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Feb 12th, 2024
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 Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
#3214897
05/09/12 10:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,501
Superduty
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"The Regulator"
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"The Regulator"
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Well until I read this..... http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=25751What do you guys think? The way I look at it,..anything is better than nothing....but give me a little more confidence. Shane
'It's Only Treason if You Lose."
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Superduty]
#3214967
05/09/12 10:56 PM
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Chris42
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The only issue I can see is that the test 380 has a 3.8" barrel. Plus, lots better bullets out there than the 185 grain silvertip. It just says Hornady XTP's, is that implying their critical defense loading? And yes, i'd rather have a .380 than nothing. A 380 aint nothing to snear at. Its where you put the bullets that matter most.  interesting, thanks for posting.
Last edited by Chris42; 05/09/12 10:57 PM.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Chris42]
#3215182
05/10/12 12:33 AM
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stxhunter
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Very interesting indeed! I have some speculation as to why the 380 performed better than the 45 in these tests, but will leave that out for now.
My CC weapon is a 380, not worried about it's small size because I'm pretty accurate with it. I've never really had a problem concealing it and I'm sure if I went to something larger I would have those issues. Better to have something you are comfortable with, both shooting and concealing, than have something you are always leaving at home because it's too heavy or cumbersome.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: stxhunter]
#3215190
05/10/12 12:38 AM
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Jasb
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Shoot a would be robber in the belly with a 380 and see if he still wants to mess with you. I carry a 380 and have alot of folks in a small town that don't like me. I've never worried at all. Get that gun and become surgical at 7 yards and enjoy.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Jasb]
#3215219
05/10/12 12:50 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,501
Superduty
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"The Regulator"
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Shoot a would be robber in the belly with a 380 and see if he still wants to mess with you. I carry a 380 and have alot of folks in a small town that don't like me. I've never worried at all. Get that gun and become surgical at 7 yards and enjoy. I can't imagine why on earth people would not like you.....  Honestly, would like to meet you one day over lunch. I bought a bodyguard last weekend... .380 S&W. Shane
'It's Only Treason if You Lose."
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Superduty]
#3215250
05/10/12 01:08 AM
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Johnny Lobos
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People make too much from nuthin.
You should see what a 32 can do!
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Johnny Lobos]
#3215306
05/10/12 01:39 AM
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tx outlaw
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None of the pistol calibers pack enough punch to really take a determined aggressor out of the fight, so in my mind if I can shoot a .380 better than a .45/.40/357/etc. I am going to carry that .380 all day. With pistol cartridges it really comes down to shot placement. A .45 round to the arm isn't going to do much, whereas a .380 or .22LR to the spine or head is going to give you results. Is it easier to stop an aggressor with a larger caliber? Of course. But, if you can't hit what you're aiming at, it doesn't matter if you are carrying a 50AE or a .22LR. Pick a gun that you can shoot well and are most likely to strap on when you leave the house, and let caliber be secondary to those things. Don't feel like you're undergunned with a .380.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: tx outlaw]
#3215308
05/10/12 01:42 AM
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Johnny Lobos
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"None of the pistol calibers pack enough punch to really take a determined aggressor out of the fight"
Too funny
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Superduty]
#3215314
05/10/12 01:43 AM
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Jasb
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Shoot a would be robber in the belly with a 380 and see if he still wants to mess with you. I carry a 380 and have alot of folks in a small town that don't like me. I've never worried at all. Get that gun and become surgical at 7 yards and enjoy. I can't imagine why on earth people would not like you..... Honestly, would like to meet you one day over lunch. I bought a bodyguard last weekend... .380 S&W. Shane I like the bodyguard but wanted the 1911 frame....I'll get the kimber 380 as soon as it comes out!!!
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Jasb]
#3215324
05/10/12 01:47 AM
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Johnny Lobos
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Folks, carry what you want. Caliber really isn't all that important.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Jasb]
#3215340
05/10/12 01:54 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22,501
Superduty
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"The Regulator"
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Shoot a would be robber in the belly with a 380 and see if he still wants to mess with you. I carry a 380 and have alot of folks in a small town that don't like me. I've never worried at all. Get that gun and become surgical at 7 yards and enjoy. I can't imagine why on earth people would not like you..... Honestly, would like to meet you one day over lunch. I bought a bodyguard last weekend... .380 S&W. Shane I like the bodyguard but wanted the 1911 frame....I'll get the kimber 380 as soon as it comes out!!! No safety for me..the glock 36 is ideal....I have seen videos of guys under surprise and have forgotten the thumb safety on a 1911 platform..and died. One of the main reasons I didn't buy a sig p238. But it is mostly muscle memory.....just dont want to chance it. Not worth the risk, IMO. Shane
'It's Only Treason if You Lose."
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Superduty]
#3215363
05/10/12 02:05 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 341
whtbeard
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Bird Dog
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Well whatever you carry, pratice makes perfect. Shoot and shoot that little S&W.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Superduty]
#3215671
05/10/12 08:32 AM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,058
HWY_MAN
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Once you start punching holes in somebody your going to get their attention, even the 22 LR can be deadly at close range.  5 shots fired three people hit, two down one never walked again. All with a cheap RG snubbie in 22 LR.
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: HWY_MAN]
#3215752
05/10/12 11:51 AM
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Posts: 1,682
cmorsch
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I personally dont like the 380 as a primary caliber, I just think there are better options out there that are still in very small platforms.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: cmorsch]
#3215764
05/10/12 12:02 PM
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HWY_MAN
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What their hit with isn't as important as making sure they get hit, a heavy recoiling handgun is not condusive in that situation. The chance of getting off an aimed shot is unlikely so is the possibility of getting more than one hit in a defensive situation. Something thats easy to point and pull with less recoil has a better chance of staying on target in a panic situation.
