.380 vs 9mm
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Hi doglips. hahahaha. I like saying that. Anyhoo, your wife would prolly like a small frame 9mm over the 380. The 9 has a bigger bullet and you can get guns that have magazine capacities between 9-12 rounds, depending on the specific weapon. I happen to love the .380 round and shoot the lights out with my crappy FEG PMK and my new-to-me Interarms Walther PPK. I feel because of the inherent barrel stability of a blow-back weapon, the 380 is the more accurate round compared to a 9. The problem is the .380 doesn't deliver the same amount energy into a target as a 9. Hope this helps.
Jim PHL
Member
I am a 9mm fan and carry 9mm when I carry IWB. I also sold away my pocket .380 because I prefer the .38 for a self-defense round (pocket j-frame). If you are comfortable with .380 as a defense round (many are and I don't argue with them) there are many nice choices available. I went to the range with a buddy last Saturday and shot his Walther PPK. REALLY nice gun and I was surprised with how accurately we were both shooting it. It's probably the only .380 I would own right now due to "cool-factor" alone. If your wife has small hands it would be a nice choice.
If you're looking at something bigger in size and weight, like a Sig P230/232, Beretta Cheetah or similar, then I think it makes sense to at least consider a 9mm because of the availability of 9mm guns in a similar size and weight. Consider how she will carry and how much she will be shooting it. The reason I carry the 9mm's that I now carry is because I shoot them all the time when I go to the range, vs. not really shooting my carry .45 that much. A POCKET size/weight .380 like the new Taurus or the Kel-Tec, Ruger or other "mini"guns, is sometimes not much fun to shoot. Sometimes its a lot of recoil for small or weak hands. Some of the more carry-able 9mm's are not that much bigger/heavier to carry, but are much more enjoyable at the range, and that's a good thing.
If she can carry something as big as a S+W 39series, "full-size" Kahr, Sig 225/P6, CZ compact or something of similar size and weight, I think that's the best compromise because they are, at the same time, big and heavy enough to enjoy shooting at the range while being small/light enough for comfortable carry.
Good luck and have fun shopping with her!
If you're looking at something bigger in size and weight, like a Sig P230/232, Beretta Cheetah or similar, then I think it makes sense to at least consider a 9mm because of the availability of 9mm guns in a similar size and weight. Consider how she will carry and how much she will be shooting it. The reason I carry the 9mm's that I now carry is because I shoot them all the time when I go to the range, vs. not really shooting my carry .45 that much. A POCKET size/weight .380 like the new Taurus or the Kel-Tec, Ruger or other "mini"guns, is sometimes not much fun to shoot. Sometimes its a lot of recoil for small or weak hands. Some of the more carry-able 9mm's are not that much bigger/heavier to carry, but are much more enjoyable at the range, and that's a good thing.
If she can carry something as big as a S+W 39series, "full-size" Kahr, Sig 225/P6, CZ compact or something of similar size and weight, I think that's the best compromise because they are, at the same time, big and heavy enough to enjoy shooting at the range while being small/light enough for comfortable carry.
Good luck and have fun shopping with her!
I was surprised the difference in energy. According to the Federal catalog (380 auto/9mm Luger):
Muzzle - 203/364
25 yd - 185/316
50 yd - 170/303
That said, 380 is a sweet shooting round. I was asking myself the same question a while ago and decided 380 PPK was what I wanted (ended up not getting one).
I have heard 380 is IMPOSSIBLE to find lately. 9mm seems to be everywhere.
Muzzle - 203/364
25 yd - 185/316
50 yd - 170/303
That said, 380 is a sweet shooting round. I was asking myself the same question a while ago and decided 380 PPK was what I wanted (ended up not getting one).
I have heard 380 is IMPOSSIBLE to find lately. 9mm seems to be everywhere.
Combat_Diver
US Veteran
The 9x19 fires the same diameter bullet, usually heavier and faster. All 9mm guns except for the HiPoint use a locked breech to contain the higher pressures. The .380 with its lower pressures usually have a heavier slide and spring to contain the pressures. For weak hands the 9mm is usually easier to retract and has softer recoil (Beretta model 86 has a tilt up barrel). The blowback of the .380 is usually snappier.
There are a few locked breech .380 on the market now the SIG copy of the Mustang and the small Kahr. As far as determining a good weapon for your wife, how experienced is she with firearms? I feel the smaller guns require more gun knowledge experience. Same as like shooting skeet or hunting with a .410 compared to a 20 ga. I would suggest that she looks at the smaller 9s on the market first.
