Though I often carry a 9mm, I have a soft spot for the .380. It’s compact and suitable for concealed carry. Each caliber has its situation, so it helps to have options.
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People often forget how critical shot placement is! A well-placed .380 bullet can be just as effective as a more powerful round in stopping an attacker.
That’s a great point! Often, stopping power comes down to psychological effects too. The sound of a .380 can still be intimidating with a solid presentation.
Still, I can’t help but wonder if the trade-off for recoil and weight is worth it when comparing to a 9mm. Is there any research that suggests a major disadvantage for .380?
Mainly the issue of penetration. While .380 can work, some studies indicate a better chance of stopping power with 9mm or higher, especially against larger threats.
That said, I appreciate the humor in this debate. I mean, if I had to choose between my .380 and a nefarious pizza delivery guy, I’d still feel pretty confident!
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Ha! Good point! Either way, you still need to be prepared to make that shot count. Any tips on practice techniques for .380 shooters?
Definitely! Practicing with dry fire and rapid target acquisition can help. And always mix in shooting drills for accuracy to get the most out of your .380.
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Solid advice! I also recommend shooting at different distances to get an understanding of where the .380 shines and where it may lag.
I appreciate everyone’s insights. This discussion has helped clarify the role of the .380 for me, though I still believe it has its place, especially for new shooters. Every bit of information helps!
I’ve carried a .380 for years and it has served me well. I was once in a situation where I had to draw it, and it worked perfectly. Stopping power can be subjective, but confidence plays a huge role.
That’s great to hear, debra25! I’ve also found that shot placement is key. A well-placed .380 shot can be just as effective as a larger caliber.
I think the .380 has its place, especially for concealed carry. It’s easier to manage and not as bulky. However, I’ve heard mixed reviews about its stopping power. What do others think?
Absolutely, heidi80! I love how lightweight my .380 is. But I’ve also noticed that a lot depends on the ammo type used.
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I’ve used a .380 for home defense and while I wasn’t in an actual encounter, I feel secure knowing I have it. Personal comfort with the firearm matters.
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For sure, lauren26! In a defensive situation, the .380 can definitely do the job if you know how to handle it and maintain your composure.
I must admit, I’m skeptical about the .380 in serious situations. I’ve always preferred larger calibers. Can anyone share an experience where their .380 truly performed well?
I had a situation a few months ago where my .380 deterred a potential attacker by just displaying it. Sometimes just showing it’s enough!
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I agree with what denise20 said about deterrence. A .380 has definitely scared away more than one potential mugger I’ve encountered.
For such a small caliber, I was shocked to see how effective my .380 was in a self-defense class demonstration. It surprised me!