.380 ACP is capable of breaking a human femur, as documented in real-life shooting incidents, so, it has potential to be a sufficiently-potent defensive cartridge, in my opinion. I have acquired a Glock G42, which, sooner or later, I plan to test-fire for reliability, and to see if, and if so, how badly it vexes my aging hands. (I have read numerous anecdotes that indicate the G42 is kind to arthritic hands.) I hope to postpone carrying a .380 pistol, as my usual daily carry, for as long as possible, but want to have the weapon vetted, and ready, before that day comes.
I reckon that the .380 is “enough” for frontal shots, but like the capability to fire into an attacker’s flanks, especially when defending a third party, or fire through intervening cover, when defending myself or others, so, I want to keep using duty-level cartridges.
I have no opinion, at this time, on the Browning 1911-380. I would have to handle one, to make sure that its thumb safety is positioned to be in the “natural” arc of my thumb’s movement. I do not like miniaturized pistols, that have safety levers that require me to crook my thumb “just so,” in order to work the safety lever. I am familiar with the 1911 manual-of-arms, and have carried 1911 pistols, for police duty, as well as during personal time. I am quite comfortable with working the 1911 thumb safety.