol that still feels like a full sized gun somehow. It’s a home run I’m looking at one of those as a house warming gift to myself. The RDS and TLR-6 make the G42 a little bit for true pocket carry, and I’m moving to an area with even less crime and where I can more easily carry a larger pistol without fear of being heckled if I print and get made, but now that I handload .380 I do t see the point in just having one 
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USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:09:24 PM EST
[#19]
Why not Glock 43 in 9mm?
I carry a S&W442 or G43. My .380 is a CZ83. My wife likes her SIG P238 in .380, but it’s just about the same size as a G43, so I don’t get it. You want to buy a S&W .380? Buy it. There was a semi-disposable S&W ?Sigma or something rated for only 1500 rounds or so…does this S&W have a limit like that one? Or, is 2.0 limitless? |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:29:35 PM EST
[#20]
.38 Spl Fed hydrashock +P
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:35:19 PM EST
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ridgerunner9876: Dont discount advantage of revolver in contact distance fights which is a pretty common thing. My stainless 649 when empty will definitely put a bigger dent in your head than an LCP would. 
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:37:01 PM EST
[#22]
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. My kahr PM9 is a 9x19, which why I haven’t carried my snubs in 20 years. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:40:37 PM EST
[Last Edit: Londo]
[#23]
I switched two months ago from 442 to the Smith Bodyguard 2.0; it really is a game changer in micro pistols.
I'm pleased with the switch. I will still carry the 442, but until winter, the Bodyguard is excellent for my daily carry. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:42:30 PM EST
[#24]
.380 because of the new S&W Bodyguard.
10+1 of reliable .380 wins...in my opinion. I want more bullets as the ballistic advantage of .38 special is small. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:50:12 PM EST
[#25]
I haven't gotten to shoot a Bodyguard 2.0, but just from handling and dry firing it feels really great.
I generally pay .380's no mind but my interest is piqued with these little guns and i may end up picking one up. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:52:43 PM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/128204/IMG_2295_jpeg-3314169.JPG I have both but carry my .38s more ^^ This! I carry the Underwood wad cutters in my 442. Lost River ammo loads wad cutters for the .32 H&R magnum that shoot well in my LCR as well. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 3:59:36 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HoodyHoo21: .380 because of the new S&W Bodyguard. 10+1 of reliable .380 wins...in my opinion. I want more bullets as the ballistic advantage of .38 special is small. This is pretty much where I am. I suck at reloading revolvers quickly, so I prefer capacity and easy reloading. But I only carry a 380 (lcp2) when I cannot carry a compact or sub compact 9mm, which isn’t very often. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:05:14 PM EST
[Last Edit: blupupher]
[#28]
I have a S&W 642 and a Ruger LCP.
I almost never carry my 642, the LCP is just easier to carry and conceal in a pocket. The 642 has 5 125gr +P JHP rounds with a 5 round speed strip, the LCP is 7 (6+1) 90 gr JHP with a 2nd 6 round magazine. The 380 is just more convenient to carry, and am more likely to grab that than my 38. I also hate shooting the 38 and have horrible accuracy with it. That said, I usually have my 9mm Shield Plus when I leave the house. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:13:01 PM EST
[#29]
I switched from pocket carrying a Colt Cobra to an LCP now an LCP Max. I’ll take 13 rounds of .380 GD or the new Hydra-show Deep that might expand over 6 rounds of .38 that won’t expand. For the weight of the Cobra I can carry the LC9s with 9 rounds of 9mm. ( with a Magguts 8 round conversion kit)
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:15:03 PM EST
[#30]
I can actually hit something with one of these, and it isn’t the revolver.
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MI, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:23:07 PM EST
[#31]
Broader range of 38 SPL bullet selection, weight, and velocities available for various circumstances, especially if +P is included.
380 micro pistols (P3AT, LCP, LCP Max, Bodyguard, etc) beat any small revolver for weight and bulk if that's actually summertime concern as stated up top. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:25:42 PM EST
[#32]
LCP max in my waistband right now. 13 rounds and barely notice it's there.
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:25:58 PM EST
[#33]
I went with the Ruger LCP. If I wanted anything bigger it would be a 9mm with pay more capacity than an equivalent size revolver.
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:30:21 PM EST
[#34]
Yes,
There are pros and cons to either and variety is the spice of life. 642 is great in the pocket, a mustang is smaller and faster to reload with 2 more onboard out the gate. 38 has more ammo options that will do what is needed but both can and will work. |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:33:54 PM EST
[#35]
I got 7 rounds of .380 in my S&W Bodygard semi-auto. My old .38 special S&W Bodyguard only held 5 .38's. I like having two extra rounds and reloads are a lot easier.
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AK, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:36:31 PM EST
[#36]
Fyi, the .32 thread we had a few days ago (there were actually two) included.380 and .38 in the discussion.
