Does anybody shoot a 380

TQuentin1

Many gun ranges will have an assortment of range guns that they keep for that very purpose. Check it out.

TQ

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Clint

Misfires happen, prepare for it. Learn from each issue that pops up and you'll be ready when it's critical.

Flywheel

Something you may want to think about is how often are you going to practice in addition to what caliber and type of hand gun you are willing to stake your life upon.

I own and have owned many different types of hand guns, 9mm auto, 32 auto, 380 auto, 45acp, 22 magnum, 38spl and 357 magnums in auto's and revolvers.

In my younger days I always wanted the big caliber autos and revolvers. Young and stronger than I am today weight and recoil weren't worries. Stopping power was my primary requirement. My thinking has changed since I have aged and moved into concealed carry and outfitted myself and the ladies in my life.

I recommend the S&W Model 642 38spl +P(5-shot revolver with an aluminum frame, and a stainless steel 1-3/4" barrel and cylinder) for most everyone who asks me about what to carry concealed. With all due respect to those who like the calibers I don't recommend 32acp, 380acp for self defense of any kind. I would recommend a 22mag over either of these. There are many, many articles in the gun magazines over the years comparing handgun calibers for self defense and the 32 and 380 always come up very short. IMHO a 38 special is the weakest round I would recommend. A 22mag will do more damage than a 32 or 380 due to it's very high muzzle velocity. All three of these would be secondary choices for me and mine.

Now I know this will give heartburn to the "auto" fans but their is method behind my madness. The ladies in my life are NOT gun nuts for that matter neither am I.

It took quite a while to convince them that the police arrive long after the bad stuff happens. They will NOT practice once a month much less once a week, which if you want to maintain some familiarity with an "auto" for self defense is the minimum required imho for muscle memory.

Of course you should practice with a revolver as much as an auto. But if you arent going to put the time in the revolver is the best choice for ccw/self defense*.

When the bad guy/s are coming at you are you going to be fumbling with charging and taking your weapon off "safe" or will you have a weapon which just requires you to draw, point and pull the trigger? Split seconds count! Bad stuff happens fast.

My 2 cents.
* Home self defense optimal weapon? 12 or 20 gauge pump, Remington or Winchester with the short barrels and loaded with buckshot. Don't worry be happy and carry a big stick.

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Flywheel

grtscot

I had a 380 bersa nice little gun ,I gave it to my son when he got his concealed carry licence .

krusr

Yep I have a Walther PPK/S.
A little picky when it comes to ammo (hangs while chambering certain brands even after polishing the feed ramp) but loves Federal 90 grain THS.

Krusr

Rewind

Flywheel........I understand your comment about having to fumble with taking a gun off of "safe" when in a hurry, that's why I carry a Glock.

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docster

I really like my Ruger LCP. Negatives aside on the .380, it is my preferred carry weapon. No safety, with the chamber vacant. My Colt Govt. .380 was my carry before the LCP, but it is heavier and larger/wider bodied. I can't even feel the Ruger on my hip or in my back pocket holster. I use Hydra-Shoks in my .380s and am quite happy with that set-up.

trickydoc

I have a Walther PP that was 7.62. A friend and I changed it to 380. Like it much better now, seems to have a little more punch than the 32acp. Neither have the knockdown as larger cals but they are nice and compact and will do the job if required.

drmickelsen

I have a Bersa 380 and it has proven to be an extremely reliable shooter. Like the Walther PPK, this is a bit larger than the Keltec or the LCP. The Bersa is very easy to clean also.

blues821

Ive got one but never carry it , I had to pull my gun once and Iwas glad I had my .45 . BG saw how big my gun was and ran .it ended right he ran and I went home ............always carry a big stick.