I plan on carrying (starting to~ after close calls) and I own both of these. What are the pros and cons of each, in your valued opinions?
Thanks in advance!
Printable View
I plan on carrying (starting to~ after close calls) and I own both of these. What are the pros and cons of each, in your valued opinions?
Thanks in advance!
Pros:
They will both stop a threat
Cons:
They are not of the larger caliber types.
Seriously, if thats what you have then carry them both. Rotate em to what you feel like that day.
I own both, and my opinion is the .38, I recently picked up a .357 snubbie and that is now my CC. I have a ppk/s and its prone to jamming with cheap ammo. Anyway good luck and be safe!!!!!
I'd carry whichever you shoot the best. The hottest .380s should be statistically "up there" with most .38s fired from a snubby. Just make sure that either is 100% reliable.
Remember that the .380/.38 in your pocket beats any 1911/G19/CZ/M&P left at home.
This horse was beaten to death for a couple of weeks, recently.
http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulle...8-special.html
Personally, I prefer my revolvers with .38 or .357. I do not have a semi-auto that carries .380, and probably wouldn't buy one for carrying. I might pick up a Sig p238 later this summer (when the ammo shortage goes away) . . . but, that's only because it's cute (in my eyes).
I'll often throw a J-frame in my pocket (or ankle holster) -- though, I usually will be found carrying a 9mm or .45acp semi-auto.
If you like the shootability of a .380 semi-auto -- and they are easier to handle than a J-frame -- go for it! I just probably wouldn't make it my primary carry piece. YMMV
Reg
I'd carry the .38--more bang per round
Wow! Thank you everyone!
I feel I still need a bit more practice with the .380 (I don't feel I "slide the rack" fast enough), so for now, at least, I'll stick with my .38.
Sure do appreciate all your advice and comments though!
Which ever one you shoot best is what you should carry. Both will do the job if your using quality defensive ammo. As far as racking the slide fast enough. You shouldn't have to rack the slide. You should already have 1 in the chamber ready to go. Carrying without one in the chamber and having to rack the slide looks good in the movies but isn't a good idea in real life.
I recently picked up a .380 for a BUG, but only as a back-up for my 13+1 XD-45. I also own a .38 revolver, it was my Dad's BUG and now it is also my second BUG. The .380 semi-auto is a heckuva lot easier to conceal than the .38 revolver.
Still, where I can carry I do carry the XD...
For me there is no doubt, .38 with a 3" barrel with +P loads or better +P+; the .380 can close in energy but not in momentum; energy is mx(v squared) whereas the momentum also called knock-down power is mxv. That's where heavier bullets have an edge.
Of the two I would carry the .38 +P....... :smile:
Don't even think of carrying a semi-auto that does not have one in the chamber. I sure wish Hollywood would stop showing police officers racking the slide when they pull out their weapons. It goes completely against current training practice.
ok. Seriously stupid question, but I feel I need to know.
Does the safety still work WITH one in the chamber? I could remember to take the safety off, but you are right... in an emergency, I doubt I'd think about the correct way to rack the slide....
I'm just a normal ol gal that works night shifts (nurse) and goes to school during the day. I don't DO anything spectacular, but I'd "rather have a gun and not need it, as to not have one and need it".
We also have 2 teenage girls and a rapist that's been running around this side of town for about a year now, and the police are no closer to catching him than the first time he struck.
(NOT slamming policemen here, just want my girls to be safe...)