CD
There are a few locked breech .380 on the market now the SIG copy of the Mustang and the small Kahr. As far as determining a good weapon for your wife, how experienced is she with firearms? I feel the smaller guns require more gun knowledge experience. Same as like shooting skeet or hunting with a .410 compared to a 20 ga. I would suggest that she looks at the smaller 9s on the market first.
CD
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I recommend the 9 mm if she finds a gun that fits her hands and can conceal and control. All smaller guns will need a firm hold to function properly. Try your local gun shop or (better still) a range that rents guns to look for candidates.
I may be forgetting the 9 mm S & W pistol that fits this niche, but two non-Smiths that would work include the Kahr P9 (reasonably priced) and the Springfield EMP (expensive). Interested to see what others think.
I may be forgetting the 9 mm S & W pistol that fits this niche, but two non-Smiths that would work include the Kahr P9 (reasonably priced) and the Springfield EMP (expensive). Interested to see what others think.
As mentioned before, .380 is darn near impossible to find and relatively expensive when you can find it. Might not always be like this but is has for the past year at least. The only way I have been able to find any is online.
Spotteddog
Member
D/L,
You may be very interested in the link provided by TPD in post #34 at the link below. You may also be interested in the "P.S." he included?
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/118644-9mm-115-gr-vs-124-gr-vs-147-gr-4.html
You may be very interested in the link provided by TPD in post #34 at the link below. You may also be interested in the "P.S." he included?
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/118644-9mm-115-gr-vs-124-gr-vs-147-gr-4.html
JoeS
Member
Depends on more than caliber, but in terms of caliber 9mm all the way.
Most .380s are blowback operated and actually have a rather unpleasant snappy recoil. Most 9mms are of the Browning tilt barrel design and are simply more pleasant to shoot. That matters a lot when dealing with a new shooter.
Most .380s are blowback operated and actually have a rather unpleasant snappy recoil. Most 9mms are of the Browning tilt barrel design and are simply more pleasant to shoot. That matters a lot when dealing with a new shooter.
rpg0123
Member
9 mm would get my vote for ballistic reasons.
"I am looking for a concealed weapon for my wife.
What do you recommend the .380 or 9mm?
Which models have a small frame, and are reliable?"
There is a good article on .380 pistols in this month's issue of the American Rifleman. It addresses some of your questions as well as speaking to the issue of reliability.
By its very nature a ccw is something you expect to use in a very up close situation to deal with a criminal assailant. While some advocate the equivalent of a handcannon, reality is that one must use what one can best handle and what one will actually carry. Recoil in a .380 blowback type pistol (Walther PPK, etc.) can be disconcerting. There are a number of 9mm pistols that are light in weight, very shootable and highly reliable (Glock compact/sub-compact). Loaded with the hottest self-defense loads available, a small framed 9mm can be a handful. With milder loads, it will greatly outclass a .380 in ballistic effectiveness while being much easier to shoot effectively. A good quality .380 loaded with the hottest self-defense load available will never equal even a standard 9mm load. In the pistols typically chambered for the .380, recoil will take some getting used to. If you wife is an experienced shooter, this may not be a great concern. If she is new to shooting or if it is not likely that she will be able/willing to spend the time needed to develop skill in shooting, she would be better served with a small framed 9mm loaded with a milder loading. I would look at one of the Glock compact or sub-compact pistols. They offer outstanding reliability and light weight. Sincerely. brucev.
What do you recommend the .380 or 9mm?
Which models have a small frame, and are reliable?"
There is a good article on .380 pistols in this month's issue of the American Rifleman. It addresses some of your questions as well as speaking to the issue of reliability.
By its very nature a ccw is something you expect to use in a very up close situation to deal with a criminal assailant. While some advocate the equivalent of a handcannon, reality is that one must use what one can best handle and what one will actually carry. Recoil in a .380 blowback type pistol (Walther PPK, etc.) can be disconcerting. There are a number of 9mm pistols that are light in weight, very shootable and highly reliable (Glock compact/sub-compact). Loaded with the hottest self-defense loads available, a small framed 9mm can be a handful. With milder loads, it will greatly outclass a .380 in ballistic effectiveness while being much easier to shoot effectively. A good quality .380 loaded with the hottest self-defense load available will never equal even a standard 9mm load. In the pistols typically chambered for the .380, recoil will take some getting used to. If you wife is an experienced shooter, this may not be a great concern. If she is new to shooting or if it is not likely that she will be able/willing to spend the time needed to develop skill in shooting, she would be better served with a small framed 9mm loaded with a milder loading. I would look at one of the Glock compact or sub-compact pistols. They offer outstanding reliability and light weight. Sincerely. brucev.