If you’ve been carrying a .38 the past two decades, I see no reason to stop now. Familiarity, accuracy, etc… you have that with the 642. Right? You’re just testing the waters for something smaller? If you have the bug for something new, go for it, but if I were you I would carry it as a backup to your 642. At least until you are solid with it. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:40:30 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Tirador223: I can actually hit something with one of these, and it isn’t the revolver. https://i.imgur.com/wLQGBcK.jpeg I had a Beretta 85F and it was probably the most accurate auto I ever carried, the only issue was it was a big 380. Not really a pocket gun. I also had a Charter Arms undercover about tat same time. Another small lightweight, balls-dead-on accurate, handgun. If you live rural, sometimes you need a gun to shoot stuff, skunks, snakes, etc. Both of these were excellent little knock around sidearms as well as limited self defense. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:41:07 PM EST
[#38]
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:45:49 PM EST
[#39]
Some of the people saying they cannot shoot a Jframe well probably have not taken the time to find ammo that shoots to the sights.
None of my fixed sight .38s are loaded with the same ammo. |
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BHS
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:52:52 PM EST
[#40]
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USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 4:54:18 PM EST
[#41]
380 because capacity and quick reloads. I wouldn’t feel under-gunned with either one though
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:05:13 PM EST
[#42]
.380 ACP for me. HP bullet development for it has come a long way recently and for .38 spl it has largely been stagnant. There are less bulky .380s, and actually for the j-frame bulk you can get a 9 mm. Either way, you get more capacity with autos.
Accuracy is a wash. Some of the comments have me a bit curious, most of the j-frames I have dealt with were pretty damn accurate. |
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MT, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:23:28 PM EST
[#43]
IMO the extra capacity, and the extra ease of carry (you don't even notice it's there) make the Bodyguard 2.0 a better choice. Yeah, ballistics of the .38 are a bit better, depending on the ammo (a lot better with +P, but that's probably going to be hard to handle in a mini revolver).
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AK, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:33:08 PM EST
[#44]
Out of curiosity, what’s in your 642 right now? (Your carry ammo)
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OH, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:33:16 PM EST
[Last Edit: stug3]
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SmokeEater2: Lost River ammo loads wad cutters for the .32 H&R magnum that shoot well in my LCR as well. ^my edc. .38 wadcutters arent "anemic". They were the go to defensive round for snubs before ammo companies realised that they could sell ever more increased pressure rounds to insecure chumps. Now they whine about how snubs suck because they're so hard to shoot. duh Anyone still concerned about expansion over penetration from a 2 inch barreled snub needs to read a freakin book. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:34:28 PM EST
[#46]
I rather have my LCP max with 12+1 rounds and an extra 12 rd mag vs my 442 J frame S&W 5 rd with extra loaded speedloader.
I can hit targets faster and more accurately with the LCP max, it carrys more discreetly in pocket holster and 90 gr XTP Precision One loads still meet minimum criteria for expansion and penetration. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:42:45 PM EST
[#47]
38 because I hate weeding out 380 cases from 9mm brass
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Posted: 9/6/2024 5:47:24 PM EST
[#48]
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Posted: 9/6/2024 6:27:14 PM EST
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: Some of the people saying they cannot shoot a Jframe well probably have not taken the time to find ammo that shoots to the sights. None of my fixed sight .38s are loaded with the same ammo. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StevenH: Some of the people saying they cannot shoot a Jframe well probably have not taken the time to find ammo that shoots to the sights. None of my fixed sight .38s are loaded with the same ammo. Which IMO is another reason for .380. No need to play "in search of" for accurate ammo, everything I have shot out of my LCP has been accurate enough up to 15 yards. Originally Posted By Windustsearch: .380 ACP for me. HP bullet development for it has come a long way recently and for .38 spl it has largely been stagnant. There are less bulky .380s, and actually for the j-frame bulk you can get a 9 mm. Either way, you get more capacity with autos. Accuracy is a wash. Some of the comments have me a bit curious, most of the j-frames I have dealt with were pretty damn accurate. < 5 yards, I can have decent enough accuracy with my 642 to feel it would work, but the further from 5 yards I get, I would be surprised to get 1/2 my shots on target, much less center mass (and this is at the range, it would be even worse in a real situation( and yes, I know, train, train, train)). Like I said, I don't enjoy shooting my 38, and don't want to really practice with it, especially since I have other options I am comfortable with. |
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Posted: 9/6/2024 7:24:02 PM EST
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By check-raiser: I rather have my LCP max with 12+1 rounds and an extra 12 rd mag vs my 442 J frame S&W 5 rd with extra loaded speedloader. I can hit targets faster and more accurately with the LCP max, it carrys more discreetly in pocket holster and 90 gr XTP Precision One loads still meet minimum criteria for expansion and penetration. Monica Post-COVID I load my own carry ammo. XTPs for 9 and .380. Here’s my .380 load G42 90gr Hornady XTP Win SP primer Range pick up brass Bullseye 3.2gr OAL 0.965” 20rd group Lo: 868 Hi: 985 Avg: 910 ES: 117 SD: 23.7 |
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