.380 ACP

As far as concealed carry is concerned, you’ll hardly find something more compact than small 380 pistols. A small-sized and lightweight .380 ACP cartridge allows pistols chambered for it to easily fit into the pocket. Developed by J. M. Browning back in 1908 for blowback pistols having a simpler design and, thus, lower production costs, the .380 ACP cartridge was never officially adopted by the U.S. law enforcement agencies, and today shooters mostly refer to it as a self-defense round.

380 Guns: Terminal Performance

The compact, palm-sized design of a .380 handgun allows you to carry it in the inside-the-waistband holster, in a pocket, or with a purse. But what about the capabilities of the .380 ACP cartridge?

Actually, when compared to other handgun cartridges like .45 ACP or 9mm, the .380 ACP can be described as underpowered. The bullet travels at a smaller velocity and lacks impact energy to penetrate deep enough to create a large permanent wound cavity that will certainly incapacitate. Especially taking into account that the bullet should go through several layers of fabric.

380 Pistols for Defense: Ammo Choice

To make your .380 pistol more effective against humans, it’s recommended to use special 380 defense ammo. Keep in mind though that 380 pistols and hollow-point ammo are generally less effective in cold climates because when it passes through clothes, the nose cavity might get plugged with fibers and does not expand. A fluted-nose bullet makes somewhat in between ensuring better penetration than a hollow-point bullet.

Though the .380 ACP lacks stopping power, it still can be deadly, especially at short ranges.

380 Pistols: Recoil

A few words about the recoil. There is a belief that smaller cartridges give lighter recoil. That’s not exactly true. Besides the cartridge size, the felt recoil depends on the size and design of a handgun. Small handguns don’t weigh a lot, that’s why they dampen recoil less effectively than heavy ones. As far as handgun design is concerned, the larger grip also helps to reduce recoil.

Are 380 Handguns Good?

To conclude, a .380 ACP pistol can be quite capable in the hands of a person who knows its downsides, handles it confidently, and can draw it quickly. After all, keeping a pistol right near you is better than having it somewhere in your house or not having it at all. Before buying a .380 handgun, go to a range and shoot it to see if it’s comfortable enough. Especially, if you have big hands.

GRITR Sports carries a wide range of .380 ACP handguns and even .380 revolvers for sale. And if you’d like to buy a holster and ammo for your new .380 gun, we have them as well.

FAQs

Is a .380 pistol for self-defense?

The .380 is considered sufficient for self-defense by many users, especially for those who prefer its lower recoil and easier handling. However, it is generally less effective than a 9mm in terms of raw stopping power. Modern .380 hollowpoints can meet FBI penetration standards, making them viable for self-defense.

Does the .380 have less recoil than a 9mm?

The .380 is often perceived as having less recoil than a 9mm, especially in smaller pistols. However, some shooters report that the difference is not as significant as expected, and the recoil can still be snappy in very small .380 pistols.

What are some recommended .380 pistols?

The Sig P365-380, Sig P238, M&P380 EZ, Glock 42, Bersa Thunder, Kimber Micro, Ruger Security 380, and Ruger LCP are popular choices for concealed carry.

Are there .380 revolvers?

Yes, revolvers chambered for the 380 ACP exist, but they are less common and may not offer the same advantages in terms of concealment and capacity as .380 pistols. However, they provide a unique alternative for those who prefer the simplicity and reliability of a revolver. If you want a 380 snub nose revolver, consider Taurus and Charter Arms.