| It ain't the best choice in most situations. And yet the .380 is chosen probably more often than it should be for concealed carry defensive use. It remains an underpowered caliber compared to the 9m and especially the .40 S&W. However sometimes SAWC will dictate its selection as a primary armament. Perhaps in the POUs of backup, survival kit option, "T-shirt and shorts," "super carry" gun (discussed), or in other systems where ultra-concealability is needed, the .380 serves well. You are much better served with IT than without anything at all. But in terms of ergonomics, power factor, and especially economy, it's comes in a distant second to a well-designed sub-compact 9mm option like the KelTec PF9, Ruger LC9, Walther PPS, Kahr PM9, and several others. These guns weigh more than most compact .380 options but still give extreme comfort in their carry (the most important attribute which will decide if you have your gun or not when you need it!). For a little extra weight, you get a lot more performance. At 15 oz for example, the excellent KelTec PF9 offers superior ergonomics, sight radius, grip, power, improved firepower, and in some cases better reliability. And yet it's just as thin and easy to carry as most .380s. Look carefully at your choice of .380 as a primary armament. In some POUs it does make good sense but for most people it might provide a shockingly underpowered and expensive-to-shoot handicap in the goal of self-protection.////////////////////////Music ... |
