.380 vs 9mm carry gun

[ajeandy]

I am looking to purchase a carry gun in the near future
I can't decided between a 9mm, or a .380

I am thinning about

9mm's: Khar CM, or Ruger LC9
.380's: Sig P238, Khar CW380, or Ruger LCP380

What is your opinion, .380 or 9mm
I want something small and easy to carry, pocket carry or inside waist band

Thanks!!

If you're wanting pocket...it depends on how "large" you are and what kind of clothing you wear...I can tell you right now the only gun I'd have a chance carrying in my pockets would be a small 380. If this is not an issue, ie you have large pockets then I'd go for the 9mm.

If you'd rather IWB I'd suggest CM9.

Pocket I'd say cw380 based on the price and the reviews of the P380.

Dependent on your size preference....Have you handled a p238, cw380, or lcp? they're quite tiny...I handled one and was shocked at how small they feel in your hand compared to just looking at photos online.

 

[Willegene]

If you're wanting pocket...it depends on how "large" you are and what kind of clothing you wear...I can tell you right now the only gun I'd have a chance carrying in my pockets would be a small 380. If this is not an issue, ie you have large pockets then I'd go for the 9mm.

If you'd rather IWB I'd suggest CM9.

Pocket I'd say cw380 based on the price and the reviews of the P380.

Dependent on your size preference....Have you handled a p238, cw380, or lcp? they're quite tiny...I handled one and was shocked at how small they feel in your hand compared to just looking at photos online.

I would like to due pocket carry, but with the price and availability of the .380 this may sway me towards the 9mm

I have handled (not shot) a couple of the .380s, have not handled any of the 9mm

If anyone could suggest a good place to rent guns so I can try a few out that would be great. I found one place on the SS but the rate is $25, that is a bit pricey if I am wanting to try 3 of 4 guns

 

[venenoindy]

I was in the same boat recently and ideally for pocket carry I would pick the 380 due to size as the handguns tent to be lighter and smaller, the cons on that is the 380 is more (almost twice) expensive than 9mm. So I sold the .380 that I had and got a 9mm but it has its cons too like bigger and more recoil but the ammo is more plentiful and way less expensive since I don't reload.

 

[Gadgetmonster]

The ammo test wesnellans talks about has been going on for a good while. The testing is very in depth. It speaks to the fmj question. Final Results of the .380 ACP Ammo Quest | Shooting The Bull

 

[nakinate]

The ammo test wesnellans talks about has been going on for a good while. The testing is very in depth. It speaks to the fmj question. Final Results of the .380 ACP Ammo Quest | Shooting The Bull

That video was great. I have to admit that I was in the "hollow points just suck in .380" camp. I'll be looking to buy one of the top 3 choices of HP from that video now.

 

[ajeandy]

If anyone could suggest a good place to rent guns so I can try a few out that would be great. I found one place on the SS but the rate is $25, that is a bit pricey if I am wanting to try 3 of 4 guns

I'm pretty sure Indy Trading Post on Madison has the best selection of rental guns at the cheapest price right now...

Unless they've changed it...$10.00 gets you 30 minutes of range time, a rental gun, and you buy their ammo. Have your own hearing and eye protection or you can rent/buy theirs.

I've been there several times. It's a decent range IMO, the downside is that it is small. 5 lanes I believe. Can get really noisy in such a confined space.

Another option is Beech Grove Firearms. They rent guns as well...quoted from sjstill (he works there on the range side)

Ruger MkIII .22/45
Springield XD(m) Compact 9mm
Springfield XD .40
S&W M&P .22 pistol
Beretta NANO 9mm
Beretta PX4 Type F .40 S&W
S&W M&P 9mm (full-size)
Remington 1911 .45ACP
Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm
S&W M&P15 MOE 5.56
Windham Weaponry R16M4A4T 5.56
Just Right Carbine 9mm
Remington 870 12 gauge
S&W M&P45 .45ACP
Walther P-22 Target .22LR
Taurus Judge Public Defender .45LC/.410
S&W M&P40Compact .40 S&W

Gun rental is $10.00, you must purchase our ammo when renting a firearm. Must be 21 or older to rent handguns.

No Glocks in yet. Will update as new firearms are added.

