What are your REAL LIFE DGU experiences with the .380 ACP?

[rokurota]

Everyone disses the .380, but they have yet to make a "pocket 9" that actually fits in my pocket. I'm 5' 7" and 145 lbs -- not wispy, but not one of these massive Special Forces guys. Carrying my S&W 640 is not always an option, even though I prefer the reliability and power of .357. My P3AT, on the other hand, is always on me. Does anyone have experience with the .380's performance on an assailant (or animal)? I'm looking for firsthand knowledge, not stuff you heard at the gun counter. Thanks.

 

[jrtyson72]

I'm glad to say I haven't needed to share an experience yet with mine. But I love my little P3AT. I mainly carry it in the winter time on my ankle, I forget it's there sometimes. My main carry is .45 Tauras PT.45 Mill pro. I honestly believe the p3at is just fine in the summer and mild temp settings for a main carry weapon. People tend to layer more clothing in the winter months. I guess it all depends on where you live, I'm in Texas so our winters can be mostly mild at times, so i feel confident as it being my backup.

 

[rksap]

I'm in the same boat (except I have a few extra pounds, at 5'7" and 175). I carry my LCP, mostly in my front pocket, because I just can't conceal anything larger at work. I am also interested in how well the .380 performs in the real world.

 

[billiam]

Here's a nice link for you.

Link Removed

 

[Stammkyle81]

I carry a XDm 45 compact as my main carry gun but I also have a S&W Bodyguard 380 as a back up and primary for deep concealment. I will say the same thing I tell everyone else. If you don't think it has good enough penetration stand in front of me and take one. Lol seriously though I would rather have a 380 than nothing and if its comfortable go with it.

 

[SGB]

Moderate power firearms by Massad Ayoob Issue #110

For however much weight you may or may not put in Mas Ayoob.

Anything distinctly smaller—such as the .380 Auto pistol caliber, which is literally a "9mm Short"—too often fails to make the cut. I've run across shooting after shooting where the defender shot a violent aggressor with a .380 and did little to immediately stop his depredations. A good hollow point load in 9mm or .38 Special will, historically, end lethal assaults more quickly.

I can't put anything larger than my pocket knife in a pair of jeans, however I can easily slip a M&P or 6906 in the pocket of my cargo pants/shorts.

 

[truetopath]

I carry my Bodyguard 380 daily as a BUG to my Glock 27, but there are times when I can only go with the .380 I have no doubt that if it needed to be used it would stand up to the challenge. With the modern day ammo advances I feel very confident with the .380 and if by chance it doesn't work the bad guy is going to get beat to death with it because it will be empty.

 

[eagleeyes]

my browning 380 i think could do some serious damage esp if i hit a vital organ i think it will serve me well if need be

 

[scfd5]

While i am sad to say my wife attended a funeral for an officer that was shot and died. I am pretty sure it was an lcp in 380, althought i did not see the gun but that is what the word is. He was shot in the head responding to a 911 call. I will keep doing reseach on this case but i am not sure if the offical reports are out yet.

 

[Almost_Blameless]

read the stats on this site carefully....if these stats are correct, it'll give many big bore advocates something to consider and some will not believe... Remember that it is a comparison done by research compiled by one person...

An Alternate Look at Handgun Stopping Power

 

[tuts40]

"Any gun will do if YOU will do", as they say. Anyway, look this over and see if it gives you any clues: BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .380 Auto Results (2010)

I have to say that the post above, and the link provided by Almost_Blameless, is a good read indeed...

 

[The_Outlaw]

Everyone disses the .380, but they have yet to make a "pocket 9" that actually fits in my pocket. I'm 5' 7" and 145 lbs -- not wispy, but not one of these massive Special Forces guys. Carrying my S&W 640 is not always an option, even though I prefer the reliability and power of .357. My P3AT, on the other hand, is always on me. Does anyone have experience with the .380's performance on an assailant (or animal)? I'm looking for firsthand knowledge, not stuff you heard at the gun counter. Thanks.

Recently our Governor (Rick Perry) shot and killed a coyote with his Ruger LCP.
Ruger even makes the Ruger LCP 'Coyote Special' to commemorate the incident.

Texas Governor Shoots, Kills Coyote Who Threatened Dog | Fox News