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: HWY_MAN]
#3215904
05/10/12 01:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,232
janie
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Confidence comes from practice. Lots of it. Shane, your fine with that .380
Go shoot the snot out of it and let us know how you like it.
P238 in this house and that has been nothing short of a lil tack driver.
He is your friend defender your dog. Be worthy of such devotion ![[Linked Image]](https://i.imgur.com/zhLJAGS.gif)
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: janie]
#3215914
05/10/12 01:15 PM
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Johnny Lobos
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Pistol caliber is like anything else. Many folks are just compensating for shortcomings in other areas, too much reading,and have never tested their manhood. I guess I know why I use a J-frame 32 H&R or 22 Bersa.  I really like those guys that drive a huge pickup (when a jeep will do better) and have a big cigar that looks like a black dong hanging out of their mouth with an antiquated 45 1911 strapped on their hip. You darned right a 380 will do the trick.
Last edited by Johnny Loco; 05/10/12 02:16 PM.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Johnny Lobos]
#3215928
05/10/12 01:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,280
KRoyal
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Here is a video I found (I've posted before) I pretty much would not want to get shot by any of the cals tested and I'm sure a 380 isn't very far behind.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: KRoyal]
#3215935
05/10/12 01:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,280
KRoyal
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Here is a ballistics test with several different calibers I shoot 124 JHP out of my gun which I guess is the bottom of the barrel but I'm very comfortable and shoot well with it. I was also very comfortable with my 1911 but 45 is just too expensive for me to shoot and train with so I opted for the 9mm its cheap to practice with and buy defense rounds for. I' much rather be able to practice with an under gunned round as some people call the 9mm and be proficient with it than have a "man stopper" and not be able to afford to practice alot with it. But if you look at the wound cavity there really is not that much difference. 
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: tx outlaw]
#3216109
05/10/12 02:56 PM
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hoss77
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None of the pistol calibers pack enough punch to really take a determined aggressor out of the fight, so in my mind if I can shoot a .380 better than a .45/.40/357/etc. I am going to carry that .380 all day. With pistol cartridges it really comes down to shot placement. A .45 round to the arm isn't going to do much, whereas a .380 or .22LR to the spine or head is going to give you results. Is it easier to stop an aggressor with a larger caliber? Of course. But, if you can't hit what you're aiming at, it doesn't matter if you are carrying a 50AE or a .22LR. Pick a gun that you can shoot well and are most likely to strap on when you leave the house, and let caliber be secondary to those things. Don't feel like you're undergunned with a .380. take a shot in the elbow or knee, then come back and tell us what you think
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Johnny Lobos]
#3216138
05/10/12 03:06 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,309
PrimitiveHunter
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Pistol caliber is like anything else. Many folks are just compensating for shortcomings in other areas, too much reading,and have never tested their manhood. I guess I know why I use a J-frame 32 H&R or 22 Bersa. I really like those guys that drive a huge pickup (when a jeep will do better) and have a big cigar that looks like a black dong hanging out of their mouth with an antiquated 45 1911 strapped on their hip. You darned right a 380 will do the trick. If you're ever in a high speed collision with a huge pickup and you're in a Jeep, you won't have to worry about anything else.  I drive about 40K miles per year mostly on the highway. If I'm ever involved in a freeway crash, I hope it's with someone in a Jeep, Mini Cooper, etc.
Practice doesn’t make perfect.
Practice makes permanent.
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: PrimitiveHunter]
#3216221
05/10/12 03:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952
LFD2037
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Shot placement. 1 to the chest then 1 to the head. Problem solved.
R.I.P. CPO Matt Mills-(DEVGRU)- You will NEVER be forgotten!
10-25-75 / 8-6-11 *K.I.A.*
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: KRoyal]
#3216324
05/10/12 05:04 PM
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Chris42
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Here is a video I found (I've posted before) I pretty much would not want to get shot by any of the cals tested and I'm sure a 380 isn't very far behind. important information if your attacked by phone books PS: The geneva convention has nothing to do with it. :P
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: Chris42]
#3216503
05/10/12 06:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,280
KRoyal
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Haha, yea that is true. But if these rounds make sure a mess of compressed paper think what it would do to soft tissue
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Re: Ok, I'm usually a .45 guy...was worried about the .380 I'm carrying...
[Re: hoss77]
#3216545
05/10/12 06:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,309
PrimitiveHunter
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None of the pistol calibers pack enough punch to really take a determined aggressor out of the fight, so in my mind if I can shoot a .380 better than a .45/.40/357/etc. I am going to carry that .380 all day. With pistol cartridges it really comes down to shot placement. A .45 round to the arm isn't going to do much, whereas a .380 or .22LR to the spine or head is going to give you results. Is it easier to stop an aggressor with a larger caliber? Of course. But, if you can't hit what you're aiming at, it doesn't matter if you are carrying a 50AE or a .22LR. Pick a gun that you can shoot well and are most likely to strap on when you leave the house, and let caliber be secondary to those things. Don't feel like you're undergunned with a .380. take a shot in the elbow or knee, then come back and tell us what you think A friend of mine was shot 7 times with a 380. After the first hit, he fell. The shooter didn't think that was enough so he stood over him and shot him 6 more times. After the shooter left, my friend got up and started driving himself to the hospital. He almost got there (made it about 7 miles) before he passed out. He died 2 weeks later from gangrene. Three of the shots were to his stomach. They operated on him several times but I guess they never got all the holes. So the lesson from this particular story is "You are not undergunned carrying a 380 as long as the other guy is unarmed".
Practice doesn’t make perfect.
Practice makes permanent.
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