That is a great place to shoot. I've been there several times. 18+ lanes plenty of space, and very clean. Will go there again (possibly tomorrow:O)

 

[Willegene]

I'm pretty sure Indy Trading Post on Madison has the best selection of rental guns at the cheapest price right now...

Unless they've changed it...$10.00 gets you 30 minutes of range time, a rental gun, and you buy their ammo. Have your own hearing and eye protection or you can rent/buy theirs.

This is where I was looking, according to their website rental is $25 which includes 30 mins of rage time, must purchase ammo from them (which I understand)

 

[BrewerGeorge]

This is where I was looking, according to their website rental is $25 which includes 30 mins of rage time, must purchase ammo from them (which I understand)

It's been a while since I went there, but I believe they'll let you switch pistols during that 30 minutes for the same $25.

 

[ajeandy]

Pretty sure it is only 10 bucks. I think their website is wrong...I could be wrong of course. If you check in the Indy Trading Post section of this forums I believe it says $10.00

 

[BrewerGeorge]

The ammo test wesnellans talks about has been going on for a good while. The testing is very in depth. It speaks to the fmj question. Final Results of the .380 ACP Ammo Quest | Shooting The Bull

Thanks lot for that link! I'm kind of floored by the results - that the venerable Hydroshock outperformed the Critical Defense, for example, is a huge surprise to me.

 

[SpaldingPM]

I don't known if it's just me or what, but the reason I gave up my .380 handgun and ammo was due to the fact of not being confident about the defensive ammo. The fact that I had to use FNFMJ to feel comfortable with a self defense firearm, is just crazy.
I choose a Glock 26 as my edc and will never look back. Now i can confidently use ammo that's main purpose is to defend and not punch holes in paper.

With modern advancements in the pocket gun, why would anyone settle for a .380 when they can get a 9mm in close to the same size?
God forbid I ever have to use it in self defense, but if I do, I'll stand much more confidently behind a 9mm than I would a .380

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I would like to due pocket carry

Why?

 

[Willegene]

Why?

I have never had a carry gun
But I think I would be more comfortable having it in my pocket then on my hip.
But I would make sure to get holsters for each scenario

 

[jagee]

I have never had a carry gun
But I think I would be more comfortable having it in my pocket then on my hip.
But I would make sure to get holsters for each scenario

I am still relatively new to carrying everyday (haven't had years of experience like a lot of guys on here) but with a single stack in a good holster I can hardly tell it is on my side at all. (Shield 9mm in a Wee Celtic IWB Holster * Black & Tan - Celtic Holsters)

 

[lovemachine]

I have never had a carry gun
But I think I would be more comfortable having it in my pocket then on my hip.
But I would make sure to get holsters for each scenario

That's more of a reason to get a better gun and carry on your hip.

Like I said before, it takes more skill to shoot a small pocket pistol. Look into a Glock 19 or 26, and a M&P 9 compact.

Also, look into taking a training class.

 

[Willegene]

maybe I just need to get both a 9mm and a 380

 

[nakinate]

maybe I just need to get both a 9mm and a 380

Now you're getting it!

 

[dtkw]

.380 is also known as the 9mm short. But if it's your only gun, I'd go with a 9mm. But if you want to get both, it's fine just practice and more practices.

 

[88E30M50]

I'm a believer in having the right tools for the job. Sometimes, that means a .380 Sig P238 for me. It's a really nice shooter that slips into the pocket very well. I've looked at the 938 and am just not a fan of small 9mm pistols. I like the fact that I can empty the little Sig into a small size target in around 3 seconds. I can control that gun very well. I can't do the same with my PF9.

There are times when I think pocket carry makes a lot of sense. Pocket carry in a good holster can allow assuming a firing grip while the gun is still in your pocket. Finger outside of the holster, thumb over the hammer but a regular grip. It's, by far, the fastest draw from deep concealment possible. All the while looking absolutely innocent to a bystander.

 

[88E30M50]

I have never had a carry gun
But I think I would be more comfortable having it in my pocket then on my hip.
But I would make sure to get holsters for each scenario

Carrying on a gun belt with a good holster is far more comfortable than pocket carry. You need loose fit pockets to avoid printing and that allows the gun to move around while walking making it uncomfortable. I pocket carry when needed because that's my only choice, not because of comfort.