This goes back to whether your wife is experienced with a handgun. Do not rule out a small frame revolver. My wife prefers her little 5 shot .38 over any of the automatics. Her second choice is a Browning BDA in .380. She says there is less thinking on what is needed to be done with the revolver.
My brother is going through this exact situation. He got his wife a 38 special. S&W 442 I think but she didn't really like the long trigger pull. So he traded it for a ruger lcp and even though its much easier she still doesn't like the trigger pull. She loves shooting his ruger sr9. So hes about to trade in the lcp and get her the new sr9 compact that just came out.
Go with a compact 9 thats a little bit heavier. The new kel tec compact 9 has horrible recoil and she would never be able to get fast follow up shots on target with a small 9 like that.
Go with a compact 9 thats a little bit heavier. The new kel tec compact 9 has horrible recoil and she would never be able to get fast follow up shots on target with a small 9 like that.
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Maddmax
US Veteran
I know quite a few ladies that love their M&P 9c. Worth looking at.
She might also find this site of use
Cornered Cat - Table of Contents
Cornered Cat - Table of Contents
USAF385
US Veteran
"What gun should I buy my wife?" This question is repeated over and over and will continue to be repeated forever.
The answer is simple: Your wife should get whatever gun she is most comfortable with. Do you own either or both? Let her try them out. If you don't own .380 or 9, or can't find one for her to try, let her read up on the differences to try to make a decision.
Very often I'll be in a gun shop and see and man and woman together and hear the guy say "You don't want that, you want....". That's not the way to do it.
FWIW, my girlfriend doesn't like 9mm or .380, but can handle .380 a lot better than 9.
The answer is simple: Your wife should get whatever gun she is most comfortable with. Do you own either or both? Let her try them out. If you don't own .380 or 9, or can't find one for her to try, let her read up on the differences to try to make a decision.
Very often I'll be in a gun shop and see and man and woman together and hear the guy say "You don't want that, you want....". That's not the way to do it.
FWIW, my girlfriend doesn't like 9mm or .380, but can handle .380 a lot better than 9.
Wee Hooker
Member
I guess that somewhat depends on your wife? Is she willing/wanting to spend regular time at the range to be proficient with the gun?
Is she recoil shy?
Mechanically inclined?
Will she carry in a holster or purse?
All that said, I'd offer:
-Most small 380's produce a considerable amount of recoil and muzzle flash. Enough where it can be uncomfortable /intimidating for the new/occasional shooter. ( Also noted in the American Riflemen Article BTW)
-Small Semi's can be ammo sensitive/ jam-o-matics under varying conditions. Especially if a shooter "limp wrists" the gun.
-Semi's generally have a squarish one size fits all grip that usually doesn't
I'd vote that a J frame is still the best personal protection piece for most people. Doesn't have a long learning curve, doesn't jam, is reasonably recoil friendly (especially if you get her good fitting grips!).
It will also allow you to train her with lighter ammo and work up into +P.
Point it, pull the trigger and it goes "Bang" . Every time.
A J frame may not be sexy but it's likely the best tool in the box for most non LEO in most situations.
Is she recoil shy?
Mechanically inclined?
Will she carry in a holster or purse?
All that said, I'd offer:
-Most small 380's produce a considerable amount of recoil and muzzle flash. Enough where it can be uncomfortable /intimidating for the new/occasional shooter. ( Also noted in the American Riflemen Article BTW)
-Small Semi's can be ammo sensitive/ jam-o-matics under varying conditions. Especially if a shooter "limp wrists" the gun.
-Semi's generally have a squarish one size fits all grip that usually doesn't
I'd vote that a J frame is still the best personal protection piece for most people. Doesn't have a long learning curve, doesn't jam, is reasonably recoil friendly (especially if you get her good fitting grips!).
It will also allow you to train her with lighter ammo and work up into +P.
Point it, pull the trigger and it goes "Bang" . Every time.
A J frame may not be sexy but it's likely the best tool in the box for most non LEO in most situations.
469Shooter
Member
Have her take a look at the new Taurus 738. Made in USA (Taurus' Florida Plant) and easy to conceal. It even comes with its own "cell phone" pouch. Very nice pistol. I wouldn't worry too much about the .380 calibre. Plenty of people through the years have been neutralized with a .380. Placement, placement, placement! I almost bought one of these when I was in the market. The only thing is in my neck o'the woods here .380 ammo is very high and often non-existent.
Electraclyde
Member
Depends on which particular gun/caliber she is most comfortable shooting. The wrong choice will not be carried much, if at all. The correct choice will always be carried.
shovelwrench
Member
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