jiminhobesound
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I would look at the small 9mm pistols which are more powerful, easier to shoot, cheaper ammo and about the same bulk. You can get these pistols starting around 15 ounces.
why 380 over a revolver (in 38)
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jad0110
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I don't recall ever shooting a 238, but I have fired a Bersa .380 which seems to have relatively similar ergonomics. I did alright with it (about as well as I shoot a J Frame - DA/SA guns aren't my preference), but that was years ago. Also, like the Ruger SP101 I don't really consider the 238 or Bersa to be a true pocket gun due to their weight, but YMMV. For me they make more sense as a belt gun, and at that point I shoot 1911s, Ruger Sixes and S&W K Frames better still.
The only problem I have with .380 is ammo price. I'd have to reload it, but as a reloader I generally stick to revolvers as picking up after brass pukers can get rather tiring. 9x19 or 9x18 OTH is still relatively cheap, therefore my next brass puker will be in one of those 2 calibers (CZ-82 or 75, or a Browning HiPower).
03Shadowbob
Member
I've owned or do currently own the P3AT, P238, LCP and various j frames. For me, the 380 carries carries more easily because of its profile however carrying the j frames aren't that much different. If you don't dress like a "metrosexual" in skin tight girls jeans then you should be fine with pocket carry. 
However at the end of the day, I'll take 158 grain projectiles out of a very reliable platform over 90gr projectiles out of a reliable platform any day.
However at the end of the day, I'll take 158 grain projectiles out of a very reliable platform over 90gr projectiles out of a reliable platform any day.
oldfool
Member
Not sure why everyone relegates 380acp to only pocket pistols, need not be so
Too many disparage both the 380 and the 38 sp for PD, but there is no lack of experienced people who rely on either or both for EDC.
I do think barrel inches ought be considered in the comparison of compact carry guns, though. I don't rate 380 out of an LCP with 38 sp out of a 2" snubbie, but I consider 380 out of 3 3/4" same/same vs 38 sp out of 2". For me, nothing carries so nicely IWB as a single stack Colt Gov'mt model 380, and is far easier concealed than a 38" snubbie OWB. Seven vs five.
Neither is 357 mag nor 45 acp, and I do not expect them to be that.
The lite hammerless 38 snubbies make for good pocket carry only in large pockets, and even then considerations of dress style apply.
The pocket 380s are, simply put, "derringers", popular for the reasons that derringers have always carried some appeal for so many over time. Drop it in any pocket, so lightweight that weight just doesn't factor into it anymore, 7 shots sure beats 2 shots for carry, and yields far better shootability than classic derringers or NAA minis.
No derringer is a good substitute for a larger pistol or revolver, but when it comes to 'derringer' class, the 380 pocket pistola is a huge leap forward in that category; hope to not need it at distances larger than a poker table, but the 7 of clubs trumps the 2 of clubs every time.
Which is why the herd likes 'em.
(me too)
Too many disparage both the 380 and the 38 sp for PD, but there is no lack of experienced people who rely on either or both for EDC.
I do think barrel inches ought be considered in the comparison of compact carry guns, though. I don't rate 380 out of an LCP with 38 sp out of a 2" snubbie, but I consider 380 out of 3 3/4" same/same vs 38 sp out of 2". For me, nothing carries so nicely IWB as a single stack Colt Gov'mt model 380, and is far easier concealed than a 38" snubbie OWB. Seven vs five.
Neither is 357 mag nor 45 acp, and I do not expect them to be that.
The lite hammerless 38 snubbies make for good pocket carry only in large pockets, and even then considerations of dress style apply.
The pocket 380s are, simply put, "derringers", popular for the reasons that derringers have always carried some appeal for so many over time. Drop it in any pocket, so lightweight that weight just doesn't factor into it anymore, 7 shots sure beats 2 shots for carry, and yields far better shootability than classic derringers or NAA minis.
No derringer is a good substitute for a larger pistol or revolver, but when it comes to 'derringer' class, the 380 pocket pistola is a huge leap forward in that category; hope to not need it at distances larger than a poker table, but the 7 of clubs trumps the 2 of clubs every time.
Which is why the herd likes 'em.
(me too)
I agree with 03ShadowBob, I have an LCP that just fell to pieces on the range. It's back at Ruger for it's third time. Now I was wondering "What if I needed this gun to save my life??"I've owned or do currently own the P3AT, P238, LCP and various j frames. For me, the 380 carries carries more easily because of its profile however carrying the j frames aren't that much different. If you don't dress like a "metrosexual" in skin tight girls jeans then you should be fine with pocket carry.
However at the end of the day, I'll take 158 grain projectiles out of a very reliable platform over 90gr projectiles out of a reliable platform any day.
So now I'm wondering when it comes back (if it ever does, going on 3 weeks now), "Will I be able to trust it?"
So, I carry my j frame and have the highest confidence in that revolver. I guess I just answered my own question! Today I declare as National "Hug Your J Frame Day" ! LOL!
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