Author Topic: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols  (Read 1992 times)

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Offline endicom

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The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« on: July 28, 2018, 12:10:10 am »
Shooting Illustrated
Bart Skelton
July 26, 2018

There seems to have been a great deal of hoopla over the last number of years about the use of certain small .380 ACP handguns for personal defense. There’s a certain term that I’ve personally shunned that refers to small firearms and a certain species of rodent. I don’t care for the phrase.

I’ve long been a fan of small, well-made handguns and have carried various models over a number of decades. I’ve used these little guns both as a primary, concealed gun and also as backup during policework. Don’t get me wrong, I still like a good .45 ACP or .44 Mag., etc., but a small, handy pistol is still something I covet.

When I made it through the New Mexico State Police Academy years back, my dad gave me a brand new Walther Arms PPK/s—the Interarms model in .380 ACP. He had carried an older Walther PP in .380 as a U.S. Customs Special Agent and he had plenty of confidence in the gun and the cartridge. He carried the gun extensively when conducting more casual investigative work requiring concealed carry. He figured the Walther would make a perfect backup for a uniformed officer. As usual, he was right.

More... https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/7/26/the-380-acp-built-right-for-pocket-pistols/

Offline Elderberry

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Re: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2018, 12:39:49 am »
I have several pocket pistols.

Several S&W M36 .38Special

Kel-Tek P32

CZ70 .32

CZ83 .380

But the other day my son and I compared the size of his SIG P938 in 9mm to my pocket pistols. He was not giving up anything in size.

I would say go with the P938 in 9mm.

Offline Bigun

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Re: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2018, 12:47:14 am »
I have several pocket pistols.

But the other day my son and I compared the size of his SIG P938 in 9mm to my pocket pistols. He was not giving up anything in size.

I would say go with the P938 in 9mm.

My son and I both have a P938 and find them amazingly accurate for guns that size.
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Offline endicom

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Re: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2018, 12:58:35 am »
I have several pocket pistols.

Several S&W M36 .38Special

Kel-Tek P32

CZ70 .32

CZ83 .380

But the other day my son and I compared the size of his SIG P938 in 9mm to my pocket pistols. He was not giving up anything in size.

I would say go with the P938 in 9mm.


If they're the same size then it makes sense to go for the higher caliber. As long as the small pistol is controllable.

Full disclosure: I don't have any handguns.


Offline Elderberry

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Re: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2018, 01:11:34 am »

If they're the same size then it makes sense to go for the higher caliber. As long as the small pistol is controllable.



I have shot the P938 and was totally blown away with how accurate and controllable it is.

Offline NavyCanDo

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Re: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2018, 04:15:27 am »
When its not possible to  carry my XDS .45, my Ruger LCP .380 can be found in my poxket. Hides beautifully and you forget it's there.   
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Offline Elderberry

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Re: The .380 ACP: Built Right for Pocket Pistols
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2018, 04:18:05 pm »
When its not possible to  carry my XDS .45, my Ruger LCP .380 can be found in my poxket. Hides beautifully and you forget it's there.   

I've been carrying my P32 AIWB. I've been thinking I'll start carrying my CZ83. Or maybe my CZ75.