TexasCHLforum.com

mt_goodrich wrote:I'm back and forth on a .380. I like the small size but concerned about stopping power.

I have had a couple of folks tell me they will CCW with a .380 during the summer, but will move to a larger caliber in the winter. I asked why. Was told that in winter, folks are wearing jackets and may slow down a round from a .380.

As many of you have stated, it is a personal choice and I tend to agree.

03Lightningrocks wrote:

wgoforth wrote:FWIW, about a year ago, Tom Gresham (Gun Talk host) apologized to his listeners. He said for years he said a .380 was not sufficient for personal defense...however, he said his info was outdated. He had come back from a week at GUNSITE where he got to shoot an LCP at night using a laser. He said with it, it was dead accurate. Too, he said they did ballistics gel and he realizes now that due to new design, .380 is as powerful as a .38 +P. That was his assessment anyway. I am currently carrying the S&W Bodyguard .380 with an extra mag.

I believe the differences come into play when a bullet has to go through multiple layers of clothing or a jacket. Or maybe even through the car window if you are having to fire at an assailant approaching your car. I can believe a 380 striking ballistic gel might show equal penetration of a 38+P. But..... put anything in front of the gel and I bet the results would change.

Increase the distance by even 7-10 feet and I bet the results would change as well. While I don't begrudge a person using the .380 as a "better than nothing" carry solution. I have to say I would probably not recommend the caliber to anyone.