.380 vs 9mm carry gun

[Willegene]

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!!

 

[nakinate]

If it's your only gun, I would lean towards 9mm. However, it's best that you handle/shoot as many as you can. Whichever one feels and shoots best for you will be the right gun. Better to have a .380 in your pocket than a 9mm at home in the safe.

 

[Trigger Time]

9mm s&w shield. Very thin and small. Easy to conceal and is easy to control and accurate.

 

[jagee]

What nate said.

Also consider availability of ammo. 9mm is scarce, but can be found...I've hear people are having real trouble finding .380...I haven't looked so I don't know for sure.

 

[nakinate]

What nate said.

Also consider availability of ammo. 9mm is scarce, but can be found...I've hear people are having real trouble finding .380...I haven't looked so I don't know for sure.

9 mm is cheaper and easier to find, but I haven't had any trouble acquiring .380. It's just $10 more per 50 round box. I'll vouch for the Sig P238 and the Ruger SR9c too.

 

[USMC-Johnson]

Sig 238 or 938...you wont regret your decision....

 

[Willegene]

Sig 238 or 938...you wont regret your decision....

As far as .380's the Sig is at the top of my list, but it is also just about at the top of my price range.
the 938 is out of my price range

 

[Willegene]

9mm s&w shield. Very thin and small. Easy to conceal and is easy to control and accurate.

I will look into this one

 

[nakinate]

The P238 is very accurate and reliable. It's also small enough that you'll take it everywhere.

 

[BrewerGeorge]

Another vote for 9mm if it's your only one.

 

[Willegene]

It won't be the main gun in the house
It will be my only carry gun, at least for the time being

 

[BrewerGeorge]

It won't be the main gun in the house
It will be my only carry gun, at least for the time being

If your main house gun is 9mm, no question to match ammo, IMO. Otherwise, I think decide whether you intend to carry mostly pocket or hip. Then pocket is the .380 and hip is the 9mm.

 

[USMC-Johnson]

Whats the top of your price range? you can get a 938 extreme for 599

 

[rbMPSH12]

9mm s&w shield. Very thin and small. Easy to conceal and is easy to control and accurate.

 

[88E30M50]

Here's an interesting perspective on the two: When does a .380 beat a 9mm? - Personal Defense Network

 

[BrewerGeorge]

What's your house gun? I like to keep the defensive guns as close as possible in method of operation.

 

[Gadgetmonster]

I am a fan of the Taurus 738. Very concealable. 7 Rounds of .380

View attachment 26711

[9mm Shield][/QUOTE]

I coonfingered one of these ^^^ last night at Gan ..I better not say where... I really Liked it.

 

[45fan]

9mm ammo is a bit easier to find these days, and is certainly less expensive. I have not had the opportunity to shoot any of the guns you list except the LCP. I have shot the MK9 Kahr, and if the CM is anywhere close to it, it would be an excellent choice, if it werent for the pocket carry idea. The 380s would probably be a lot easier to pocket. Lots of great sugestions here, best one I have seen is to shoot as many on your radar as you can, and make a choice based on what one performs best for you.

 

[tfouty]

I have a LCP 380 that I generally carry. It's small, light and easy to conceal. I carry it without a holster the majority of the time, easily fits into jacket pockets and cargo style shorts or pants. Downside is its not very accurate at the range, double action (no safety) and fixed sights. I have several 9mm, they are harder to conceal and weigh more. Even my M&P Shield requires a holster. The 9mm is more accurate, has a higher round capacity and is easier to shoot when spending a day at the range. It would be a tough decision if I had to pick between the two. In my opinion they have enough differences that you really can't compare the .380 to a 9mm. I am sure you will be happy with either choice.

 

[lovemachine]

I have a LCP 380 that I generally carry. It's small, light and easy to conceal. I carry it without a holster the majority of the time, easily fits into jacket pockets and cargo style shorts or pants. Downside is its not very accurate at the range, double action (no safety) and fixed sights. I have several 9mm, they are harder to conceal and weigh more. Even my M&P Shield requires a holster. The 9mm is more accurate, has a higher round capacity and is easier to shoot when spending a day at the range. It would be a tough decision if I had to pick between the two. In my opinion they have enough differences that you really can't compare the .380 to a 9mm. I am sure you will be happy with either choice.

You should ALWAYS carry a gun in a holster. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!