.380 Handgun
A friend recently asked me to recommend a .380 handgun. My recommendation was, and is, not to purchase a .380 handgun.
The .380 caliber made more sense years ago when no really good and very small 9mm handguns were available on the market. Back then, a Walther PPK in .380 caliber was sometimes a reasonable choice because its small size and weight provided significantly improved concealability.
Today, the existence of such fine firearms as the Kahr PM9 makes it quite difficult to justify the purchase of a .380 handgun.
At 16oz, the Kahr PM9 is a full five ounces lighter than the 21oz Walther PPK. It is also shorter than the PPK by more than half an inch — even though its barrel is a full inch longer. The PM9 is just under one tenth of an inch taller than the earlier .380.
The 9mm Parabellum (Luger) round used in the PM9 packs considerably more punch than the 9mm Short (Kurz) round used in the Walther PPK — about 65% more power. And yet, the Kahr PM9 is quite reasonably pleasant to shoot.
If you feel comfortable with more recoil, Kahr also makes a PM40. The PM40 is just one eighth of an inch wider than the PM9. The two handguns are virtually indistinguishable from each other — until you fire them. The .40 S&W cartridge is significantly more powerful than the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. The PM40 packs quite a kick in terms of recoil in return for the extra edge it gives you in firepower. I don’t recommend the PM40 for inexperienced shooters, but it is a fine little handgun.
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With todays Ammo, It’s Shot Placement, Not Size!!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Yes the PM9 may pack more of a punch then the .380 yes all that you said may be true. The only thing I have to say is with the PM 9 loaded it is a little heaver then a .380. I like the .380 because I can carry it any place I want to and it is not seen. Kenneth lambert.
November 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I agree with Nick. It is all about shot placement. While bigger rounds to account for alot, any bullet will kill if it hits the right area of the body. I own a .38 S&w, a Walther .22, a Colt .45, and a .380. The only one a really use as a concealed carry is the .380. Its got more than enough firepower for me.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
i own a bryco/jennings model 38 caliber 380. i just found out that the copany went out of bussiness andi need to get it repared. as i was shooting it , it jammed and the slide flew off on i lost the firing pin assembly and the take down button, ithink that is all that is lost. iwas wondering if you could tell me where i can get it fixed. thank you scott king
November 16th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Sorry, Boss; I can’t agree. My Kel-Tec P3AT is smaller and lighter than any 9mm. It fits where no 9mm will, and with their spiffy belt clip it will disappear beneath a belt but still remain handy. The barrel is shorter than the Kahr, so one must reload judiciously, but mine feeds SWC very reliably. No, it isn’t a 9mm, but the first rule of gun fighting is “have a gun.”
November 16th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
In agreement with Nick, shot placement is everything. What good is a larger caliber gun if you can’t hit anything with it. I’ve got a .380 ACP and an older (my fathers) .38 Special. I prefer the .38 Special, but it’s not very handy with quick draws from concealment. I’ve never had much with a 9mm, always seemed to shoot funny to me so I try and stay away from them.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
If you live in a cold climate where big winter coats are not out of the ordinary you can carry a full out .44 magnum or even the huge .500 s&w without arrising suspicion. First rule of a gunfight: have a gun. Second rule of a gun fight: have a BIG gun.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:20 pm